Matt, Chris, and Don look at the science behind a supplement aimed at improving memory, the gang debates whether industry has a conflict of interest in running their own research, and Matt explains why Don is to blame for his hearing loss.

Journal club article:

Apoaequorin and memory study

Matt, Chris, and Don debate a new meta-analysis on the evidence behind calcium and vitamin D supplements for prevention of fractures, Matt once again explains why he hates null hypothesis significance testing, and Don alerts us to the dangers of listening to heavy metal.

Journal club article:

Vitamin D and calcium study

In this special bonus episode, we have our first guest, Dr. Kate Grabowski, the author of the study we reviewed on HIV incidence in Uganda in episode 14. She talks with Matt and sets the record straight on a few issues we got wrong and we talk about the wider impact of her work on HIV.

Journal club article:

HIV prevention in Uganda study

Matt, Chris, and Don weigh in on an area they finally have some expertise in (HIV) by reviewing a study of HIV prevention in Uganda, the gang tries to explain the difference between “efficacy” and “effectiveness,” and Matt gets dangerously close to a word we’re not allowed to say.

Journal club article:

HIV prevention in Uganda study

Matt, Chris, and Don try to act like grownups in discussing a study of the effects of fecal transplants delivered through oral capsules to treat C. difficile infection, Matt mispronounces yet another medical term, p-values are finally, though not fully taken on (taken down?), and Chris reveals the enlightening truth that “jellyfish ain’t babies”.

Journal club article:

Fecal transplant study

Matt, Chris, and Don discuss a fascinating study that contradicts much of the previous evidence on the benefits of heart stents for angina, Matt learns how angina is really pronounced during a discussion of ethics in medical research, and the three answer the question of just how bad Vegemite really is.

Journal club article:

Heart stents for treatment of angina

Matt, Chris, and Don run an obstacle course (metaphorically) through a study on exercise and academic achievement (our first listener generated topic), then Matt lobs dodgeballs at Chris to pin him down on why he’s so skeptical about observational studies, and Don seems to suggest it’s ok to talk on a cell phone while crossing the street as long as you are in good shape.

Journal club article:

Exercise and academic achievement study

Bonus content! Matt, Chris, and Don answer questions from a live audience.