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Why are healthcare studies plagued by causal contradictions? Could it be the ancient battle between the beliefs in determinism and free will?

Now that I'm in the second trimester, I'm starting to think about baby bottles, sippy cups, and all that fun stuff. But all the options online leave me thinking I don't have much choice when it comes to BPA-free bottles. And I don't mean lack there of. 

Surgery causes pain and discomfort. And surgeons, unlike other specialists or primary care providers, have a continuous experience with managing acute pain. New lessons in the management of surgical pain may be useful during our current opioid crisis.

Small donations from average people make up a considerable proportion of total donations. But then there are the large donors, individuals and groups who can donate $1 million or more. Scientists, colleges and universities, artists, nonprofits, and many others are obviously interested in knowing more about these types of donors.

How to know you are winning the war on American anti-science groups? When both French and Russian activists attack you.

Energy emissions are in the news, but some claims are just more politicization of science. To paraphrase Virgil, Americans should beware environmental Greeks bearing expensive gifts.

Death rates for Alzheimer's Disease have risen 55% between 1999 and 2014. That's according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Here are the reasons why this is occurring, and the trend's implications.

Orthorexia — "straight eating" — is the latest entry on the list of eating disorders that can afflict us. But so far it hasn't been acknowledged as a separate entity by the psychiatric professionals. Is it really something new, or an offshoot of an older type?

The common belief that hot water must be used to wash hands effectively just received a chilly reception from researchers from Rutgers University. Their study concluded that the temperature of the water doesn't matter, and that it's not linked to cleanliness. What does matter is using soap, and washing thoroughly for 10 seconds.

The CDC's war against Americans in pain has been terrifying ever since this foolish crackdown began. As states begin to limit daily opioid dose, this is about to get much worse. This "one size fits all" maximum dose really fits none. That's because of your genes, since people metabolize opioids differently. It's bad policy based on bad science.

There's no barrier to chess training, so anybody can pick up a book or watch YouTube videos to learn the game. A group of researchers examined people who do and do not play chess, to learn whether innate intelligence is linked to being an effective player. The results were interesting – and a bit controversial.

Announcing an unprecedented voyage, NASA said Wednesday that it will send a spacecraft to the Sun, where it will explore its fiery outer reaches as well as a phenomenon known as "solar wind." The unmanned U.S. craft will embark on "humanity’s first mission to a star."

Sunscreen is an essential component of a healthy summer. But, the Environmental Working Group is sending the loud message that chemicals found in sunscreen are toxic and that it should be used as a last resort. But, that message is muddying the waters around a proven method of cancer prevention and the recommendations of the American Academy of Dermatology. 

Many foods in the grocery store have gluten-free labels. But are they really lacking gluten, or not? The FDA sought to find out, testing a many various types of these foods. Providing good news to celiac disease patients, they found that most foods labeled gluten free are, in fact, true to their label. 

If you're interested in some nutty news, we've got you covered. It includes: a speeding DeLorean, the belief that trees interact with humans (and each other), and a fire-starting woodchuck.

Our Dr. Jamie Wells attended a forum yesterday at the Harvard Club of New York. Public Health leaders presented diverse perspectives on how the complex task of preventing healthcare-associated infections needs to be approached. 

You have to give the Environmental Working Group credit. Not for its science – which, of course, is atrocious – but for the fact it sure knows how to make money. Here's its latest scheme.

EWG warns the public about pesticide residues on produce, and tell people to buy organic instead. What they leave out is all of the organic pesticides, some even sprayed on the day food gets on the truck.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) loves ratings and listicles. But they must not love delicious baked goods, since they also go after cinnamon rolls, muffins, and donuts — and the supposed culprit isn't new nor surprising.

Drug shortages are being reported more frequently; physicians are asked to postpone elective care. Rather than continue to blame greed or hidden agendas perhaps we might consider the findings of the Government Accountability Office.

The recently published meta-analysis by the American Institute for Cancer Research is a summary of summaries. As you might expect, something is always lost in summation. In this instance, the loss is useful, credible information.

"Follow the money!" activists shout. The money trail, according to this logic, always leads to lies and deception.
This puerile fallacy, argumentum ad aurum, is just a thinly disguised ad hominem attack commonly used against scientists. Instead of criticizing the quality or conclusions of the research, activists instead assault the integrity of the scientist.

A team of Spanish researchers believes it's discovered a fruity concoction that reduces muscle soreness. The formula is a combination of watermelon and pomegranate juice enriched with citrulline and ellagitannins, ingredients that are linked to beneficial metabolic effects and performance enhancement.

Citing prescription drugs as a contributing factor to his recent DUI arrest, Tiger Woods' experience sheds light on the need to educate about impaired driving as a public health concern.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports "prescription drugs are the most prevalent of all drugs found in drugged drivers involved in fatal crashes." Whether legally or illegally obtained, substances can impair a driver.

So how's your sex life? 
If not to your liking, then thinking differently about it will likely help improve it, and perhaps your health as well. That's according to a new study which found that enjoyable perceptions and participation regarding sex will make middle-aged adults feel better – and younger – than their actual age.