Breaking Bad Science

With Russia’s announcement and subsequent walking back of their comments on development of a COVID vaccine, the world is left to question how we know a vaccine is ready. The data can be complicated and difficult to find. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we talk with Dr. Bryan Simons about clinical trials, what they are, how they work, and where we stand with the COVID-19 vaccine currently. 

References

Lowe, D.; In the Pipeline. Science Magazine. Science Translational Medicine. https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/

Description (Phase). U.S. National Library of Medicine. Clinicaltrials.gov. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/help/glossary/phase

Fatima, K., Syed, N.; Dengvaxia Controversy: Impact on Vaccine Hesitancy. Journal of Global Health. 31-Oct-2018. 8:2. Doi: 10.7189/jogh.08-020312

Folegatti, P., et. al.; Safety and Immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2: A Preliminary Report of a Phase 1/2, Single-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial. The Lancet. 20-Jul-2020. 396:10249 (467 - 478). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31604-4

Jackson, L., et. al.; An mRNA Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 - Preliminary Report. New England Journal of Medicine. 14-Jul-2020. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2022483

Not reviewed as of 23-Aug-2020

Keech, C., et. al.; First-in-Human Trial of a SARS CoV 2 Recombinant Spike Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine. MedRxiv. Not Yet Reviewed. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.08.05.20168435

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Who are Shanti and Danny? What is the true motivation behind Breaking Bad Science? Who on Earth is Melvin? Join us as we discuss who we are, why we’re here, and our own individual paths that lead us to creating this podcast as well as a little glimpse into what we hope the future holds as we try to grow this endeavor. 

Reference

Yea, we did technically refer to a study that we were pretty sure existed, so we had to find it...You’re welcome.

Hollier, R.; Physical Attractiveness Bias in the Legal System, The Law Project. Mar-2017. https://www.thelawproject.com.au/insights/attractiveness-bias-in-the-legal-system#:~:text=Physical%20Attractiveness%20had%20a%20significant,a%20maximum%20increase%20of%20304.88%25.

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How tiny can we make things, really? What is lithography and what types of products can we produce with it? Special guest Marshall Overcast, an expert in the field, joins us to talk micrometer and nanometer scales, what’s possible and what might the future look like. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we talk with an expert in the realm of the tiny and learn what is and isn’t possible in the context of microchipping.

References

Iddan, G., Meron, G., Glukhovsky, A., Swain, P.; Wireless Capsule Endoscopy. Nature. 25-May-2000. 405: 417. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/35013140

Dittrich, P., Manz, A.; Lab-on-a-chip: Microfluidics in Drug Discovery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 01-Mar-2006. 5 (210 - 218). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd1985

Church, G., Gao, Y., Kosuri, S.; Next-Generation Digital Information Storage in DNA. Science. 28-Sep-2012. 337: 6102 (1628). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1226355

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Can comparing one’s weight to that of a duck determine if someone is a witch? Probably not, but the logic of Monty Python sure seems sound. Does an expensive cabinet mean a company is trafficking children? Some people sure think so... What is a leap in logic, and how does it impact our ability to search for the truth? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they talk about logic leaps, Wayfair, and lunacy as they break down this conspiracy to its roots and see what’s really there.

References

Sardarizadeh, S.; Wayfair: The False Conspiracy About a Furniture Firm and Child Trafficking. BBC News. 15-Jul-2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-53416247

Robinson, K.;  How an Arizona Couple Helped Fuel a Wayfair Sex Trafficking Conspiracy Theory. USA Today. 16-Jul-2020. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/16/wayfair-human-trafficking-conspiracy-arizona-couple-spread-instagram-rumors/5449777002/

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Here from the scientific half of Breaking Bad Science the analysis of the recent America's Frontline Doctor's Video. It may not be everything you think it is.

References
Prince, G.; Persistent Hiccups as an Atypical Presenting Complaint of COVID-19. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Jul-2020. 38:7. Doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.04.045 

Immanuel, S.; Deliverance from Spirit Husbands and Spirit Wives (Incubus and Succubus). YouTube. 02-Mar-2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=169&v=CJrJG9xymts&feature=emb_title

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What happens when you combine the volatility of the internet with an off-hand comment designed to stop drug addicts from flushing their evidence. The answer? Meth-gators. What on Earth is a Meth-gator? Is this a true phenomenon or the internet running wild? More importantly, why is it worth talking about here? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they talk about meth, gators, the police, and some weird testing on monkeys on this light-hearted episode of Breaking Bad Science. 

References

Rosenblatt, K.; Meth-gators: Tennessee Police Warn Flushing Drugs Could Create Hyper-Aggressive Alligators. NBC News. 16-Jul-2019. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tennessee-police-warn-locals-not-flush-drugs-fear-meth-gators-n1030291

Diochot, S. et. al.; Black Mamba Venom Peptides Target Acid-Sensing Ion Channels to Abolish Pain. Nature. 03-Oct-2012. 490 (552 - 555). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11494

BBC News; Drug-Addicted Python Rehabilitated by Australian Prisoners. BBC News Australia. 12-Apr-2017. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-39550815

Pei, Z., Zhang, X.; Methamphetamine Intoxication in a Dog: Case Report. BioMed Central Veterinary Research. 24-Jun2014. 10:139. Doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-139

Tierney, A.; The Evolution of Learned and Innate Behavior: Contributions from Genetics and Neurobiology to a Theory of Behavioral Evolution. Animal Learning and Behavior. Dec-1986. 14: (339 - 348). 

Golden, S., et. al.; Compulsive Addition-Like Aggressive Behavior in Mice. Biological Psychiatry. 15-Aug-2017. 82: 4 (239 - 248). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.03.004

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COVID-19 has taken over our social network feeds again, but this time it’s deeply laced with politics. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and reopening the economy has somehow become a democrat versus republican talking point rather than a discussion on what is best for the world. Can science tell us who’s right, if masks work, or if we need to hide in our basement? More importantly, does it matter? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they discuss the talking points, what we know, and how the peer review system may be worse off than we thought.

References

This first entry is left as a reference so that people can see what I used. Please keep in mind this document is intended to be misleading and references unpublished and data that has not been peer reviewed.

Swiss Policy Research. Facts about Covid-19. July 2020. https://swprs.org/a-swiss-doctor-on-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2_UQ87wvy8H949zkp5VUAEMsdA2z30Nf2Ffx3Nx849tSnHm522lJEIAPY

Vaughan, J., et. al.; Evaluation of Materials Used for Bedding Encasement: Effect of Pore Size in Blocking Cat and Dust Mite Allergen. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. February 1999. 103:2 (227 - 231). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(99)70495-1

Dbouk, T., Drakakis, D.; On Coughing and Airborne Droplet Transmission to Humans. Physics of Fluids. 01-May-2020. 32:5. Doi: 10.1063/5.0011960

CDC Situation Report -
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

WHO Situation Report - 

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

Grinberg, M., et. al.; Bacterial Survival in Microscopic Surface Wetness. eLIFE. 15-Oct-2019. 8. Doi: 10.7554/eLife.48508

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It’s all too common in the United States to view those who aren’t successful as simply too weak to handle life. This view is even more harsh for those who suffer from mental illness. Ancient stigmas passed down through generations convince us that life is just difficult and you either handle it or you don’t. Unfortunately for those people who suffer from a mental illness, their struggle isn’t the same as everyone else’s. Their own biology can actually prevent them from performing actions we take for granted every day. These diseases can sometimes respond very well to treatment, but only if those affected understand it’s ok to seek help. Creating an environment where seeking help is not only acceptable but encouraged is a key part of removing the age old stigma of mental illness. Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they talk with special guest Erika Postma about where we stand as a society and how to move forward in the battle for a better world for the mentally ill on this heavy episode of Breaking Bad Science.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis counselor Text number: 741741

References

American Psychiatric Society; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  (DSM-5). 2019. 

Rössler, W. The Stigma of Mental Disorders: A Millennia-long History of Social Exclusion and Prejudices. EMBO. 28-Jul-2016. 17:9 (1250 - 1253). Doi: 10.15252/embr.201643041

Faria, M.; Violence, Mental Illness, and the Brain - A Brief History of Psychosurgery: Part 1 - From Trephination to Lobotomy. Surgical Neurology International. 05-Apr-2013. 4:49. Doi:  10.4103/2152-7806.110146

Nestler, E., et. al.; Epigenetic Basis of Mental Illness. Neuroscientist. 08-Oct-2015. 22:5 (447 - 463). Doi: 10.1177/1073858415608147

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We’ve discussed the impact that diets can have on epigenetics and the body. How does that relate to epilepsy, diabetes, and weight loss? Can ketogenic diets have an impact on any or all of these? What is the point of these types of diets and can we definitively say scientifically that they can help you lose weight? Join hosts Shanti and Danny and find out on this knowledge expanding episode of Breaking Bad Science. 

References

Mawer, R.; The Ketogenic Diet: A Detailed Beginner’s Guide to Keto. Healthline.com. 30-Jul-2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101

Westman, E., et.al.; Effect of 6-month Adherence to a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Program. American Journal of Medicine. Jul-2002. 113:1 (30 - 36). Doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(02)01129-4

Johnstone, A., et. al.; Effects of a High-Protein Ketogenic Diet on Hunger, Appetite, and Weight Loss in Obese Men Feeding Ad Libitum. Jan-2008. 87:1 (44 - 55). Doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.1.44

Cooper, M., et. al.; A Ketogenic Diet Reduces Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Allodynia and Promotes Peripheral Nerve Growth in Mice. Experimental Neurology. 17-May-2018. 306: (149 - 157). Doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.05.011

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Can the mind survive when the body no longer does? Will we find a way to stop the aging process? What are transhumanism, epigenetics, digital immortality, and adrenochrome? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they look into what these terms mean even if Danny does pronounce adrenochrome without the R..., where the science behind this is, and what the future may look like in a little more futuristic version of Breaking Bad Science.

References

Xu, X., Gupta, N.; Artificial Neural Network Approach to Predict the Elastic Modulus from Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Results. Advanced Theory and Simulations. 07-Jan-2019. 2:4. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/adts.201800131

Fraga, M., et. al.; Epigenetic Differences Arise During the Lifetime of Monozygotic Twins. PNAS 26-Jul-2005. 102:30 (10604 - 10609). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0500398102

Conboy, I., et. al.; Rejuvenation of Aged Progenitor Cells by Exposure to a Young Systemic Environment. Nature. 17-Feb-2005. 433 (760 - 764). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03260

Fahy, G., et. al.; Reversal of Epigenetic Aging and Immunosenescent Trends in Humans. Aging Cell. 08-Sep-19. 18:6. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13028

Kretschmer, T., Cabra, L.; De Beers and Beyond: The History of the International Diamond Cartel. 1998. London Business School. http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~lcabral/teaching/debeers3.pdf

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