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
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
Did you know the yellow fever vaccine has been protecting travelers & communities for over 80yrs? It uses a live, weakened virus to train your immune system for long-lasting defense. Curious how this tiny shot creates such powerful immunity? Watch my short video to learn more!
youtu.be/BqaHJIzWsc8
youtu.be/BqaHJIzWsc8
How the Yellow Fever Vaccine (YF-Vax) Works
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Did you know the yellow fever vaccine has been protecting travelers & communities for over 80yrs? It uses a live, weakened virus to train your immune system for long-lasting defense. Curious how this tiny shot creates such powerful immunity? Watch my short video to learn more!
youtu.be/BqaHJIzWsc8
youtu.be/BqaHJIzWsc8
Ever wondered why a mosquito bite could lead to a disease named after a color? Yellow fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, and its name comes from the jaundice it can cause. Learn more about its symptoms, prevention, and global impact in my short video. 🦟
youtu.be/W-4Qii8dKug
youtu.be/W-4Qii8dKug
Yellow Fever Overview
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Ever wondered why a mosquito bite could lead to a disease named after a color? Yellow fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, and its name comes from the jaundice it can cause. Learn more about its symptoms, prevention, and global impact in my short video. 🦟
youtu.be/W-4Qii8dKug
youtu.be/W-4Qii8dKug
Imagine a therapy that delivers a powerful punch directly to cancer cells. Padcev is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to target and kill tumor cells in bladder and urinary tract cancers with precision. Curious how it works? Check out my short video for a quick overview!
youtu.be/ABDYaPNJBhs
youtu.be/ABDYaPNJBhs
How does Padcev Work for Bladder & Urinary Tract Cancers?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Imagine a therapy that delivers a powerful punch directly to cancer cells. Padcev is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to target and kill tumor cells in bladder and urinary tract cancers with precision. Curious how it works? Check out my short video for a quick overview!
youtu.be/ABDYaPNJBhs
youtu.be/ABDYaPNJBhs
Did you know there’s a single gene often called the “guardian of the genome”? TP53 (gene) helps prevent damaged cells from turning cancerous. When this gene mutates, it can open the door to tumor growth. Watch my short video to learn about its critical role in cancer biology. 🧬
youtu.be/WB42sMJOYGE
youtu.be/WB42sMJOYGE
Overview of the TP53 Gene / p53 Protein
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Did you know there’s a single gene often called the “guardian of the genome”? TP53 (gene) helps prevent damaged cells from turning cancerous. When this gene mutates, it can open the door to tumor growth. Watch my short video to learn about its critical role in cancer biology. 🧬
youtu.be/WB42sMJOYGE
youtu.be/WB42sMJOYGE
What if one tiny molecule could influence your DNA, energy, and overall health? Folate, known as vitamin B9, does exactly that and it’s more important than you think. Dive into the science and why it matters at the molecular level in my latest piece!
youtu.be/W1I1bPUYfTM
youtu.be/W1I1bPUYfTM
Biochemistry of Folate (Vitamin B9)
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 11:22 PM
What if one tiny molecule could influence your DNA, energy, and overall health? Folate, known as vitamin B9, does exactly that and it’s more important than you think. Dive into the science and why it matters at the molecular level in my latest piece!
youtu.be/W1I1bPUYfTM
youtu.be/W1I1bPUYfTM
How do scientists turn a dangerous virus into a shield of protection? The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Ixiaro, uses advanced science to train your immune system without the risk of infection. See the fascinating process behind this breakthrough in my short video!
youtu.be/4BS708Tgb5U
youtu.be/4BS708Tgb5U
How the Japanese Encephalitic Vaccine (Ixiaro) Works
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 10:27 PM
How do scientists turn a dangerous virus into a shield of protection? The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Ixiaro, uses advanced science to train your immune system without the risk of infection. See the fascinating process behind this breakthrough in my short video!
youtu.be/4BS708Tgb5U
youtu.be/4BS708Tgb5U
Headed to rural Asia for work or adventure? Most travelers don’t realize Japanese encephalitis can cause life-threatening brain inflammation, and it’s spread by mosquitoes in places you might visit. Before you pack your bags, discover what you need to know in my quick video!
youtu.be/_z81bhmvVXI
youtu.be/_z81bhmvVXI
Japanese Encephalitis Overview
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 7, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Headed to rural Asia for work or adventure? Most travelers don’t realize Japanese encephalitis can cause life-threatening brain inflammation, and it’s spread by mosquitoes in places you might visit. Before you pack your bags, discover what you need to know in my quick video!
youtu.be/_z81bhmvVXI
youtu.be/_z81bhmvVXI
One injection, with 5 months of protection. Enflonsia is a monoclonal antibody designed to shield infants from RSV during their first season, a critical step in reducing hospitalizations and severe illness. How does it work, and what makes it different from a vaccine? 👇
youtu.be/xNeVqdSCNvs
youtu.be/xNeVqdSCNvs
How does Enflonsia (Clesrovimab) Work for RSV?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 5, 2025 at 1:31 PM
One injection, with 5 months of protection. Enflonsia is a monoclonal antibody designed to shield infants from RSV during their first season, a critical step in reducing hospitalizations and severe illness. How does it work, and what makes it different from a vaccine? 👇
youtu.be/xNeVqdSCNvs
youtu.be/xNeVqdSCNvs
What if your diabetes medication could do more than lower blood sugar? Jardiance helps manage type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of heart failure & kidney disease progression. Explore how Jardiance works and why it matters for millions of patients in my latest video.
youtu.be/HKu8o92BfUU
youtu.be/HKu8o92BfUU
How does Jardiance (Empagliflozin) Work?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 10:21 PM
What if your diabetes medication could do more than lower blood sugar? Jardiance helps manage type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of heart failure & kidney disease progression. Explore how Jardiance works and why it matters for millions of patients in my latest video.
youtu.be/HKu8o92BfUU
youtu.be/HKu8o92BfUU
Dec 1st is World AIDS Day, where we honor decades of fighting, advocacy, & the relentless courage of those who chose to make a difference when others turned away. That same spirit drives breakthroughs like Yuztugo (HIV PrEP), offering protection with just two injections a year.
youtu.be/oWOOYY-52Wk
youtu.be/oWOOYY-52Wk
How does Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) Work as PrEP?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
November 30, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Dec 1st is World AIDS Day, where we honor decades of fighting, advocacy, & the relentless courage of those who chose to make a difference when others turned away. That same spirit drives breakthroughs like Yuztugo (HIV PrEP), offering protection with just two injections a year.
youtu.be/oWOOYY-52Wk
youtu.be/oWOOYY-52Wk
DMSO isn’t just a lab solvent, it’s a lifesaver for frozen cells and the only FDA-approved drug for bladder pain syndrome! Ever wondered how one compound bridges cutting-edge research and clinical care? Check out my short video to explore the research & clinical uses of DMSO.
youtu.be/4AQ0BocgyIk
youtu.be/4AQ0BocgyIk
What is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)?
YouTube video by Dr. Rob Swanda
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 7:22 PM
DMSO isn’t just a lab solvent, it’s a lifesaver for frozen cells and the only FDA-approved drug for bladder pain syndrome! Ever wondered how one compound bridges cutting-edge research and clinical care? Check out my short video to explore the research & clinical uses of DMSO.
youtu.be/4AQ0BocgyIk
youtu.be/4AQ0BocgyIk