Dubious stem cell trials for autism and the darker side of quackademic medicine
Despite a lack of evidence, Duke University is all-in on stem cells for autism, thanks to a billionaire benefactor and a highly dodgy for-profit Panama stem cell clinic. How did this come to be and what will be the outcome? Whatever the answers to these questions, it is clear that arrangements like the one between Duke University and The Stem Cell Institute...
Chiropractic, Chiropractic for Kids, and a Few of My Greatest Hits
A few thoughts on chiropractic and the evolution of my feelings on the subject. Also, a bit of a walk down memory lane with highlights of my most memorable posts on pediatric chiropractic quackery.
The Top COVID-19 Hucksters and Grifters…so far
It wouldn't be a health crisis without those that want to profit from it.
COVID Fatality Improving
COVID-19 is becoming less deadly, due to a variety of reasons that do not seem to include changes to the virus itself.
Ian Harris on “Surgery, the Ultimate Placebo”
Ian Harris explains that more than half of commonly performed surgical operations may be placebos. Adequate studies using a blinded control group are essential.
Vaccine safety monitoring in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic
Last year, the Trump administration essentially disbanded the National Vaccine Program Office, folding it into an office focused on infectious diseases. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. What does this mean for monitoring the safety of the soon-to-be-approved COVID-19 vaccines?
Government watchdog to investigate politicization of CDC and FDA during COVID-19 pandemic
Based on numerous reports of White House interference, a government watchdog will investigate politicization of the CDC's and FDA's actions during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID Vaccine Hesitancy
While many hope for a vaccine to help end the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy remains distressingly high.
The McDougall Diet
Dr. McDougall is a maverick who disagrees with most experts. He recommends a high starch, low fat diet with no dairy or animal foods and other prohibitions. Its severe restrictions make it nutritionally questionable and it has never been properly tested in a controlled study.
“Masks make you sicker”: The COVID-19 myth that just won’t die.
Masks work to slow the spread of COVID-19, but the "masks make you sicker" narrative, like antivax nonsense, has proven to be unkillable and to be a killer.