Science Fictions

The discussion revolves around the complexities of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. The hosts explore the shifting evidence on HRT's benefits, from hot flushes to cognitive issues. They delve into the FDA's recent removal of HRT's black box warning, impacting prescribing trends. The influence of Davina McCall's documentary in increasing public interest in HRT is highlighted. Personal improvements reported by McCall, like enhanced mood and libido, spark further conversation about the therapy's relevance.

The podcast dives into the clash between Jonathan Haidt and social media researchers, focusing on whether smartphones harm mental health. Hosts explore Haidt's alarming claims and review Christopher Ferguson's meta-analysis on social media's effects. They dissect the challenges of combining various outcomes and platforms, critique flawed methods, and highlight the limitations of current research. The discussion reveals the complexity of the data and the need for more rigorous studies to truly understand social media's impact.

Discover the captivating debate around the 'wood wide web'—a concept that suggests trees communicate through fungal networks. Explore the conflicting evidence about mycorrhizal networks and their role in sharing resources. Unpack the tensions between popular narratives and scientific integrity, as researchers challenge earlier claims and call for more rigorous studies. Reflect on why this enchanting idea resonates culturally, and whether it shapes public perception and policy on nature.

A deep dive into cognitive dissonance reveals surprising doubts about its foundation. Hosts explore archival research questioning classic studies, including a notorious UFO cult infiltration by Festinger. They analyze biases in observations and the reliability of famous anecdotes versus rigorous experiments. A 2024 multi-lab replication efforts unveils the dissonance effect's failure to hold true. The discussion leads to reflections on the legacy of 20th-century social psychology, assessing which findings still maintain credibility amidst controversies.

Creatine is buzzing in the supplement scene, with claims it boosts muscle mass, enhances mood, and even prevents cancer. The hosts dive into these surprising assertions and reflect on how fitness influencers hype creatine's benefits. They discuss its cognitive potential, touching on memory and mood improvements, while approaching the topic with healthy skepticism. Evolutionary reasoning hints that easy cognitive boosts may not be feasible, suggesting that true nootropics could be more complex than creatine.

Dive into the eerie world of reincarnation this Halloween! Explore compelling stories of children recalling past lives, backed by research from universities like Virginia and Edinburgh. The hosts examine notorious cases, such as the boy who believed he was a WWII pilot, and discuss the phenomenon of birthmarks linked to past-life memories. Skepticism abounds as they unveil potential biases in reporting and the role of cultural absorption in these claims. Join the spooky conversation about life, death, and what might come next!

The quest for happiness takes center stage as the hosts delve into the midlife crisis theory and its contentious research. They unravel the U-shaped happiness curve and the cultural impact of this idea. Exploring the flaws in wellbeing studies, the conversation highlights key critiques of popular claims. The discussion also reveals conflicting results on midlife unhappiness across cultures. Finally, the hosts challenge traditional measures of wellbeing, prompting listeners to reconsider how happiness is defined and assessed.

Exploring the controversial claims linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism, the hosts delve into recent statements from public figures and health authorities. They discuss the implications of 'no evidence' in science communication and the pitfalls of confounding factors in studies. Various research findings, including sibling-control designs and ecological studies, shed light on the complexities of the data. They caution against misinterpretations while highlighting the necessity of balanced risk communication for expectant mothers.

This captivating discussion delves into the phenomenon of suicide contagion, exploring the potential for media coverage to influence behavior. The hosts connect seemingly light topics, like streakers in sports, to serious issues of copycat violence. They explain why responsible reporting guidelines exist and how they aim to mitigate risks. The conversation also touches on psychological theories of imitation and raises critical questions about the responsibilities of media in portraying such sensitive subjects.

Record crop harvests are astonishing, yet climate change threatens food security. The hosts explore the paradox of technology boosts versus environmental impacts. CO2 is debated as a plant food, but its benefits don’t erase its climate-perils. Yield growth is relying more on sustainable practices as fertilizer use declines. Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with low yields and limited tech. The conversation concludes with a call for nuanced understanding of food production's carbon footprints and the potential of changing diets to mitigate emissions.