"ALD Can't Stop Brock!" - One family's story ahead of Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is an opportunity to spotlight stories of families impacted by rare and unusual diseases. Mother Cassie Groh has been working with Dr. Troy Lund from the U of M Medical School to treat her son's adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Cassie and Dr. Lund joined the Buzz to chat about the challenges that face families who are diagnosed with a rare disease.

University of Minnesota study examines serious injuries caused by less-lethal police weapons

During the protests over the death of George Floyd last spring, local doctors began to witness an influx of patients at area hospitals and urgent care wanting to be seen for what they call "traumatic injuries." Health care professionals said they saw an increase in the number of head, neck, and eye injuries. "We saw a massive increase right away," said Sam Cramer, a neurology resident at the University of Minnesota.  The increase in numbers was worrisome for health care professionals like Dr. Cramer. That’s what prompted them to dive deeper into what caused the injuries. After examining 89 patients, health care professionals found that nonlethal weapons caused a substantial number of patients with serious injuries to the head, neck and face in their latest study.  "Most of those patients were injured by kinetic impact projectiles which include rubber bullets and tear gas canisters," said Erika Kaske, a U of M medical student. 

Fighting off the gloom of winter during a pandemic

Even in a normal year winter can be rough on your mental well being. But combined with a pandemic, and this winter may be even more challenging. Dr. C. Sophia Albott from M Health Fairview and the U of M Medical School joined the Buzz with ideas to fight the gloom of a pandemic winter.

Gophers football team declining any bowl game, season ends at 3-4

The University of Minnesota announced the Gopher football team will decline the opportunity to compete in a bowl this year. The Gophers' season is over with a 3-4 record after the team lost 20-17 in overtime at Wisconsin Saturday afternoon, their 16th loss to the Badgers in 17 years.

How the first COVID-19 vaccine was developed

With the rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccine across the U.S., many people may be wondering how it was developed. Dr. Jason Varin from the U of M's College of Pharmacy joined the Buzz to explain how the vaccine approval process works, and what we can expect moving forward.