Timothy Caulfield

You can catch the ‘nocebo’ effect from family, friends – even social media. But what is it, actually? https://t.co/9RbUHPTWPu via @ConversationEDU "It occurs when someone expects a negative outcome from a harmless treatment or situation, and this triggers worse health." Very

8 of the top 10 online shows are spreading climate misinformation https://t.co/sxFiQfy3qF "Often backed by large advertising budgets, a new breed of climate denial is gaining popularity." "...right-leaning influencers now dominate digital media" https://t.co/UjPiG6UOHx

Republican legislators (but not Democrats) who share low-credibility info get rewarded with more clicks https://t.co/n2vo3VABwM Study found "harmful content is linked to increased visibility for posters" but only for Republicans. So, incentive for right to push bunk. Ugh. via

Bottom line ALWAYS the same: stick to basics. Exercise, healthy diet, sleep, community... Will better predictive tech (risk info) help motivate behaviour change? Alas, little evidence to support. New Science of Aging Can Predict Your Future https://t.co/j1koE5aBlh by

Obviously, researching the complex (and tremendously harmful) phenomenon of misinformation critically important. The goal? Silence those fighting for the truth. NSF cancels research grants related to misinformation https://t.co/Sw29OKytnK by @SarahScire via @NiemanLab

With each passing day, the agenda-driven interference with science intensifies. We can't let the candle in the dark go out. NIH moving to ban all future grants to universities with DEI programs or Israel boycotts, document suggests https://t.co/c9JfD6Uba5 via @statnews

RT @ScienceUpFirst: Cannabis use can cause alarming behaviours. Let’s explore 5 myths about cannabis and Early Psychosis 👉 https://t.co/CS…

Authoritarian minds may be primed for conspiracy beliefs, study suggests https://t.co/eCM8S7ZW1U via @psypost From study: "...people who supported authoritarianism more subsequently endorsed stronger conspiracy beliefs..."

Visual misinformation & conflict propaganda. > 8925% posts & > 5352% images shared by Russian milbloggers just prior to invasion of Ukraine. "...manipulated images aimed at reinforcing ingroup solidarity, exacerbating outgroup vulnerability, & fostering epistemic insecurity..." https://t.co/8sIHgiKjnD

Such a dangerous idea. US attorney demands scientific journal explain how it ensures 'viewpoint diversity' https://t.co/6r0mWregd2 Yes, process of science – a human endeavour – full of potential biases. Key to recognize & counter. But can’t let false balance & middle ground

Okay, I probably overreact to this kinda BS. I totally get idea of ritual, placebo effect, & trying to find an edge. But this noise helps to legitimize bunk. Likely none of it works & some hurts. Lamb spends more than $1M per year on body maintenance https://t.co/ovLuwERQgD

Manosphere BS does real harm... "A rise in misogyny and racism is flooding UK schools as pupils ape the behaviour of figures such as Trump & Andrew Tate after exposure through social media..." Teachers warn of rise in misogyny and racism in UK schools https://t.co/VBF3dHvqw3

The new White House COVID webiste? Incredible. Nothing but spin, misinformation and ideology. Incredible the degree to which one's position on COVID issues – be it about vaccines, ivermectin, masks, or the source of pandemic – has become an ideological flag. More science, pls. https://t.co/Xf8Q6Ootlt

Here’s a science-backed way to get healthier if you don’t like exercise https://t.co/YY6X7Tfarp "The study suggests that 'it’s a good idea to find ways to fit exertion into your daily life.'" Key message: #move! 💪♥️

"...anti-immigration conspiracy beliefs correlated positively with commitment to both conventional & violent reactionary action to oppose immigration..." Immigration conspiracy beliefs & opposing immigration https://t.co/GfgdVnqsYI "...such beliefs pose a threat to social