Unbiased Science

In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Michael Falk, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, to address critical public health and pediatric care topics. The scientists examine the concerning rise in measles cases while exploring common parental concerns about fever and febrile seizures in children. Dr. Falk shares valuable insights from his emergency room experience, providing practical guidance on when families should seek medical attention for their children. Throughout the conversation, the experts emphasize the vital role of vaccination in preventing serious childhood illnesses and discuss the importance of informed consent in medical decision-making. The episode concludes with an optimistic perspective on public health advocacy, offering listeners both practical pediatric health knowledge and encouragement about the future of community health efforts.Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lwhh9e-BTPs(00:00) Intro & Public Health Update(04:59) What's A Health/Science News Item That Caught Your Attention?(07:27) Understanding Fever And What It Means(12:40) What Might Be Causing Your Fever?(15:33) Febrile Seizures(22:53) Should We Treat A Fever Or Let It Ride?(25:36) What Symptoms In Kids Should We Go Straight To The ER For?(27:08) What Might Parents Want To Steer Clear Of For Their Kids?(31:02) Is There A New Flu Strain This Season?(33:50) What's Giving You Hope In Public Health And Science Right Now? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Jennifer Reich, a sociologist and researcher at the University of Colorado Denver, to examine vaccine hesitancy and recent changes to the U.S. vaccine schedule. The scientists explore the cultural and structural factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including American society's emphasis on personal responsibility and the intense pressure parents face in making health decisions for their children. Dr. Reich provides critical insights into the lack of transparency in recent policy changes and discusses why direct comparisons between U.S. vaccine policies and those of countries like Denmark oversimplify complex healthcare system differences. The conversation addresses unique American challenges including healthcare access disparities and diverse population needs. Despite examining serious obstacles, the episode concludes optimistically as Dr. Reich discusses opportunities for building coalitions and fostering community support to improve public health outcomes, emphasizing the shared desire for healthy children and thriving communities. Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0QAtjUlxz_s (00:00) Intro & Public Health Update (08:58) 'Personal Choice' On Vaccines (12:00) Comparing US vs Denmark on Vaccines (17:15) The Effect Of Cultural Differences (21:41) Where Does Vaccine Hesitancy Come From? (26:00) What Is Driving The New Appeal To "Natural Is Better"? (30:30) What Is Something In The Science/Health World Giving You Hope Right Now? Calling The Shots: Why Parents Reject Vaccines on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qSCFQC https://nyupress.org/9781479812790/calling-the-shots/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/opinion/vaccine-hesitancy.html @jenniferreich on Bluesky https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferreichphd/ @Jenniferreichphd on threads ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and author of The Lucky Egg, joins to tackle the complex world of fertility. She highlights the advancements in IVF technology that reduce risks of multiple pregnancies and emphasizes that fertility concerns affect both men and women. Dr. Sekhon debunks myths around infertility, advocating for mental health support and balanced lifestyles. She shares her optimism for women's health progress and the importance of informed conversations, empowering those on their reproductive journeys.

Dr. Ashely Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author, dives into critical public health topics, emphasizing the lethal impact of vaccine misinformation. She shares bizarre ER stories, including a wild case involving a pet ferret, and discusses misunderstood medical emergencies like strokes versus heart attacks. Dr. Alker equips listeners with practical life-saving tips, underlining the importance of combating health myths propagated by media. Her insights highlight the vital role of accurate storytelling in preventing avoidable deaths.

Dr. Chad Costley, President and CEO of Blue Willow Biologics and an expert in vaccine development, delves into the urgent world of bird flu, particularly H5N1. He discusses the potential for this virus to mutate into a pandemic threat and explores innovative research on an intranasal vaccine that promises to enhance immunity while addressing vaccine hesitancy. Chad highlights the need for accurate public health messaging and shares insights on the hopeful future of vaccine development, including a universal flu vaccine that could revolutionize prevention.

Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a seasoned pediatrician, shares her expert insights on transforming pediatric healthcare. She emphasizes the urgent need for a prevention-focused system and discusses how pediatricians can reconnect with their values amidst challenges. The conversation tackles vaccine hesitancy, stressing the importance of building trust through effective communication. Kressly also highlights the significance of humanizing medicine and engaging families in healthcare redesign to improve outcomes for children.

Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist and founder of First Grin, dives into the heated debate surrounding fluoride and hydroxyapatite. She explores fluoride's key role in cavity prevention while critiquing claims about its potential IQ impacts. The conversation touches on health equity in dental care access and how community fluoridation affects underserved populations. Lerman also introduces hydroxyapatite as a promising alternative but cautions that it lacks the proven effectiveness of fluoride. It’s a thought-provoking discussion on balancing oral health benefits and risks.

While we're taking a Thanksgiving holiday break this week, we’re excited to share a special episode of Nice Genes! from our friends at Genome BC.  Our very own Jess joins Dr. Kaylee Byers as they dive into the fascinating world of wastewater surveillance. Along the way, they enlist a seasoned “poo detective,” Dr. Natalie Prystajecky, who wades through some wastewater 101, and how sewage can tip us off to disease outbreaks before symptoms even start. Then, Dr. Yemisi Bokinni brings the investigation to the not-so-small town of Makoko, Nigeria, where a new genome sequencing lab is chasing an old culprit: polio. From your neighborhood sewers to global health and future pandemics, we're using genomics to identify poo dunnit. For more episodes like this one, follow Nice Genes! wherever you listen. Follow on Apple Follow on Spotify Nice Genes! landing page Episode Resources 1. Wastewater Surveillance– BC Centre for Disease Control 2. Wastewater surveillance tells a quiet story of polio’s return– BMJ 3. Nigeria’s polio battleground'– Nature 4. Makoko: ‘Venice of Lagos’– SmartCities Dive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a PhD chemist and director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society, dives into intriguing scientific discussions. He clarifies the FDA's recent changes regarding estrogen products and critiques blanket claims about ultra-processed foods, emphasizing the importance of nutritional quality. Joe debunks the myth of 'superfoods,' advocating for balanced diets instead. He shares insights on the challenges of science communication in the age of misinformation, highlighting the need for clearer public education on health and safety.

Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General and Purdue University Executive Director, joins to tackle pressing public health issues. He discusses vaccine hesitancy, revealing that parents of young children are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Dr. Adams stresses the importance of empathy when addressing parental concerns, especially regarding fears linked to autism. He advocates for local health authorities to build community trust and highlights innovative strategies, like using technology and engaging youth, to improve health communication and rebuild confidence in public health.