Rob Swanda
@scientistswanda.bsky.social
Making Science Accessible & Understandable |
(educational purposes only, not medical advice) | https://www.youtube.com/c/RobSwandaPhD
(educational purposes only, not medical advice) | https://www.youtube.com/c/RobSwandaPhD
What if a medication could 'listen' to your blood sugar levels and respond only when they rise? Liraglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate insulin release, appetite, and digestion. I break down this fascinating biology in my latest public health video!
youtu.be/QfHigjf6By4
youtu.be/QfHigjf6By4
How does Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 15, 2026 at 8:52 PM
What if a medication could 'listen' to your blood sugar levels and respond only when they rise? Liraglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate insulin release, appetite, and digestion. I break down this fascinating biology in my latest public health video!
youtu.be/QfHigjf6By4
youtu.be/QfHigjf6By4
EDTA is everywhere, from lab benches to medical treatments, but its power comes from a beautifully simple chemical trick: it wraps metal ions like a molecular claw. Curious how one molecule can do so much? My short video breaks down the chemistry in two minutes!
youtu.be/42b5khN0-oc
youtu.be/42b5khN0-oc
Chemistry of EDTA
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 10:07 PM
EDTA is everywhere, from lab benches to medical treatments, but its power comes from a beautifully simple chemical trick: it wraps metal ions like a molecular claw. Curious how one molecule can do so much? My short video breaks down the chemistry in two minutes!
youtu.be/42b5khN0-oc
youtu.be/42b5khN0-oc
Saphnelo is one of the newest treatments for lupus, and it takes a surprisingly targeted approach by blocking a key signaling molecule that drives the immune system into overdrive. Watch my quick explainer to see how this therapy actually works inside the body.
youtu.be/WLt_BFQvcWI
youtu.be/WLt_BFQvcWI
How does Saphnelo (Anifrolumab) Work for Lupus?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Saphnelo is one of the newest treatments for lupus, and it takes a surprisingly targeted approach by blocking a key signaling molecule that drives the immune system into overdrive. Watch my quick explainer to see how this therapy actually works inside the body.
youtu.be/WLt_BFQvcWI
youtu.be/WLt_BFQvcWI
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of those conditions that quietly affects millions. Imagine trying to breathe through a narrow, clogged straw. That’s daily life for many patients. If you want to understand the science behind COPD check out my video on the topic.
youtu.be/k06DuGaCI1c
youtu.be/k06DuGaCI1c
Overview of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of those conditions that quietly affects millions. Imagine trying to breathe through a narrow, clogged straw. That’s daily life for many patients. If you want to understand the science behind COPD check out my video on the topic.
youtu.be/k06DuGaCI1c
youtu.be/k06DuGaCI1c
Imagine achieving GLP‑1 like metabolic benefits from a simple nasal spray instead of an injection. Researchers are exploring how intranasal delivery could make GLP-1s more accessible for patients. To follow the science behind this innovation, check out my overview video!
youtu.be/SGPnhkGD5xU
youtu.be/SGPnhkGD5xU
New GLP-1 Nasal Spray
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Imagine achieving GLP‑1 like metabolic benefits from a simple nasal spray instead of an injection. Researchers are exploring how intranasal delivery could make GLP-1s more accessible for patients. To follow the science behind this innovation, check out my overview video!
youtu.be/SGPnhkGD5xU
youtu.be/SGPnhkGD5xU
Type 1 diabetes can develop for years before symptoms appear, which is why the mechanism of Tzield is groundbreaking. This therapy slows the immune attack on beta cells, helping delay the onset of disease. If you’re curious how this process works, my video breaks it down!
youtu.be/744DDk3oX2A
youtu.be/744DDk3oX2A
How does Tzield (Teplizumab) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Type 1 diabetes can develop for years before symptoms appear, which is why the mechanism of Tzield is groundbreaking. This therapy slows the immune attack on beta cells, helping delay the onset of disease. If you’re curious how this process works, my video breaks it down!
youtu.be/744DDk3oX2A
youtu.be/744DDk3oX2A
Nipah virus can jump from bats to humans and has caused outbreaks with mortality rates up to 70%. Its ability to spread through close contact makes early detection critical for public health. To dive deeper into what this virus is, check out my quick explainer video. 🦇
youtu.be/xt5L8FmbNro
youtu.be/xt5L8FmbNro
Nipah Virus Overview
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
February 1, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Nipah virus can jump from bats to humans and has caused outbreaks with mortality rates up to 70%. Its ability to spread through close contact makes early detection critical for public health. To dive deeper into what this virus is, check out my quick explainer video. 🦇
youtu.be/xt5L8FmbNro
youtu.be/xt5L8FmbNro
Type 3c diabetes arises when pancreatitis, surgery, or other pancreatic damage disrupts both digestion & insulin release. With two key functions impaired, blood sugar becomes uniquely difficult to manage. To learn how it develops, check out my short public health video.
youtu.be/px13QCg9920
youtu.be/px13QCg9920
What is Type 3c Diabetes (Pancreatogenic Diabetes)?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Type 3c diabetes arises when pancreatitis, surgery, or other pancreatic damage disrupts both digestion & insulin release. With two key functions impaired, blood sugar becomes uniquely difficult to manage. To learn how it develops, check out my short public health video.
youtu.be/px13QCg9920
youtu.be/px13QCg9920
A single gene mutation can act like a stuck accelerator, pushing thyroid C‑cells into the unchecked growth that defines MEN2A. This overactive receptor keeps sending “grow” signals. To see how one mutation drives a major endocrine disorder, watch my short public health video.
youtu.be/doppAFx4UyA
youtu.be/doppAFx4UyA
MEN2A (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A) & RET Gene Mutation
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 27, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A single gene mutation can act like a stuck accelerator, pushing thyroid C‑cells into the unchecked growth that defines MEN2A. This overactive receptor keeps sending “grow” signals. To see how one mutation drives a major endocrine disorder, watch my short public health video.
youtu.be/doppAFx4UyA
youtu.be/doppAFx4UyA
Antibiotics like doxycycline help prevent millions of infections each year, by shutting down bacterial protein building. Microbes can’t grow or escape the immune system. To see how this essential antibiotic works in action, check out my short public health video.
youtu.be/o3mnp5BNSto
youtu.be/o3mnp5BNSto
How does Doxycycline Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Antibiotics like doxycycline help prevent millions of infections each year, by shutting down bacterial protein building. Microbes can’t grow or escape the immune system. To see how this essential antibiotic works in action, check out my short public health video.
youtu.be/o3mnp5BNSto
youtu.be/o3mnp5BNSto
Have you ever wondered why B cells play such a central role in lupus? Benlysta targets a key survival signal for these immune cells, offering a fascinating look at how researchers are understanding autoimmune conditions. Explore the science in my newest video.
youtu.be/Y1xAgFYGLxk
youtu.be/Y1xAgFYGLxk
How does Benlysta (Belimumab) Work for Lupus?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Have you ever wondered why B cells play such a central role in lupus? Benlysta targets a key survival signal for these immune cells, offering a fascinating look at how researchers are understanding autoimmune conditions. Explore the science in my newest video.
youtu.be/Y1xAgFYGLxk
youtu.be/Y1xAgFYGLxk
Did you know many thyroid cysts are found simply by chance during routine imaging? These fluid‑filled pockets in the thyroid gland are more common than most people realize & have a surprisingly wide range of characteristics. Check out my latest public health video to learn more.
youtu.be/49m7wNkIEvA
youtu.be/49m7wNkIEvA
What is a Thyroid Cyst?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Did you know many thyroid cysts are found simply by chance during routine imaging? These fluid‑filled pockets in the thyroid gland are more common than most people realize & have a surprisingly wide range of characteristics. Check out my latest public health video to learn more.
youtu.be/49m7wNkIEvA
youtu.be/49m7wNkIEvA
Inflammation is at the center of so many chronic conditions, but what actually drives those immune signals in the first place? Stelara works by blocking two key messengers involved in inflammatory pathways. Explore the science behind this pathway in my new public health video!
youtu.be/S7WMIwv8y34
youtu.be/S7WMIwv8y34
How does Stelara (Ustekinumab) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 18, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Inflammation is at the center of so many chronic conditions, but what actually drives those immune signals in the first place? Stelara works by blocking two key messengers involved in inflammatory pathways. Explore the science behind this pathway in my new public health video!
youtu.be/S7WMIwv8y34
youtu.be/S7WMIwv8y34
Some breast cancers depend on hormones to grow. Tamoxifen is designed to cut off that signal. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in HR+ breast cancer cells, helping to slow or stop tumor growth. Watch my short video to explore how this therapy works at the molecular level.
youtu.be/_BIXilzHYkQ
youtu.be/_BIXilzHYkQ
How does Tamoxifen (Nolvadex & Soltamox) Work for HR+ Breast Cancer?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 15, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Some breast cancers depend on hormones to grow. Tamoxifen is designed to cut off that signal. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in HR+ breast cancer cells, helping to slow or stop tumor growth. Watch my short video to explore how this therapy works at the molecular level.
youtu.be/_BIXilzHYkQ
youtu.be/_BIXilzHYkQ
In a radiation emergency, timing matters, & PI acts fast to protect a very specific organ. It works by saturating the thyroid with stable iodine, limiting the uptake of radioactive iodine that can increase cancer risk. Learn how & when it’s used by watching my short video.
youtu.be/mJ0hyFGyUNo
youtu.be/mJ0hyFGyUNo
How does Potassium Iodide Work for Radiation Exposure?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 9:22 PM
In a radiation emergency, timing matters, & PI acts fast to protect a very specific organ. It works by saturating the thyroid with stable iodine, limiting the uptake of radioactive iodine that can increase cancer risk. Learn how & when it’s used by watching my short video.
youtu.be/mJ0hyFGyUNo
youtu.be/mJ0hyFGyUNo
Your immune system has on switches that control inflammation, and Rinvoq is designed to dial some of them down. It works by inhibiting enzymes that play a key role in inflammatory signaling. Watch my short video to see how this approach helps reduce inflammation.
youtu.be/8hnbB42NwMA
youtu.be/8hnbB42NwMA
How does Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 11, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Your immune system has on switches that control inflammation, and Rinvoq is designed to dial some of them down. It works by inhibiting enzymes that play a key role in inflammatory signaling. Watch my short video to see how this approach helps reduce inflammation.
youtu.be/8hnbB42NwMA
youtu.be/8hnbB42NwMA
Cholera can spread rapidly in areas with limited clean water, but vaccines offer a powerful line of defense. They train your immune system to recognize & fight the bacteria before it causes severe illness. Watch my short video for a quick breakdown of how this protection works!
youtu.be/j4enM14hHA0
youtu.be/j4enM14hHA0
How the Cholera Vaccines (Euvichol, Vaxchora) Work
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 8, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Cholera can spread rapidly in areas with limited clean water, but vaccines offer a powerful line of defense. They train your immune system to recognize & fight the bacteria before it causes severe illness. Watch my short video for a quick breakdown of how this protection works!
youtu.be/j4enM14hHA0
youtu.be/j4enM14hHA0
It's time for my 'Science Wrapped 2025' (the nerdy cousin of Spotify Wrapped)!
This year, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to keep doing what I love: breaking down the latest in science and public health for audiences around the world.
This year, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to keep doing what I love: breaking down the latest in science and public health for audiences around the world.
January 7, 2026 at 3:11 AM
It's time for my 'Science Wrapped 2025' (the nerdy cousin of Spotify Wrapped)!
This year, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to keep doing what I love: breaking down the latest in science and public health for audiences around the world.
This year, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to keep doing what I love: breaking down the latest in science and public health for audiences around the world.
Immunotherapy is changing the way we fight cancer, and Opdivo is at the forefront. Instead of attacking cancer directly, it empowers your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Curious about the science behind this breakthrough? Check out my quick explainer video.
youtu.be/VzUAZNQ_NpY
youtu.be/VzUAZNQ_NpY
How does Opdivo (Nivolumab) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 6, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Immunotherapy is changing the way we fight cancer, and Opdivo is at the forefront. Instead of attacking cancer directly, it empowers your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Curious about the science behind this breakthrough? Check out my quick explainer video.
youtu.be/VzUAZNQ_NpY
youtu.be/VzUAZNQ_NpY
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that one of the most preventable cancers still affects thousands worldwide. Screening & HPV vaccination have transformed outcomes, but awareness and action remain critical. Watch my short video for some quick stats.
youtu.be/YiDD9p92oFk
youtu.be/YiDD9p92oFk
Overview of Cervical Cancer
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 4, 2026 at 10:15 PM
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that one of the most preventable cancers still affects thousands worldwide. Screening & HPV vaccination have transformed outcomes, but awareness and action remain critical. Watch my short video for some quick stats.
youtu.be/YiDD9p92oFk
youtu.be/YiDD9p92oFk
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is rare but aggressive, arising from cells that produce calcitonin rather than thyroid hormone. Early detection is critical, yet its symptoms often mimic other conditions. Learn what makes this cancer unique by checking out my thyroid health video!
youtu.be/VjoJmMlVbTQ
youtu.be/VjoJmMlVbTQ
Overview of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
January 2, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is rare but aggressive, arising from cells that produce calcitonin rather than thyroid hormone. Early detection is critical, yet its symptoms often mimic other conditions. Learn what makes this cancer unique by checking out my thyroid health video!
youtu.be/VjoJmMlVbTQ
youtu.be/VjoJmMlVbTQ
Ever wonder how a single therapy can help eczema, asthma & sinus disease? Dupixent blocks IL-4 + IL-13 signaling, calming the immune system’s overactive inflammatory response. Dive deeper into this targeted approach in my new video and your immune system may thank you! 😉
youtu.be/zaMihjFX4Ts
youtu.be/zaMihjFX4Ts
How does Dupixent (Dupilumab) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Ever wonder how a single therapy can help eczema, asthma & sinus disease? Dupixent blocks IL-4 + IL-13 signaling, calming the immune system’s overactive inflammatory response. Dive deeper into this targeted approach in my new video and your immune system may thank you! 😉
youtu.be/zaMihjFX4Ts
youtu.be/zaMihjFX4Ts
Did you know the newest GLP-1 pill for weight loss signals the brain to reduce appetite & is expected to be available Jan 2026? This oral version uses peptide stabilization to survive the digestive tract. Watch my latest public health video to explore the science! 💊
youtu.be/8-4yB8Y1ncw
youtu.be/8-4yB8Y1ncw
The Science of New GLP-1 Pills (Wegovy Pills)
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Did you know the newest GLP-1 pill for weight loss signals the brain to reduce appetite & is expected to be available Jan 2026? This oral version uses peptide stabilization to survive the digestive tract. Watch my latest public health video to explore the science! 💊
youtu.be/8-4yB8Y1ncw
youtu.be/8-4yB8Y1ncw
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, and they’re everywhere, from nonstick pans to drinking water. These compounds raise big questions about health & environmental safety. Dive into my short video for the chemistry behind PFAS! 🧪
youtu.be/UcClQzBqLzo
youtu.be/UcClQzBqLzo
What are PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Chemicals?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, and they’re everywhere, from nonstick pans to drinking water. These compounds raise big questions about health & environmental safety. Dive into my short video for the chemistry behind PFAS! 🧪
youtu.be/UcClQzBqLzo
youtu.be/UcClQzBqLzo
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or cancer if it becomes chronic. It often spreads through blood or bodily fluids, sometimes without any early symptoms. Understand the basics in my short video!
youtu.be/yKKJDGKy1z8
youtu.be/yKKJDGKy1z8
Overview of Hepatitis B
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or cancer if it becomes chronic. It often spreads through blood or bodily fluids, sometimes without any early symptoms. Understand the basics in my short video!
youtu.be/yKKJDGKy1z8
youtu.be/yKKJDGKy1z8