Month: June 2020

New Drugs for Sickle Cell Disease: Small Benefit, Large Price

The FDA has approved two new drugs to treat sickle cell disease. They don’t do much, and they are prohibitively expensive.

/ June 30, 2020
Mask exemption

Misinformation and disinformation about facemasks and COVID-19

As evidence accumulates that facemasks work to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19, new myths have arisen claiming that, not only do facemasks not work, but that they are actively harmful. These myths have no basis in physiology or chemistry, but that hasn't stopped anti-mask activists from using them to claim protection under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

/ June 29, 2020

Lotus Birth To Blame for Death of Australian Newborn

Lotus Birth, an "ethically inadmissible" practice where a newborn is left attached to the placenta for several days, is risky, benefit free, and is likely to blame for the death of an Australian infant in 2017.

/ June 26, 2020
The Light Spectrum

Blue light blocking glasses: How much of the hype is science-based?

Blue light from our electronics is said to be harmful, and "blue blocking" glasses are touted as a panacea to numerous health issues. Is there any evidence to substantiate these claims?

/ June 25, 2020

Can Air Purifiers Stop Spread of COVID-19 Virus?

Air purifiers can remove droplets and viruses from the air, but they cannot prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a mass gathering.

/ June 24, 2020

Dr. Seeds’ Chill Pills

Dr. Seeds sells a Chill Pill to treat stress and anxiety. There's no scientific evidence.

/ June 23, 2020
Del Bigtree

Antivaccine leader Del Bigtree on COVID-19: “Let’s catch this cold!” Why antivaxxers and coronavirus conspiracy theorists are often one in the same.

Last week, antivaccine activist Del Bigtree posted a rant denying the severity of COVID-19, blaming the chronically ill for having made themselves vulnerable to severe disease through their lifestyle choices, and urging the young and healthy to "catch this cold". His rant shows exactly why COVID-19 conspiracy theorists and antivaxxers have such an affinity for each other and have teamed up to...

/ June 22, 2020

FTC warns naturopaths, acupuncturists, physicians, and chiropractors about false and misleading COVID-19 claims  

Since March, the FTC has issued almost 250 warning letters to companies and individuals making unsubstantiated claims for COVID-19 treatments. Included among these are naturopaths, acupuncturists, physicians, and chiropractors.

/ June 18, 2020

Homeopathy is Worthless and Not Always Harmless

More cases of homeopathic contamination remind us that it is beyond time to properly regulate this pseudoscience.

/ June 17, 2020

Bad advertising for UPGRAID

UPGRAID combines a new formulation of turmeric (curcumin) with 3 other ingredients. It is said to be more bioavailable and to offer unique advantages. The advertising is bad, and can't compensate for a lack of evidence.

/ June 16, 2020