All posts by Clay Jones

Clay Jones, M.D. is a pediatrician and a regular contributor to the Science-Based Medicine blog. He primarily cares for healthy newborns and hospitalized children, and devotes his full time to educating pediatric residents and medical students. Dr. Jones first became aware of and interested in the incursion of pseudoscience into his chosen profession while completing his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital a decade ago. He has since focused his efforts on teaching the application of critical thinking and scientific skepticism to the practice of pediatric medicine. Dr. Jones has no conflicts of interest to disclose and no ties to the pharmaceutical industry. He can be found on Twitter as @SBMPediatrics and is the co-host of The Prism Podcast with fellow SBM contributor Grant Ritchey. The comments expressed by Dr. Jones are his own and do not represent the views or opinions of Newton-Wellesley Hospital or its administration.

Science-Based Satire: A New Fad Diet Has Farmers and Doctors Baffled

Are people crawling around farms eating directly from the plants or using their mouths to dig up root vegetables in order to better absorb the life sustaining essence of their food? No, and frankly I'm surprised at you for even considering the possibility. This is satire. But there are a lot of people out there partaking in some rather silly diet fads.

/ January 6, 2023

More COVID More Measles?

There are a number of potential problems children are facing that are related to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, not the least of which is a rise in vaccine hesitancy and even anti-vaccine belief.

/ December 23, 2022

The Washington Post Takes on Baby Chiropractic

A recent Washington Post article takes on baby chiropractic and...it isn't terrible! In fact, I've seen many that are a lot worse. Still, sadly, there is an unfortunate and undeserved false balance that should have been cut from the first draft.

/ December 9, 2022

The 2022-2023 Respiratory Virus Season Hits Early and Hard: Part 2

What is RSV and why is it so bad this season? I discuss this and a promising new vaccine candidate.

/ November 25, 2022

The 2022-2023 Respiratory Virus Season Hits Early and Hard: Part 1

RSV, and a few of it's buddies, are back with a vengeance this year and hitting young children earlier and harder than during typical respiratory virus seasons.

/ November 11, 2022

A Popular Home Remedy Causes Severe Burns in Pediatric Patients

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but the evidence for benefit isn't great. And topical use, particularly in young children, can cause severe burns. Stick to using garlic as a recipe ingredient rather than as a remedy.

/ October 28, 2022

Science-Based Satire: Experts are Warning Parents About a New and Highly Potent Synthetic Sugar

Is there an epidemic of extremely potent synthetic sugar sweeping the nation and putting our children, and first responders, at risk of hyperactivity and ruined dinners? No, there isn't. At least not yet. This is satire. Some people are getting pretty ridiculous when it comes to fentanyl though.

/ October 14, 2022

Impressive New Data on the Benefit of Childhood Vaccines

A new study adds compelling evidence that vaccines given to young children prevents disease and saves the lives of people of all ages. It may not be surprising, but it's nice to see. Spread the word.

/ September 30, 2022

CDC Issues Warning as the Virus Associated with a Rare Polio-Like Illness in Children Returns

After a pandemic related lull, pediatric respiratory infections are roaring back. Unfortunately, this means that there will likely be a spike in cases of a polio-like illness caused by enterovirus D68.

/ September 16, 2022

Young Children are Ingesting Dangerous Batteries at an Alarming Rate

Small children have been ingesting batteries at increasing numbers over the past decade, and many are suffering severe injuries. New rules and regulations may finally be helping, however.

/ September 2, 2022