Unbiased Science

We had the honor and privilege of speaking with Dr. Tom Frieden in August 2021 about the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who may not be familiar, Dr. Frieden is a physician, former Director of the CDC, former Health Commissioner for NYC, and currently serves as the President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a public health organization focused on tackling cardiovascular disease and prevention of epidemics.During our chat, we covered many topics including: the Delta variant (which was the dominant strain of the virus at that time), addressing vaccine hesitancy, navigating the pandemic with young children, vaccine mandates and lockdowns, the role of testing in controlling COVID-19 spread, our approach to emergency preparedness, and much more! Though this discussion took place about 6 months ago, much of the content is still very relevant today! We hope you’ll tune in.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's podcast topic was selected by our Patreon subscribers (the Mad Scientists): Leaky Gut Syndrome.This topic is rife with misconceptions, so we brought in a guest host, Dr. Jessie Hoffman (Registered Dietitian and Assistant Professor/Researcher in Human Nutrition), to help break things down. We kick things off with a discussion of the term "Leaky Gut Syndrome" -- specifically, what it is used to describe and how the term gained popularity. We talk about how we digest food and the physiology of our "gut." We discuss what the term leaky gut means in science versus what it means in ‘pop medicine’, and how it is supposedly diagnosed. Next, we talk about treatments (many of which are bogus and potentially dangerous). We chat about how leaky gut is often used as scapegoat for other illnesses and the dangers of misdiagnosis. You don't want to miss this!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the pod we are joined by a special guest, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, who is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University, to discuss the anti-vaccine movement, cult-mentality, and the predilection for conspiratorial thinking. We summarize some factors that contribute to susceptibility to cult mentality and the rapid increase in these mentalities during the pandemic. We discuss some underlying reasons that lead to the distrust of experts and the concept of "the death of expertise." We talk about the newly coined term, "mass formation psychosis" and what it means (and doesn't mean). We talk about the handful of physicians and scientists who seemingly "switch teams" and promote anti-science theories and conspiracies. Finally, we spend some time talking about "trolls," how to deal with them, and whether it is possible to break through to them. You don't want to miss this!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we tackle something that each and every one of us will experience whether we like it or not...aging. We discuss life expectancy as a metric and shifting demographics over time. We touch upon the impact of nature versus nature on the aging process and social determinants of health that may impact the quantity and quality of our lives. We zoom in on the cellular process of aging to discuss what happens to our bodies as we age. We discuss some well-known longitudinal studies on aging and longevity and their findings-- including some of the predictors of longevity, as well as cognitive health later in life. We spend some time talking about the blue zones around the world (places with the highest concentration of centenarians) and the evidence-based common denominators that link these populations. This episode sets the stage for many future episodes we plan to record on epigenetics, the booming anti-aging cosmetic industry, and more. You don't want to miss this!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the pod, we answer the question, "why do things taste different to different people?" This episode is a bit lighter than our usual content and is a sweet note on which to end 2021! We discuss the different components involved in taste including the detection of flavors, taste bud structure and function, as well as some determinants of individual taste preferences. We spend some time talking about taste receptor cells and their role in detecting flavors. Next, we describe how the ‘flavor’ we detect is composed of specific combinations of chemicals which activate different taste receptor cells. We talk about sensory capabilities and why some people prefer certain flavors over others. Then we do something a little different-- we utilize some very simple data collection tools and methodologies (both quantitative and qualitative) to demonstrate the diversity in taste preferences. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did creating it. Happy and healthy holidays from Jess, Andrea, and the entire Unbiased Science team!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of the pod we tackle yet another controversial topic: homeopathy! We kick things off with a discussion of the homeopathy industry and its growing popularity in the U.S. and around the world. We next dive into the history of homeopathy, how it came to be, and its two guiding principles. We discuss some of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies and how they are developed. Next, we discuss the science (or lack thereof) of homeopathic remedies and studies that have investigated the effectiveness and safety of these products. We spend some time talking about the risks of homeopathy and warnings that the FDA has issued regarding toxicity concerns. We finish things off with a discussion of homeopathy around the world and some well-known campaigns on this topic. You don't want to miss this one!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the pod, we tackle the common question: “do food sensitivity tests work?” To answer this, we bring on Dr. David Stukus, clinical allergist and immunologist. First, we discuss the differences between food allergies, intolerances, and the very vague term ‘sensitivity’. We chat about what true food allergy and intolerances are, and how they can be diagnosed. We then jump into the term food sensitivity, and the principle of many of these at-home food sensitivity tests. We spend some time discussing how these tests work, which are based on measuring a type of antibody called IgG, and how that does not indicate whether someone is ‘sensitive’ to a given food. We wrap up with some practical guidance on what to do if you suspect a food allergy, as well as the warning to not seek clinical advice from a stranger online!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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the pod, we address myths and misconceptions about diabetes. We welcomed a very special guest who openly describes her life with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We discuss what diabetes is and do a brief overview of glucose and the glucose/insulin signaling pathway. We talk about the disease burden of diabetes and when it is typically diagnosed. We address common myths such as all cases of diabetes are the same and are caused by a bad diet and eating too much sugar, diabetes is curable through special diets and supplementation, and that diabetics can't have sugar. We discuss different ways to treat and manage diabetes but emphasize that there is no known cure for T1D. We talk about hypo- and hyperglycemia and the factors that impact blood glucose levels. We spend some time discussing T1D's impact on fertility and pregnancy, the impact of insulin on weight gain, and how healthcare providers sometimes misdiagnose T1D for other conditions.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the pod, we tackle a very controversial topic... chiropractic. We have lost count of the number of messages we have received on chiropractic and felt it was time to dig into the evidence. We start off the episode with a description of chiropractic, the history of the industry, and the training/credentials needed to become a chiropractor. We spend a little time talking about the title of "doctor" and how it can be misleading. Next, we do a deep dive into the literature. We describe several studies (including RCTs) and some potential biases that limits our ability to generalize findings. We discuss some of the claims made by chiropractors and the data (or lack thereof) that are available to support those claims. We spend some time talking about the safety and adverse events associated with chiropractic with extra attention paid to issues among children. We talk about the impact of chiropractors on the anti-vaxx movement and the general proclivity of people who are attracted to alternative medicine to fall prey to misinformation.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s pod, we bring on a special guest to help us answer the question: are artificial sweeteners harmful?We begin with a brief discussion of what artificial sweeteners are, some common ones we use, and why they are no calorie.We then dive into the common myths, debunking claims that consuming artificial sweeteners cause weight cause, insulin resistance, cancer, infertility, and affect your microbiome (spoiler: they don’t). We also reiterate the fact that “the dose makes the poison”, and many of these myths originated from animal studies that were based on giving enormous doses of these substances to rodents, which is not reflective of real-life scenarios in humans.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices