Science Facts & Fallacies

Air pollution harms our health in many ways; does it also encourage obesity? Farmers in India have access to two newly approved GM crops. Are regulators in the country finally beginning to embrace biotechnology? Wearable devices that track your blood sugar, sleep habits and macronutrient intake are being marketed as a solution to obesity. Will they live up to the hype?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 193 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Air pollution linked to greater risk of obesity in women

Air pollution is nasty stuff. It's been linked to all sorts of deadly diseases, and research in recent years has suggested that exposure to air pollutants might amplify the risk of obesity. Do these studies stand up to scrutiny, or is the link between weight gain and smog a media-created health scare?

* India approves first genetically-modified crops in 20 years: Herbicide-tolerant cotton and mustard

After two decades of foot dragging, regulators in India have approved two more genetically engineered crops, herbicide-tolerant cotton and mustard. Many farmers have been growing the enhanced cotton illegally for several years now because it helps them efficiently control weeds and therefore preserve their crop yields. Has the Indian government finally discarded its unnecessary fear of "GMOs"?

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

Will ‘biological push notifications’ from weight loss gadgets keep people on track with their diets?

Type 1 diabetics have worn continuous glucose monitors for many years to track their blood sugar. The same technology is now being deployed to help more consumers lose unwanted excess weight. These devices, which can be worn as rings or even embedded in workout clothing, track respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and other health metrics; one device even analyzes breath to determine which macronutrients the user is burning. But with little research to validate these "wearable technologies," some experts wonder how effectively they'll help people lead healthier lives.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter

So-called "regenerative" farming is gaining traction as a method of sustainable food production. Does it live up to the hype it receives from politicians and reporters? Genetically engineered bacteria can be turned into cancer-killing Trojan horses that evade the defenses of tumor cells. Thanks to gene editing, banana-flavored beer may be coming to a brewery near you.

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 192 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Viewpoint: ‘Regenerative’ is replacing ‘organic’ as the latest green farming fad. Here’s why the reality falls far short of the hype

As consumer interest in sustainability explodes, policymakers and food companies are beginning to push "regenerative" farming as a weapon against pollution and climate change. The problem? Regenerative agriculture is little more than organic farming dressed in new marketing language. Contrary to the favorable news coverage, regenerative growing methods tend to exclude low-toxicity pesticides and genetically engineered seeds that improve farm efficiency. The result is lower crop yields and a larger environmental footprint.

* ‘Sending a Trojan horse into cancer cells’ Can this genetically-engineered bacteria stop tumors in their tracks?

We've heard it before. A cure for cancer is just around the corner, headline after headline has declared for years on end. While these pronouncements have been exaggerated, novel therapies for different cancers are indeed coming online. In one recent instance, researchers engineered bacteria that produce a tiny non-living cell that "mingles" with tumors. This nano-cell hooks onto tumors and interfering RNA molecules (siRNAs) packaged with the nano-cell then hinder the function of DNA replication enzymes the tumors need to grow.

Early clinical research indicates that this novel approach effectively treats multiple cancers, without generating the toxic side effects often associated with chemotherapy.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Reporters continue to exaggerate the results of low-quality nutrition studies. Their desire to attract readers with dramatic headlines may be destroying the public's trust in mainstream news sources. Taking a brief break from drinking might yield some significant health benefits. Why do so many people develop acne? Could it be something unique to our "industrialized" way of life?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 191 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Viewpoint: How reporters regularly botch food nutrition studies

Reporters have again blown the results of an underwhelming nutrition study out of proportion, claiming that grape consumption may prevent Alzheimer's Disease and extend your lifespan. While grapes are both delicious and packed with important nutrients, the research in no way justified those headlines. Is exaggerated reporting driving the public's dwindling trust in major media outlets?

* Taking a break from alcohol? Here’s the positive changes in the brain when you stop drinking for a month

A bout of alcohol abstinence may promote brain health, according to scientists who study alcohol use disorder. Research has shown that alcoholics who achieve sobriety experience myriad health benefits, thanks to the body's ability to repair damage done by substance abuse. Newly gathered evidence indicates that people who regularly consume alcohol might benefit in a similar manner. There's nothing wrong with the occasional drink, though participating in "sober October" might still be a good idea.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

*

Science Facts and Fallacies host Cameron English recently appeared on the Dr. Phil show to tackle an incendiary question: Has the Body Positivity Movement Gone Too Far? Activists behind this campaign assert that obesity isn't a public health issue, it's an identity that should be respected. For many years, the argument continues, society has "medicalized" obesity in order to oppress "fat" people. More recent evidence indicates that somebody's weight reveals little or nothing about their overall health, fat acceptance advocates claim.

These assertions have ignited an intense debate. As Dr. Phil summarized it,

Are we doing too much to celebrate the plus-sized? Not according to Lexi and her husband, Will, who say they’ve struggled with their body image their entire lives and have now found freedom in letting go of the need to control their weight and instead accepting themselves the way they are.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

Do this argument for so-called "fat acceptance" stand up to scrutiny? Perhaps more importantly, is this movement undermining science by pressuring society to ignore the risks of obesity? Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 190 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down the Dr. Phil debate and examine the arguments for body positivity.

 

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg

Should we be skeptical of GMO safety studies funded by biotech companies? Major food makers including Pepsi and Nestle have invested millions in "regenerative" farming. Is this a worthwhile effort, or just another case of "greenwashing"? Can vegetables that taste like snack food bring the obesity epidemic to an end?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 189 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Are most GMO safety studies funded by industry?

Anti-GMO groups allege that industry-funded studies can't be trusted. Biotech companies won't fairly evaluate their own products, the argument goes, so whatever research they produce won't document the risks that come with consuming genetically engineered crops. Is this a reasonable criticism, or just more misleading rhetoric from activist groups?

* Nestle, General Mills, PepsiCo and other food companies have pledged support for regenerative agriculture. Is this a greenwashing campaign?

Food conglomerates are beginning to invest heavily in "regenerative" farming projects that reward growers for employing techniques like cover cropping. Nestle, General Mills and Pepsi say this transition to more "sustainable" practices is necessary to protect their supply chains from the impacts of climate change. This sort of marketing appeals to many consumers today, but what does the science say about the benefits of regenerative agriculture?

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

* 4 in ten Americans are obese. Producers need to harness biotechnology to make spinach as tasty as popcorn

Obesity is one of the largest public health problems afflicting the world today, yet experts still don't know how to help millions of people lose significant amounts of weight. Could the answer be veggies that taste like snack food? If biotech companies can produce fruits and vegetables with better flavor profiles, the argument goes, consumers will eat them in place of the calorie-dense foods available in every supermarket, restaurant and convenience store. Could this proposal work, and is it even possible to make green vegetables taste like popcorn?

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter

A new gene-editing technique may be safer and more reliable than CRISPR-Cas9, according to a recent study. Eyes from recently deceased organ donors may help scientists better understand diseases that cause blindness. Does our desire to attract romantic partners drive us to develop athletic and artistic ability?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 188 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* New reversible gene-editing technique may be safer and more reliable than standard CRISPR

CRISPR-Cas13 is the newest pair of "molecular scissors" researchers are using to edit the genetic material of plants, animals and microorganisms. Unlike Cas9, the Cas13 enzyme cuts RNA, the intermediate between DNA and proteins in the central dogma of molecular biology. Targeting transient RNA molecules instead of DNA could make the Cas13 technique a little safer, though it's not as precise as CRISPR-Cas9. It may therefore be premature to say the newer technique is an improvement on existing gene-editing methods.

* The chemistry of vision: Reviving eyes from organ donors offers hope for blindness cures

Are you willing to donate your eyes to science? Some organ donors are, and their contributions may help us pin down the causes of blindness. A team of researchers has devised a way to preserve human eyes once they are taken from donors, which will keep them functional long enough for scientists to investigate how different conditions can induce blindness. This development could prove to be an important step forward for ophthalmology, since much of the field's existing research is performed on rodents.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

* Do sex and romance drive our artistic and athletic abilities?

Charles Darwin posited that humans develop athletic and artistic abilities to improve our chances of attracting desirable romantic partners. A recent study conducted by psychologists in Brazil lends some interesting support to Darwin's conclusion. The survey showed that women and men use their talents to attract attention from the opposite sex, though they use these skills differently. Men tend to use their ability to compete with other men, while women use their skills as "ornaments" to attract mates.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter

President Biden just signed an executive order promising substantial investment in the "bioeconomy." What impact will the proposal have on biotechnology research and development? Recent studies indicate that COVID vaccine mandates may have discouraged many people from getting their shots. Are courts finally getting wise to the junk science advanced by plaintiffs attorneys? Recent cases give us reason for hope.

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 187 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* ‘To improve food security’: President Biden issues initiatives to advance the ‘bio-economy’, including agricultural biotechnology; embraces ‘forward looking’ regulatory reforms

Last week, the Biden Administration pledged its support for efforts to develop America's "bio-economy," outlining a series of proposals to boost investment in and reduce regulation of biotechnology. The announcement suggests that politicians are beginning to recognize the important role biotech innovation can play in growing the US economy and tackling critical issues such as food security. How big of an impact will these proposals have as time goes on?

* Here’s why researchers believe COVID shot mandates are fueling a backlash, undermining vaccine education

There's no denying that widespread immunization is one of our best weapons in the never-ending battle against infectious disease, most recently COVID-19. But as the pandemic gradually winds down, some experts have looked back critically at vaccine mandates widely implemented around the world. These experts argue that mandatory vaccines may have amplified existing skepticism about the safety and efficacy of the shots, and could create new opposition to other vaccines in the coming years.

* You have to prove the dose’: Why courts are rejecting payouts for exposure to alleged carcinogens like talc or actual ones like asbestos

US courts are notorious for their willingness to accept junk science proffered by plaintiffs attorneys. However, several recent cases suggest that judges are wising up to the misuse of evidence in their courtrooms. No longer content with the testimony of carefully selected expert witness, courts are dismissing lawsuits based on dubious research and demanding that plaintiffs submit higher quality data in support of their claims. Have these cases set an important precedent that will slow down the seemingly endless river of baseless litigation?

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health.

Keeping the microbes living in your gut healthy is important to your overall well-being, and recent research suggests that regular exercise may be one of the best things you can do for your microbiome. Has the US hindered efforts to investigate the origins of SARS-CoV-2? Economist Jeffrey Sachs says his Lancet COVID-19 Commission has been obstructed at every turn as they try to uncover the pandemic's origin. "Natural" is a bogus marketing term used to sell overpriced foods with no added benefit. In fact, nobody seems to know what the word means.

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 186 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Our microbiomes respond positively to exercise, giving us a digestive boost

For many years, the science community viewed the growing interest in gut health as a passing fad with little data behind it. But recent studies have shown that the microbes living throughout your body influence your health in a variety of important ways. The habits you maintain, such as regular exercise (or lack thereof), affect how these microorganisms function. After all this research, how much have we actually learned about the microbiome?

* Chair of the Lancet’s COVID Commission — Jeffrey Sachs — believes US blocking real investigation of virus origins

We still don't know for sure how the pandemic virus originated, but economist Jeffrey Sachs says the US government doesn't seem very interested in getting to the bottom of this mystery. From redacted records to uncooperative experts, Sachs says numerous obstacles have thwarted his efforts as chair of the Lancet's COVID-19 Commission. Are his frustrations justified, or is there enough evidence to show that SARS-CoV-2 likely jumped from wild animals to humans in a wet market?

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

*

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.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

Is it time to give up low-dose aspirin as a heart-attack prevention tool? New evidence suggests that the risks may outweigh the benefits for many people. The tobacco industry followed a science-denial playbook that helped it stave off regulation of cigarettes. Are activist groups using the same strategy today in their campaign against pesticides? Dutch farmers have pushed back on their government's proposal to restrict animal agriculture. Will this dispute over "green" farm policies spread to other nations?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 184 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Put down the baby aspirin: Risks might outweigh heart health benefits

Many adults have been told for years that low-dose aspirin can reduce their heart attack risk. Taking 325 milligrams during a heart attack can reduce complications, experts still believe. But evidence gathered in the last six years indicates that using the pain reliever as a preventative measure isn't always worth the risks it carries—gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. While changing guidelines can be frustrating, they underscore the value of following the data wherever they lead.

* ‘Science-denial playbook’: How the tobacco industry denied proof of smoking dangers for decades

The tobacco industry perfected science denial; using cherry-picked statistics and clever but misleading arguments, the major cigarette companies kept the political debate over their products going for years, even after the evidence clearly showed that smoking was deadly. With so many activist groups lobbying for bans on low-risk pesticides, we face an intriguing question: are these contrarians in the environmental movement aping the tobacco industry's tactics?

Follow the latest news and policy debates on agricultural biotech and biomedicine? Subscribe to our newsletter.

SIGN UP

* Dutch farmer viewpoint: ‘Green activists want to destroy the ability of farms to produce high-quality, abundant, clean, and inexpensive food’

The Dutch government says it wants to take practical steps to mitigate the dangers of climate change, which include restrictions...