Breaking Bad Science

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So many people are fascinated by the paranormal. Ghost, spirits, monsters, and shadow people I guess; what makes them so interesting? I have to admit, I myself find myself intrigued by the unexplainable. Let's talk about the mysterious, the spooky, and the maybe unexplainable? I know I know we're a day late, but still. It's still kind of Halloween. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we talk about the paranormal and what science can and cannot explain.

References

1. Stierwalt, S.; 6 Possible Scientific Reasons for Ghosts. Quick and Dirty Tips. 30-Oct-2018. https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/science/6-possible-scientific-reasons-for-ghosts?utm_source=sciam&utm_campaign=sciam
2. Empting, L.; Neurologic and Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Features of Mold and Mycotoxin Exposure. Oct-2009. 25:9-10 (577 - 581). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233709348393
3. Costa, R.; Dopamine Neurons Drive Fear Extinction Learning by Signaling the Omission of Expected Aversive Outcomes. eLife. 13-Nov-2018. Doi: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.38818
4. Jalal, B.; The Neuropharmacology of Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations: Serotonin 2A Activation and a Novel Therapeutic Drug. Psychopharmacology. 05-Oct-2018. 235 (3083 - 3091). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5042-1
5. Brooks, P., et. al.; Identification of the Transmitter and Receptor Mechanisms Responsible for REM Sleep Paralysis. 18-Jul-2012. 32:29 (9785 -9795). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0482-12.2012

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To date, we've talked about all sorts of wonders associated with Science. We've discussed cutting edge testing and where things are possible and where they aren't. But what about what I said back in the intro? What about the liars? What about the mistakes? It's not always full visible spectrum light arcs and narwal like horses. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we talk about When Science Goes Sideways.

References

1. Kolata, G.; He Promised to Restore Damaged Hearts. Harvard Says His Lab Fabricated Research. New York Times. 29-Oct-2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/29/health/dr-piero-anversa-harvard-retraction.html
2. Schneider, L.; Gregg Semenza: Real Nobel Prize and Unreal Research Data. For Better Science. 07-Oct-2020. https://forbetterscience.com/2020/10/07/gregg-semenza-real-nobel-prize-and-unreal-research-data/
3. Petrova, V., et. al.; The Hypoxic Tumour Microenvironment. Oncogenesis. 24-Jan-2018. 7:10. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41389-017-0011-9
4. Ryan, H., Girioon, L., Glover, S.; ‘You Want A Description of Hell?’ Oxycontin’s 12-Hour Problem. Los Angeles Times. 05-May-2016. https://www.latimes.com/projects/oxycontin-part1/
5. CDC; The Drug Overdose Epidemic: Behind the Numbers. CDC. Last reviewed 19-Mar-2020. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/index.html

Sherman, N.; Purdue Pharma to Plead Guilty in $8bn Opioid Settlement. BBC News. 22-Oct-2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54636002

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Look us up on social media 

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What is EMF? How is it related to 5G? Can they cause cancer? Can they cause hallucinations? Can they give you the coronavirus? These are all the questions being asked about the electromagnetic spectrum. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we dig into the fantastic world of light, how it relates to these concepts, and whether we should be concerned about the growing 5G drive. 

References

Cronin, T., et., al.; Photoreception and Vision in the Ultraviolet. Journal of Experimental Biology. 2016. 219: (2790 - 2801). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.128769

Ebert, J., et. al.; Behavioral Examination of the Infrared Sensitivity of Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox). Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 20-Jun-2006. 192: (941 - 947). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-006-0131-8

Verma, H., et. al.; Intelligent Cell Phone Detector System at 4G Bands of Frequencies. Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Mar-2017. 12:2 (55 - 59). Doi: https://doi.org/10.9790/2834-1202035559

Horvath, H.; Atmospheric Light Absorption - A Review. Atmospheric Environment. Part A. General Topics. Feb-1993. 27:3 (293 - 317). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(93)90104-7

Kricker, A., et. al.; Sun Exposure and Non-Melanocytic Skin Cancer. Cancer Causes and Control. Jul-1994. 5: (367 - 392). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01804988

Schans, G., et. al.; DNA Strand Break and Rejoining in Cultured Human Fibroblasts Exposed to Fast Neutrons or Gamma Rays. International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. 02-Mar-1983. 44:1 (75 - 85). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09553008314550881

Cirino, E.; Should You Be Worried About EMF Exposure. Healthline. Updated 08-Mar-2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/emf#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20research,EMF%20frequency%20is%20very%20low.

American Cancer Society Medical and Editorial Content Team. Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation. American Cancer Society. Updated 01-Jun-2020. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/radiofrequency-radiation.html

Raj, T.; Infrasound: What is it and How Can I Wield It?. Sound and Interaction (UTS Arts and Social Sciences). 2012. https://soundinteractionspring2012.wordpress.com/terence/

Reuters Staff. False Claim: Meter Reading Proves 5G Masts Emit Toxic Levels of Radiation. Reuters.com. 08-Apr-2020. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-5g-masts-radiation/false-claim-meter-reading-proves-5g-masts-emit-toxi

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In this age of instant information and social media, influencers seem to be a dime a dozen, but what does it mean to be influential? More importantly, can we truly break down the concepts that make someone capable of influencing others in an attempt to mimic them? Is there legitimate science behind these concepts, or is it all just witchy space lizard mind-control nonsense? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they dig into the mystery behind the Science of Influence. 

References

Cialdini, R., Martin, S.; Secrets from the Science of Persuasion. Influence at Work. 2020. https://www.influenceatwork.com/principles-of-persuasion/

Harvard Business Review; The Uses (And Abuses) of Influence. Harvard Business Review. Jul-Aug 2013. https://hbr.org/2013/07/the-uses-and-abuses-of-influence

Goldstein, N., et. al.; Reciprocity by Proxy: A Novel Influence Strategy for Stimulating Cooperation. Administrative Science Quarterly (Sage Journals). 18-Jan-2012. 56:3 (441 - 473). https://doi.org/10.1177/0001839211435904

Park, H., et. al.; The Impact of Resource Scarcity on Price - Quality Judgments. Journal of Consumer Research. 24-Jun-2019. 46:6 (1110 - 1124). https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucz031

Mojtahedi, D., et. al.; Intelligence, Authority and Blame Conformity: Co-witness Influence is Moderated by the Perceived Competence of the Information Source. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. 11-Dec-2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-019-09361-2

Šerić, M., et. al.; How Can Perceived Consistency in Marketing Communications Influence Customer-Brand Relationship Outcomes. European Management Journal. Apr-2020. 38:2 (335 - 343). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2019.08.011

Bradley, S.W., et. al.; Experimental Evidence of Observed Social Media Status Cues on Perceived Likability. Psychology of Popular Media Culture. 2019. 8:1 (41 - 51). https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000164

Rodriguez-Santiago, M., et. al.; Behavioral Traits That Define Social Dominance are the Same That Reduce Social Influence in a Consensus Task. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 04-Aug-2020. 117:31 (18566 - 18573). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2000158117

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Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is touted as a treatment for nearly everything. A wonder drug. This amazing, life saving molecule that "the man" is trying to keep under wraps. What is it really? Does it truly treat anything? Are online sources just selling you snake oil? Is there any point to taking it and does the government even allow you to? So many questions. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they try to answer as many of them as possible in this mind altering episode of Breaking Bad Science.

References

Morgensen, J.; Sorry Hipsters. CBD Will Not Solve All Your Problems. Mother Jones. Dec-2018. https://www.motherjones.com/food/2018/11/sorry-hipsters-cbd-will-not-solve-all-your-problems/

Comer. J.; H.R.5485 - Hemp Farming Act of 2018. 115th Congress. 12-Apr-2018. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5485

Jelliffe, J., et. al.; CBD Hemp Production Costs and Returns for Connecticut Farmers in 2020. Zwick Center for Food and Resource Policy Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics - University of Connecticut. Feb-2020. https://are.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2327/2020/02/ZwickOR66_Feb25.pdf

Atakan, Z.; Cannabis, A Complex Plant: Different Compounds and Different Effects on Individuals. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 5-Sep-2012. 2:6 (241 - 254). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125312457586

Bonn-Miller, M., et. al.; Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. Journal of the American Medical Association. 07-Nov-2017. 318:17 (1708 - 1709). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.11909

Consroe, P., et. al.; Assay of Plasma Cannabidiol by Capillary Gas Chromatorgraphy/Ion Trap Mass Spectroscopy Following High-Dose Repeated Daily Oral Administration in Humans. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. Nov-1991. 40:3 (517 - 522). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(91)90357-8

Grinspoon, P.; Cannabidiol (CBD) - What We Know and What We Don’t. Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School. 24-Aug-2018. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

Devinsky, O., et. al.; Effects of Cannabidiol on Drop Seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine. 17-May-2018. 378:20 (1888 - 1897). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1714631

ElBatsh, M., et. al.; Anxiogenic-Like Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Administration in Rats. Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 15-Nov-2011. 221:2 (239 - 247). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2566-z

Aviello, G., et. al.; Chemopreventative Effect of the Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoid Cannabidiol on Experimental Colon Cancer. Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin). 10-Jan-2012. 90:8 (925 - 934). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-011-0856-x

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We've talked about genetic engineering before, but when we hit on Dr. He Jiankui and his genetically modified infants, we may have missed something. After talking with a few people it seemed we needed an update to Episode 4 - Genetic Engineering. Ethical questions involve us all, and understanding where science stands on these issues is more important now than possibly ever before. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we welcome someone who’s been featured in Popular Mechanic magazine, participated in multiple extreme sports, founded the non-profit organization Crossing Lines, oh and she holds a Doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dr. Sonya Iverson. Tune in as we all discuss the ethics and questions surrounding this mysterious testing.

References

Zhou, M., et. al.; CCR5 is a Suppressor for Cortical Plasticity and Hippocampal Learning and Memory. eLife Neuroscience. 20-Dec-2016. Doi: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20985.001

Le Page, M.; CRISPR Babies: More Details on the Experiment that Shocked the World. NewScientist. 28-Nov-2018. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2186911-crispr-babies-more-details-on-the-experiment-that-shocked-the-world/

Regalado, A.; China’s CRISPR Twins Might Have Had Their Brains Inadvertently Enhanced. MIT Technology Review. 21-Feb-2019. https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/02/21/137309/the-crispr-twins-had-their-brains-altered/

Regalado, A.; China’s CRISPR Babies; Read Exclusive Excerpts from the Unseen Original Research. MIT Technology Review. 03-Dec-2019. https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/12/03/131752/chinas-crispr-babies-read-exclusive-excerpts-he-jiankui-paper/#:~:text=Here%2C%20the%20researchers%20describe%20the,gene%20had%20indeed%20taken%20hold.

Philipkoski, K.; Chopsticks for Better Cloning. Wired. 23-May-2005. https://www.wired.com/2005/05/chopsticks-for-better-cloning/

Mayell, H.; Genghis Khan a Prolific Lover, DNA Data Implies. National Geographic. 14-Feb-2003. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/2/mongolia-genghis-khan-dna/#:~:text=An%20international%20group%20of%20geneticists,16%20million%20descendants%20living%20today.

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With so many companies developing vaccines for the coronavirus the media is a frenzy with information, but what does any of it mean? We talked in the past about the development of the vaccine and started to get a sense of what might be different as far as information with the Russian development. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we bring back special guest Dr. Bryan Simons to discuss what may be the most important episode of this podcast to date. A real-time analysis of the research conducted in Russia, the data that’s been released, and what it truly means.

References

Logunov, D., et. al.; Safety and Immunogenicity of an rAd26 and rAd5 Vector-Based Heterologous Prime-Boost COVID-19 Vaccine in Two Formulations: Two Open, Non-randomised Phase ½ Studies from Russia. The Lancet. 04-Sep-2020. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31866-3

Bucci, E.; Note of Concern: Open Letter to DY Logunov et. al.,. Cattivi Scienziati. 07-Sep-2020. https://cattiviscienziati.com/2020/09/07/note-of-concern/

Parodi, E.; Scientists from 5 Countries Question Accuracy of Russia Coronavirus Vaccine Data. 15-Sep-2020. Global News Canada. https://globalnews.ca/news/7335548/russia-coronavirus-vaccine-lancet/

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What makes a good model? Is it grace? Beauty? or just a really great set of data? What happens when your data goes wrong. What is overfitting data and how does it affect your results? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss Data Modeling, Overfitting/Underfitting Data, the Dunning-Kruger effect, Tom Cruise, and Underwater Basket weaving. 

Nothing to reference, but here’s this

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_basket_weaving

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

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Recently, the US released an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID-19. What is an EUA? What does it mean? Is it something the population should be concerned about? Does this mean we should be using it on all patients who are attempting to recover from the virus? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss the importance of this treatment, whether it holds promise and try to make sense of the political landscape surrounding this treatment.

References

Luke, T., et. al.; Meta-analysis: Convalescent Blood Products for Spanish Influenza Pneumonia: A Future H5N1 Treatment?. Annals of Internal Medicine. 17-Oct-2006. 145:8 (599-609). Doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-145-8-200610170-00139 

Chippaux, J., et. al.; Production and Use of Snake Antivenin. Handbook of Natural Toxins (Volume 5 Reptile Venoms and Toxins). 03-Mar-1992. 5 (529 - 555). https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.598.1709&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Nellis, R.; Mayo Finds Convalescent Plasma Safe for Diverse Patients With COVID-19. Mayo Clinic. 18-Jun-2020. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-finds-convalescent-plasma-safe-for-diverse-patients-with-covid-19/

VanArsdel, P.; Allergic Reactions to Penicillin. Journal of the American Medical Association. 18-Jan-1965. 191:3 (238 - 239). Doi: https://10.0.3.233/jama.1965.03080030082012

Perrone, G., et. al.;  Penicillium Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins. Mycotoxigenic Fungi. 07-Dec-2016. (107 - 119) Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6707-0_5

Mayo Clinic. Convalescent Plasma Therapy. Patient Care and Health information: Tests and Procedures. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/convalescent-plasma-therapy/about/pac-20486440

Siripanthong, B., et. al.; Recognizing COVID-19-Related Myocarditis: The Possible Pathophysiology and Proposed Guideline for Diagnosis and Management. Heart Rhythm Society Cardiac Electrophysiology Society. Sep-2020. 17:9 (1463 - 1471). Doi: https://10.0.3.248/j.hrthm.2020.05.001

Ruuskanen, O., et. al.; Viral Pneumonia. The Lancet. 15-Apr-2011. 377:9773 (1264 - 1275). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61459-6

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Treating disease will always be more profitable. There’s no doubt that from a financial perspective a company makes more money treating a disease over the lifetime of the patient than they ever will by curing that same disease. So why do cures still get developed? Why did we eradicate smallpox and cure Hepatitis C? Is there some reason why the all powerful Big Pharma wasn’t able to block these cures from ever being developed? Would they try? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss how Big Pharma influences and is, in turn, influenced by innovation and what that means for potential disease cures. 

References

Soriano, V., et. al.; Hepatitis C Cure with Antiviral Therapy - Benefits Beyond the Liver. Antiviral Therapy. 25-Jun-2015. 21 (1 - 8). Doi.  https://doi.org/10.3851/imp2975 

Breman, J.G., Arite, I.; The Confirmation and Maintenance of Smallpox Eradication. World Health Organization, Geneva Switzerland. 1980. No. WHO/SE/80.156.

Henderson, D.; Polio Eradication from the Western Hemisphere. Annual Review of Public Health. Pan-American Health Organization. 1992. 13: (239 - 252). 

Packer, M.; It’s Official! Curing Patients is Bad for Business. MedPageToday. 18-Apr-2018. https://www.medpagetoday.com/blogs/revolutionandrevelation/72407

Ledford, H.; FDA Advisors Back Gene Therapy for Rare form of Blindness. Nature. 19-Oct-2017. 550: 314. Doi:  https://doi.org/10.1038/nature.2017.22819

Jung, E., et. al.; Do Large Pharma Companies Provide Drug Development Innovation? Our Analysis Say No. StatNews. 10-Dec-2019. https://www.statnews.com/2019/12/10/large-pharma-companies-provide-little-new-drug-development-innovation/

Compton, K.; Big Pharma and Medical Device Manufacturers. DrugWatch. 19-Aug-2020. https://www.drugwatch.com/manufacturers/

Lupkin, S.; A Decade Marked by Outrage Over Drug Prices. 31-Dec-2019. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/12/31/792617538/a-decade-marked-by-outrage-over-drug-prices

Musk, E.; All Our Patent Are Belong to You. Tesla. 12-Jun-2014. https://www.tesla.com/blog/all-our-patent-are-belong-you

Strickler, L.; Purdue Pharma Offers as Much as $12 Billion to Settle Opioid Suits. NBCNews. 27-Aug-2019. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/purdue-pharma-offers-10-12-billion-settle-opioid-claims-n1046526

Survival Rates of Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. 09-Jan-2020. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html

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