On this week’s episode, we are shifting gears to talk about GMOs. We set the stage by discussing the meaning of the term genetically modified (GM), and some of the different ways organisms are genetically modified, including historical methods such as selective breeding and hybridization. We provide an introduction into genetics and the idea of traits that can be inherited, and how that paved the way for genetic engineering technology over the last several hundred years.We provide some specific examples of genetically modified organisms and GM products as we explore the history of genetic engineering. We summarize data and the advantages of some key GM products, such as human insulin, Golden Rice, and others. Finally, we wrap up with a bit of the controversy surrounding GMOs, with a more detailed look at that in a future episode.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 apply what we discussed about research studies, specifically clinical trials, to COVID-19 research into vaccines and treatments. We quickly review the phases of clinical trials, and provide a brief overview of the number of vaccine trials in each phase currently. We outline in more detail some key phase 3 vaccine trials that are ongoing, including a review of the status of each trial, the participant groups, and the type of vaccine technology being used. We discuss a new vaccine trial in review in the UK, a human challenge trial, and some of the challenges and risks associated with that. We then switch gears to a review of clinical trials for treatments for COVID-19, with a focus on (2) main types: those that attempt to address symptoms of disease, and those that attempt to interfere with the virus itself. We discuss a few notable treatments in each category, with a focus on the recently FDA-approved remdesivir as well as others such as dexamethasone. With no curative treatments or vaccines on the horizon soon, we wrap up with an emphasis that the best course of action is still focusing on prevention!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

In this episode we geek out over research study design. We kick-off the episode with a primer on how research studies work and the factors that strengthen and weaken the validity of a study. We set the stage with a discussion of the "counterfactual" which guides the selection of study design. We talk about how research is hypothesis driven and seeks to address specific, measurable, and answerable questions. We discuss the difference between observational and experimental study designs (and give examples of each) and factors that drive selection of research approach. We spend some time discussing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and characteristics that strengthen our ability to draw causal conclusions. We talk about clinical trials (and their many phases), and set the stage for next week's episode which will cover the current status of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.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

In this episode, we discuss whether or not it is possible to “boost” our immune system. We start things off with a primer on immune system basics, including the different components of the immune system. We briefly touch on conditions where the immune system is overactive, in the case of allergies and autoimmune disorders.We then introduce 8 key micronutrients necessary for proper immune function, and review the latest evidence on 3 of these: vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. Our “Heard from the Herd” segment discusses elderberry as a supplement and the available data on whether or not it has therapeutic qualities. Finally, we conclude with an overarching review of the supplement industry, something we will expand on in future episodes!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 talk all about the flu! We start off with the basics of influenza and the different strains and mutations of the virus (and why they necessitate our getting an annual shot). Next, we answer our "Heard from the Herd" question about the need to get a flu shot even if you've never had the flu (lucky you!). We present recent population health estimates of disease burden and mortality and then take a trip down memory lane to discuss pandemics from years past. We also dispel some common misconceptions about vaccine ingredients. Finally, we do a comparison between the seasonal flu and COVID-19.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

In this two-part episode, we do a deep dive into the evidence-based do’s and don’t’s for being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1 focuses on hygiene and infection prevention, and part 2 focuses on behaviors and best practices.In Part 2, we discuss general considerations for making decisions about potentially risky activities. We discuss restaurant dining and other indoor activities, school attendance, and highlight demographic differences in disease transmission between children and adults, with data presented from key case studies. We also touch on travel considerations, presenting case studies about air travel and transmission, and wrap up with a short discussion on patient infectivity and factors to consider when emerging from quarantine.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

In this two-part episode, we do a deep dive into the evidence-based do’s and don’t’s for being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1 focuses on hygiene and infection prevention, and part 2 focuses on behaviors and best practices.In Part 1, we briefly discuss modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We then focus on mask wearing, describing what mask types are most effective and dispelling common misconceptions. We touch on other mitigation strategies, such as physical distancing and hand hygiene, and wrap up with best practices for getting tested after a possible exposure.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

In this episode, we take a break from COVID-19 to discuss vaccines: specifically, what they are, how they work, and how they provide immunity to disease. We describe the different types of vaccines and some examples of the diseases they provide protection for.We comment on some population health case studies on vaccine trends and local outbreaks and wrap up with a primer on why it is important to get vaccinated. This episode will set the stage for future episodes taking deeper dives into vaccines: manufacturing and technology, misconceptions, and clinical trials.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

Welcome to the Unbiased Science Podcast! Join Dr. Jessica Steier, a public health expert, and Dr. Andrea Love, an immunology expert, as they dive into the science behind pertinent health-related topics. Former college classmates, these two esteemed scientists join forces as a dynamic duo bringing you trustworthy and reliable information, while simultaneously dispelling many common misconceptions.In our inaugural episode, we concentrate on the current COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we discuss the immunology behind COVID-19 infection, and address recent reports suggesting antibody levels in recovered patients decline quickly. We focus on how the adaptive immune system - antibodies, B cells, and T cells - work together to establish long-term immunity to infection and the role that will play in development of an effective vaccine. We also touch briefly on the concept of herd immunity, and why vaccination is so important.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

In this short teaser, co-hosts Dr. Jess Steier and Dr. Andrea Love provide a brief glimpse of what you can expect from the Unbiased Science podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices