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Unbiased Science

@unbiasedscipodwww.unbiasedscipod.com
Dr. Jessica Steier, a public-health expert, and Dr. Sarah Scheinman, a neurobiologist, are the hosts of Unbiased Science, a podcast devoted to objective, critical appraisal of available evidence on health-related topics relevant to listeners’ daily lives. Follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipod
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Episodes

Summer Rerun: Panic! At the Doctor’s: Analyzing Anxiety Disorders

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscipod.substack.com⁠ and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below....

Jul 09, 202553 min

Summer Rerun: Can't Get You Out of My Head: Debunking Brain Health Misinformation

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscipod.substack.com⁠ and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below....

Jul 02, 202550 min

Summer Rerun: Oils Well that Ends Well: Seed Oil Myths Dispelled

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscipod.substack.com⁠ and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below....

Jun 25, 202551 min

Summer Rerun: Let's Get Physiological: The Science of Exercise

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at theunbiasedscipod.substack.com⁠ and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below. ...

Jun 18, 202541 min

Summer Rerun: Nothing 'Measly' About It: Tracking The Unfortunate Return Of Measles

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscipod.substack.com⁠ and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below....

Jun 11, 202549 min

Summer Rerun: What's The Mooove? An Udderly Honest Discussion About Raw Milk

Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at theunbiasedscipod.substack.com and some short form video clips from episodes as well as some NEW short form content to our YouTube channel over the summer. So if you’re not following us already, check out the links below. B...

Jun 04, 202552 min

Cholester-all In! The Role of Cholesterol in Heart Health

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Christopher Labos (again!) to examine cholesterol and the growing phenomenon of cholesterol denialism. The scientists explore the historical development of cholesterol research and how treatment approaches have evolved over time. They address the impact of scientific skepticism on public understanding of cholesterol's role in cardiovascular disease, discussing both dietary interventions and pharmaceutical treatments like sta...

May 28, 202550 minSeason 5Ep. 37

Heavy Menstruation: A Bloody Big Problem

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Jackie Maybin to explore the often overlooked issue of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and its significant impact on women's health. The scientists examine the prevalence of this condition, the persistent societal stigma that prevents open discussion, and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. They highlight the innovative Missed Vital Sign program, which aims to standardize assessment of menstrual health as a vital clini...

May 21, 202541 minSeason 5Ep. 36

Food Dyes, Seed Oils and Nutrition, Oh MAHA!

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Kevin Klatt to explore the multifaceted world of nutrition science and dietetics. The scientists examine the essential role of registered dietitians in providing evidence-based nutritional guidance and discuss the impact of the Maha movement on public health discourse. Dr. Klatt offers insights into the controversies surrounding food dyes and the regulatory challenges faced by the FDA in food safety oversight. The conversati...

May 14, 202557 minSeason 5Ep. 34

Shot Callers: Vaccines Gone Viral

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Michael Mina to explore the nuanced realities of COVID-19 vaccines and public health communication. The scientists examine the limitations of current vaccines in preventing transmission and how this has affected public trust. Dr. Mina introduces the critical concept of immune amnesia, particularly in relation to measles, explaining its profound implications for understanding immunity. The conversation places current vaccine ...

May 07, 202551 minSeason 5Ep. 34

If I Could Turn Back Time: COVID-19 Lessons Learned

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Paul Offit to discuss the evolution of COVID-19 from pandemic to endemic status, the challenges of misinformation and public health messaging, and the importance of rebuilding trust in science. The scientists explore the challenges of effective public health communication amid widespread misinformation, examining how trust in scientific institutions has been affected. Dr. Offit shares insights on mRNA vaccine technology and ...

Apr 30, 202553 minSeason 5Ep. 33

Oils Well That Ends Well: Seed Oil Myths Dispelled

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Christopher Labos to examine the controversial topic of seed oils in nutrition. The scientists explore common misconceptions surrounding dietary fats, clarifying the differences between saturated and unsaturated fats and addressing the ongoing omega-3 versus omega-6 debate. They investigate how seed oils became demonized in contemporary diet culture, analyzing claims about their alleged inflammatory properties and health imp...

Apr 23, 202551 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Fluoride & Fossils - A Science News Roundup

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore a diverse range of current scientific developments and health topics. The scientists examine recent advancements in Alzheimer's diagnostics, providing insights into emerging tools for early detection. They revisit the ongoing fluoride debate, discussing its public health implications. The conversation covers new research on alcohol's impact on brain health and delves into the nuanced field of autism research. Dr. Steier and Dr. ...

Apr 16, 202539 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Immunity Mutiny: Demystifying Autoimmunity

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Aimee Pugh Bernard to explore the intricate world of autoimmunity. The scientists examine the fundamental nature of autoimmune disorders, explaining how these conditions develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. They discuss the challenges in diagnosing these diverse conditions, the critical interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, and focus on specific examples like celia...

Apr 09, 202547 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Running On Empty: Addressing Healthcare Provider Burnout

In this episode, In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the critical issue of healthcare provider burnout with guests Claire Knapp and Dr. Tapas Mukherjee. The scientists discuss the Healing the Healers campaign, examining the widespread distress among healthcare professionals and the complex factors contributing to burnout. They investigate the multifaceted challenges facing medical workers, including administrative burdens, emotional stress, and increasing complexi...

Apr 02, 202547 minSeason 5Ep. 29

I've Been Lost In The High... Naloxone, Bring Me To Life

In this episode, hosts Dr. Jess Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman engage with Suhanee Mitragotri, a Harvard undergraduate and co-founder of the Naloxone Education Initiative, to discuss the opioid crisis in the United States. They explore the scale of the crisis, the importance of naloxone in reversing overdoses, and the gaps in education regarding opioids and harm reduction. The conversation emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education, particularly among youth, to combat the ongoing ...

Mar 26, 202535 minSeason 5Ep. 28

Magic Mushrooms: Are We Vibin' With Psilocybin?

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the complex world of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms. The scientists examine the substance's historical significance and neurobiological mechanisms, while discussing the emerging practice of microdosing and psilocybin's evolving legal status across different jurisdictions. They investigate the potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin for various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Throughout ...

Mar 19, 202543 minSeason 5Ep. 27

SSRI-ously? Separating Fact From Fiction On SSRIs

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein to explore the complex world of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The scientists examine how these medications work in the brain, addressing both the supporting evidence for their effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety as well as ongoing controversies in the field. They discuss potential side effects, discontinuation symptoms, and the importance of individualized approaches to...

Mar 12, 202549 minSeason 5Ep. 26

Nothing 'Measly' About It: Tracking The Unfortunate Return Of Measles

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Adam Ratner to discuss the concerning resurgence of measles and the critical role of vaccination. The scientists examine measles' extraordinary contagiousness, explaining how vaccine hesitancy has contributed to recent outbreaks in specific communities. They explore the virus's mechanisms, potential serious complications including SSPE, and address common vaccination myths. Dr. Ratner provides expert insights on MMR vaccine ...

Mar 05, 202549 min

Extra, Extra Science: Asteroids, Ozempic And Bird Flu Vaccines!

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman examine several current public health challenges and scientific developments. The scientists explore emerging research on Ozempic's potential role in treating alcohol use disorder, while addressing ongoing infectious disease concerns including tuberculosis and measles outbreaks. They also discuss broader public health issues such as marijuana advertising's impact on youth and progress in bird flu vaccine development. The conversation pr...

Feb 26, 202541 minSeason 5Ep. 24

We are Tee-Totally Obsessed with the Science of Alcohol

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the complex relationship between alcohol and public health. The scientists examine alcohol's biological effects, its links to various health risks including cancer, and current policy debates around alcohol labeling and blood alcohol content limits. They discuss the growing awareness of alcohol-related health concerns while addressing the emergence of alcohol-free alternatives. The conversation balances personal experiences with...

Feb 19, 202542 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Needles To Say, RSV And Pneumo Vaccines Are Worth A Shot

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Margot Savoy to discuss the changing landscape of vaccine recommendations. The scientists explore risk-based vaccination approaches, focusing particularly on RSV and pneumococcal vaccines, while examining how factors like age and immunosenescence influence vaccine effectiveness. Dr. Savoy provides insights into how pandemic experiences have shaped vaccine strategies and emphasizes the importance of personalized vaccination d...

Feb 12, 202548 minSeason 5Ep. 22

We've Got A Nose For News And A Heart For Science

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman examine several pressing scientific and public health topics. The scientists explore recent findings on dementia prevention, the emerging technology of cultivated meat, and concerns surrounding nicotine products, particularly their impact on youth. They also discuss critical public health issues including the tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas and emerging avian flu threats. The conversation provides context for recent headlines while offe...

Feb 05, 202541 minSeason 5Ep. 21

What's The Mooove? An Udderly Honest Discussion About Raw Milk

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Katharine Lotspeich and Valene Cauhorn from the Millennial Ag Podcast to explore the complex topic of raw milk. The scientists examine the historical context of milk and pasteurization, delving into the scientific principles behind milk safety, public health concerns, and nutritional misconceptions. They discuss the critical role of pasteurization in protecting public health, while also exploring personal experiences and p...

Jan 29, 202552 minSeason 5Ep. 20

Sugar, We're Goin' Down (A Diabetes Rabbit Hole)!

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Sam Scott to explore diabetes, a condition affecting millions globally. The scientists examine different types of diabetes, current management approaches, and technological innovations in diabetes care. They discuss the crucial role of exercise in diabetes management while addressing the everyday challenges faced by individuals living with the condition, offering listeners valuable insights into both traditional and emerging...

Jan 22, 202540 minSeason 5Ep. 19

Not To Poo-Poo Microbiome Research, Butt We're Just Getting To The Bottom Of It

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Kristen Panthagani to explore the complex world of the human microbiome. The scientists discuss the fundamental concepts of gut health, examining the roles of beneficial and harmful bacteria, as well as the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics. They investigate the emerging research on the gut-brain connection and its implications for mental health, while addressing the effectiveness of various interventions in...

Jan 15, 202544 minSeason 5Ep. 18

News Year, Who Dis? 2025's First Health and Science Stories

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore a diverse range of current scientific topics, from seasonal illnesses to cutting-edge biotechnology. The scientists discuss the mechanisms behind winter disease outbreaks, particularly focusing on colds and norovirus. They examine recent developments in xenotransplantation and gene editing technology, while also addressing emerging public health concerns such as HMPV and the relationship between alcohol and cancer. The conversat...

Jan 08, 202540 minSeason 5Ep. 17

That's So Meta: Your Brain On Social Media

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Hansa Bhargava to explore the complex relationship between social media and health, with a particular focus on its impact on children and adolescents. The scientists examine the nuanced differences between screen time and social media, discussing the potential mental health consequences of excessive digital engagement. Dr. Bhargava provides expert insights on the psychological effects of social media and offers practic...

Dec 18, 202441 minSeason 5Ep. 16

Fluoride and Prejudice: Getting To The Root of This Controversial Mineral

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the complex and controversial topic of fluoride in public health. The scientists examine the recent National Toxicology Program report linking fluoride to potential cognitive impacts, discussing its historical significance and the ongoing debates about its use in water supplies. They delve into the nuanced considerations of fluoride's benefits and risks, addressing concerns about dental health, potential cognitive effects, and h...

Dec 11, 202439 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Blurred Lines: Navigating Bias in the Scientific Method

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Kristen Panthagani to explore the fundamental aspects of science communication and methodology. The scientists discuss the delicate balance between scientific certainty and uncertainty, examining how cognitive biases influence both research and public understanding. They address the challenges of communicating complex scientific findings to the public, particularly in contexts like vaccine hesitancy and widespread misi...

Dec 04, 202448 minSeason 5Ep. 14
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