The Studies Show

Podcast delves into the controversial theory of nuclear winter post a global conflict, UK PM's letters to submarine commanders, impacts of nuclear war on food supply and ecosystems, and the risks associated with nuclear weapons testing by countries like North Korea.

In this election special, the hosts explore the quirks of opinion polls and question the scientific nature of political science. They discuss the accuracy of polls in predicting Brexit and share insights on Multilevel Regression and Poststratification. The chapter also covers topics like the 'Lizardman Constant,' conspiracy theories in polling, and the replication crisis in political science.

Exploring the potential link between Viagra and Alzheimer's, the accidental discovery of Viagra for angina, the impact of protein kinases on blood vessels and erections, and a professor's unconventional presentation involving genitalia at a conference.

Explore the intersection of criminal justice and forensic science, including court cases on scientific disputes and the use of DNA in murder trials. Delve into legal consequences for speech in the UK, challenges in material innovation, biases in forensic science, and the impact of statistical evidence on criminal investigations. Discuss skepticism towards court decisions on scientific matters and the influence of financial interests on research results.

Delving into addiction, the hosts discuss varied interpretations and definitions, exploring behavioral addictions. They touch on historical cases and the evolution of addiction perceptions, from moral to recognized disorders. The conversation also covers addiction research breakthroughs, misconceptions, and complexities like tolerance and dependence.

Discover the evolution of medical recommendations on peanut allergies, from avoiding peanuts in children to early introduction for prevention. Explore studies showing doubts on parental claims of allergies and the impact of peanut consumption on allergy development. Learn about the groundbreaking LEAP trial and the challenges of accurate allergy testing.

Researchers discuss the link between lead exposure in childhood and future criminal behavior, examining the decline in crime rates after the ban on lead in gasoline. Various studies explore the impact of lead on cognitive abilities, personality traits, and crime likelihood, highlighting the complex relationship between lead exposure and criminal tendencies.

Journalist Johann Hari, known for his books on addiction, depression, attention, and obesity, is discussed in this podcast. Topics include Hari's career transition to science writing, controversies surrounding his work, plagiarism accusations, and the complexities of journalism ethics.

The podcast discusses the toxic effects of lead on IQ, highlighting the impact of low-level lead exposure on brain development. It explores the historical use of lead in products and the lingering consequences on cognitive function. The conversation delves into the challenges of quantifying the effects of lead on IQ and the complexities of lead exposure research. The hosts also explore the link between lead exposure and lower IQ levels, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies and lead removal to prevent health issues.

Vitamin D supplements promises: curing cancer, fighting depression, stopping COVID-19? Tom and Stuart dissect the claims and evidence. The duo explore the controversies around Vitamin D, its benefits, and debunk misconceptions. From bone health to tumor growth, they examine the research on Vitamin D's potential effects on various health outcomes. The episode serves as a cautionary tale on interpreting health research.