

Unbiased Science
@unbiasedscipod
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 5min
Full Body MRI Scans? More like M-R-WHY?!
Dr. David Robert Grimes joins to debunk wellness trends like full-body MRIs and direct-to-consumer genetic testing. They discuss cognitive dissonance, privilege, and lack of evidence. Other topics include chronic Lyme disease misdiagnosis and pseudoscientific practices such as IV drips and vaginal sunbathing. They stress the importance of evaluating evidence and addressing misleading information from celebrity influencers.

Dec 6, 2023 • 54min
The Opioid Epidemic: A Pain For The Masses
On this week's episode of the pod, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Marino (medical toxicologist, ER doc, and addiction specialist) to discuss the opioid crisis. We kick things off with some statistics on opioid use and overdoses and the array of health and social problems caused by the high prevalence of opioid use disorder. We take a step back to discuss the biochemistry of opioids, starting with the history of the oldest known drug, the opium poppy. We discuss the mechanism of action and some key differences between different opiates. We chat about the different waves of opioid overdose deaths and the factors that influenced them. We don't shy away from controversy (we never do!) and discuss the erosion of trust in regulatory and industry agencies that the opioid epidemic has caused. We describe the multiple factors, missteps, and failures that have brought us to this point and some of the ways that we might be able to combat this issue. You don't want to miss this important discussion!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 29, 2023 • 55min
Is The U.S. Healthcare System On Life Support?
Dr. Kate Baicker, economic analysis expert in healthcare policy, joins the podcast to discuss the U.S. healthcare system. Topics include disparities in health outcomes, universal healthcare vs single-payer systems, components of the Affordable Care Act, comparing healthcare systems across countries, exorbitant healthcare spending in the U.S., and potential solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Nov 22, 2023 • 44min
Clearing Up Any Nipple Confusion About Bottle Feeding
Experts discuss the reasons for bottle feeding, address myths and stigma surrounding it, debunk misconceptions, explore responsive feeding and paced feeding techniques, and address the myth of nipple confusion in bottle feeding.

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.


