Unbiased Science

📢 New episode of the pod dropped yesterday! Have you listened yet? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Ayesha Sherzai to explorequestions about brain health, with a focus on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The scientists address common misconceptions and examine evidence-based approaches to cognitive health, including the role of nutrition, supplements, and music therapy. They debunk popular myths about brain usage and detoxification while emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful activities for cognitive resilience. Throughout the conversation, the experts highlight the intimate connection between brain health and overall well-being, providing listeners with reliable information to counter widespread misinformation in this field. 🎧 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ewF6BGxb 🍎 Apple: https://lnkd.in/eTs_29A7 📺 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eXecJ584

A messsage from our founder, Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP: https://lnkd.in/eZpamAid

There’s a confusing belief shared by some that scientists should only be in academia, and if they choose an alternative career, they are ‘selling out’ or ‘corrupt’ and can’t be trusted. In reality, science informs everything in our lives, and as such, scientists are needed in EVERY SINGLE CAREER. Let’s take industry as an example. Industry refers broadly to any consumer or commercial products. Many people take this to mean just the pharmaceutical industry, but in reality, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of commercial industries where scientists are needed. Roofing companies? Sure! How do you know the materials you are using will withstand the elements and protect your home? Science. Cosmetic products? Definitely! How do you know the substances you’re using will exert their desired effect and are safe for application? Science. Public utilities? Absolutely! Science ensures we have safe and sanitary water and plumbing. Computer products? Obviously! The only reason you have a tiny computer in your pocket is science. Medical treatments? Of course! Vaccines, cancer treatments, blood pressure medications, insulin, immunotherapies, artificial joints, medical devices…. All of these are developed, tested, and created by scientists. All of these are INDUSTRIES. Without scientists involved in them, there would be no technologies that improve our lives and make us healthier. But scientists are needed elsewhere too. In journalism, to make sure media outlets accurately represent what data say. In policy, to ensure science informs measures to improve community health. In criminal justice, where crimes and crime scene investigation requires analysis of evidence. In healthcare, where clinical and medical lab technologies are essential to inform patient diagnosis and treatment. In government, both on the research and regulation side but also in politics. The list goes on! It is unrealistic to suggest that scientists only belong in academia. Yes, scientists are needed there. But scientists are needed everywhere. Being a scientist is a career & there is a career path in every job sector that requires those skills and expertise. Pretending otherwise is short-sighted. We discussed this and more on this week's pod episode: https://lnkd.in/gfaG5Svc #sciencecareers #scientist #scientistlife #scientistcareers #STEMcareers #careersinSTEM #scicomm #sciencecommunication #scienceeducation #academia #industry #womeninSTEM #STEMlife #sciencefacts #scienceisawesome #sciencelife #science #publichealth #biopharma #biotech #healthpolicy #publichealth #scienceiseverywhere #immunology #foodscience #cosmeticscience #scienceiscool

Public health has always been about one thing: protecting and improving the health of all people. Through every challenge and change, this mission remains constant and transcends political divisions. As scientists, educators, communicators, and advocates committed to public health, we remain steadfastly committed to: ✔️Providing evidence-based information that helps you make informed decisions about your health ✔️Ensuring access to life-saving public health measures in all communities ✔️Working toward health equity for every American ✔️Maintaining scientific integrity in research and communication ✔️Building stronger, healthier communities together While changes may come, our dedication to these principles will not waver. We will continue serving all communities, supporting science-based solutions, and working collaboratively with partners across the political spectrum. Public health has a proud history of bringing people together to solve complex challenges - this is what we do, and this is what we'll keep doing. The path forward requires understanding, respect, and cooperation from all of us. We remain optimistic because we've seen how communities can unite around shared goals for better health. This is our commitment to you, today and always. Today, and always, we are proud and honored to deliver unbiased science to you— and that won’t ever change ♥️ (No, this isn’t “toxic positivity.” This is the way we move forward— through action and commitment. Even in the midst of uncertainty and the fear that comes with it.)

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates circadian rhythms. As a supplement, it's primarily used for sleep issues, jet lag, and shift work adjustments. While generally considered safe for short-term use, several important considerations warrant attention. 💊 Medication interactions present significant concerns, particularly with anticoagulants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants. The sedative effects can be amplified when combined with other substances that cause drowsiness, creating potential safety risks. ❗️A critical regulatory issue exists in the United States, where melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement rather than a medication, resulting in less stringent FDA oversight. Research has revealed substantial discrepancies between labeled and actual content in many supplements, with variations ranging from 83% below to 478% above stated doses. 🧒 Pediatric use requires particular attention due to a marked increase in exposure incidents, with poison control center reports rising 530% between 2012-2021. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises prioritizing sleep hygiene improvements before considering melatonin for children and recommends healthcare provider consultation. 🔍 Regarding long-term safety, while a 2022 meta-analysis of 79 studies indicates low risk of adverse effects from short-term use, data on chronic administration remains limited. This knowledge gap suggests favoring short-term use and non-supplemental approaches when possible. Given these factors, melatonin can serve as an effective short-term sleep aid, but users should approach supplementation with appropriate caution, particularly regarding medication interactions, quality control issues, and long-term use. Healthcare provider consultation is strongly advised, especially for pediatric use or if considering extended supplementation periods. Sources https://lnkd.in/g-RmkeWr https://lnkd.in/dWZ2pcUM https://lnkd.in/dhbjBev6 https://lnkd.in/gNGcbQF https://lnkd.in/dKGTxJAX https://lnkd.in/d2zS4u3n https://lnkd.in/dc_prWSb https://lnkd.in/dp2XA5zy https://lnkd.in/d-g6VJAK https://lnkd.in/eHud-Pii https://lnkd.in/d_HxN-Kh https://lnkd.in/d4UnGxDv https://lnkd.in/e-KuuEtM https://lnkd.in/dK-r2pD7

Delighted to see our CEO Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP named in the Top 50 Women Leaders in Massachusetts for 2024. Thank you to Women We Admire for this great honor and for recognizing Jess's commitment to providing clients and the general public with accurate, unbiased, and methodologically sound information #sciencecommunications #unbiasedscience #publichealth https://lnkd.in/gSx8UtJt Congratulations too to all the other Top 50 Women Leaders. Great to be in your company

A recent study in Chemosphere analyzed 203 black plastic household items and found that about 10% contained brominated flame retardants (BFRs), possibly from recycled electronic waste. While these findings sound concerning, let's put them in perspective: 👉 Detection ≠ Risk: Finding BFRs doesn't automatically mean harmful exposure 👉 Context Matters: The study didn't measure how much (if any) of these compounds actually migrate out of the products 👉 Varied Impact: Different items (cooking utensils vs. hair accessories) present different exposure scenarios What Toxicologists Say: According to experts, the most important factor is exposure, not just presence. Most BFRs are poorly absorbed by the body, and typical consumer exposure levels are far below those showing effects in lab studies. Practical Steps to Reduce Potential Exposure Sources: 👉 Consider diversifying kitchenware materials 👉 Avoid using plastic utensils with very hot foods 👉 Focus on quality when purchasing children's toys 👉 Stay informed through reputable scientific sources Regulatory bodies continue to evaluate these substances, with new safety assessments expected by 2025. Make decisions based on your personal risk assessment, but avoid undue stress over every new study. Science is complex, and it's okay to navigate these findings with a balanced perspective rather than fear. Read our deep dive on this topic at https://lnkd.in/eH8qS6Kn 🔗

As comedian Tim Minchin famously observed: "You know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? Medicine." This simple observation cuts to the heart of a persistent myth: that effective treatments are being suppressed by the medical establishment simply because they're "natural" or "alternative." The reality is far simpler - when something works and can be proven safe and effective through rigorous research, it becomes part of standard medical practice, regardless of its origin. Consider the evidence: many of our most important medicines, from aspirin to numerous cancer drugs, originated from plants and natural compounds. The difference is that these treatments have been studied, standardized, and proven effective through careful research. Yet ironically, while critics claim that profit motives prevent acceptance of alternative therapies, the global wellness and alternative medicine industry generates trillions of dollars annually - making it more lucrative than the pharmaceutical industry itself. If profit were truly the only motive, wouldn't pharmaceutical companies be racing to validate and market these alternative treatments? The truth is that medicine doesn't care about "conventional" versus "alternative" - it cares about evidence. When treatments work, they become medicine. When they don't, they remain alternative. It's that simple. Source: https://lnkd.in/e4G--34j

Water fluoridation represents one of public health's most successful and equitable interventions. After its introduction, cavity rates dropped dramatically - from 4 decayed teeth per child in 1966-1970 to 1.3 in 1988-1994, a 68% reduction. At just 31 cents per person annually in large communities, fluoridation prevented an estimated $39 billion in dental care costs between 1979-1989. Fluoride works through multiple mechanisms: it inhibits tooth demineralization, promotes remineralization, and reduces acid production by cavity-causing bacteria. While fluoride's benefits were once thought to come from ingestion during tooth development, we now know it works primarily through direct contact with teeth. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L in drinking water - a level carefully chosen to prevent cavities while minimizing risk of dental fluorosis (cosmetic changes to tooth enamel). While higher levels can cause fluorosis, decades of research show fluoridation at recommended levels is both safe and effective. Importantly, fluoridation provides protection regardless of socioeconomic status or access to dental care. This is especially significant since low-income communities often face disproportionate barriers to dental services and higher rates of tooth decay. Prior to fluoridation, dental disease was so widespread it was a leading cause of military rejection in both world wars; today, thanks largely to fluoridation, most Americans expect to keep their natural teeth for life. While misinformation about fluoride's safety continues to circulate, the scientific consensus is clear: community water fluoridation is one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century, safely preventing tooth decay across populations through a low-cost, passive intervention that benefits everyone. By 1992, fluoridation reached 144 million Americans (56% of the population) - a remarkable public health achievement that continues to protect teeth regardless of age, education, or income level. We've done several deep dives on fluoride which can be found at https://lnkd.in/dRq-_V7K.

Deciding between a gas or electric stove? Here’s what the research says about potential health impacts. 🍳 Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), and studies suggest a link between gas stoves and respiratory issues in children. However, these studies have limitations that need to be considered. For example, a 2013 review found a 20% higher risk of respiratory symptoms in kids, but it didn’t account for other common indoor air pollutants, pets, or smoking. Advocates claim electric stoves are the solution since they don’t produce combustion-related emissions. But remember, new electric or induction models come with a higher price tag and may not deliver the same control or performance as gas for all types of cooking. For many, the convenience of gas remains unmatched, and the lower price point remains an important factor for many homes. So what safety precautions can be taken when using a gas stove? Research has found that proper ventilation—like a range hood or even a cracked window—can reduce NO₂ by more than 50 percent, suggesting that many of the risks can be minimized with common-sense precautions rather than drastic measures. Bottom Line: If you’ve got a gas stove, a few simple safety steps – proper ventilation, carbon monoxide monitors, regular maintenance – can help keep your indoor air quality in check. Sources: Environmental Health Perspectives (2013). "Exposure to Indoor Nitrogen Dioxide and Respiratory Health." Indoor Air (2018). "Particulate Matter Levels During Cooking Activities in Residential Settings." Building and Environment (2020). "Formaldehyde Emissions from Cooking: Gas vs. Electric Stoves." Environmental Science & Technology (2016). "Effectiveness of Range Hoods in Reducing Kitchen Pollutants." U.S. Energy Information Administration (2023). "Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)." Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Carbon Monoxide Safety." American Gas Association. "Natural Gas Appliance Safety." https://lnkd.in/eg7_-Bu6 https://lnkd.in/eVwykgxr https://lnkd.in/eDkdsYpg