The Body of Evidence

The opening of a new private clinic spurs Chris and Sophie to ask whether Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is real medicine or pseudoscience. How does a magnetic field stimulate the brain and how is this different from electric convulsive therapy (ECT)? Also, a brief digression on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and other classic movies Sophie has never seen.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) A study on the efficacy of ECT  by Slade et al. http://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.1378 2) The accompany editorial on modern ECT use: Modern Electroconvulsive Therapy Vastly Improved yet Greatly Underused https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2633172 3) A study on the safety of ECT: Lancet Psychiatry study 2021 https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00168-1 4) Consensus statement on the use of Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (TMS)  https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.16cs10905 5) Network meta-analysis comparing different TMS modalities https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.3644 6) The durability of response after TMS treatment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.10.001 7) RCT comparing ECT and TMS and showing ECT is more effective:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17202547/ 8) The older cochrane review from 2002 suggesting little benefit: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003493

How does genetic testing help doctors treat patients? How accurate are private companies like 23andMe? Does knowing your genetic risk help people lead healthier lives or is it just a waste of time and money? Sophie had a bunch of questions about how genetic testing is used in everyday medical practice and Chris was here to answer!   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Studies evaluating the accuracy of Direct to Consumer genetic testing companies: Ng PC, Murray SS, Levy S, Venter JC. An agenda for personalized medicine. Nature. 2009 Oct 8;461(7265):724-6. doi: 10.1038/461724a. PMID: 19812653. Imai K, Kricka LJ, Fortina P. Concordance study of 3 direct-to-consumer genetic-testing services. Clin Chem. 2011 Mar;57(3):518-21. doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2010.158220.  Studies looking at how knowing the results of genetic testing affect medical treatment and lifestyle factors. Mega JL, et al. Genetic risk, coronary heart disease events, and the clinical benefit of statin therapy: an analysis of primary and secondary prevention trials. Lancet. 2015 Jun 6;385(9984):2264-2271. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61730-X Khera AV, Emdin CA, Drake I, Natarajan P, Bick AG, Cook NR, Chasman DI, Baber U, Mehran R, Rader DJ, Fuster V, Boerwinkle E, Melander O, Orho-Melander M, Ridker PM, Kathiresan S. Genetic Risk, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med. 2016 Dec 15;375(24):2349-2358. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1605086.  The Cochrane review and MI-GENES study which showed that genetic information did not change lifestyle behavior Hollands GJ, French DP, Griffin SJ, Prevost AT, Sutton S, King S, Marteau TM. The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ. 2016 Mar 15;352:i1102. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i1102.  Kullo IJ, et al. Incorporating a Genetic Risk Score Into Coronary Heart Disease Risk Estimates: Effect on Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels (the MI-GENES Clinical Trial). Circulation. 2016 Mar 22;133(12):1181-8. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.020109  

Chris and Sophie tackle Radon, the odorless, colorless, tasteless and very toxic gas that is present in about 1 in 5 homes. Why do we care? How do you test for it? What should do about it? And why don't we talk about it more? Also Sophie's mind gets blown by a Patron question. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer  Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1)     The 2024 Cross-Canada Radon Survey: https://crosscanadaradon.ca/survey/ 2)     How Radon gets in your home: https://www.quebec.ca/en/housing-territory/healthy-living-environment/residential-radon 3)     Where to order valid Radon tests: http://takeactiononradon.ca 4)     Distribution of Radon geographically across Canada and the US: https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones-0  https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1655364/gaz-radon-normes-quebec-canada 5)     Cochrane review on balneotherapy: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000518.pub2/full?contentLanguage=en

EPISODE 145 – Case Challenge: rare and common cardiac conditions Aigul returns with two new case challenges. The first is a very rare cardiac condition that Chris actually picked up on his first day of work (and made him a superstar for about a week). The other is a very common problem that highlights how difficult medical diagnosis can be in real life.  Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer  Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

Mommy forums are awash with medical misinformation. Robyn is back to discuss why some moms suggest drinking water melon juice instead of sunscreen, using castor oil to treat just about everything, and why most people seem to have forgotten that you shouldn't give honey to a baby.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) The Cochrane review about castor oil and pregnancy outcomes: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003099.pub2/full 2) A primer on the concept of immune amnesia and the complications of measles:  https://hms.harvard.edu/news/inside-immune-amnesia  

Sophie joins Chris to unpack a new study about using stem cell derived cells transplanted into the pancreas of people with Type 1 diabetes. The early results showed 10 of the 12 patients who got the transplant no longer needed insulin. But the therapy comes with some risks because nothing in medicine is risk free. Is there a cure for a diabetes? Is it possible to treat diabetes without changing your diet? Listen to the episode to find out! Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Links to the original story: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/health/diabetes-cure-insulin-stem-cell.html  (behind a paywall) https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/woman-off-insulin-for-type-1-diabetes-after-a-single-dose-of-experimental-manufactured-stem-cells/    (free)   The publication in the New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2506549

What is metabolism and does it “slow down” as we age? Can you hack your metabolism, as many social media influencers suggest? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to discuss what your metabolism actually is, how you measure it, whether it changes as we age, and whether there is anything we can do that actually affects it. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.  

Stephanie Simoes is back to tell us about her new social media simulator, a kid-friendly mock social media feed filled with clickbait, logical fallacies, and dubious claims. The goal of the simulator is to teach kids how to surf the web safely and identify scams, tricks and fake news. Also, she throws a few more riddles Dr. Chris' way. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.  

How did cholesterol denialism go from reasonable skepticism to pseudoscience? It's a question that needs to be asked with Ahseem Malhotra, who has denied the effectiveness of both statins and the covid-19 vaccines, being named chief medical advisor to MAHA. In this special collaborative episode with the Unbiased Science podcast, Dr. Chris Labos speaks with Drs. Jessica Steier and Sarah Scheinman on why it is so hard for the cholesterol skeptics of the past to change their minds.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2024/02/how-cholesterol-denialism-went-from-reasonable-skepticism-to-pseudoscience/

A new study claims that vitamin D can treat multiple sclerosis. But is this trial groundbreaking or an outlier? Dr. Chris Labos finds that the answer is far more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no”. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The D-Lay MS randomized trial:   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2831270 The Mendelian Randomization study of vitamin D https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/NXG.0000000000000097 The early 2012 study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22354743/  The SOLAR study:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31594857/  The CHOLINE  study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31454777/  The VIDAMS study:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37125397/  The 2024 study on clinically isolated syndrome:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38085047/   

Grey's Anatomy had a lot of fascinating medical cases… in between all the sex and work drama. After investing 20 years of her life watching the show, guest co-host Robyn Flynn puts some of the weirdest cases she's ever seen on the show to Dr. Chris Labos to find out which ones were based on real cases, which were absolutely impossible, and which ones had valuable teaching lessons built in.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.  

Is beef tallow a healthier alternative to seed oils? Why have seed oils become the latest diet villain? And how did we get to the point that people are walking into restaurants with their own beef tallow and asking for chefs to cook with that instead? In this special collaborative episode with the Unbiased Science podcast, Dr. Chris Labos speaks with Drs. Jessica Steier and Sarah Scheinman about the state of food science.    Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   You can check out the Unbiased Science podcast here: https://www.unbiasedscience.com/podcast  

Dr. Mark Ware joins Chris to discuss the state of the science for medical cannabis. Why should we be calling it cannabis and not marijuana? What are the challenges of studying something that is still illegal in the United States? How good is it at treating chronic pain and which of its health claims are mainly hype?  Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

Critikid.com is a website dedicated NOT to criticizing children but rather to teaching them critical thinking using games, riddles and puzzles. Founder Stephanie Simoes joins Dr. Chris Labos as he tries to solve the riddle of the magical cookie that turns mice pink. And why does the internet think Stephanie is anti-road? Plus, what is her super-duper secret project about teaching kids that social media is a cesspool of misinformation?  Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References:  Stephanie's website:  www.critikid.com  The answer to the poisoned wine riddle (the harder version of the mouse-cookie riddle): https://medium.com/i-math/a-king-1000-bottles-of-wine-10-prisoners-and-a-drop-of-poison-2dd1959a8dd2  The brand new social memdia simulator for kids (live soon): https://critikid.com/courses/social-media-simulator  Some fun puzzle books: https://www.amazon.com/aha-two-collection-Insight-Spectrum/dp/0883855518  

While it is proven to be lifesaving in carbon monoxide poisoning, is there any evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with cerebral palsy, autism, long covid, migraines and many other conditions? Can HBOT be both a valid medical therapy and a pseudoscience? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to parse out fact from fiction. Bonus points if you know the one condition where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is strictly contra-indicated.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References:   Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html   Chris' article on hyperbaric oxygen therapy: https://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/article560792.html   Recent child's death https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/clinic-death-raises-questions-about-oxygen-therapy-2025a10003wa?ecd=wnl_tp10_daily_250216_MSCPEDIT_etid7230220&uac=207389HY&impID=7230220   Trauma Bouachour G, Cronier P, Gouello JP, Toulemonde JL, Talha A, Alquier P. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of crush injuries: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Trauma. 1996 Aug;41(2):333-9. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199608000-00023. PMID: 8760546.   Burns Brannen AL, Still J, Haynes M, Orlet H, Rosenblum F, Law E, Thompson WO. A randomized prospective trial of hyperbaric oxygen in a referral burn center population. Am Surg. 1997 Mar;63(3):205-8. PMID: 9036884.   Radiation injury Lin ZC, Bennett MH, Hawkins GC, Azzopardi CP, Feldmeier J, Smee R, Milross C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 15;8(8):CD005005. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub5. PMID: 37585677; PMCID: PMC10426260.   Chronic wounds: Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 24;2015(6):CD004123. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub4. PMID: 26106870; PMCID: PMC7055586.   Cerebral palsy Collet JP, Vanasse M, Marois P, Amar M, Goldberg J, Lambert J, Lassonde M, Hardy P, Fortin J, Tremblay SD, Montgomery D, Lacroix J, Robinson A, Majnemer A. Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multicentre trial. HBO-CP Research Group. Lancet. 2001 Feb 24;357(9256):582-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04054-x. PMID: 11558483.  

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is more common than most people realize and with more far-reaching implications than it would initially seem. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to talk about it's potential impact on fertility, cardiovascular health, and according to Robyn, that it's more painful than childbirth?!? We're going to have to look into that one.   You can also check out Robyn's podcast, Rebel Mom Boss https://open.spotify.com/show/4uMAsJS9ySR47iGYw8ExDo?si=bc68ddfcb0bd4f3f    Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Dutch Twin study about the role of genetics in PCOS:   10.1210/jc.2005-1494   2) Cochrane review on meds that improve fertility https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003053.pub6/full   3) RCT of diet to restore fertility https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/88/2/812/2845309?redirectedFrom=fulltext   4) Benefits of weight loss prior to fertility treatment 10.1210/jc.2016-1659 5) Letrozole vs. clomiphene for fertility treatment https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1313517 6) Metformin as a fertility treatment 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11995  

Dr. Aigul Zaripova, a familiar voice for our regular listeners, is back to try and stump Chris with two Medscape case challenges. Will Chris cover himself in glory or will shame and humiliation await him at the end of the episode? Only one way to find out.   Part 1: Intense Abdominal Pain After a Night of Partying https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/954084   Part 2: Recent Erratic Behaviour and a History of Cannabis Use in a Teenager https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/1001391 Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: You can see the entire archive of Medscape Case Challenges here: https://reference.medscape.com/features/casechallenges  

Returning guest Natalia Pasternak joins Chris in this special Valentine's Day episode to talk about monogamy. Are animals actually monogamous? Do penguins really mate for life? Does any of this really matter? A fascinating look at love and sex in the animal kingdom and a reminder that none of this gives you permission to cheat on your spouse or significant other. Just because animals are jerks, doesn't meant mean you have to be one too.  Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause- cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) Natalia's original article in Portuguese: https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/a-hora-da-ciencia/post/2024/07/recatado-e-do-lar.ghtml?giftId=343c01cf90f30a3&utm_source=Copiarlink&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=compartilharmateria 2) The book with the inappropriate title that Natalia mentions: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59228221-bitch 3) Additional info on the Lilicon conference in Edmonton this summer: https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025  

Why did the FDA ban the use of Red Dye No. 3 and why is it still available in Canada? Pedro joins Chris to talk about why this happened and how we should think about food colourings in general. Does the fact that it causes cancer in rats mean anything for human health and what about this ADHD link? Also, there's a Winnie the Pooh reference at the end. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!  http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE  Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com  Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer  Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The FDA announcement https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3 Study showing a link between Red No. 3 and thyroid cancer in rats https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1349-7006.1988.tb01593.x  The link between artificial food colourings and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3441937/  List of approved food colors in Canada https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/food-additives/food-colours     

How good is BMI as a measure of obesity and why did the Lancet Commission trash it so completely? Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Chris to flesh out how bad BMI really is and if the alternatives are any better. There's probably no singing this time around... but no promises. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, I am not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Lancet Commission on Obesity: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(24)00316-4/abstract Accompanying Editorial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00004-X/fulltext  Infographic: https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/clinical-obesity-25 

A new year and a new beginning. Special guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to answer a viewer question about menopause. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause- cancer Obviously, I'm not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Geographic variability of menopausal symptoms 1) Nappi RE et al. Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):875-882. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001793. 2) Nappi RE, et al. Prevalence and quality-of-life burden of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A European cross-sectional survey. Maturitas. 2023 Jan;167:66-74. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.09.006. What's the normal duration of symptoms 3) Avis NE, et al. Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):531-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies Rossouw JE et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Jul 17;288(3):321-33. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.3.321. Anderson GL et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1701-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1701. Decline in HRT after WHI studies Sprague BL, Trentham-Dietz A, Cronin KA. A sustained decline in postmenopausal hormone use: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2010. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Sep;120(3):595-603. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318265df42. Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study Schierbeck LL metal. Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial. BMJ. 2012 Oct 9;345:e6409. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6409. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Harman SM, et al. Arterial imaging outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors in recently menopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014 Aug 19;161(4):249-60. doi: 10.7326/M14-0353. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Hodis HN et al. Vascular Effects of Early versus Late Postmenopausal Treatment with Estradiol. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 31;374(13):1221-31. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1505241. Stopping hormonal therapy Berman RS et al. Risk factors associated with women's compliance with estrogen replacement therapy. J Womens Health. 1997 Apr;6(2):219-26. doi: 10.1089/jwh.1997.6.219. Grady D, Sawaya GF. Discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Am J Med. 2005 Dec 19;118 Suppl 12B:163-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.051. Tapering vs. abrupt stop or hormonal therapy Haimov-Kochman R et al. Gradual discontinuation of hormone therapy does not prevent the reappearance of climacteric symptoms: a randomized prospective study. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):370-6. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000186663.36211.c0. PMID: 16735933.

We wrap up the year with a new case challenge. A 38-year-old radiology technician has a strange rash just above… his buttocks! Who's to blame? Was it the dog? Was it his job? Or is it the special person in his life? Also: Chris learns about socks! Yet also: we say the phrase “ass crack.” We had to! And also also: an important announcement.     Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

Pain. Sometimes it's acute, sometimes it's chronic. It may come from an injury or just from wear and tear. Chris and Jonathan sit down to speak to Dr. Leon Tourian, who specializes in pain psychiatry at McGill University.   Can we objectively measure pain? Is there such a thing as normal pain? And what happens when chronic pain in our extremities is left untreated and our brain takes over?   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

What does the body of evidence say about mold? Or if you're part of the Commonwealth, mould? Some mould can make you sick, especially by triggering allergic symptoms, but beware of people selling you a service to detect mould in your home because there is no established “safe” threshold yet. How can you prevent mould from growing where you live? And how do you take care of it once you've spotted it?   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Health Canada's Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/addressing-moisture-mould-your-home.html 2) Guidance for Clinicians on the Recognition and Management of Health Effects Related to Mold Exposure and Moisture Indoors: https://health.uconn.edu/occupational-environmental/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/12/mold_guide.pdf 3) The EPA's Course on mold: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-1

It's not the “blues” you're having, but the “mean reds.” It can be hard to spot the signs of an impending burnout, and Dr. Emma Jones knows all about it. As a medical student, she started being depressed and she never fully got over it, which resulted in a burnout as a practicing physician caring for children with cancer. But she found a way out and the means to prevent a future burnout from happening so that she can act as a lighthouse for others.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   Links: 1) Emma Jones' website: https://www.emmajonesmd.com 2) Emma Jones' book, The Phoenix Blueprint, about burnout: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blueprint-Emerging-Stronger-Healthcare/dp/1957255358/

Will Montreal soon lose what little fluoridated tap water it has? Why do we even put fluoride in the drinking water in the first place? And do the arguments voiced to take it away from citizens even… hold water?   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) The Montreal Gazette article about the proposal to stop adding fluoride to the West Island's tap water: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-aims-to-stop-fluoridating-west-island-water-in-2025  

Not so long ago, natural health products sold in Canada—which include a slew of dietary supplements of dubious effectiveness—were not regulated. When Kat McLeod got poisoned via the herbal supplement she was taking, she was offered a choice: sue the Canadian government or help them draft stronger regulation. The Body of Evidence reached out to Olsy Sorokina to report on this story. She will tell you how natural health products are regulated in Canada and what the latest legislation, Vanessa's Law, means to consumers and to the natural health industry. And don't worry: Chris and Jonathan appear throughout.   Story producer: Olsy Sorokina Interviewed for this story: Kat McLeod and Timothy Caulfield   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

What does the body of evidence say about smoking cessation? Does counselling make a difference and, if so, what kind? Is vaping effective as a way to quit smoking? And did you know there are drugs that have been shown to help give up the habit? Chris attempts to pronounce their names and is left with one question: is his veranda clean?   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: Reducing vs. quitting smoking 1) Gerber Y, Myers V, Goldbourt U. Smoking reduction at midlife and lifetime mortality risk in men: a prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol. 2012 May 15;175(10):1006-12. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwr466. Epub 2012 Feb 3. PMID: 22306566. 2) Nina S. Godtfredsen, Claus Holst, Eva Prescott, Jørgen Vestbo, Merete Osler, Smoking Reduction, Smoking Cessation, and Mortality: A 16-year Follow-up of 19,732 Men and Women from the Copenhagen Centre for Prospective Population Studies, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 156, Issue 11, 1 December 2002, Pages 994–1001, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwf150   Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation 3) Cahill K, Lancaster T, Green N. Stage-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Nov 10;(11):CD004492. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004492.pub4. PMID: 21069681. 4) Stead LF, Koilpillai P, Fanshawe TR, Lancaster T. Combined pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Mar 24;3(3):CD008286. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008286.pub3. PMID: 27009521; PMCID: PMC10042551. 5) Hartmann-Boyce J, Hong B, Livingstone-Banks J, Wheat H, Fanshawe TR. Additional behavioural support as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jun 5;6(6):CD009670. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009670.pub4. PMID: 31166007; PMCID: PMC6549450. 6) Hartmann-Boyce J, Livingstone-Banks J, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Fanshawe TR, Lindson N, Freeman SC, Sutton AJ, Theodoulou A, Aveyard P. Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation: an overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Jan 4;1(1):CD013229. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013229.pub2. PMID: 33411338; PMCID: PMC11354481. 7) Anthenelli RM, Benowitz NL, West R, St Aubin L, McRae T, Lawrence D, Ascher J, Russ C, Krishen A, Evins AE. Neuropsychiatric safety and efficacy of varenicline, bupropion, and nicotine patch in smokers with and without psychiatric disorders (EAGLES): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2016 Jun 18;387(10037):2507-20. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30272-0. Epub 2016 Apr 22. PMID: 27116918.   Network meta-analysis of medications and e-cigarettes 8) Lindson N, Theodoulou A, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Fanshawe TR, Sutton AJ, Livingstone-Banks J, Hajizadeh A, Zhu S, Aveyard P, Freeman SC, Agrawal S, Hartmann-Boyce J. Pharmacological and electronic cigarette interventions for smoking cessation in adults: component network meta‐analyses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD015226. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015226.pub2. Accessed 04 November 2024.  

On a special live recording of The Body of Evidence, Jonathan sits down in conversation with Lewis, a reformed conspiracy theorist from Liverpool who tumbled down the rabbit hole during the COVID-19 pandemic. How should you talk to the conspiracy theorist in your life if you want to make progress? There's no better person to answer this question than someone who was at the other end of this. The two discuss the strange alignment between gym bros and yoga moms—and the “cosmic Scousers” in Liverpool—that fed into the protests against public health measures, and they talk about how fast you can get a “diploma” on Telegram. And how critical thinking really is an aspiration.   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl. To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!

A new editorial calls pesticides “the new smoking.” This is based on a recent study comparing pesticide use in U.S. counties and cancer incidence. But do counties get cancer? We investigate the issue to see if we should worry about pesticides and if young adults are really getting more cancer than they used to.     Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.     References: 1) The Medscape article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cancer-risk-are-pesticides-new-smoking-2024a1000h2n?form=fpf 2) The new study: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcacs.2024.1368086

It's time for a COVID booster for your ears. Which strains are circulating? Why should you care? And which vaccines are available to boost your immune system this fall? Also, why will some Canadians be driving to Vermont to get a COVID vaccine?   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

What does the body of evidence say about rabies? Well, for one, it is the human disease with the worst case-fatality rate. Once you develop the symptoms, your outlook isn't good. But its long incubation period makes it easy to do something that may not be intuitive: to give the infected person a vaccine… after they've been bit.   Special guest star: Tobi.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Information on the rabies vaccine: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-18-rabies-vaccine.html 2) WHO expert consultation on rabies: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/272364/9789241210218-eng.pdf?sequence=1  

It's a pseudoscience that seemed to work at first, but now the same researcher who “proved” that it worked has proven that it doesn't. Do we need to purge people of heavy metals to make sure they don't have heart attacks? No… but you won't believe the price tag we've had to pay to gain this wisdom.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Editorial expressing concerns about TACT1: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1672219 2) Results from the TACT2 trial: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2822472 3) Editor's note on the whole saga: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2822475 4) Dr. Stephen Barrett's commentary on TACT1: https://quackwatch.org/chelation/research/tact/    

Can cranberry juice help prevent UTIs… or will any liquid do? Also: a new drug has been tested to treat the symptoms of menopause and it looks pretty good. As Chris and Jonathan appraise these studies, you will learn about the importance of placebo arms in clinical trials.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) The network meta-analysis published in European Urology Focus on cranberries to prevent UTIs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405456924001226 2) The 2023 meta-analysis on cranberries for UTIs: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001321/RENAL_cranberries-preventing-urinary-tract-infections 3) Write-up on the recent meta-analysis in Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/its-juice-cranberries-uti-prevention-2024a1000ei4?ecd=mkm_ret_240814_mscpmrk-OUS_ICYMI_CA_etid6740662&uac=300018BV&impID=6740662 4) The OASIS 1 and 2 trials on elinzanetant for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2822766  

The wellness industry has a very specific customer base in its crosshairs: women. And many journalists are covering this relationship in a dangerously superficial way. Underwater spinning? Fun! CBD-infused leggings? Why not? But there's a dark underbelly to the promises of wellness solutions, and journalist Rina Raphael has documented it diligently and with a great deal of compassion in her book, The Gospel of Wellness. Jonathan talks to her about how wellness is portrayed in the media and why women listen to its siren call.     Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   Links: 1) Rina Raphael's Substack: https://welltodo.substack.com 2) Rina Raphael's book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59808064-the-gospel-of-wellness 3) Rina Raphel's website: https://www.rinaraphael.com  

What does the body of evidence have to say about kidney stones (and bladder stones)? You will learn about risk factors for stones; whether or not a low oxalate diet will help; and just exactly what insane stuff our ancestors used to do to help people pass their stones. There's mention of a “she-ass” and something invasive involving the bum. We're not even joking.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Historical interventions for kidney and bladder stones: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1464-410X.2002.02769.x Risk factors for kidney/bladder stones: 2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2012.03.052 3) DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2012.03.052 4) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-020-01210-w  5) https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030424 6) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2010.11.073 7) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2023.10.001 8) DOI: 10.1089/end.2019.0557  9) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04251-2 10) What a staghorn calculus looks like: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/staghorn-calculus-kidney 11) CUA guidelines on how to manage kidney stones: https://www.cua.org/sites/default/files/Flipbooks/Guidelines/G40_en/mobile/index.html    

You thought your toddler was a handful. Have you heard of the She-Hulk toddler? You will learn what GPA means in a patient chart and how menstruation can be used to judge the health of a country, while Chris tries to figure out what is wrong with this tiny but ferocious patient. Also: an announcement that will change The Body of Evidence forever…. Warning: this episode contains medical discussion of genitals.   A Block: The Case of the She-Hulk Toddler (0:58) She has the strength of two toddlers! Also, puberty seems to have kicked in. What is going on with her? B Block: Announcement (32:29) Chris and Jonathan announce something.   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl * Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. To make a one-time donation to our show, you can now use PayPal! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!

Jonathan and Chris speak to Dr. Andrea Love, a microbiologist, immunologist, science communicator, and the director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation. The tick-borne illness known as Lyme disease is everywhere: on the news, on social media… but is it really near you? Dr. Love separates facts from fiction when it comes to Lyme disease, both the acute infection and the alleged chronic condition. Correction (2024/07/24): Dr. Love wanted to correct a statement she made. She said that tick-borne relapsing fever does not occur in the U.S., but she meant that it did not occur in the eastern U.S. It does occur in western U.S. states but is caused by a different Borrelia species and spread by different ticks, so there is no overlap with Lyme disease.    * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl. To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!   1) Andrea Love's Substack, Immunologic: https://www.immunologic.org 2) American Lyme Disease Foundation website: https://aldf.com

What does the body of evidence say on malaria? Your favourite travel destination may be a malaria hot zone: we discuss how to prepare. Plus: a strange FDA application to use MDMA to treat PTSD, and have statins been overprescribed?   A Block: Malaria (0:58) History; the parasite's life cycle; how many people are affected by malaria; symptoms; how to diagnose it; how to treat it; prevention. B Block: Ecstasy for PTSD (35:46) An advisory committee for the FDA has raised many concerns about a company's application to use MDMA (ecstasy, molly) as part of psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. C Block: Statin Overprescription (46:08) A new risk calculator is classifying fewer people as needing statins. * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl * Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. To make a one-time donation to our show, you can now use PayPal! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out! Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   References: 1) WHO fact sheet on malaria: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria History of malaria: 2) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7020675 3) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-004-6354-6 4) DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07085.x 5) https://doi.org/10.1179/135100003225002952 6) https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.2011.16 7) doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-19554-0  8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215638/    9) Plasmodium parasite life cycle: https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/malaria/index.html    Malaria epidemiology: 10) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/catmat/canadian-recommendations-prevention-treatment-malaria/chapter-1-introduction.html  11) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria  12) https://apps.who.int/malaria/maps/threats/# 13) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240086173  14) DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7236a1   15) https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00496.asp  16) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/catmat/appendix-1-malaria-risk-recommended-chemoprophylaxis-geographic-area.html    How to diagnose malaria: 17) https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/resources/pdf/benchAids/malaria/Pfalciparum_benchaidV2.pdf  18) https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/resources/pdf/benchAids/malaria/Pvivax_benchaidV2.pdf  19) https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/resources/pdf/benchAids/malaria/Povale_benchaidV2.pdf  20) https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/resources/pdf/benchAids/malaria/Pmalariae_benchaidV2.pdf    How to prevent malaria: 21) https://www.who.int/groups/vector-control-advisory-group/summary-of-new-interventions-for-vector-control/lethal-house-lures  22) DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00004-7 23) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68037008 24) DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2026330 25) DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00368-7 26) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00442-X   27) Dr. Andrea Love's article about DEET and insect repellents for Immunologic: https://immunologic.substack.com/p/essential-oils-are-not-chemical-free?publication_id=2109759&post_id=145493032&isFreemail=true&r=5o22t 28) Ada McVean's article about insect repellents for the McGill OSS: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-technology/why-mosquitos-bite-you-and-how-make-them-stop 29) FDA advisers vote against medical use of ecstasy: https://www.science.org/content/article/fda-advisory-panel-rejects-mdma-ptsd-treatment 30) Elizabeth Conney's STAT article on new cardiovascular risk calculator for statin prescriptions: https://www.statnews.com/2024/06/10/cardiovascular-disease-statins-aha-guidelines/   It's Not Twitter But It'll Do: 1) Jonathan's interview on the Rethinking Wellness podcast: https://rethinkingwellness.substack.com/p/why-you-probably-dont-have-a-leaky

Chris and Jonathan speak to Dr. Ian Hussey, the Chief Recommender for the ERROR project. It turns out that scientific papers are not flawless: they can contain mistakes. What happens when people are paid to go and find these mistakes? You're about to find out!   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl. To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!   1) The ERROR project website: https://error.reviews/

What does the body of evidence say on LASIK, the use of lasers to correct vision? Plus: many men on PreP are abandoning condoms as STIs are becoming more common, and Chris tells us if krill oil can cure arthritis of the knee. Also, Jonathan briefly imitates Alex Jones. A Block: LASIK (0:59) How lasers are used in medicine; LASIK and its cousins; how to choose; effectiveness, satisfaction, and side effects. B Block: HIV PrEP and STIs (28:18) How does pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV works, and what is simultaneously happening with condom use (going down) and rates of STIs (going up). Also, what is Doxy-PEP? C Block: Krill Oil for Knee Osteoarthritis (44:45) An Australian trial of krill oil for arthritis of the knee came to the conclusion that… well, what do you think? * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl * Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. To make a one-time donation to our show, you can now use PayPal! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!   References: Comparisons of LASIK and its related techniques: 1) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174810  2) DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2007.07.026  3) DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.131748  4) DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.03.013  5) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012687.pub2    Outcomes from LASIK: 6) DOI: 10.1016/s0161-6420(99)00148-7  7) DOI: 10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00528-5  8) doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.4587   UpToDate entries pertaining to HIV, PrEP, and Doxy-PEP: 9) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-pre-exposure-prophylaxis 10) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/primary-care-of-gay-men-and-men-who-have-sex-with-men 11) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/prevention-of-sexually-transmitted-infections 12) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-infection-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies   13) Statistics Canada survey of sexually active 15-to-24-year-olds: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2020009/article/00001-eng.htm 14) Increased rates of STIs according to Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/report-sexually-transmitted-infection-surveillance-canada-2019.html 15) Systematic review and meta-analysis on sexual risk behaviour in men who use PrEP: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciy182 16) Australian trial on krill oil for knee osteoarthritis: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.6063   It's Not Twitter But It'll Do: 1) Jonathan's article about Lumina to avoid dental cavities: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-critical-thinking-technology/reports-death-dental-cavities-are-greatly-exaggerated 2) The Skeptics' Dictionary: https://www.skepdic.com/  

Jonathan and Chris speak to Dr. Matthew Cameron, a local anesthesiologist who does a lot more than local anesthesias! They discuss the ins and outs of putting people to sleep; how safe epidurals really are; and whether or not you need to worry about waking up paralyzed in the middle of an operation (spoiler alert: no). Also, Jonathan is told about “blood patches” for the first time and can't believe this is a real thing.   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl. To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!

What does the body of evidence say on lupus, the autoimmune disease that famously imitates so many other illnesses? Plus: a new study shows that Tylenol in pregnancy is not associated with neurodevelopmental problems, and Chris revisits the topic of red meat following a listener's question.   A Block: Lupus (0:57) How common lupus is; what may be causing it; what lupus looks like; how complicated its diagnosis is; what treatment options exist B Block: Tylenol in Pregnancy (34:27) Is Tylenol use in pregnancy really responsible for autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability? A new study says no. C Block: Red Meat (50:13) Are the harms of eating red meat regularly nowhere near as bad as we were told?   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl * Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. To make a one-time donation to our show, you can now use PayPal! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!   References: Lupus epidemiology: 1) https://www.lupuscanada.org/living-with-lupus/what-is-lupus/ 2) https://doi.org/10.1177/096120339500400303 3) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-021-00668-1 Causes of lupus: 4) DOI: 10.1002/art.22510  5) DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-142-12_part_1-200506210-00004 6) https://doi.org/10.1097/bor.0b013e32833c6297 7) https://doi.org/10.1016/0190-9622(90)70020-i 8) https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2007.084582 9) DOI: 10.1177/0961203306069346 What lupus looks like in a patient: 10) https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus 11) https://dermnetnz.org/topics/discoid-lupus-erythematosus 12) doi: 10.2147/CCID.S269288  13) https://dermnetnz.org/topics/raynaud-phenomenon 14) DOI: 10.1097/01.md.0000091181.93122.55  15) DOI: 10.1002/art.39070  How to manage lupus: 16) DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207726 17) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12784392/ 18) DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.12.025 19) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2017.02.005 20) DOI: 10.1191/096120398678919778 21) https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2008.101766 22) DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa035471 23) https://doi.org/10.1191/0961203305lu2039oa 24) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010668.pub2  25) DOI: 10.1002/art.27233 26) DOI: 10.1002/art.34359 27) DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2018-000284 28) DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1912196 29) https://ash.confex.com/ash/2023/webprogram/Paper180547.html 30) https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-02062-5   31) Study on Tylenol in pregnancy: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.3172

It's the case of the woman who was too tired to “par-tay!” What is afflicting her? It's something that we don't about enough. Plus: what is happening with avian flu and should you keep using Q-tips in your ears to remove earwax?   A Block: The Case of the Woman Who Was Too Tired to Party (0:58) A woman falls asleep at work and has a constant headache. It also took her much longer than four years to complete her undergrad. What could be causing this? B Block: Avian Flu (25:36) An update on the avian flu situation C Block: Earwax (36:03) What should you do about your earwax? Use it as lip balm? Actually….   * Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl * Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova   To contribute to The Body of Evidence, go to our Patreon page at: http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/. To make a one-time donation to our show, you can now use PayPal! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Patrons get a bonus show on Patreon called “Digressions”! Check it out!   References: 1) Inspection Canada webpages on avian flu: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/facts-about-avian-influenza/eng/1356193731667/1356193918453 & https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/hpai-in-livestock/eng/1711895796746/1711895797730 2) Nature News Explainer on avian flu: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01036-1 3) WHO surveillance page on avian flu: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/wpro-emergencies/surveillance/avian-influenza 4) Case report on the man who caught H5N1: https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/human-infection-H5N1-bird-flu.html