Menthol Tobacco Ban Appears Inevitable. Expect a Healthy Black Market, More Criminal Justice Inequities

By Jeffrey Singer — Oct 18, 2023
The FDA seems intent on imposing a ban on menthol cigarettes and cigars, despite evidence from Europe that it only fuels a black market. And despite evidence in the U.S. that it may worsen inequities in law enforcement.

The FDA seems intent on imposing a ban on menthol cigarettes and cigars, despite evidence from Europe that it only fuels a black market. And despite evidence in the U.S. that it may worsen inequities in law enforcement.

Exploring 'Why Get a COVID Booster?'

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Oct 18, 2023
Why did so many people opt not to get COVID boosters? That is a significant public health question. A newly reported survey provides some answers.

Why did so many people opt not to get COVID boosters? That is a significant public health question. A newly reported survey provides some answers.

Does Size Matter in Drawing Blood?

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Oct 17, 2023
Much of the blood drawn for laboratory analysis is wasted. In a clinical setting where your blood is being taken multiple times a day, wouldn't it be better for the laboratory to use a smaller amount – and let you keep the difference?

Much of the blood drawn for laboratory analysis is wasted. In a clinical setting where your blood is being taken multiple times a day, wouldn't it be better for the laboratory to use a smaller amount – and let you keep the difference?

Insights into the European Approach to PFAS

By Susan Goldhaber MPH — Oct 17, 2023
I have previously authored many articles about per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” and the misinformation and lack of scientific credibility surrounding them. However, Europe has outdone the U.S. on the absurdity of their proposed regulations on these chemicals. On February 7, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed to ban all PFAS, which would affect more than 12,000 chemicals. To do this, they used a definition of PFAS so broad that it includes almost any chemical that contains fluorine [1]. What is going on?

I have previously authored many articles about per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” and the misinformation and lack of scientific credibility surrounding them. However, Europe has outdone the U.S. on the absurdity of their proposed regulations on these chemicals. On February 7, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed to ban all PFAS, which would affect more than 12,000 chemicals. To do this, they used a definition of PFAS so broad that it includes almost any chemical that contains fluorine [1]. What is going on?

Reduce Synthetic Fertilizers and Improve Yields? The Microbiome Revolution Comes to Agriculture.

By Henry I. Miller, MS, MD — Oct 17, 2023
Microbiomes are the collective and highly personal assortment of microorganisms that live in, on, and around us. If genetically modified effectively, these "black boxes" may help us cure cancer, understand how we can adapt to rising temperatures, play a role in mental health, and improve nutrition in children.

Microbiomes are the collective and highly personal assortment of microorganisms that live in, on, and around us. If genetically modified effectively, these "black boxes" may help us cure cancer, understand how we can adapt to rising temperatures, play a role in mental health, and improve nutrition in children.

Some People React to Caffeine, Some Don't. Here's Why

By Josh Bloom — Oct 16, 2023
Some people drink coffee, and the next thing you know, they're trying to climb the Empire State Building. But others feel little or nothing. What's going on?

Some people drink coffee, and the next thing you know, they're trying to climb the Empire State Building. But others feel little or nothing. What's going on?

Erythritol Getting to the Heart of the Matter

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Oct 16, 2023
A new study demonstrates an association between elevated blood levels of erythritol and an increasing risk of MACE – major adverse cardiovascular events – such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, death, and the need for coronary revascularization. What the study and the researchers found was “lost in translation.” Let’s see for ourselves.

A new study demonstrates an association between elevated blood levels of erythritol and an increasing risk of MACE – major adverse cardiovascular events – such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, death, and the need for coronary revascularization. What the study and the researchers found was “lost in translation.” Let’s see for ourselves.

Long COVID: Here Today, Here Tomorrow

By Fred Lipfert, PhD — Oct 13, 2023
Long COVID comprises a set of persistent symptoms developing weeks after COVID per se has waned. Long COVID cases have been remarkably stable; about 36% of those who had experienced COVID developed long-term symptoms. As such, long COVID deserves more attention.

Long COVID comprises a set of persistent symptoms developing weeks after COVID per se has waned. Long COVID cases have been remarkably stable; about 36% of those who had experienced COVID developed long-term symptoms. As such, long COVID deserves more attention.

Podcast: Good News About Flu Shots; the Sudafed PE Debacle

By Cameron English — Oct 12, 2023
Flu shots perform inconsistently because it's hard to anticipate which strains of the virus will be circulating in a given year. So far in 2023, it appears that the latest round of vaccines are working well. The FDA has determined that Sudafed PE doesn't work. Questions and accusations are flying as a result: why were we sold a useless decongestant in the first place? And more importantly, who's to blame for this public health blunder?

Flu shots perform inconsistently because it's hard to anticipate which strains of the virus will be circulating in a given year. So far in 2023, it appears that the latest round of vaccines are working well. The FDA has determined that Sudafed PE doesn't work. Questions and accusations are flying as a result: why were we sold a useless decongestant in the first place? And more importantly, who's to blame for this public health blunder?

Is the Law Dismembering Child Abuse Prosecution?

Child abuse manifests in various forms. One is the “Shaken Baby,” where rapid head shaking allegedly causes neurological injury and death. Until recently, a constellation of bodily injuries was considered adequate evidence to convict an indicted abuser. No longer. Recent cases have held that “Shaken Baby Syndrome” is not a valid diagnosis. One court just held the diagnosis should be a legal determination – not a medical one, rejecting all medical testimony and exonerating alleged abusers.

Child abuse manifests in various forms. One is the “Shaken Baby,” where rapid head shaking allegedly causes neurological injury and death. Until recently, a constellation of bodily injuries was considered adequate evidence to convict an indicted abuser. No longer. Recent cases have held that “Shaken Baby Syndrome” is not a valid diagnosis. One court just held the diagnosis should be a legal determination – not a medical one, rejecting all medical testimony and exonerating alleged abusers.