The Body of Evidence

Jonathan talks with Matthew Remski, the co-host of the Conspirituality podcast, on the merger between the worlds of spirituality and of grand conspiracy theories. The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a rise in people who believe that nothing is as it seems, that everything is connected, and that the world is on the verge of a major awakening. Matthew himself once trusted his intuitive knowledge of his body until it landed him in the hospital.   2:22 What is conspirituality 6:41 The yearning for an awakening 11:00 Intuition as a guide to knowledge 16:50 The red pill… and the black pill 23:45 The X-Files 29:19 JP Sears and COVID-19 38:11 The self vs. the common good 42:00 The false medical claims of yoga 47:20 Manipulative fraud or self-deluded? 52:36 How Matthew talks to conspiritualists 1:00:35 Conspirituality in 2021     * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     Links: 1) Matthew Remski’s Conspirituality podcast: https://conspirituality.net/ 2) Matthew Remski’s website: https://matthewremski.com/wordpress/ 3) Matthew Remski on Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewremski 4) The 2011 paper that defined “conspirituality”: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2011.539846 5) Jonathan’s article on JP Sears: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-critical-thinking-pseudoscience/clown-prince-wellness 6) Conspirituality podcast episode on BKS Iyengar: https://conspirituality.net/wellness/bonus-yoga-teachers-are-not-doctors-doctors-are-not-priests/ 7) Jonathan’s article on Sayer Ji: https://mcgill.ca/oss/article/pseudoscience/popular-health-guru-sayer-ji-curates-scientific-literature-his-bachelors-degree-philosophy 8) Matthew’s article on QAnon in Canada: https://thewalrus.ca/when-qanon-came-to-canada/

Chris and Jonathan interview Dr. Ivan Oransky, the co-founder of Retraction Watch which tracks retractions of scientific papers. They discuss how papers get published, how they get retracted, and what a better system might look like.   1:29 How scientific papers get published 3:44 Journals are businesses with a bizarre business model 13:52 No more COVID-related retractions than expected 17:10 Science by press release in part to prevent insider trading 20:04 Jade amulets against COVID-19 26:33 Zombie papers 30:43 A dramatic increase in retractions but they are still rare 36:50 Why are mistakes caught after publication? 42:20 Going to science heaven     * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     Links: 1) The Retraction Watch website: https://retractionwatch.com/ 2) Retraction Watch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RetractionWatch 3) Ivan Oransky on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanoransky 4) The Retraction Watch newsletter: https://us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4f35c1f2e9acc58eee0811e78&id=a15d7de264 5) Jonathan’s article on the jade amulet: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-critical-thinking-pseudoscience/paper-argues-amulet-may-protect-covid-should-it-have-been-published 6) Retraction Watch’s original article on the jade amulet: https://retractionwatch.com/2020/10/29/amulets-may-prevent-covid-19-says-a-paper-in-elsevier-journal-they-dont/ 7) The jade amulet paper’s retraction notice: https://retractionwatch.com/2020/11/16/co-authors-of-paper-on-covid-19-and-jade-amulets-blames-the-online-press-and-social-media-for-misinterpretation-in-retraction-letter/ 8) The Surgisphere retractions: https://retractionwatch.com/2020/06/04/lancet-retracts-controversial-hydroxychloroquine-study/

Diabetes: different types and what to do about them // Mask misinformation // To bank or not to bank your newborn’s cord blood   * Jingle by Jillian Correia of Roctavio Canada * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl. * Assistant researcher: Nicholas Koziris   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     References:   1) The DiRECT Study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)33102-1/fulltext   2) The DiRECT Study, Two-Year Follow-Up: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(19)30068-3/fulltext   3) 2017 JAMA study on lifestyle interventions: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2648632   4) LABS study on bariatric surgery: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2664662     Music Credits:   Cinema Blockbuster Trailer 14 by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4662-cinema-blockbuster-trailer-14 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jonathan and Chris interview Dr. Brennen McKenzie, an evidence-based veterinarian who runs the “SkeptVet” blog. They separate what we know, what we don’t know, and what we think we know when it comes to pet care and address the pseudosciences of the animal world.   2:24 Evidence-based veterinary medicine 4:49 Extrapolating from human clinical trials 7:31 Do vets change their mind? 10:07 Acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic in the animal world 14:34 Pets and vaccines 17:25 A very special guest appearance 18:00 How to talk to vaccine hesitant pet owners 20:45 The cost of veterinary care 23:11 Placebos 27:52 Raw food diets 32:04 The word “zoopharmacognosy” 32:52 What should dogs and cats eat 37:57 What should dogs and cats NOT eat 40:28 CBD supplements 42:51 Declawing cats 44:17 Inside cat or outside cat 46:02 Supplements to change urine pH 46:40 Feline injection-site sarcomas 48:28 Omega-3s 48:49 Glucosamine 49:23 Cranberry supplements 50:35 New pet parents, take it all with a grain of salt 52:22 The shocking truth about pure breeds     * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     Links: 1) Brennen’s website: https://skeptvet.com/Blog/ 2) Brennen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkeptVet 3) Brennen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkeptVet 4) Brennen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvb8ihBYdSXq_DML1Y6CfbQ 5) Brennen’s book, Placebos for Pets: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51866692-placebos-for-pets

Breastfeeding: its history, the quality of the evidence for it, and the alleged benefits to the baby and to the mother // Placebos in vaccine trials // Are we overreacting to COVID?   * Jingle by Joseph Hackl * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     References:   1) Breast feeding rates according to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm   2) Historical trends in breastfeeding: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/2/421S/4686960   3) Breastfeeding for pain control: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/122/3/e716.long, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12511452/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11927701/   4) Cochrane review on skin-to-skin care: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008435.pub3/full   5) Sucrose and warmth for analgesia: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/135/3/e607   6) Formula vs. donor breast milk for preventing NEC: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002971/NEONATAL_formula-versus-donor-breast-milk-feeding-preterm-or-low-birth-weight-infants   7) WHO review on short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/95585   8) Systematic review on breastfeeding practices and infant mortality: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26249674/   9) Belarus study on obesity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23483175/   10) Cochrane review on optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003517/PREG_optimal-duration-of-exclusive-breastfeeding   11) Jonathan’s article about placebos used in vaccine trials: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-health/placebos-used-vaccine-trials-do-not-please-everyone   12) Jonathan’s article about Sweden and the pandemic: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-health/which-sweden-do-you-want-believe     Music Credits:   Amazing Plan by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/3358-amazing-plan License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Harmony  by DreamHeaven Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6497-harmony- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Chris and Jonathan interview Jen Novakovich, a science communicator and cosmetic chemist, on everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the safety and efficacy of cosmetics and over-the-counter beauty products… and the drivel you need to be warned against.   2:03 Jen’s career path 4:20 Reversing the signs of aging 7:21 How much should you pay for a moisturizer? 9:37 The regulation of therapeutic claims 13:02 Topical vitamin C or niacinamide? 15:24 Hyaluronic acid or glycerin 16:55 Snail mucin 18:26 Coenzyme Q10 19:32 Tea extract 20:30 Collagen 21:09 Sunscreen and its detractors 25:15 It’s the dose that makes the poison 27:00 How sensitization can lead to skin allergy 31:28 Exfoliants 35:56 The issues with the clean beauty movement 38:00 Animal testing 42:10 When should you throw out makeup? 45:21 Lipsticks and sunscreen 46:48 Can lip balm cause a dependence? 51:20 The new hand sanitizers 53:26 Toxic sanitizers recalled     * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     Links: 1) Jen Novakovich’s Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/theecowell/ 2) Jen Novakovich’s podcast: https://www.theecowell.com/ 3) Hand sanitizers recalled by Health Canada: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/73385a-eng.php#affected-touches

Stomach ulcers: what causes them, what doesn’t, why they’re like ninjas, the usefulness of cameras, and how to treat them without resorting to surgery // the debate over airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus and how the virus affects children // COVID-19’s impact on blood vessels and what’s happening with “long haulers” // A word about Plandemic: InDoctorNation   * Jingle by Jillian Correia of Roctavio Canada * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!     References:   1) Ed Yong’s article on COVID-19 long haulers: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/08/long-haulers-covid-19-recognition-support-groups-symptoms/615382/   2) Jonathan’s article on coronavirus patent disinformation: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-pseudoscience/patently-false-disinformation-over-coronavirus-patents     Music Credits:   Sings In The Fields  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5302-sings-in-the-fields- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Cursed Intro  by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5624-cursed-intro- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Countdown by Alexander Nakarada Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4865-countdown License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Time Is Now by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/395-time-is-now License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How can you as a patient better navigate the healthcare system? Chris takes you through the labyrinth from his side of the gurney. From the emergency department to the hospital bed, from your regular doctor visit to your medical record, the secrets to medical success and happiness (and how to win friends and influence people) will be shared! Money back guarantee!   0:00 Apology 2:03 Corrections on our special episode on blood 6:09 Visiting the Emergency Department (or ER or A&E) 22:40 Being admitted to the hospital 32:46 The doctor will see you now 46:00 Your medical record   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Links   1) Our previous episode about the healthcare system: http://bodyofevidence.ca/special-the-healthcare-system 2) Our appearances on CTV Montreal News (the clips are usually uploaded Thursdays and Fridays around 1:30PM ET): https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?binId=1.1332485

Guest host Morgan Sweeney asks Chris and Jonathan about blood! You will learn that blood is not a magical elixir but rather “water and stuff.” Featuring references to Archer, The Simpsons, Ryan George, and a recurring digression into Stephen King’s work, for some reason. After discussing King’s IT, it’s becoming obvious that The Body of Evidence is no longer a family-friendly show.   1:38 Why blood? 3:35 Handling blood is fine but this other bodily fluid? 5:12 Blood transfusions are not always blood transfusions 13:37 The theory behind why women have fewer heart attacks 14:46 Blood is transport 16:07 Where’s the DNA? 19:10 Chris’ medical license gets revoked 22:51 Criteria for donating blood 28:00 HIV and blood donations 34:02 The bad incentives of blood money 38:26 Chris’ kitchen blood drive 40:30 Stephen King’s The Dead Zone 43:47 The Shining traumatized Jonathan 44:46 It ends with children, uh, having a…. 49:30 Blood: keep it on the inside   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.   Links   1) Morgan’s podcast, Magic of the Mind: http://magicofthemind.ca/ 2) Canadian Blood Services: https://www.blood.ca/en 3) Ryan George’s Pitch Meeting for IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dw4u2A9F4g     Music Credits   Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra.

Jonathan and Chris interview Dr. Elisabeth Bik, a science detective who has dedicated herself to identifying and reporting image duplications in the scientific literature that can be due to errors… or to fraud. This interview is part of a continuing series on bad science, including the special “Science Is a Human Enterprise” (part 1 and part 2) and the interview with Dr. Brian Nosek.   1:16 How Dr. Bik became a science detective 3:28 Duplications 10:43 Music or no music? 11:10 Screening 20,000 papers for duplications 16:38 Speed versus accuracy in the age of COVID 17:41 The failures of peer review 21:37 Dr. Bik’s frustration 24:55 Justice League versus Paper Mill 34:33 Make a wish for a healthier science 39:27 Dr. Bik’s drinking game 43:02 How fraudsters may cheat automation in the future 46:05 Will the cockroaches scare the public?   * Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra.   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/.     Links: 1) Dr. Bik’s paper on screening 20,000 articles for duplications: https://mbio.asm.org/content/7/3/e00809-16 2) Dr. Bik on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicrobiomDigest 3) Dr. Bik’s website: https://scienceintegritydigest.com/ 4) PubPeer: https://pubpeer.com/