Tag: public health

3D illustration of a coronavirus particle, highlighting its spike proteins and a cross-section revealing genetic material inside—often studied in gain of function research. Several similar particles float in the background.

“Gain of Function” Research Is Misunderstood – And That Is A Problem

Misplaced concerns or opposition could lead to overregulation or even banning

/ December 4, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lying about vaccines again

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. weaponizes an old antivax trope in his quest to eliminate vaccines

People who keep whistling past the graveyard (of vaccines) to assure themselves that RFK Jr,. won't take away their vaccines are deluding themselves. One seven-minute video he posted last week shows that, weaponizing an old one deceptive antivax trope claiming that vaccines didn't do that much to improve global health.

/ October 6, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is definitely coming for your vaccines

The chaos at the CDC in the wake of last week's firing of its Director and the resignations of four senior officials is fallout from the latest skirmish in RFK Jr.'s war against vaccines. Make no mistake, RFK Jr. is working hard to take away your vaccines if he can. Here's a progress report.

/ September 1, 2025
A close-up of a mosquito with a swollen red abdomen feeding on human skin, set against a vibrant green background.
A man wearing a green cap with the words “MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN” adjusts the brim while standing outdoors, with blurred trees and grass in the background.

MAHA and “soft eugenics” revisited: The “autism tsunami,” Dr. Oz, and your “patriotic duty” to stay healthy

Two weeks ago, I referred to the "soft eugenics" of RFK Jr. and MAHA. This week, he and Dr. Oz provide new examples, one about autism, the other about public health.

/ April 21, 2025
So it begins: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attacks

So it begins: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as HHS Secretary and immediately starts dismantling US federal science infrastructure

The nightmare has come true. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as HHS Secretary and didn't wait long to start dismantling federal science and health programs. The White House even formed a "MAHA commission" to draw up a battle plan.

/ February 17, 2025
The term "medical conservative" aligns with William Buckley Jr.'s definition of conservatism, which Vinay Prasad echoes. It describes someone who stands against unchecked progress in medicine, urging caution and critical evaluation to safeguard patient care.

An Open Letter to Dr. Vinay Prasad

Please recognize that you are now influencing the national public health policy and understand that being in authority is a very different job than simply questioning authority

/ January 30, 2025

ZDoggMD on RFK Jr.’s Rise: “I’m Talking About Like These Science Based Medicine Guys”

Dr. Zubin Damania praised and promoted RFK Jr.-loving doctors. We criticized these doctors and corrected their factual errors. See the difference?

/ November 29, 2024
RFK Jr. and Donald Trump's health picks vs. vaccination

Antivaxxers, grifters, and quacks: RFK Jr.’s MAHA takes over federal health agencies

President-Elect Donald Trump has now announced most of picks to lead critical federal health agencies. These picks predictably prioritize grift, quackery, and antivax ideology.

/ November 25, 2024
National Institutes of Health (NIH).

RFK Jr. vs. the NIH: Say goodbye to the greatest engine of biomedical research ever created

President-Elect Donald Trump has nominated antivaccine activist and anti-pharma conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. I've written about the damage he will do, if confirmed, to the CDC and FDA, but what about NIH, the greatest engine of biomedical research ever?

/ November 18, 2024