Unbiased Science

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 health equity. The conversation provides a balanced perspective on fluoride, highlighting the importance of scientific evidence in understanding its role in public health and dental care. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Introduction  (03:29) Understanding Fluoride: Definition and Function (06:19) Historical Context of Fluoride and Dental Health (09:21) Recent Controversies: NTP Report and IQ Concerns (12:13) Fluoride: Benefits vs. Risks (15:22) Health Equity and Access to Dental Care (18:30) Fluorosis: Understanding the Condition (21:06) IQ: What It Is and Its Measurement Challenges (24:20) The Connection Between Dental Health and Cognitive Function (27:20) Consequences of Removing Fluoride from Water (30:21) Hydroxyapatite as an Alternative to Fluoride (33:20) Final Thoughts: Conclusion on Fluoride Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 misinformation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building trust through effective communication while maintaining scientific integrity, offering listeners valuable insights into critically evaluating and understanding scientific research. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Introduction  (03:18) Understanding Science: What It Is and Isn't (06:10) The Nature of Scientific Certainty and Uncertainty (09:17) The Scientific Method: Steps and Challenges (12:32) Communicating Science: Best Practices and Challenges (15:34) The Role of Trust in Science Communication (18:14) Addressing Misinformation and Vaccine Hesitancy (26:14) Shared Values in Health Communication (27:39) Understanding Cognitive Biases (30:32) Types of Cognitive Biases in Science (36:49) Strategies to Reduce Bias in Research (43:26) The Importance of Research Design (47:03) Final Thoughts: Communicating Uncertainty in Science Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman discuss the complexities of cancer with Dr. Joe Zundell, a cancer biologist. They explore the definition of cancer, its prevalence, and the hallmarks that characterize cancer cells. The conversation delves into the mechanisms of cancer growth, including sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppression through the P53 gene, and the process of apoptosis. The discussion aims to make these complex topics accessible to a broader audience while highlighting the importance of understanding cancer biology. In this conversation, Dr. Joe Zundell discusses the complexities of cancer biology, focusing on key hallmarks such as immune response, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, and metastasis. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and the challenges of targeting cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. The discussion highlights the need for careful consideration of information regarding cancer treatment and the significance of working with healthcare professionals. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Introduction  (05:28) Understanding Cancer: Definitions and Statistics (10:15) The Hallmarks of Cancer: An Overview (15:14) Sustaining Proliferative Signaling in Cancer (20:07) Evading Growth Suppression: The Role of P53 (25:17) Apoptosis: The Controlled Cell Death Mechanism (30:21) Understanding Cancer: Immune Response and Cell Death (33:31) Replicative Immortality: The Hayflick Limit (38:27) Angiogenesis: Blood Vessel Formation in Tumors (46:32) Invasion and Metastasis: The Spread of Cancer (54:22) Final Thoughts: The Complexity of Cancer Treatment and Early Detection Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Namandjé Bumpus, Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, who shares insights into the agency's operations and her path from academia to FDA leadership. The scientists explore the complexities of drug approval processes, the FDA's organizational structure, and its commitment to safety and transparency. Dr. Bumpus discusses the agency's efforts to advance health equity and adapt to emerging technologies, while addressing the critical challenge of maintaining public trust. This conversation offers listeners a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the FDA and its role in protecting public health. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Introduction  (03:31) Dr. Bumpus' Academic and Professional Journey (06:19) Transition from Academia to FDA Leadership (09:10) The Role of Pharmacology in Public Health (12:26) Overview of FDA Offices and Centers (15:10) Understanding the Drug Approval Process (18:12) Post-Market Surveillance and Drug Safety (21:20) Building Trust in Government Agencies (24:27) Examples of FDA's Impact on Public Health (27:16) Ensuring Transparency in FDA Processes (30:27) The Human Foods Program and Its Importance (33:08) Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Technologies (36:16) Challenges Facing the FDA and Public Health (38:42) Final Thoughts Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices