Bioethics Dialogues

About Bioethics Dialogues

What started as a high school podcast alongside my co-host, covering the ethics of science, has grown up. Now as a Health & Societies student at UPenn, I'm flying solo and asking a bigger question: not just is this ethical, but who does the system protect? Who Gets Sick? (formerly Bioethics Dialogues) explores the structures that shape our health: housing, labor, race, cities, and the systems that decide who gets care and who doesn't. Why your zip code can matter more than your doctor. Why the same disease hits some communities harder than others. Because illness is rarely just bad luck.

Publisher

Sanya Dudeja

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Dec 2023

Latest episode

17 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Aug 2026

   EP. 11: Asthma: When Air Becomes Unequal

   What does it actually feel like to have an asthma attack with no inhaler, no insurance, and no good options? We start with Jess, a scene from Alison Kenner's Breathtaking that stopped me in class. Then we get into the data: why Philadelphia's air is worse along the I-95 corridor, and why medicine keeps handing out inhalers instead of asking harder questions. Asthma isn't just a medical problem. It's an urban planning problem. Sources: Asthma racial disparities: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/asthma-and-blackafrican-americans (https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/asthma-and-blackafrican-americans) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2114944 (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2114944) Philadelphia air quality + asthma: https://www.phillyvoice.com/philly-air-quality-asthma-highways-industry-redlining/ (https://www.phillyvoice.com/philly-air-quality-asthma-highways-industry-redlining/) https://theconversation.com/philadelphias-failing-air-quality-hits-hardest-in-neighborhoods-near-industry-and-highways-where-asthma-rates-soar-286744 (https://theconversation.com/philadelphias-failing-air-quality-hits-hardest-in-neighborhoods-near-industry-and-highways-where-asthma-rates-soar-286744) https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/city-council-testimony-on-environmental-health-disparities-and-environmental-racism-in-philadelphia/ (https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/city-council-testimony-on-environmental-health-disparities-and-environmental-racism-in-philadelphia/) Biomedicalization + social determinants: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221057/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221057/) https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(21)01132-7/fulltext (https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(21)01132-7/fulltext) Breathtaking: Kenner, A. (2018). Breathtaking: Asthma Care in a Time of Climate Change. University of Minnesota Press.

2. 

   15 Jul 2026

   EP 10: Urban Health Map: Why Cities Make You Sick in Different Ways

   We're so back!! And we're starting with something crazy: did you know two people can live four miles apart in the same city and have a twelve year difference in life expectancy? This episode is all about why your zip code might matter more than anything your doctor tells you. We're talking redlining, Philly neighborhoods, and the hidden mystery of who gets sick where. Urban health, explained. Let's get into it! I have some links attached for you to check out if you want to learn more! Sources: Redlining history + health outcomes: https://ncrc.org/holc-health/ (https://ncrc.org/holc-health/) https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2024/10/egede-redlining.html (https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2024/10/egede-redlining.html) https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/11/19/911909187/in-u-s-cities-the-health-effects-of-past-housing-discrimination-are-plain-to-see (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/11/19/911909187/in-u-s-cities-the-health-effects-of-past-housing-discrimination-are-plain-to-see) Life expectancy gaps across cities: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11524-025-01023-5 (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11524-025-01023-5) Philadelphia specific: https://roundtriphealth.com/blog/addressing-philadelphias-major-health-disparities-with-better-mobility-options-to-primary-care/ (https://roundtriphealth.com/blog/addressing-philadelphias-major-health-disparities-with-better-mobility-options-to-primary-care/) https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/85/NCT03514485/Prot_000.pdf (https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/85/NCT03514485/Prot_000.pdf) Heat: https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/mitigating-extreme-heat-risk-historically-redlined-areas (https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/mitigating-extreme-heat-risk-historically-redlined-areas) https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/795961381/racist-housing-practices-from-the-1930s-linked-to-hotter-neighborhoods-today (https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/795961381/racist-housing-practices-from-the-1930s-linked-to-hotter-neighborhoods-today) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204624000276 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204624000276)

3. 

   20 Jun 2026

   EP 9: Who Gets Sick: Relaunch!

   Who gets sick? It sounds simple. But the more I've studied health, the less simple it gets. I'm back with a new name, a new perspective, and a whole season of answers! I am so excited to talk to all of you again & stay tuned for more eps!

4. 

   10 Nov 2024

   EP 8: Homeopathy vs. Allopathy Part 1

   Welcome to Episode 8: Homeopathy vs. Allopathy Part 1! This topic compares the two in a conversational way. Part 1 talks about their definition, functions, and the scientific reasoning behind! As always check out the resources below: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/homeopathy-18117953/18117953 (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/homeopathy-18117953/18117953&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1731273259174826&usg=AOvVaw0nDPwKE89vSfFCrQ0b8U8N) https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-pseudoscience/homeopathy-scientifically-implausible#:~:text=Not%20only%20is%20there%20no,of%20chemistry%2C%20physics%20and%20biology Thank you and tune in for part 2!

5. 

   6 Oct 2024

   SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR AUDIENCE!!!

   This is a special message for you about how are episodes will be changing!! LOOK OUT FOR EP 8!!! :)) Your Hosts, Sanya and Nirali 🎙️

6. 

   6 Oct 2024

   EP 7: Eugenics Historical episode (Darwinism)

   Welcome to Episode 7: Eugenics Historical Episode (Darwinism)! This topic is one of the most ethically involved, and it is super important for us to discuss it. As always, we have some of our sources attached to the caption, so feel free to check those out! Please make sure to like, follow, or rate this episode! Thank you! Your Hosts, Sanya and Nirali https://www.britannica.com/science/eugenics-genetics (https://www.britannica.com/science/eugenics-genetics) https://philarchive.org/archive/WILEPV (https://philarchive.org/archive/WILEPV) Further exploration: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Eugenics-and-Scientific-Racism (https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Eugenics-and-Scientific-Racism)

7. 

   30 Aug 2024

   EP 6: Neuroethics- Brain Research & Cognitive Enhancements

   Welcome to EP 6: Neuroethics! This topic is becoming relevant in our society faster than ever but is not being talked about enough- that's where this podcast comes in! Join us in this fascinating episode! Please make sure to like, follow, and drop a rating! Thank you! As always, here are some resources for you! Happy exploring :)!! https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neuroplasticity#:~:text=It%20was%20not%20until%201948,plastic%20changes%20in%20the%20brain (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neuroplasticity%23:~:text%3DIt%2520was%2520not%2520until%25201948,plastic%2520changes%2520in%2520the%2520brain&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156748727&usg=AOvVaw2ULDw6Dz4msjoOW-UVg8zF)'. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886#toc-how-neuroplasticity-was-discovered (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886%23toc-how-neuroplasticity-was-discovered&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156748792&usg=AOvVaw2yZoh_GsywKG7J-s7pfpKa) https://www.dvrphx.com/advances-in-neuroimaging-exploring-the-brains-mysteries.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.dvrphx.com/advances-in-neuroimaging-exploring-the-brains-mysteries.html&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156749934&usg=AOvVaw1CZDVrK6LWHsXLrXp99gUq) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3497935/#:~:text=Brain%2Dcomputer%20interfaces%20(BCIs),that%20carry%20out%20desired%20actions (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3497935/%23:~:text%3DBrain%252Dcomputer%2520interfaces%2520(BCIs),that%2520carry%2520out%2520desired%2520actions&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156749993&usg=AOvVaw2e71PSO1iS_d2QhRrSkyBp). https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cognitive-enhancers/#:~:text=Nootropic%20also%20known%20as%20'cognitive,There%20are%20many%20different%20nootropics (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cognitive-enhancers/%23:~:text%3DNootropic%2520also%2520known%2520as%2520%27cognitive,There%2520are%2520many%2520different%2520nootropics&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156750818&usg=AOvVaw0mmSw1e1w2p-i9AcYbKiZD). https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/4/354#:~:text=Transcranial%20magnetic%20stimulation%20is%20a,functional%20activity%20of%20specific%20brain (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/4/354%23:~:text%3DTranscranial%2520magnetic%2520stimulation%2520is%2520a,functional%2520activity%2520of%2520specific%2520brain&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1724983156751481&usg=AOvVaw1ET0axA-G19AJOXW-wQNEb)

8. 

   23 Jun 2024

   EP 5: HeLa Cells and Immortality

   Welcome to EP 5: HeLa Cells and Immortality! HeLa cells is a revolutionary event that led to numerous medical breakthroughs! It was quite a positive and good thing in scientific research, however, the same cannot be said about the ethics behind how these cells were discovered. Join us in exploring HeLa cells and the fascinating concept of immortality! Please follow, like, and drop a rating for our podcast- we appreciate the you take out to listen!! I highly recommend reading the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, if this has piqued your interest! As always, we have linked our sources in the captions for you guys to go exploring!! :) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/henrietta-lacks-family-settles-lawsuit-over-the-use-of-her-cells-without-consent-180982644/ (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/henrietta-lacks-family-settles-lawsuit-over-the-use-of-her-cells-without-consent-180982644/) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks/importance-of-hela-cells (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks/importance-of-hela-cells) https://osp.od.nih.gov/hela-cells/significant-research-advances-enabled-by-hela-cells/ (https://osp.od.nih.gov/hela-cells/significant-research-advances-enabled-by-hela-cells/) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02494-z (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02494-z) https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5-ways-henrietta-lacks-changed-medical-science/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5-ways-henrietta-lacks-changed-medical-science/) https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/telomeres#:~:text=An%20enzyme%20named%20telomerase%20adds,shorter%20and%20the%20cells%20age (https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/telomeres#:~:text=An%20enzyme%20named%20telomerase%20adds,shorter%20and%20the%20cells%20age). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/enzyme-active-cancer-also-protects-normal-cells (https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/enzyme-active-cancer-also-protects-normal-cells) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16955216/ (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16955216/) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/4000-mondays/202308/the-pursuit-of-immortality-achieving-an-enduring-legacy (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/4000-mondays/202308/the-pursuit-of-immortality-achieving-an-enduring-legacy) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/4000-mondays/202308/the-pursuit-of-immortality-achieving-an-enduring-legacy (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/4000-mondays/202308/the-pursuit-of-immortality-achieving-an-enduring-legacy):

9. 

   11 Jun 2024

   EP 4: EctoLife & Artificial Wombs

   Welcome to EP 4! We are so excited for you guys to listen. Please be sure to check out more of our episodes and make sure to follow, rate, and like! Also attaching some sources that we used (including the EctoLife Video) for you guys to explore: Video (warning could be a little disturbing) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2RIvJ1U7RE (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DO2RIvJ1U7RE&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1718067536881468&usg=AOvVaw32ioZpeM3UmUX21PF31Urb) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02901-1 (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02901-1&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1718067536881520&usg=AOvVaw2_MzZih5za-_Sc0hxRklXm) https://daily.jstor.org/on-the-history-of-the-artificial-womb/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://daily.jstor.org/on-the-history-of-the-artificial-womb/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1718067536881559&usg=AOvVaw0kDILCTxbegKIyBhwBaaeU)

10. 

    18 Apr 2024

    EP 3: Psychological Experimentation (Part 2)

    Welcome to EP3!! We are so excited for this part for you guys to listen! This one is more ethical bases and more focuses on analysis! We will be coming out with more episodes so please stay tuned in and we hope you enjoy!

11. 

    18 Feb 2024

    EP 2: Psychological Experimentation (Part 1)

    Hello! Welcome back to Bioethics Dialogues!! This is part 1 of the second episode of this podcast and your co-hosts, Sanya and Nirali, are discussing psychological experiments! We are really looking into experimentation, while mentioning some example studies. We hope you take away a lot from this and we encourage you to join us to learn about psychological experimentation and form your own opinions on it! Learn more with similar studies or studies we talked about: Tuskegee Syphilis Study: https://www.history.com/news/the-infamous-40-year-tuskegee-study (https://www.history.com/news/the-infamous-40-year-tuskegee-study); https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm#:~:text=The%20study%20initially%20involved%20600,syphilis%2C%20anemia%2C%20and%20fatigue (https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm#:~:text=The%20study%20initially%20involved%20600,syphilis%2C%20anemia%2C%20and%20fatigue). Stanford Prison Experiment: https://research.oregonstate.edu/irb/research-involving-deception (https://research.oregonstate.edu/irb/research-involving-deception) Electroshock Therapy (Dr. Lauretta Bender): https://theclio.com/entry/88387 (https://theclio.com/entry/88387) Facebook Manipulation Study: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/06/28/facebook-manipulated-689003-users-emotions-for-science/?sh=4d56b754197c (https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/06/28/facebook-manipulated-689003-users-emotions-for-science/?sh=4d56b754197c) Festinger & Carlsmith's Study: https://explorable.com/cognitive-dissonance (https://explorable.com/cognitive-dissonance) Sources: ⁠https://research-compliance.umich.edu/human-subjects/irb-health-sciences-and-behavioral-sciences-hsbs/irb-review-process#:~:text=IRB%20staff%20assign%20submissions%20to,a%20determination%20for%20the%20submission⁠ (https://research-compliance.umich.edu/human-subjects/irb-health-sciences-and-behavioral-sciences-hsbs/irb-review-process#:~:text=IRB%20staff%20assign%20submissions%20to,a%20determination%20for%20the%20submission). ⁠https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/posts/2023/08/review-highlights-unethical-moments-in-medical-research-history#:~:text=Reporters%20combed%20through%20decades%20of,would%20have%20been%20deemed%20unethical⁠ (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/posts/2023/08/review-highlights-unethical-moments-in-medical-research-history#:~:text=Reporters%20combed%20through%20decades%20of,would%20have%20been%20deemed%20unethical). Background Music Credit: iMovie.

12. 

    28 Dec 2023

    Ep 1: CRISPR Conundrum

    Hello! We are introducing the first-ever episode of Bioethics Dialogues! In this episode, your co-stars, Nirali and Sanya, are discussing CRISPR-Cas9 and the ethical implications of it. CRISPR-Cas9 is a controversial gene editing technology that can be used to modify the genome or turn genes on/off in both cells and organisms. We are engaging in a debate-style conversation to provide our own insightful thoughts on this technology and we encourage you to join us to learn about CRISPR and form your own opinions on it! Thank you for your time and please enjoy! ** If you would like to explore this topic further, feel free to visit the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) at this link: https://innovativegenomics.org/ (p.s. this our first time creating a podcast and we are learning along the way!)

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

10 ratings