The Studies Show

Dive into the fascinating world of anti-aging, where goat blood transfusions and miracle supplements reign supreme. Explore the science behind rapamycin and metformin, and discover how calorie restriction might hold the key to longevity. The discussion scrutinizes exaggerated health narratives, urging a skeptical approach to unverified claims. Plus, unravel the complexities of DNA methylation and its impact on aging. The humor and personal anecdotes provide a refreshing take on the societal challenges of growing older while critically assessing the quest for eternal youth.

Could you work 80% of your hours and still get paid in full? Discussion around the four-day workweek reveals intriguing potential benefits, including increased employee satisfaction and productivity. Various trials, including Microsoft's in Japan and Iceland's extensive study, showcase promising results, though some claims have been debunked. The podcast delves into historical shifts in work hours and the impact on talent retention. Ultimately, it questions whether the concept is a pathway to happier, healthier workplaces or just another overblown trend.

Dive into the perplexing broken windows theory, exploring how urban decay might fuel criminal behavior. The hosts challenge its validity through historical anecdotes and critical studies, revealing the psychological impacts of neglect. They also confront controversial research, including a scandal of scientific fraud tied to these studies. Additionally, examine how environmental factors influence societal attitudes and behaviors, all while addressing the complex interplay between crime, community, and political perceptions.

The podcast dives into the controversial topic of bicycle helmet use, sparking lively debates over their true safety benefits. Hosts discuss the Peltzman Effect, where helmets may lead to riskier cycling behavior. They explore anecdotes, social media banter, and personal experiences to reveal the clash between safety perceptions and actual risks. The episode raises questions about helmet mandates and their impact on cycling participation, advocating for improved infrastructure over simply relying on safety gear. It's a thought-provoking exploration of cycling culture and safety.

Can adults really grow new neurons? This lively discussion tackles the controversies surrounding adult neurogenesis, debating whether our brain cells are fixed after childhood. Insights from London taxi drivers highlight the brain's adaptability amid learning challenges. The podcast humorously critiques research methodologies while exploring the implications of exercise on neuron growth and mental health. Revelations about DNA replication and nuclear impacts add depth to the conversation, creating a rich tapestry of scientific inquiry.

Dive into a fascinating discussion about borderline personality disorder, where fluctuating emotions and relationships take center stage. The hosts uncover the complexities of diagnosis, exploring the differences between BPD and bipolar disorder. They tackle the public's perceptions shaped by social media and cultural narratives. Additionally, enjoy an intriguing dive into Bayes' theorem's role in understanding perception, and even how our brains handle self-tickling. It's a light-hearted yet informative exploration of emotional instability and the challenges of mental health.

Join fascinating discussions about Multiple Personality Disorder and its troubled history. The conversation dives into the complexities of Dissociative Identity Disorder, exploring intriguing cases and cultural viewpoints. There's a humorous reflection on the live show's dynamics and the responsibilities of scientists tackling controversial issues. Insights from a guest expert add depth to this compelling exploration of mental health.

Dive into the world of parenting with discussions on the latest research about breastfeeding and the complexities of bottle sterilization practices. Discover the nuances of baby-led weaning versus spoon-feeding, and explore cultural influences on child nutrition. The podcast also tackles the sleep training dilemma, focusing on the emotional impact and societal pressures faced by new parents. Topics like tummy time and the challenges of navigating parenthood amidst career demands open up a thought-provoking conversation around modern parenting strategies.

The Studies Show LIVE (with special guest Jesse Singal) is next Friday, 9th of May, at Conway Hall in London. Get your tickets right HERE! Or go to bit.ly/tss_live. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. can’t be wrong about literally everything, can he? His latest controversial statement is that he wants to find the “environmental exposure” that has been causing the huge spike in autism rates over the past few decades.In this episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart look into whether there really is an autism epidemic in the first place—and if there isn’t, why the diagnoses might be going up so quickly anyway.The Studies Show is brought to you by Works in Progress magazine. This week we discussed the article from the most recent issue about the UK’s land value tax—a cautionary tale of a policy that might sound good on paper, but was utterly cursed in practice. Find this and so many more fascinating articles about human progress at worksinprogress.co.Show notes* RFK Jr’s latest claims about autism (and his plans to gather data)* His statement “I believe autism comes from vaccines”, from 2023* His “Children’s Health Defence” org from 2015* CDC data on autism rates in the US* And similar data from the UK* A paper on the much lower rates in 1966* “Early infantile autism” - the original 1944 paper by Leo Kanner* Hans Asperger’s similarly-timed research* And on his collaboration with the Nazis* On “refrigerator mothers”* Data from after the MMR vaccine was split in Yokohama, Japan* The DSM-V checklist for autism spectrum disorder* Scott Alexander’s controversial piece “Against against autism cures”* 2023 paper on the prevalence of profound autism* Article on the growing waiting lists for autism diagnoses* More details on the same* 2022 paper on the genetics of autism* Article on rates of extra time in exams in the UK* Adam Hunt’s post about Renée Thornton, hot-air balloonist* The Economist’s Bagehot column on the “tyranny of turning up”* Underdiagnosed autism in girlsCreditsWe’re grateful to Adam Hunt for talking to us about psychiatric diagnoses for this episode. The Studies Show is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestudiesshowpod.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thestudiesshowpod.comSome scientific controversies are quite surprising (why would the shape of the Earth be controversial, for example?). But some aren’t. The controversy surrounding circumcision—which involves disputed medical science, bodily autonomy, children, disease, religion, sex, tradition, family, and, of course, genitalia—is about as fiery as it gets. In this paid-only episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart discuss the very sensitive issue of circumcision, covering the health benefits or lack thereof, the alleged risks, and the unbelievably bitter scientists who are battling it out over this unlikely topic.If you’re not a paid subscriber, you’ll just hear the very tip of the show—you’ll need to go to www.thestudiesshowpod.com/subscribe to read the show notes and hear the whole thing.