
Unbiased Science
Dr. Jessica Steier, a public-health expert, and Dr. Sarah Scheinman, a neurobiologist, are the hosts of Unbiased Science, a podcast devoted to objective, critical appraisal of available evidence on health-related topics relevant to listeners’ daily lives. Follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipod
Latest episodes

Nov 15, 2023 • 58min
A Veterinarian's Guide to Purr-vention
On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle veterinary health and pet preventive medicine. We were joined by "Veterinary Hero" Dr. Matt McGlasson to dig into several important topics. We start with vet care essentials, including dental care. We address the controversy behind spaying & neutering pets and the importance of doing so. Next, we debunk misinformation surrounding pet vaccines. We chat about other important preventatives for our fur babies. We recap fad pet diets (and why you should avoid them). We wrap up with key takeaways and facts we wish more people knew about keeping our pets happy and healthy. Make sure to tune in for all the details!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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 8, 2023 • 46min
Clickbait and Switch: The Viral Spread of Social Media Misinformation
Professor Tim Caulfield discusses the impact of media on health policy and science literacy. Topics include false balance in the media, unproven wellness hacks endorsed by celebrities, predatory journals, motivation behind spreading misinformation, challenges faced by scientists on social media, and the difficulties of changing beliefs and combating misinformation.

Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 3min
The PFASt and the Furious: Endocrine Expressway
To cover the topic of PFAS and endocrine disruptors, experts in toxicology and clinical endocrinology join the hosts. They discuss the endocrine system, PFAS, risk assessment, bioaccumulation, public fear and anxiety, media exaggeration, proposed regulations, and the need for collaboration and effective communication in understanding and addressing endocrine health.

Oct 25, 2023 • 52min
The FDA: A Spoonful of Safety Makes The Medicine Go Down
This podcast explores the FDA's regulation of drug safety, including the recent removal of the nasal decongestant phenylephrine. It discusses the historical focus on drug safety, the devastating effects of Thalidomide, and the FDA's priorities in drug approvals. The podcast also addresses public mistrust in the FDA and the challenges they face in ensuring testing rigor and transparency.

Oct 18, 2023 • 46min
Are You Ready For Some Sniffles? Don't Get Tackled by Respiratory Illness Season
This week's podcast discusses respiratory illness season, COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccine myths, and newly approved preventatives for RSV in infants and older adults. They provide statistics, updates on mRNA vaccines, and insights on the need for new vaccines due to mutations. The podcast also covers flu season insights, preventative measures for infants and older adults, and the economic impact of respiratory illnesses.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 13min
The United States of Science (with Sharon McMahon)
This podcast explores the government's role in healthcare and health-related policies, discussing pivotal Supreme Court cases, the constitutionality of vaccine mandates, and legislation not based on science. The hosts emphasize the dangers of passing science-related policies without credible evidence. They also highlight the importance of scientific expertise in policy-making and the spread of misinformation impacting food safety, Lyme disease, and public health. The podcast delves into the historical significance of the government's role in health care and the complexities of governing systems in decision-making.

Oct 4, 2023 • 42min
You Can Find Me in the Tub, Body Full of Suds
This podcast covers topics such as hygiene practices, changing bedsheets, toothbrush care, bacteria in water bottles, face washing, and proper food preparation to avoid cross-contamination.

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h
Guardian of the Public Health Galaxy: A Chat With Dr. Peter Hotez
In this podcast, Dr. Peter Hotez discusses anti-science aggression, the impact of anti-vaccine misinformation, and the personal experiences of scientists facing hostility. They also explore the challenges of spreading credible information and the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy. The speakers emphasize the importance of COVID vaccines and support for Dr. Peter Hotez.

27 snips
Jun 7, 2023 • 46min
Self-Checks and Mammograms: They're Simply The Breast!
On this week's episode of the pod (our last of season 3!) we are joined by Dr. Liz O'Riordan to discuss a topic near and dear to our hearts-- breast cancer screening! We kick things off with some global breast cancer stats (for both women and men). We discuss different types of breast cancer which vary in terms of aggressiveness and prognoses. We talk about screening guidelines and the reasoning behind newly updated recommendations. We cover the importance and proper way to conduct breast self-checks. We talk about different screening methods, including mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. We debunk some misconceptions regarding screenings and breast cancer. We answer some commonly asked questions including risk factors for breast cancer. We discuss genetic testing and spend some time chatting about BRCA genes and hereditary risk. This is our last episode before we break for the summer and you do NOT want to miss it!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodFollow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriordanliz/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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 snips
May 31, 2023 • 41min
Trying An At-Home Microbiome Test? This Might Make You C.Diff-erently.
On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle the very complex (and oft misunderstood) microbiome, specifically, the gut microbiome.We highlight recent buzz surrounding the microbiome and claims circulating on social media. We discuss what the microbiome actually is, the diversity of the gut microbiome, some data on implications of disruptions to it, and the countless factors that influence it. We recap probiotics (briefly) and supplements that people take to "optimize" their microbiome. We discuss some recent studies-- including one on artificial sweeteners and how they "change" our microbiome—and how they are being misinterpreted. We end with a discussion on at-home microbiome tests which tout their ability to help us hack our health. (Spoiler alert: they are not diagnostic and are a waste of your money.) You definitely don't want to miss this!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodInterested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices