ACSH Science Dispatch

Is widespread use of artificial sweeteners polluting our drinking water? If so, what do we do about it? Join us on the latest episode of the Science Dispatch podcast as we take a critical look at the evidence. 

The activist group GM has attacked gene-edited crops by alleging that they're designed to increase pesticide use. Is there any truth to this allegation? With millions of COVID vaccine doses administered since  December 2020, what have we learned about the risks associated with the  shots?

Join ACSH directors of bio-sciences and medicine Cameron English and  Dr. Chuck Dinerstein as they break down these stories on episode 12 of  the Science Dispatch podcast:

Surgeons are frequently impatient, “never letting the skin get in the  way of the problem.” One of my colleagues repeatedly asks God, "Please  give me patience right away.” That seems to be the case for us that are  not scientists; we often are not patient enough for the data to unfold;  the data, in this case, some reliable findings on the incidence of  myocarditis and pericarditis associated with the COVID vaccinations.

Do biotech companies lie about the pesticide-saving benefits of  genetically engineered crops? The activist group GM Watch says yes. Do  they have a convincing case? Nope.

Join ACSH directors of bio-sciences and chemistry, Cameron English and Dr. Josh Bloom, as they break down these stories:

Environmental Working Group has again claimed that chemicals in food and consumer products are contributing to obesity. They are mistaken, embarrassingly so.

The FDA just voted to approve a different Covid vaccine; this one based on one of the Omicron subvariants. But the decision was anything but simple. A look at the science.

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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