Month: December 2020
It was inevitable that antivaxxers would claim that COVID-19 vaccines make females infertile
Antivaxxers have been claiming that vaccines cause female infertility for as long as I can remember. So it's not surprising that they are now claiming that COVID-19 vaccines will cause miscarriages or even make women infertile. Their assertion is based on a highly speculative and incredibly unlikely immunologic mechanism. Same as it ever was.
Responding to Dr. Vinay Prasad’s “dunking on a 7′ hoop” criticism of SBM
Last week, Dr. Vinay Prasad decided to resurrect his misguided criticism from over a year ago likening SBM-style criticisms of alternative medicine to "dunking on a 7' hoop". Why he would decide to renew his attack on combating science disinformation in the middle of a pandemic that has killed close to 300,000 Americans alone we don't know, but Drs. Novella and Gorski...
COVID-19 and Tooth Loss
Reports that teeth are spontaneously falling out after COVID-19 recovery are surfacing. Is tooth loss yet another complication of this disease?
Deciding between a vaccine and…an infection?
A handy comparison of COVID-19 vaccines compared to COVID-19 infections.
Exploitation of Mammals for Traditional Remedies
A recent review hints at the extent to which endangered mammals are exploited for fake medicines.
Progeria
The first drug to treat Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a rare and uniformly fatal rapid aging disease, has been approved by the FDA. It can prolong the life of these children by 2.5 years, but it is very expensive.
The Oregon Medical Board suspends the medical license of antivax pediatrician Dr. Paul Thomas
Late last week, the Oregon Medical Board suspended the licenses of two physicians, one for bragging about not wearing a mask around his patients, the second being Dr. Paul Thomas, an antivaccine pediatrician, whose continued practice was deemed a threat to his patients. It's time for more state medical boards to step up, as Oregon's has.
Government watchdog warns about paid physician speeches touting drugs and medical devices
Paid speeches at lavish events touting drugs and medical devices risk charges of anti-kickback law violations, warns a recent government Special Fraud Alert. Will companies and doctors take heed this time?
The Suicide Holiday Myth, Now with COVID
There is no association between the holidays and suicide – that is a myth. The effect of the pandemic is less clear.
Blue Light
Blue light blocking glasses and other products that block blue light promise to improve eye health along with many other questionable claims. The evidence is lacking.