On this episode of the pod, we take a little break from COVID-19 to discuss essential oils. We kick things off with a description of essential oils, their history, and their applications. We discuss some of the purported benefits of essential oils and touted medicinal applications. We then dive into the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) on the actual benefits of essential oils and the findings from studies that have been conducted (and the difference between human trials and in vitro studies...
Feb 15, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 23
On this week's episode we discuss mutations, specifically in the context of SARS-CoV-2. We set the stage by describing what a mutation is and how this random process occurs in all organisms. We discuss the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and a primer on zoonotic diseases before focusing on mutation rates of SARS-CoV-2, and comparison to another RNA virus, influenza virus. We talk about the key mutations of the variants of concern B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 and the spike antigen of the virus, and why thes...
Feb 08, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 22
On this week's episode of the podcast, we discuss protections in place for human research subjects. To start the conversation, we discuss some infamous examples of past injustices conducted in the name of "research" and the regulations they prompted as a result. We highlight four cases: the Holocaust experiments, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the work of James Marion Sims, and the case of Henrietta Lacks. We spend some time detailing historical documents and regulations that were developed to pro...
Feb 01, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 21
This week we answer a commonly encountered question: "why were we able to develop a COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year, but don't have a vaccine for HIV?" We begin with the population health statistics of HIV globally to set the stage. We then do a primer on classification of viruses to underscore the fact that not all viruses are the same. We focus on SARS-CoV-2 and HIV specifically, and do a brief compare and contrast between the two viruses and virus families. We focus specifically on the c...
Jan 25, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This week on the pod we discuss something we hear about all the time: the alkaline diet and alkaline water. Promised to prevent cancer and other ailments, this diet claims to be able to alter the pH of your body. First we set the stage with a primer on what the pH scale is and how it relates to acidity or alkalinity of substances. We discuss the concept of homeostasis in the human body and how our organ and buffer systems ensure the pH of our blood and other compartments are tightly regulated. W...
Jan 18, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 19
On this episode, we discuss whether or not detox diets or juice cleanses have any evidence behind their claims. We start off with a summary of what is considered a detox or cleanse, and compare it with what is actually classified as medical detoxification. We discuss the differences between the appearance of efficacy and actual efficacy of these diets, as well as the marketing tactics of this massive industry and misleading claims made about these products. We discuss some popular "detox" diets ...
Jan 11, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 18
We are back at it again with part 2, discussing what the term organic means in the context of farming, produce, and consumer products. This week, after a recap, we continue our discussion, first focusing on environmental impact, and elaborate on a few fallacies that circulate with regard to organic products. Following that, we discuss the implications of hormones and antibiotics in rearing livestock in conventional farming, and debunk a few misconceptions with some data. We then discuss animal w...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 17
On this week's episode, we take a little break from COVID-19 to talk about organics! First, we refresh everyone’s memory from our GMO episodes, to clarify the difference between organic farming (a cultivation method) and GMO technology (a breeding method). We discuss what the organic label actually means and doesn't mean, and debunk the myth that organic products are pesticide-free. We talk about different examples of organic pesticides and how, at certain doses, they can actually be quite toxic...
Dec 28, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 16
We are back again with the fourth (and final) episode in our series on debunking vaccine myths. In this week's episode, we focus specifically on the two COVID-19 vaccines (from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). We kick things off with a discussion of the vaccine development timeline and address concerns that the vaccines were rushed; we break down the typical clinical trial timeline and how things are affected by the urgency of a pandemic. Next, we debunk the misconception that RNA vaccines are bran...
Dec 21, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On this week’s episode of the pod, we continue to debunk some of the most common vaccine myths, with an emphasis on adverse events. We talk about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)-- both its utility and its shortcomings and remind folks that correlation does not equal causation. We also discuss why we have an immune response after a vaccine and briefly recap how vaccines work. We briefly discuss why assessing the risk of adverse events is not enough; we must weigh them against b...
Dec 14, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 14
On this week's episode, we emphasize again that vaccine hesitancy is a top 10 threat to global health. We jump in and review the first four myths we debunked last week: that vaccines cause autism, that vaccines actually cause the diseases they aim to prevent, that vaccines contain fetal tissue, and that vaccines contain toxins and harmful substances. We then move on to discuss and dispel the next four common myths we hear: that vaccines only affect individuals and it should be a personal choice,...
Dec 07, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 13
On this episode, we start by recapping the impact that vaccines have had on reducing disease burden in the U.S. and the damage that's being done by a recent increase in anti-vaxx sentiments and misinformation. We then move on to debunk four of the most common vaccine myths including the oft-cited FALSE link between the MMR vaccine and autism, the false claim that vaccines can cause the diseases they are designed to prevent, that vaccines contain fetal tissue, and that vaccines contain toxins and...
Nov 30, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 12
On this week's episode of the pod, we give an update on the state of Covid-19, the latest statistics, and trends. We briefly review transmission routes and high-risk behaviors, as well as the different types of tests currently available. We try to drive home that tests should never be used as immunity passes! We give an update on our most promising vaccine candidates and remind you that though it's looking promising, we still have a long way to go. From the Unbiased Scientists to you, we wish yo...
Nov 23, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On this week's episode of the pod, we continue our discussion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We debunk common misconceptions and myths about GMOs, particularly with regard to the food industry. We spend some time discussing the labeling of foods as "non-GMO" and the different genetic modification techniques included under this umbrella term. We address the common misconception (that we "heard from the herd") that GMOs can change one's DNA, cause cancer and infertility, and also presen...
Nov 16, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On this week’s episode, we are shifting gears to talk about GMOs. We set the stage by discussing the meaning of the term genetically modified (GM), and some of the different ways organisms are genetically modified, including historical methods such as selective breeding and hybridization. We provide an introduction into genetics and the idea of traits that can be inherited, and how that paved the way for genetic engineering technology over the last several hundred years. We provide some specific...
Nov 09, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this week's episode, we apply what we discussed about research studies, specifically clinical trials, to COVID-19 research into vaccines and treatments. We quickly review the phases of clinical trials, and provide a brief overview of the number of vaccine trials in each phase currently. We outline in more detail some key phase 3 vaccine trials that are ongoing, including a review of the status of each trial, the participant groups, and the type of vaccine technology being used. We discuss a n...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode we geek out over research study design. We kick-off the episode with a primer on how research studies work and the factors that strengthen and weaken the validity of a study. We set the stage with a discussion of the "counterfactual" which guides the selection of study design. We talk about how research is hypothesis driven and seeks to address specific, measurable, and answerable questions. We discuss the difference between observational and experimental study designs (and give ...
Oct 26, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, we discuss whether or not it is possible to “boost” our immune system. We start things off with a primer on immune system basics, including the different components of the immune system. We briefly touch on conditions where the immune system is overactive, in the case of allergies and autoimmune disorders. We then introduce 8 key micronutrients necessary for proper immune function, and review the latest evidence on 3 of these: vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. Our “Heard from the ...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On this week's episode, we talk all about the flu! We start off with the basics of influenza and the different strains and mutations of the virus (and why they necessitate our getting an annual shot). Next, we answer our "Heard from the Herd" question about the need to get a flu shot even if you've never had the flu (lucky you!). We present recent population health estimates of disease burden and mortality and then take a trip down memory lane to discuss pandemics from years past. We also dispel...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this two-part episode, we do a deep dive into the evidence-based do’s and don’t’s for being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1 focuses on hygiene and infection prevention, and part 2 focuses on behaviors and best practices. In Part 2, we discuss general considerations for making decisions about potentially risky activities. We discuss restaurant dining and other indoor activities, school attendance, and highlight demographic differences in disease transmission between children and adul...
Oct 05, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this two-part episode, we do a deep dive into the evidence-based do’s and don’t’s for being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1 focuses on hygiene and infection prevention, and part 2 focuses on behaviors and best practices. In Part 1, we briefly discuss modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We then focus on mask wearing, describing what mask types are most effective and dispelling common misconceptions. We touch on other mitigation strategies, such as phy...
Oct 05, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode, we take a break from COVID-19 to discuss vaccines: specifically, what they are, how they work, and how they provide immunity to disease. We describe the different types of vaccines and some examples of the diseases they provide protection for. We comment on some population health case studies on vaccine trends and local outbreaks and wrap up with a primer on why it is important to get vaccinated. This episode will set the stage for future episodes taking deeper dives into vaccin...
Sep 28, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to the Unbiased Science Podcast! Join Dr. Jessica Steier, a public health expert, and Dr. Andrea Love, an immunology expert, as they dive into the science behind pertinent health-related topics. Former college classmates, these two esteemed scientists join forces as a dynamic duo bringing you trustworthy and reliable information, while simultaneously dispelling many common misconceptions. In our inaugural episode, we concentrate on the current COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we discuss...
Sep 21, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this short teaser, co-hosts Dr. Jess Steier and Dr. Andrea Love provide a brief glimpse of what you can expect from the Unbiased Science podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 11, 2020•4 min
