An astronaut floats inside the International Space Station, surrounded by equipment, cables, and storage bags. The setting appears to be a lab module, with various devices and panels on the walls and ceiling.

Your Brain In Space

Amid all the shocking and depressing news regarding the future of American healthcare and medicine, at least over the next four years, I thought I would tackle something a bit lighter today. What happens to the brains of astronauts aboard the ISS? Space medicine is a field of study, if fairly niche, and will likely have increasing implications as humanity increases its...

/ November 20, 2024
A black-and-white photo of a person dressed in an elaborate costume, standing and holding a skull in one hand. The backdrop has a cloudy sky. The style suggests a theatrical setting.

A New DC Degree. What the World Needs Now.

Perhaps the neck manipulation was a bit too aggressive.

/ November 19, 2024
National Institutes of Health (NIH).

RFK Jr. vs. the NIH: Say goodbye to the greatest engine of biomedical research ever created

President-Elect Donald Trump has nominated antivaccine activist and anti-pharma conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. I've written about the damage he will do, if confirmed, to the CDC and FDA, but what about NIH, the greatest engine of biomedical research ever?

/ November 18, 2024

What Does it Mean to Own the Next 4 Years?

It means pertussis and measles outbreaks will be happening under your watch and you'll be held responsible while your boss is an anti-vaxx crank. Enjoy!

/ November 16, 2024

If You Sanewashed RFK Jr., Or If You Sanewashed Doctors Who Did, You Own the Next 4 Years

When RFK Jr. does to the U.S. what he did to Samoa, doctors will say they are horrified, that they love vaccines, blah blah blah. But it will be too late.

/ November 15, 2024
A doctor in a white coat, with a stethoscope around his neck, types on a keyboard at a desk. Behind him is a medical examination room with a blue bed and an IV stand. The room is well-lit, highlighting the doctor's focused expression.

Physician Misinformation

When physicians spread medical misinformation, the potential harm to health is far greater than their direct patient care. And yet, in a recent study, medical boards rarely discipline physicians for spreading misinformation. The JAMA article looked at 3128 medical board disciplinary proceedings involving physicians. Spreading misinformation to the community was the least common reason, at 0.1%. Direct patient misinformation and inappropriate advertising...

/ November 13, 2024
Trump at Madison Square Garden

Donald Trump won. Now what for science-based federal health policy?

Last week, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris and will return to the White House in January. What does this mean for science-based federal health policy? Hint: Nothing good. Just like the rest of the government, the worst people are likely to be in charge of health and science policy.

/ November 11, 2024

Dr. Vinay Prasad: “I Don’t Believe in Forgiveness Because in My Opinion These Pieces of Shit Are Still Lying.”

Mass purges and prosecutions of scientists have happened before. We shouldn't pretend they can't happen here.

/ November 10, 2024

Robert Kennedy Jr. & His Doctor Friends May Just Be Getting Started

Doctors who are concerned about members of our profession enabling powerful anti-vaxx disinformation agents should speak up before it's too late. But its probably too late already.

/ November 8, 2024
Close-up of raw, rolled oats displaying their flat, oval shape with beige and white shades. The texture appears dry and flaky, typical of uncooked oatmeal.