Welcome to Ask a Scientist, where we answer questions from our readers on a wide range of scientific topics. Got a scientific question? Drop us an line.
I read on the internet that there are dangerous levels of a toxic weed killer in many common vaccines. Is this true? Should I be worried? – Rebecca T., Wilton, CT.
Great question to start off our Ask a Scientist series, Rebecca. Here are the facts:
This claim was posted online by a group called Mom’s Across America (or MAA, which is the guttural noise of frustration that I make after reading their website). I’m not linking to their site because it contains biased anti-GMO, anti-chemical info while also conveniently selling their own line of homeopathic health supplements. They sell a product for “mineral health”, which is not a thing, and it contains “72 essential trance minerals.” Mind you they don’t say what these essential minerals are, nor do they address the fact that there are less then 20 scientifically accepted essential minerals. I think you get the point.
Dear Mr. Pruitt,
First let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. E.A. Thackaberry, and I am your boss. Actually, I’m your boss’ boss, since the President of the United States technically works for me and the other American citizens. I am writing this letter to you because it seems you have failed to grasp some basic scientific concepts which are critical for your new job as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. As your boss, I want to help you, because I want you to succeed in your new role.
There are a whole lot of people on statins these days. Statins are a class of drugs intended to lower your LDL (the so-called “bad” cholesterol), leading to a reduction in heart disease risk. This is great, but many patients are surprised to learn that they have to avoid grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking statins, and since statins are generally taken daily for long periods of time, this can essentially mean no more grapefruit products for many people.
What do doctors have against grapefruits? Do people really need to avoid them completely? Aren’t apples supposed to keep doctors away? UseYourBrain has the answers.
Welcome to Bad Science on the Internet! Here, we highlight some of the crazy and sometime dangerous stuff people post online, then give you the facts.
The Bad Science: St. John’s Wort as a treatment for Depression
What do they claim? Suggested uses include the treatment of depression, anxiety, boosting the immune system to fight infections, among many other potential indications
Are they trying to sell you something? A bottle of supplements will cost you about ten dollars.
Is any of this true? St. John’s Wort is an extract of Hypericum perforatum. A typical extract contains over 150 different chemicals isolated from the plant, most of which aren’t known to do anything for humans. Any potential activity of this extract is believed to come from a few classes of compounds (the naphthodianthrones, the phloroglucinols, and the chemical hypericin) which make up a very small percent of the total dose of the extract. St John’s Wort has a long history of use as an herbal remedy, mainly for depression and anxiety. There is ample literature demonstrating some degree of anti-depressive and anti-inflammatory actions. For depression, the evidence is spotty – some studies have shown benefit, while others have shown none or less than standard anti-depressant drugs. In truth, St. John’s Wort might have had a future as a first line option for mild forms of depression had it not been for…
Is any of this dangerous? This is where things get tricky.
You’ve probably heard the statistic before. 97% percent of scientists agree that global warming is real. People throw this number around, but where did it come from, and what exactly does it mean? Here at UseYourBrainForScience.com, we’re all about facts (though apparently not about brevity in our blog name), so here’s the skinny on this often misquoted number.
First, the statement above is wrong.
