Category: Science and Medicine
Science-Based Satire: Area Child Killed by Unwieldy Backpack
Was a child recently murdered by a heavy backpack? Do unwieldy backpacks cause scoliosis and long term general health problems? Should we care what chiropractors have to say about pediatric spinal health? No. This isn't remotely true and honestly I'm a little surprised that you would even ask me that. It's satire.
Emerging Evidence of Intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 Infections
New evidence supports the potential for intrauterine spread of SARS-CoV-2 to a developing fetus. It's uncommon, but something to take seriously. Also some good news from the AAP regarding the care of babies born to mothers with COVID-19!
The English (Bulldog) Patient: What A Travesty of Canine Health Teaches us About Cognitive Dissonance
Bulldogs are cute, loveable, and borderline an abuse to breed. Their adorable faces are the result of intense selective pressure that is accompanied by a large number of misery-inducing health conditions for the pet, and cognitive dissonance for the owner.
COVID-19 “super-spreaders” and “super-spreading events”: The controversy
Evidence is emerging suggesting that COVID-19 does not spread equally. A minority of infected individuals seem to spread the virus easily to many people, while most infected individuals spread it to few others or no one at all, likely through a combination of circumstance, environment, and possibly biology. Why is this, and what does it mean for coronavirus containment strategies?
A Poorly Conceived Study Fails to Prove Ayurveda Works
Quackery is alive, well, and government-supported in India, as demonstrated by a terrible study of Ayurveda.
The Questionable Ethics of Medical Grade Nonsense: Chinese Herbal Medicine and Kawasaki Disease
A toddler in China with Kawasaki disease was treated with herbs and potions rather than science, and is extremely lucky to have survived without serious complications.
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.
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.
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?
J.B. Handley’s unthinking person’s guide to the COVID-19 pandemic
J.B. Handley was the founder of the antivaccine group Generation Rescue. Unfortunately, in the era of COVID-19 he's started peddling pseudoscience related to the pandemic. Some things never change.