Science Vs

More people in the U.S. died from opioids in 2016 than the peak year of the AIDS epidemic. So how did we get here? We speak to Prof. June Dahl, pain specialist Dr. David Tauben, and emergency physician Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone.If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid addiction, in the US you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP or visit their website.Check out our full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2Pq1bZkCredits:This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman with help from Rose Rimler, Heather Rogers, and Shruti Ravindran. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Additional editing help from Alex Blumberg and Sruthi Pinnamaneni. Fact checking by Michelle Harris. Sound design by Emma Munger. Music written by Bobby Lord. Recording help from Amber Cortes. And a huge thank you to all the researchers and doctors who spent time with us. We really appreciate it. Dr Andrew Chang, Dr Michael Vagg, Dr Andrew Kolodny, Dr Michael Von Korff, Dr Mary Lynch, Prof Gary Franklin, Prof David J. Clark, Dr Andrew Rosenblum, Frank Lopez, the Zukerman family, and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.Selected Readings:The National Academies of Sciences report on the epidemicThis government report on the marketing of OxycontinThe Danish study on chronic painThis review of opioids and hyperalgesia For a list of our sponsors and show related offer codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for a thrilling new season! Discover intriguing discussions on sex addiction, the ketogenic diet, and the opioid epidemic. The podcast tackles societal fears with a playful tone, inviting listeners to subscribe for insightful and engaging content. Don’t miss the excitement ahead!

Debunking the idea that obesity is solely caused by laziness and diet, the podcast explores the genetics of weight gain and the role of exercise. Various experts share insights on the impact of genetics on obesity risk, the FTO gene, and the influence of gut microbes on weight management. The episode challenges common beliefs about weight loss and highlights the complexities of obesity prevention.

Can they help with back pain or anything else? We talk to chiropractor Carl Cleveland III, physical therapist Anita Gross, neurophysiologist Dr. Marcello Costa...and Kaity Sawrey’s parents.Check out our full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2P3g7NWBy the way… Gimlet’s doing a holiday pop up shop selling t-shirts and stickers. So show your support by getting your very own Science Vs tee shirt! Check it out at sciencevs.show/shirt.Credits: This episode has been produced by Rose Rimler, Wendy Zukerman, with help from Shruti Ravindran and Heather Rogers. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris. Sound design by Martin Peralta and Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord. For this episode we also spoke to Dr. Richard Deyo, Prof. Tim Mirtz, Prof. Gregory Whitcomb, Dr. Adam Cifu, and Julie Knaak,-- Thank you for your insights. An extra big thanks to Rachel Ward, Emma Morgenstern, Christina Sullivan, Jasmine Romero and Phoebe Flanigan. As well as Alex Ward, Russell Gragg, Fiona Croall and Judy Adair. Also, a shoutout to the Sawreys! Thank you, Bill & Chris. Selected readings:A history of DD Palmer and chiropractic, which Carl co-wroteAnita’s review on spinal manipulation and neck painThe UK evidence report on manual therapyJAMA editorial on spinal manipulation and lower back painClinical guidelines on treating lower back pain from the American College of PhysiciansAn analysis of neck manipulation and strokeAnd of course….this Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Experts debunk common myths about birth control, discussing withdrawal, pills, IUDs, and the potential for a male contraceptive pill. Teens express concerns about birth control side effects and the emphasis on abstinence. The effectiveness and impact of birth control pills on mood and mental health are explored. The safety and effectiveness of IUDs are discussed, including the history of the dangerous Dalcon Shield.

Molly, Ecstasy, MDMA... whatever you want to call it, it's all the same thing. This week, we’re turning up the bass and checking out what does it do to your brain. Is it bad for you? Could it be a potential medicine? To find out, we talk to public health researcher Prof. Joseph Palamar, DEA special agent James Hunt, and neuroscientist Prof. Harriet de Witt.Check out the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2YEl1V2Selected reading:Harriet’s paper on MDMA and feelings of rejectionJoseph’s paper on club kid hairThis big British report on the risks of ecstasy Credits: This episode was produced by Heather Rogers, Wendy Zukerman, Shruti Ravindran and Rose Rimler. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey. Edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris, Rose Rimler and Ben Kuebrich. Sound design by Martin Peralta and Haley Shaw. Music written by Bobby Lord. An extra thanks to Johnny Dynell, Jesse Rudoy, Brian Earp, Prof. Jerrold S. Meyer, Prof. Niamh Nic Daéid and Dr. Carl Roberts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join geneticist Prof. Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach, dermatologist Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, and hair transplant pioneer Dr. Robert Bernstein as they dive into the world of balding. They unpack the genetic factors behind hair loss, revealing over 100 contributing genes. The conversation shifts to popular treatments like Rogaine and Propecia, weighing their benefits against potential side effects. Additionally, they introduce cutting-edge solutions like platelet-rich plasma therapy and advanced hair transplant technologies, offering hopeful insights into hair restoration.

What is killing the bees? And will we have enough food to eat if the bee-pocalypse becomes worse? We speak to Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology and Bumblebee ecologist at the University of Sussex, Judy Wu-Smart, Research Entomologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Steve Ellis, a beekeeper in Barrett, Minnesota.Check out the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2YEm0oc Extra reading Judy Wu-Smart’s study on how neonicotinoid pesticides affect queen beesDave Goulson’s round-up of the parasites that plague beesA comprehensive laundry list of all the factors that make the world inhospitable to bees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamins and supplements, but are they worth it? We look at the science behind some of the most popular supplements with nutritional epidemiologist Prof. Katherine Tucker, neuroscientist Dr. Simon Dyall, and medical researcher Dr. Mark Bolland.Our Sponsors: G Suite | WP EngineCredits: This episode has been produced by Wendy Zukerman, Heather Rogers, and Shruti Ravindran. Production assistance from Rose Rimler. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey. Edited by Blythe Terrell with help from Alex Blumberg. Fact checking by Michelle Harris. Sound design by Martin Peralta and Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord. An extra thanks to the Zukerman Family, Joseph Lavelle Wilson, Chris Giliberti, Jasmine Romero, Matthew Nelson, Stevie Lane, Dr Harri Hemilä, Stephanie from the New York State Library and Dr Rajaprabhakaran Rajarethinam.Selected Reading:The history of fortified foodsThe Institute of Medicine Report on calcium and Vitamin DSurvey on vitamin shopping habits in the USSimon’s paper on Omega 3 and spinal cord injuries in ratsMark’s work on calciumThis whopper of a study on multivitaminsCheck out the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2rlrpnZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All over the world people report sightings of big, hairy, human-like beasts, so could Bigfoot really be out there... somewhere? We ask Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Prof. Bryan Sykes, Prof. Todd Disotell, and the Round Rock, Texas, Department of Parks and Recreation.CORRECTION: In a previous version of this podcast we said Dr Meldrum works at the University of Idaho. He actually works at Idaho State University. We've updated this episode with his correct title.Our Sponsors: Cole Haan | WP Engine | Sundance NowListen to Gimlet's newest show, Uncivil wherever you get your podcastsApple Podcasts | Overcast | Stitcher | PocketcastsCredits: This episode has been produced by our senior producer, Kaitlyn Sawrey, as well as Wendy Zukerman, Rose Reid, Heather Rogers and Shruti Ravindran. Production assistance from Rose Rimler. Edited by Blythe Terrell and Annie-Rose Strasser. Fact checking by Michelle Harris. Sound design by Martin Peralta. Music written by Bobby Lord. And a big thank you to Dr Michael J Hickerson and Professor James L. Patton for his 7 PAGE document describing the last large mammals discovered by western scientists in North America, suffice to say, Bigfoot wasn’t on the list.Selected Reading:Paper on Bigfoot reports in North AmericaBryan’s paper on Bigfoot hairsA review of the human family treeJeff Meldrum’s bookCheck out the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2LyEOQn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices