How To Approach Psychogenic Symptoms
Remember back in 1997, the Pokemon seizure episode? Hundreds of children reported symptoms, including seizures, after watching a specific episode of the Pokemon cartoon that includes a sequence of flashing alternating red and blue lights. The press reported the episode at face value, attributing the reaction to a known phenomenon of photosensitive epilepsy. However, later reviews found that the majority of cases...
Dr. Jeffrey Flier: Those Who Express Different Views on Health Equity Should Be Demonized, Not Heard
Perhaps if sheltered doctors cared more about health inequities, they wouldn't have treated a dangerous virus as nothing more than topic for an abstract, salon-style debate.
A poorly framed article on COVID-19 vaccine injury in the New York Times
A poorly framed article on people who believe that COVID-19 vaccines injured them is being trumpeted by antivaxxers. Where the New York Times and its reporter Apoorva Mandavilli go wrong?
Woke Washing the Pandemic: If You Really Were Progressive, You’d Want Them Infected
Genuine concern is consistent concern.
Kava and Liver Damage
Kava is an herbal supplement used mainly for its calming psychoactive effects. It is a traditional drink in Oceania that has been used for centuries. It has also been linked to liver toxicity and cases of liver failure and even death. However, the liver toxicity of kava is extremely controversial – this controversy, however, reflects the various narratives that we see surrounding...
We finally learn from TACT2 what we should have known two decades ago: Chelation therapy doesn’t work for heart disease
At SBM, we've long argued that chelation therapy for heart disease is quackery. An abstract presented recently finally confirmed that. Why did it take so long?
Once a Doctor Has Minimized Literal Death for Young People, Should We Value Their Opinion on Any Topic Less Consequential Than Literal Death?
Is potential death worse than real death?
Science-Based Satire: More Parents Turn to Kinesiology Diapers for Fussy Infants
Are parents really turning to diapers made using kinesiology tape to help their fussy babies? Of course not. That would be incredibly silly, and profitable. This is satire.
Cold Water Immersion Not Always Beneficial
Two papers look at the effects of cold water immersion after exercise, with mixed results.
Don’t Blame the Patient
When patients are diagnosed with cancer, or a terminal illness of any kind, they report that there are a couple of near universal reactions by the people around them. First, everyone has advice for them. Everyone thinks they know what caused their illness and what will cure it. The floodgates of free advice and misinformation open. Everyone also wants them to stay...