Unbiased Science

• SSRI-ously? Separating Fact From Fiction On SSRIs

  In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein to explore the complex world of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The scientists examine how these medications work in the brain, addressing both the supporting evidence for their effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety as well as ongoing controversies in the field. They discuss potential side effects, discontinuation symptoms, and the importance of individualized approaches to medication. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about SSRIs, including alleged links to violence and cognitive decline, while emphasizing critical evaluation of scientific research on these medications. Throughout the episode, the experts provide a balanced perspective on SSRIs' role in mental health treatment, offering listeners valuable insights into making informed decisions about these widely prescribed medications. (00:00) Intro (05:30) Understanding the Mechanism of SSRIs (11:07) Controversies Surrounding SSRIs (14:39) Evidence Supporting SSRIs for Depression and Anxiety (18:40) Side Effects and Withdrawal from SSRIs (21:19) The Impact of SSRIs on Mental Health (24:33) Understanding SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms (27:31) Debunking Myths: SSRIs and Violence (31:20) SSRIs and Depression: A Complex Relationship (34:32) SSRIs and Cognitive Decline in Dementia (39:42) The Science Behind SSRIs (42:06) Critical Thinking in Science (44:33) The Role of PhDs vs. MDs in Mental Health https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-025-03851-3 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/30/fact-check-rfk-jrs-statements-during-senate-confirmation-hearing https://autisticadvocacy.org/2025/02/asan-disappointed-by-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-confirmation-to-lead-hhs/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2000804117 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975858 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30479005/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wps.20701 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-021-01179-z ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  48:40
• Nothing 'Measly' About It: Tracking The Unfortunate Return Of Measles

  In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Adam Ratner to discuss the concerning resurgence of measles and the critical role of vaccination. The scientists examine measles' extraordinary contagiousness, explaining how vaccine hesitancy has contributed to recent outbreaks in specific communities. They explore the virus's mechanisms, potential serious complications including SSPE, and address common vaccination myths. Dr. Ratner provides expert insights on MMR vaccine safety, effectiveness, and recommended scheduling for both children and adults. The conversation emphasizes the historical success of vaccination programs and the continued importance of maintaining high immunization rates to protect vulnerable populations. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Intro (02:42) The Resurgence of Measles and Vaccine Hesitancy (05:54) Understanding Measles: Contagion and Symptoms (09:14) Public Health Success and Vaccine Perception (13:14) Outbreaks in Communities: A Closer Look (14:21) The Importance of Herd Immunity (17:32) Vaccination Schedule and Recommendations (19:26) Adult Vaccination and Immunity (21:23) Understanding Measles Vaccines (22:18) The Measles Virus Mechanism (25:19) The Dangers of Measles (26:20) Rare Complications of Measles (29:20) Debunking Vaccine Myths (32:31) Vitamin A and Measles (34:27) MMR Vaccine Safety and Efficacy (37:32) Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy (39:12) Protecting Vulnerable Populations (40:05) The Importance of Vaccination (43:20) Final Thoughts on Public Health Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  48:52
• Extra, Extra Science: Asteroids, Ozempic And Bird Flu Vaccines!

  In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman examine several current public health challenges and scientific developments. The scientists explore emerging research on Ozempic's potential role in treating alcohol use disorder, while addressing ongoing infectious disease concerns including tuberculosis and measles outbreaks. They also discuss broader public health issues such as marijuana advertising's impact on youth and progress in bird flu vaccine development. The conversation provides listeners with context and insights into these diverse health challenges while emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and public health interventions. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Intro (09:15) Kansas City Tuberculosis Outbreak (14:31) Texas Measles Outbreak (24:02) Asteroid 2024 YRW: No Cause for Alarm (35:13) Final Thoughts: Bird Flu Vaccine Development Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  41:14
• We are Tee-Totally Obsessed with the Science of Alcohol

  In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the complex relationship between alcohol and public health. The scientists examine alcohol's biological effects, its links to various health risks including cancer, and current policy debates around alcohol labeling and blood alcohol content limits. They discuss the growing awareness of alcohol-related health concerns while addressing the emergence of alcohol-free alternatives. The conversation balances personal experiences with scientific evidence, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of alcohol's impact on individual and public health, while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making around alcohol consumption. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Intro (02:15) Personal Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption (03:54) Statistics and Public Health Concerns (06:41) Cancer Risks Associated with Alcohol (12:00) How Alcohol is Absorbed in the Body (17:44) Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) (19:49) The Impact of Alcohol Legislation (21:15) Alcohol Consumption and Public Health (23:00) Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol (23:41) Alcohol as a Carcinogen (25:51) Alcohol's Effects on the Brain (30:11) Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal (33:27) Navigating Alcohol Consumption in Society (36:32) Final Thoughts: The Rise of Alcohol-Free Alternatives Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  41:54
• Needles To Say, RSV And Pneumo Vaccines Are Worth A Shot

  In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Margot Savoy to discuss the changing landscape of vaccine recommendations. The scientists explore risk-based vaccination approaches, focusing particularly on RSV and pneumococcal vaccines, while examining how factors like age and immunosenescence influence vaccine effectiveness. Dr. Savoy provides insights into how pandemic experiences have shaped vaccine strategies and emphasizes the importance of personalized vaccination discussions between healthcare providers and patients. The conversation offers listeners valuable understanding of current vaccine recommendations and their public health implications. All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/ (00:00) Intro (02:37) Understanding Risk-Based Vaccine Recommendations (06:47) Safety vs. Efficacy in Vaccines (08:56) Dynamic Nature of Vaccine Recommendations (12:50) Types of Vaccine Recommendations (20:11) Impact of Recommendations on Insurance Coverage (22:13) Recent Changes in RSV Recommendations (22:43) Understanding RSV and Its Impact (29:01) Immunosenescence: Aging and Immune Response (34:32) Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccination Recommendations (42:08) Final Thoughts: The Future of Vaccination: Innovations and Conversations Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  48:26

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