Does the weedkiller glyphosate cause convulsions? A study published last week seemed to support that conclusion, but there's much more to the story. Thinking hard can lead to mental exhaustion, which may be caused by the build up of "toxins" in your brain. Why do some parents become anti-vaxxers? It usually has very little to do with science. Finally, science writer Jon Guy joins us to discuss his new book, Think Straight, and explain how to sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 185 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Glyphosate causes dangerous convulsions in animals—and maybe humans? Wild headlines again advance ideological agenda over evidence

A new wave of glyphosate controversy erupted on social media last week following the release of a study alleging the herbicide can cause convulsions. The study's press release and subsequent news articles implied that the results were found "in animals," though the study was actually conducted with worms. The researchers exposed them to glyphosate—then shocked them to induce convulsions. Suffice it to say that the paper offers no evidence that the weedkiller poses a serious risk to humans.

* Tired from studying? Thinking hard actually causes buildup of toxins in your brain

Recent research indicates that intellectually taxing activities, like studying, writing or reading, may cause potentially toxic byproducts to build up in the part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex. The results challenge previous theories suggesting that fatigue was an "illusion" the brain creates to encourage us to engage in less mentally rigorous activities. In broad strokes, that hypothesis is correct; fatigue exists to modify our behavior, but it appears to stem from a functional alteration in brain activity.

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