Month: July 2019
Study on Acupuncture for Angina
Another acupuncture study claims positive results, but is plagued by methodological flaws and dubious results.
American Family Physician Endorses Acupuncture
A CME article in American Family Physician misrepresents the evidence, claiming acupuncture has been proven safe and effective. An accompanying editorial gives despicable advice on how to manipulate patients to accept this theatrical placebo.
For-profit stem cell clinics, universities, and “pay-to-play” clinical trials for autism
Stem cell therapies show great promise, but as yet the vast majority of that promise has not been validated in rigorous clinical trials. Unfortunately, for-profit stem cell clinics are running clinical trials that require patients to pay to be part of it. These trials are not rigorous. Even more unfortunately, it appears that some universities are also running "pay-to-play" clinical trials that...
Think Twice Before Giving Young Children Reflux Medications
A recent study demonstrates an association between reflux medications in infancy and increased risk of fractures in early childhood, yet another reason to be cautious when using pharmaceutical interventions to manage a mostly benign and self-limited condition.
Zapping Antipsychiatry ECT Nonsense
These days people's perceptions of electroconvulsive therapy have a fictionalized understanding of what it is, and its harms. The reality is quite different.
Vyleesi: New Drug for Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Women
New drug to treat hypoactive sexual desire in women, Vyleesi, is not very effective and has several drawbacks. It is NOT Viagra for women.
A new study reinforces the conclusion that autism is primarily genetic
Last week, the largest epidemiological study of its kind was published and concluded, once again, that autism is primarily due to genes and that the environmental component of autism risk is much smaller. Not surprisingly, once again antivaxers didn't want to hear that message.
Medicare proposal covers acupuncture for back pain study participants: A prelude to full coverage?
Medicare coverage of acupuncture is under consideration. A new proposal would provide coverage to Medicare patients participating in studies of acupuncture for back pain. This research would be used in making a final decision.
The Latest Ebola Outbreak
The second largest Ebola outbreak is underway. This time we have an effective vaccine, but political unrest and distrust of science may be our real vulnerability.
Shaping Opinions About Science and Medicine
Responding to a commentary with all the usual anti-science tropes.