Category: Basic Science
Infomercial in PLOS One links to website selling unproven treatments for fibromyalgia and dementia
PLOS One recently published a clinical trial that was essentially a poorly-disguised advertisement for an unproven product. I object to this use of the scientific literature to market such a device.
Is Dentistry Science Based?
A recent article in The Atlantic claims that dentistry is not science-based. Is it right? Nah.
The Paddison Program for rheumatoid arthritis: An unproven treatment that provides only the illusion of control
Clint Paddison is an Australian comedian with a science degree who developed rheumatoid arthritis at age 31. He now claims to have controlled it with a diet he developed to alter the gut microbiome. How plausible is his story, and does his Paddison Program work? Answer: Not very and almost certainly no.
Are those “inactive” ingredients in my medicine really inactive?
Drugs and supplements contain dozens of inactive ingredients. Is this a concern to those with allergies and sensitivities?
Leaky Brain, Leaky Gut: Are They Real?
First there was leaky gut; now there’s leaky brain. These questionable concepts are being promoted by practitioners of so-called “functional medicine.”
Molecular Phylogenetics: A New Way to Tell the Story of Evolution
The new science of molecular phylogenetics tells the story of evolution with no need to consult the fossil record. It has produced some surprises, including a whole new domain of life, the archaea.
Wrong About Polio: A Review of Suzanne Humphries, MD and Roman Bystrianyk’s “Dissolving Illusions” Part 1 (the long version)
This is a longer version of my post on Friday, November 9th, 2018. It is a lengthy discussion of why Suzanne Humphries, MD and Roman Bystrianyk's book Dissolving Illusions misrepresents the dangers of polio, one in a series of posts that should comprehensively show the problems with their claims. It covers far more than just polio, but is worthwhile for those interested...
A Call for Caution on Antioxidant Supplementation
Antioxidants have gotten a lot of press here on SBM; this post digs a little deeper into the basic science of antioxidants, and the importance of understanding more than just one part of a complex biological system before you interfere with it.
Are generic drugs equivalent to brand-name drugs?
Generic drugs cost a fraction of brand-name drugs. What gives us confidence they are equivalent? Science.
A right to science
Unless forced to do so, the state and federal governments will continue to base law and policy on bad science. Maybe it's time for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a "right to science."