What I'm Reading (Feb. 22)

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Feb 22, 2024
The guilt trip of buying local – are farmers' markets the carbon saviors they claim to be? Diversity is key, even in cheese. Air Canada blames its chatbot, now deemed a 'separate legal entity,' for misinformation in court. Forget the quaint image of London's smog; Melbourne’s 'thunderstorm asthma' brings unexpected respiratory dramas.

The guilt trip of buying local – are farmers' markets the carbon saviors they claim to be?
Diversity is key, even in cheese.
Air Canada blames its chatbot, now deemed a 'separate legal entity,' for misinformation in court.
Forget the quaint image of London's smog; Melbourne’s 'thunderstorm asthma' brings unexpected respiratory dramas.

The Media and I: Enhancing the Soil to Improve Farming

By Henry I. Miller, MS, MD — Feb 22, 2024
In a recent radio conversation with John Batchelor on CBS Eye on the World, we discussed plants' need for nitrogen, the use of fertilizers, and the potential for genetic engineering to maintain agricultural productivity and reduce detrimental environmental impact.

In a recent radio conversation with John Batchelor on CBS Eye on the World, we discussed plants' need for nitrogen, the use of fertilizers, and the potential for genetic engineering to maintain agricultural productivity and reduce detrimental environmental impact.

On Climate Change, We'd Rather Share Doom and Gloom Than Plant Trees

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Feb 20, 2024
In a world grappling with the complexities of climate change, while a majority (85%) believe it exists, words – especially doom and gloom on social media – speak louder than actions. A study sheds light on the challenges of bridging the gap between what we believe and how we act.

In a world grappling with the complexities of climate change, while a majority (85%) believe it exists, words – especially doom and gloom on social media – speak louder than actions. A study sheds light on the challenges of bridging the gap between what we believe and how we act.

The Validity Of Much Published Scientific Research Is Questionable (Part 1)

By Henry I. Miller, MS, MD — Feb 20, 2024
Much published science and the "knowledge" resulting from it is likely wrong and sends researchers chasing false leads. Without research integrity, we don’t know what we know, so it is incumbent on the scientific community to find solutions.

Much published science and the "knowledge" resulting from it is likely wrong and sends researchers chasing false leads. Without research integrity, we don’t know what we know, so it is incumbent on the scientific community to find solutions.

EPA's Sooty Confusion: Clearing the Air on PM2.5 Regulations

By Fred Lipfert, PhD — Feb 19, 2024
The EPA recently announced stronger standards for fine particulate matter, described as reducing pollution by airborne "soot." However, an examination of its supporting documentation reveals a lack of focus on particulate composition, neglect of actual exposures – as well as no mention of any health effects of soot. Here we explore the implications of these shortcomings.

The EPA recently announced stronger standards for fine particulate matter, described as reducing pollution by airborne "soot." However, an examination of its supporting documentation reveals a lack of focus on particulate composition, neglect of actual exposures – as well as no mention of any health effects of soot. Here we explore the implications of these shortcomings.

Aging Woes: From Spry to the Twilight Zone of Frailty and Cognitive 'Impair-mess'

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Feb 19, 2024
These days, age is a topic more debated than just deciding what to watch on streaming services. As we navigate the labyrinth of declining physical and mental prowess, let's dive into the quantifiable quirks of frailty and the slippery slope of cognitive dysfunction.

These days, age is a topic more debated than just deciding what to watch on streaming services. As we navigate the labyrinth of declining physical and mental prowess, let's dive into the quantifiable quirks of frailty and the slippery slope of cognitive dysfunction.

Examining Prostate Cancer: Defense Secretary's Health Challenge Sparks a Closer Look

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Feb 16, 2024
Lloyd Austin returned to the hospital for complications following his prostate surgery for cancer. African Americans have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. For many, it doesn't have the relatively indolent course that's commonly described as the most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancers).

Lloyd Austin returned to the hospital for complications following his prostate surgery for cancer. African Americans have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. For many, it doesn't have the relatively indolent course that's commonly described as the most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancers).

Is Music in a Minor Key Inherently Sad? A Chemist-Pianist Weighs In.

By Josh Bloom — Feb 15, 2024
Much of our music, from classical to contemporary, is written in either a major or minor key (with exceptions, such as jazz, which uses neither). For most, a major key conjures up feelings of happiness, while pieces written in a minor usually do the opposite. Is this merely a function of learned behavior, or is there something else going on?

Much of our music, from classical to contemporary, is written in either a major or minor key (with exceptions, such as jazz, which uses neither). For most, a major key conjures up feelings of happiness, while pieces written in a minor usually do the opposite. Is this merely a function of learned behavior, or is there something else going on?

Life v. Liberty Goes to Court: Social-Media 'Anti-Vaxx-Misinformation' Case

With rare exceptions, the right to free speech is exceptionally broad. Exceptions focus on imminent and irremediable harm, like shouting fire in a crowded theater or child pornography. You are even allowed to lie – as long as no one’s reputation is injured. But what if the feds want to constrain those attacking government actions because those attacks are dangerous and endanger public health? The Fifth Circuit said no go. The Supreme Court weighs in this March.

With rare exceptions, the right to free speech is exceptionally broad. Exceptions focus on imminent and irremediable harm, like shouting fire in a crowded theater or child pornography. You are even allowed to lie – as long as no one’s reputation is injured. But what if the feds want to constrain those attacking government actions because those attacks are dangerous and endanger public health? The Fifth Circuit said no go. The Supreme Court weighs in this March.

What I'm Reading (Feb. 15)

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Feb 15, 2024
Can autonomous vehicles be made safe? Is Sabbath the cure for burnout? It’s back – in this case, Tulare Lake Smoking Cessation Victorian Edition And A Bonus Meme

Can autonomous vehicles be made safe?
Is Sabbath the cure for burnout?
It’s back – in this case, Tulare Lake
Smoking Cessation Victorian Edition
And A Bonus Meme