The Unbiased Science Podcast

Articles

Dear Science

2 weeks ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

Dear Science,I write to you today after reading the news that HHS Secretary Kennedy has announced plans to "determine the cause of autism by September." My pen is heavy with disbelief, my mind reeling at the implication that all this time, you've simply been too lazy or incompetent to find the answer that apparently can be discovered in just a few months.
Food Allergies Explained: The Immunology of Oral Tolerance

3 weeks ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

Beyond the headlines and social media posts, food allergies represent real, daily challenges for millions of families worldwide. As parents nervously introduce new foods to their infants, as school cafeterias establish "nut-free zones," and as adults scrutinize restaurant menus, the impact of food allergies extends far beyond clinical statistics. In the past few months, food allergies have been receiving an increasing amount of attention.
Project Bright Smile: A PR Crisis Management Plan for Fluoride

3 weeks ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

Last week, Utah became the first state in the nation to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Despite decades of scientific consensus supporting water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation on March 28th barring communities from adding this mineral to their water systems, effective May 7th.
The Appointment of David Geier: A Predictable Breach of Scientific Integrity in Vaccine-Autism Research

4 weeks ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

This analysis is co-authored by a multidisciplinary team of experts with extensive training in public health, data science, clinical medicine, immunology, virology, and science policy —scientists committed to evidence-based research and safeguarding public health through rigorous scientific standards.
Gutted: When Public Health Becomes Political

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

Well, it happened. We tried to dodge it, but we finally got DOGE'd. Today, the termination letter arrived for a project we've poured our hearts into for several months. Money that was earmarked and appropriated to stop outbreaks and strengthen public health has simply evaporated into thin air. Poof. Vamoose. Our project wasn't glamorous, but it was vital: developing educational materials for local health departments that don't have the infrastructure to create their own campaigns or infographics.
Should We Cry Over Spilled Baby Formula?

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

This week brought significant developments in infant nutrition that have many parents concerned and confused. On Tuesday, March 18, two major announcements hit the news: Consumer Reports released findings from an investigation into contaminants in infant formula, and in what appears to be a related move, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA announced "Operation Stork Speed," a new initiative to enhance oversight of infant formula.
Bird Flu: Letting the Virus Fly Wild Is Probably Not a Good Idea

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

When Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. suggested a dramatically different approach to managing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on American farms, the scientific community took notice.
Do SSRIs Cause Dementia?

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

Over the past few weeks, we have been inundated with questions about a new study that just came out evaluating the association between antidepressant use and cognitive decline in patients with dementia. The study was published on February 25th, 2025 in BMC Medicine and reported some rather alarming findings: namely, that the use of a specific antidepressant, SSRIs, is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in patients.
Global Measles Alert: Europe Reports Highest Cases in 25 Years

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

We, along with many other science communicators, have been tracking and sharing information about the rapidly expanding measles outbreaks around the globe. As cases continue to multiply—particularly in communities with low vaccination rates—we urge everyone to ensure they and their family members have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. There is dangerous misinformation circulating that vitamins or supplements can prevent or treat measles; this is absolutely NOT TRUE.
The Unbiased Science Guide on MMR Vaccines and Measles Titer Tests

1 month ago | theunbiasedscipod.substack.com | Jess Steier

We have been getting a ton of questions from people about early MMR vaccine doses, uncertainty of vaccination status for adults, and whether titer tests are necessary—and Unbiased Science has you covered! Two medical doctors, an immunologist, and a public health scientist put together this practical guide that we hope will address your questions and concerns.