The FDA recently attempted to ban JUUL vaping products and announced a proposal to cut nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes. The policies are designed to reduce tobacco use—but will they? We have our doubts. 

Stories discussed on this episode

Let's talk about nicotine

Nicotine has been in the news a lot between the plan to remove JUUL, a nicotine delivery system from the market, and the FDA proposal to require cigarettes to have lower nicotine levels. I asked myself a simple question for which I did not have a ready answer, what amount of nicotine is necessary to get you addicted— what dose makes the poison?

Vaping Prohibition: FDA Bans JUUL E-Cigarettes

The FDA recently tried to ban the most popular brand of e-cigarette products, encouraging many ex-smokers to restart their deadly habit.

On episode 9 of the Science Dispatch Podcast, we examine data suggesting that type-2 diabetes may be due largely to genetics. We then break down a recent study which found that veganism leads to more weight loss than other common diets. 

Join ACSH directors of bio-sciences and medicine, Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein, as they break down these stories:

Good Genes, Good Diet ... or Both?

Good genes and a good diet should spare most of us from developing Type II diabetes. The popular nutritional thought suggests that it is predominantly a bad diet, perhaps woven with a genetic “propensity” that gets the rest of us in trouble. A new observational study pulls at the threads of that argument.

Going Vegan: The Best Way to Lose Weight?

New research suggests that vegan diets promote weight loss. There's a little bit more to the story, though. Going vegan could help you lose weight, but not for the reason you may think.

On episode 8 of the Science Dispatch Podcast, we examine recent claims about the efficacy of Paxlovid. Is the COVID-19 drug as effective as experts thought it'd be? We then debunk an Epoch Times story alleging that the weedkiller glyphosate is lurking around every corner, just waiting to poison you and your children.

Stories Discussed on this Episode:

On episode 6 of the Science Dispatch Podcast, we review New York University's experiment to offer students free medical school, the goal being to push doctors into under-served communities and understaffed specialties. We then tackle a popular nutrition myth: the dementia-fighting benefits of blueberries.

Articles discussed on this episode:

The Impact of NYU's Match

Blueberries: Miracle Food That Prevents Dementia? Unlikely

On Episode 6 of the Science Dispatch Podcast, ACSH contributor Susan Goldhaber explains the genetic underpinnings of Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease affecting some 2.5 million Americans—including Jada Pinkett Smith. Now that Will Smith's so-called "slap heard 'round the world" has faded from the headlines, let's discuss the science behind the infamous Oscar meltdown. We then examine fiber's exaggerated health benefits and the anti-GMO movement's descent into obscurity.

Stories discussed on this episode:

Behind the Slap Heard Around the World

Fiber Gets More Complicated

The World Isn't Scared of GMOs Anymore

On Episode 5 of the Science Dispatch Podcast, ACSH contributor Dr. Barbara Billauer recounts the tragic story of the "Radium Girls," a cohort of young women who were gradually sickened and killed by occupational radium exposure in the early 20th century. Subsequent research has shown that their employers knew the girls were at risk, but denied culpability and continuously assured them that all was well.

These shocking developments changed the way we view occupational health and safety—providing the foundation for current radiation  exposure standards.

Stories discussed on this episode:

The Swinging Pendulum of Societal Distrust, and the Saga of Radium Poisoning

Fulminating UnTruths And Legal Consequences: Societal Mutations from the Radium Poisoning Cases

On Episode 4 of the ACSH Science Dispatch Podcast, we examine the need for COVID boosters and the increasingly irrelevant concept of herd  immunity. We then dive into an incendiary discussion about the social-justice-inspired effort to deny the risks of obesity, and "cancel culture" in science.

Stories discussed:

The Concept of Classical Herd Immunity May Not Apply

What to Do About the Second Booster?

Woke Science Denial: Social Justice Comes for 'Obesity,' and Other Harmful Language 

Silencing Science: NC State Cancels Panel Discussion to Appease Woke Activists

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On Episode 3 of the ACSH Science Dispatch Podcast, we examine how food shortages caused by the Ukraine war have pressured Europe to abandon its long-held GMO phobia. Is this the silver lining of a tragic situation? We then discuss the value of pesticides, using a recent NPR story about giant spiders as a springboard. 

Ukraine War Exposes Folly of Anti-GMO Protectionism

Beyond needless loss of life, the war in Ukraine has caused a trade war that could slash global food production, taking the greatest toll on the poorest of us. The silver lining: this tragic situation may inspire some long-overdue policy reforms.

NPR Likes Giant Flying Spiders That Land on Your Head. I Beg to Differ

Millions of giant, ungodly "hideosities" called Joro spiders are *flying* up the east coast as we speak. Some welcome them with open arms. I do not.

On Episode 2 of the ACSH Science Disptach Podcast, we examine New York City's now-defunct COVID vaccine mandate. Did it work, why or why not? We then dive into recent research showing that, despite popular claims to the contrary, diet soda can help you safely lose weight. 

Show notes:

New York's Sports Vaccine Mandates Are Just Plain Nuts

Diet Soda Wars: Do Sugar Substitutes Promote Obesity?

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How many IQ points have Americans lost due to lead exposure? A recent study put that figure at 824,097,690 million, though its conclusion probably doesn't mean what you think it means. Another recent paper also grabbed headlines by suggesting that consuming even small quantities of alcohol can shrink your brain. It's a shocking conclusion—and probably incorrect.

Join the American Council on Science and Health as we take a critical look at the evidence behind these misunderstood studies.

Show notes:

Getting the Lead Out

No, Half a Beer Won't Shrink Your Brain