Trump administration announces some COVID-19 tests can skip FDA review, providing new opportunities for dubious lab tests

The Trump administration unexpectedly announced that the FDA will no longer regulate some lab tests, including those for COVID-19. In addition to potentially allowing unreliable COVID tests on the market, the decision creates an opening for more bogus CAM tests.

/ August 27, 2020

Polio Eliminated From Africa

Wild-type polio has been eliminated from Africa. Now only Pakistan and Afghanistan remain.

/ August 26, 2020

“(Un)Well:” Netflix’s Documentary Series Is Poor Journalism That Neglects Science

The (Un)Well documentary series on Netflix asks "Wellness: does it bring health and healing, or are we falling victim to false promises?" But instead of answers, it offers false balance and confusion.

/ August 25, 2020

Does convalescent plasma work against COVID-19? Who knows?

Last night, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19, even though there are no randomized clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety. Does this plasma work? Who knows? But that didn't stop the FDA from issuing the EUA, almost certainly as a result of intense political pressure from the Trump Administration.

/ August 24, 2020

CDC Issues Warning: Be on the Lookout for a Surge in Pediatric Paralysis Cases This Fall

The CDC is warning parents and pediatric medical professionals to be on the lookout for a potentially devastating viral disease this fall. It isn't the novel coronavirus, but the impact of the pandemic might make things worse...or better.

/ August 21, 2020
Randomized Controlled Trial Schematic

Dexamethasone and Hydroxychloroquine: Why Randomized Controlled Trials Matter

What does the best evidence tell us about hydroxychloroquine and dexamethasone?

/ August 20, 2020

Oleandra – The New COVID Snake Oil

Oleandrin is being promoted as the new COVID-19 snake oil - but it is a deadly toxin.

/ August 19, 2020

The Hallelujah Diet

The Hallelujah Diet is said to be supported by both the Bible and by science. Neither is true.

/ August 18, 2020

Announcement: The Society for Science-Based Medicine is becoming part of the Center for Inquiry

The Society for Science-Based Medicine is no more. Long live the Society for Science-Based Medicine as part of the Center for Inquiry.

/ August 17, 2020

Consumer groups urge feds to act against Mercola and his false COVID-19 claims

Consumer rights organizations urge the FDA and FTC to take action against Joseph Mercola and his businesses over their false, misleading, and dangerous claims that their products will prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.

/ August 13, 2020