The Good, The Bad, and The Absurd
By The Good, The Bad, and The Absurd
The Good, The Bad, and The AbsurdSep 16, 2023
The Placebo Paradox: Power of Belief, Illusion of Medicine
Delve into the fascinating world of the placebo effect, where mere belief can trigger remarkable healing responses. Let’s explore how our expectations and beliefs can influence our physical and mental states, and harness this power to optimize our own health.
Refrence article: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.88889.1
‘Tis the Season. For Babies!
If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, this is an exciting time. It is also a time to get serious about your maternal health. It may just save you and your baby’s life.
A recent study found using marijuana during pregnancy may heighten risk for baby.
To learn more, visit the CDC or the journal article.
#Goals: Is sharing caring, or detrimental, when it comes to revealing your goals?
Research from the State University of Ohio suggests that sharing your personal goals with someone you see as "higher status" can help you achieve them. Reference journal: https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000441
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
The answer may not be as obvious as you think. A study suggests that roosters might recognize themselves in the mirror.
Reference journal: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0291416
What's Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander. But Make It a Pig.
Pig kidney keeps monkey alive for two years, study finds.
Reference article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06594-4
Rethinking Illusions of the Mind
Research at the University of Exeter suggests many visual illusions are a result of limitations in the ways our eyes and visual neurons function, not our minds.
Read more! https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011117
Zombie Cells: The Secret to Aging and Age-Related Disease
In this episode, Tiffany checks in on what researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN are doing on the research of aging. Are zombie cells the key to the fountain of youth? Tune in to find out.
Link to Today Show segment: https://www.today.com/video/are-zombie-cells-the-key-to-longer-lives-193449029812
The Great Cookie Debate: Is There a Perfect Way to Twist an Oreo Cookie?
In this episode, we discuss a serious topic: Confection perfection. MIT scientists took advantage of the pandemic to conduct a study and answer a research question some of us have been waiting our entire existence to figure out.
Has the puzzle finally been solved? Tune in to find out.
AI Can Help Write a Message to a Friend – Don’t
In this episode, we explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI to respond to text messages. We discuss how AI could be used to save us time and effort, and to help us communicate more effectively. However, we also discuss the potential for AI to be misused, and to lead to misunderstandings and social problems.
Drugs We Love to Hate: A Look at the Ethical Considerations of Prescription Drug Ads
In this episode, Tiffany takes a reflective and, at times, humorous look at the wild world of prescription drug advertising.
We'll explore the strange and often misleading tactics used to sell products and the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer advertising.
Correction: Kourtney Kardashian was referenced in this episode in error. The correct famous family member is Khloe Kardashian.
TGBA - Relationship Strategies of the Smartest Narcissists
How do intelligent narcissists use their cunning to get ahead? In this episode, We’ll discuss the research that has been conducted on intelligent narcissists, the specific strategies they use, and the impact of these strategies on others.
Driverless cars are no place to relax, new study shows
What happens if a driver is suddenly required to take control of an automated vehicle? The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia aims to find out.
Correction: Professor Fard's first name was mispronounced. The correct name is Mohammad.
TGBA - Does Long-Term Antacid Use Increase Risk of Dementia?
A study suggests that long-term use of certain antacids are associated with dementia. Are you willing to give up your favorite spicy foods to avoid the possibility of this debilitating disease? Tune in for Tiffany’s [opinionated] take on the topic…
Link to referenced journal article: Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
TGBA - People's everyday pleasures may improve cognitive arousal and performance
Are you taking time to enjoy life's simple pleasures? If not, slow down and smell the flowers - literally.
TGBA - New Decade, Same Disparities
Mortality rates among minorities are the highest, specifically among Black Americans and American Indians, a new study shows.
For those interested in trivia after watching...https://www.usgs.gov/media/audio/how-many-counties-are-there-united-states
TGBA - Postpartum Depression Trial
A new clinical trial has shown promising results for a new treatment for postpartum depression. In this episode, we'll discuss the trial and what it means for women with postpartum depression.
Correction: The intravenous drug Zelresson was erroneously stated as being administerd over 60 minutes. Zelresso is administred over 60 hours (2.5 days).
TGBA - Stanford Research Misconduct
Stanford University President resigns after investigation found research misconduct and falsified data in published manuscripts.
Welcome to TGBA Podcast with Opinionated STEM!
Clinical trials. There's always going to be a story to tell. Either way, Opinionated STEM will make sure it's entertaining. Listen in as she discusses the good, the bad, and downright absurd scientific studies you have to hear to believe.