In this radio discussion, Lars Larson and I discuss the efficacy of over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, specifically those containing phenylephrine. The radio host expresses his concern as someone who relies on his voice for his profession, and who occasionally uses these medications to alleviate congestion.

Electric vehicles (EV) have been hailed as our gateway out of fossil fuel "addiction." But recent declines in EV sales driven by reliability issues have raised tough questions about the future of this once-celebrated technology. It's an age-old question: bidet or no bidet? Let's see if science can bring clarity to this contentious debate.

Every January, we cycle through the usual New Year’s resolutions tied to weight loss, exercise, and drugs, especially nicotine and alcohol. This year is no different; everything old is new again. My resolution is to begin a new January tradition of picking my favorite fad detox, cleanse, or diet and debunking it. This year, we’re tackling Dr. Josh Axe’s Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse.

Critical Economic Theory is not a new concept. Like critical race theory (which is seen through a more controversial lens), CET seeks to examine and understand how systemic economics is ingrained in various aspects of society, including law, institutions, and social structures.

It's just another day when the ingredients on the label of a dietary supplement don't match the contents. But now, given the gummie craze children are more and more likely to mistake melatonin gummies for candy. A study by Harvard's Dr. Pieter Cohen examined the actual vs. claimed doses of melatonin found in 25 online products. The results are horrifying – but not surprising.

On November 30, 2023, the EPA announced its new rule on lead in drinking water, calling for the complete removal of lead pipes within 10 years. Although the new drinking water rule represents a step forward, childhood lead exposure remains, primarily from lead in existing paint in older houses.

U.S. public health officials and the public are underestimating the current threat of the COVID pandemic and failing to take even minimal precautions. We are already seeing the consequences – a surge of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Just as the sun rises and sets, it's inevitable that the New Year comes with resolutions to be more active and to finally lose those pounds, holiday or otherwise. This year, social media is talking about "sequential meals" – the “natural” form of semaglutide (i.e., Wegovy).

More than a third of patients with cancer report experiencing "moderate-to-severe cancer-related pain;” 40% of these patients experience “breakthrough pain” on their pain regimens. Opioid analgesics remain the mainstay for the treatment of moderate-to-severe cancer-associated pain. There is a new meta-analysis concerning opioid efficacy in this setting.
Buckle up; it's going to be a rough night.

The climate is changing while concerns about air pollution linger on.