Unbiased Science

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 alcoho...

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...

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...

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 emphasi...

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...

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...

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 inclu...

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 marij...

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 addres...

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 ex...

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 Kans...

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...

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 individual...

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 an...

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 emergin...

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. D...

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 fluori...

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 sc...

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, a...

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 th...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Ayesha Sherzai to explore 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...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile to explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The scientists examine the clinical criteria, symptoms, and biological mechanisms underlying SAD, while addressing both winter and summer variations of the condition. They discuss evidence-based treatment approaches, including light thera...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by the leaders of the Human Immunome Project to explore groundbreaking research in immunology. The scientists discuss the project's mission to comprehensively map and understand the human immune system, emphasizing the importance of studying diverse populations through longitudinal research. They delve into the complexities of...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an expert in outbreak science, to explore the complex world of infectious diseases. The scientists discuss how outbreaks evolve into pandemics and examine the current landscape of infectious threats. They delve into the nature of various pathogens, with a particular focus on COVID-19 dynamics and emerging...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Joey Munoz to explore the comprehensive benefits of exercise. The scientists discuss the distinctions between aerobic and strength training, highlighting their unique impacts on physical health. They delve into the often-overlooked psychological and cognitive advantages of regular physical activity, challenging common ex...