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Unbiased Science — Science
Unbiased Science

Is that viral health claim true? Public health scientist Dr. Jess Steier and expert guests answer the questions people are asking, walk through the evidence, and leave you with talking points for your next conversation.

Copyright: © 2022 Unbiased Science

Latest Episodes:

No Need To Be Afraid, Don't Be Petrified, But You Should Know That Organic Foods Still Use Pesticides: Part 2 Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

We are back at it again with part 2, discussing what the term organic means in the context of farming, produce, and consumer products.

This week, after a recap, we continue our discussion, first focusing on environmental impact, and elaborate on a few fallacies that circulate with regard to organic products.

Following that, we discuss the implications of hormones and antibiotics in rearing livestock in conventional farming, and debunk a few misconceptions with some data. We then discuss animal welfare on organic farms, a topic of great concern to many.

Finally, we wrap up with a discussion of “the dirty dozen” a list claiming to be the most pesticide-laden produce products each year, and why the data doesn’t support that claim.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No Need To Be Afraid, Don't Be Petrified, But You Should Know That Organic Foods Still Use Pesticides Dec 28, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode, we take a little break from COVID-19 to talk about organics!

First, we refresh everyone’s memory from our GMO episodes, to clarify the difference between organic farming (a cultivation method) and GMO technology (a breeding method). We discuss what the organic label actually means and doesn't mean, and debunk the myth that organic products are pesticide-free. We talk about different examples of organic pesticides and how, at certain doses, they can actually be quite toxic (remember, the dose makes the poison)! We also discuss the differences between synthetic and organic pesticides, and some key factors to consider amongst the two. We briefly discuss the higher cost of organic products and whether it's justified. Finally, we spend some time discussing the evidence (or lack thereof) that organic foods have a higher nutritional value than their traditional counterparts, with a promise to continue this discussion on our next 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is This The Real Life Or Is This Just Fallacy: Vaccine Myths Part 4 Dec 21, 2020

Show notes

We are back again with the fourth (and final) episode in our series on debunking vaccine myths. In this week's episode, we focus specifically on the two COVID-19 vaccines (from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). We kick things off with a discussion of the vaccine development timeline and address concerns that the vaccines were rushed; we break down the typical clinical trial timeline and how things are affected by the urgency of a pandemic. Next, we debunk the misconception that RNA vaccines are brand new by describing three decades worth of research that has gotten us to this point. We move on to squash the idea that animal trials were skipped (spoiler alert: they were not)! Next, we talk about why we shouldn't just get one dose of the vaccine. We discuss allergic reactions to the vaccine and that they are extremely rare. We also make a distinction between people with allergies versus those who are immunocompromised/immunosuppressed or have autoimmune disorders. And finally, we conclude by discussing why people who have previously had COVID-19 should still get the vaccine since vaccine-induced immunity may actually be more robust and last longer than natural immunity.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is This The Real Life Or Is This Just Fallacy: Vaccine Myths Part 3 Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

On this week’s episode of the pod, we continue to debunk some of the most common vaccine myths, with an emphasis on adverse events. We talk about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)-- both its utility and its shortcomings and remind folks that correlation does not equal causation. We also discuss why we have an immune response after a vaccine and briefly recap how vaccines work. We briefly discuss why assessing the risk of adverse events is not enough; we must weigh them against benefits as well as take them in the context of the risk of outcomes being prevented. With the COVID-19 vaccine upon us, we take some time to debunk a few misconceptions specific to this vaccine including that it alters our DNA, that there are severe side effects, and that it may cause infertility (all false claims)!

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is This The Real Life Or Is This Just Fallacy: Vaccine Myths Part 2 Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode, we emphasize again that vaccine hesitancy is a top 10 threat to global health. We jump in and review the first four myths we debunked last week: that vaccines cause autism, that vaccines actually cause the diseases they aim to prevent, that vaccines contain fetal tissue, and that vaccines contain toxins and harmful substances.

We then move on to discuss and dispel the next four common myths we hear: that vaccines only affect individuals and it should be a personal choice, that natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity, that hygiene and not vaccines are responsible for reducing disease rates, and that the vaccine schedule overwhelms a child's immune system. We discuss several sets of case study data that demonstrate the concept of herd immunity for population-wide disease protection, instances where hygiene hasn't changed but vaccines led to precipitous declines in disease rates, and a brief primer on immune system development and exposure to antigens during childhood.

We have lots more to cover, so there will be a part 3 to follow!

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is This The Real Life Or Is This Just Fallacy: Vaccine Myths Part 1 Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

On this episode, we start by recapping the impact that vaccines have had on reducing disease burden in the U.S. and the damage that's being done by a recent increase in anti-vaxx sentiments and misinformation.

We then move on to debunk four of the most common vaccine myths including the oft-cited FALSE link between the MMR vaccine and autism, the false claim that vaccines can cause the diseases they are designed to prevent, that vaccines contain fetal tissue, and that vaccines contain toxins and harmful ingredients. We break down the most discussed ingredients in vaccines (mercury, formaldehyde, and aluminum) and explain that they are not toxic nor harmful at the doses in which they're present in vaccines.

We have so much more to say that there will be a part 2 to this episode, so stay tuned!

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Don’t Bring COVID Home for the Holidays Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode of the pod, we give an update on the state of Covid-19, the latest statistics, and trends. We briefly review transmission routes and high-risk behaviors, as well as the different types of tests currently available. We try to drive home that tests should never be used as immunity passes! We give an update on our most promising vaccine candidates and remind you that though it's looking promising, we still have a long way to go.

From the Unbiased Scientists to you, we wish you a happy, healthy, and SAFE Thanksgiving at home this year!

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey! Ho! GMO Myths Have Got To Go! Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode of the pod, we continue our discussion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We debunk common misconceptions and myths about GMOs, particularly with regard to the food industry. We spend some time discussing the labeling of foods as "non-GMO" and the different genetic modification techniques included under this umbrella term. We address the common misconception (that we "heard from the herd") that GMOs can change one's DNA, cause cancer and infertility, and also present some GMO innovations that can actually increase the health benefits of foods. Perhaps the biggest myth that we debunk is that GMOs are not adequately tested. We spend some time talking about extensive GMO testing and regulation to put that myth to rest! Yes, we discuss the business-side of GMOs with a discussion of Monsanto (now Bayer) and the misconception that GMOs are bad for the environment. On a future episode, we will talk about why comparing organics to GMOs is like comparing apples to oranges since one refers to a cultivation method (organics) and one refers to a breeding method (GMO).

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Damn, Those Genes Look Good on You! Nov 09, 2020

Show notes

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You Can't Hurry Drugs, No, You'll Just Have to Wait Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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