World Events, Diabetes Genetic Test, P-Value War

Deposed Leaders and America's Confusing Policy Toward Democracy Guest: Quinn Mecham, Professor of Political Science, BYU An attempt to depose President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela appears to have floundered, but opposition leader Juan Guaido is still working to secure the support he'll need from top military generals to try again. Political scientist Quinn Mecham says Guaido could look to the recent ouster of presidents in Algeria and Sudan for lessons on why military support is so important - and how the ouster of an autocrat is only the first step. Both Algeria and Sudan are now faced with big decisions about who will lead the country and what role the military should play. Mecham notes the United States is loudly supporting Guaido and the cause of democracy in Venezuela, but entirely silent on Sudan's transition. And in Libya, the US has come out in support of a military warlord who is trying to overthrow the UN-recognized government. Mecham also notes the unusual step taken by the Trump Administration to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran's elite military force as terrorist groups.  Predicting Diabetes with Genetic Testing: Fantasy or Fiction? Guest: Jason Vassy, MD, Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School A third of all American adults have pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So that’s 84 million people on track to develop full-blown Type 2 diabetes unless they make some serious lifestyle changes. For people who might want an even earlier indication of their risk, DNA testing company 23 and Me recently added Type 2 diabetes to the list of disease it will screen for if you send in a vial of your spit and $170. The Debate Over Statistical Significance Guest: William Christensen, Professor of Statistics, BYU If you heard about a scientific study that said, “Eating kale for breakfast everyday might help you lose weight, or, it might not,” would you rush out and stock up on kale? Not me. I want to see clear, confident results from a study before I take it