A new book by Edzard Ernst provides a concise course in critical thinking as well as a wealth of good science-based information to counter the widespread misinformation about SCAM. Edzard Ernst was once a practitioner of alternative medicine. As the world’s first professor of complementary medicine (at the University of… read more "Don’t Believe What You Think"
Prenatal Screening Tests for Chromosome Abnormalities
Science has made remarkable advances in prenatal screening, but false positives and false negative results can occur, and there are ethical concerns.Having a baby used to be like opening a surprise package. You didn’t know anything about the baby until it was born. The obstetrician or midwife would announce “It’s… read more "Prenatal Screening Tests for Chromosome Abnormalities"
Neuriva: Clinically Proven?
Neuriva claims to have proof from clinical studies. That’s misleading. Will your brain work better if you take Neuriva? Probably not.My TV is threatening to collapse under the onslaught of commercials for Neuriva. They say it has been clinically proven to improve five measures of brain performance: accuracy, performance, concentration,… read more "Neuriva: Clinically Proven?"
Chaga Tea
Chaga tea is made from a mushroom that rots birch trees. Health benefits are claimed on the basis of folk medicine, but there isn’t a shred of scientific evidence. Trunk rot. Not good for trees. Probably not good for people either. A correspondent said he had looked for Chaga on… read more "Chaga Tea"
Fixed Dose Combination Drugs: Consensi Is a Bad Example
Consensi combines two drugs for high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. That doesn’t make sense, and it costs $12,000 a year more than taking the individual components. Combination drugs, or fixed dose combinations (FDCs), combine two or more active ingredients in a single dosage form. One company added LSD to their… read more "Fixed Dose Combination Drugs: Consensi Is a Bad Example"
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)
TRE exercises can supposedly cure PTSD by inducing tremors. Not credible. And there’s no science to support the claims. This bear is running away. After he has escaped the danger, will he lie down on his back in the woods and deliberately tremor to release the aroused stress? I doubt… read more "Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)"
TCM for Covid-19
Despite the many claims, there is no real evidence that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. There have been many claims for the efficacy (and even the superiority) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compared to so-called “Western” medicine. The COVID-19 outbreak that started in… read more "TCM for Covid-19"
Covid-19 in Children: A New Study Out of China
Children may be less likely to develop COVID-19, but they can get it too; and it may be more severe for infants. Reports on the new coronavirus disease COVID-19 have reassured us that children are less likely to be infected and are likely to have milder symptoms. An information page… read more "Covid-19 in Children: A New Study Out of China"
Milk and Health: The Evidence
A useful review of all the current evidence about milk and health provides a lot of surprises. It shows that current recommendations are flawed and that much of what we have believed is wrong. Milk has been praised and vilified. Vegans eschew it. Babies thrive on it. Adults who are… read more "Milk and Health: The Evidence"
“Healthy Directions” Is a Double Misnomer
Healthy Directions sells dietary supplements without scientific evidence. A better name would be Misdirections that Won’t Make You Healthy. Historical examples of patent medicines. Healthy Directions similarly offers untested products without scientific evidence of efficacy. The Healthy Directions website says it is “A Better Way to Better Health.” There’s no reason to… read more "“Healthy Directions” Is a Double Misnomer"