In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman discuss the complexities of cancer with Dr. Joe Zundell, a cancer biologist. They explore the definition of cancer, its prevalence, and the hallmarks that characterize cancer cells. The conversation delves into the mechanisms of cancer growth, including sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppression through the P53 gene, and the process of apoptosis. The discussion aims to make these complex topics accessible to a...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Namandjé Bumpus, Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, who shares insights into the agency's operations and her path from academia to FDA leadership. The scientists explore the complexities of drug approval processes, the FDA's organizational structure, and its commitment to safety and transparency. Dr. Bumpus discusses the agency's efforts to advance health equity and adapt to emerging technologies, while addressing...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Ayesha Sherzai to explore brain health, with a focus on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The scientists address common misconceptions and examine evidence-based approaches to cognitive health, including the role of nutrition, supplements, and music therapy. They debunk popular myths about brain usage and detoxification while emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful activities for cognitive resilience....

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile to explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The scientists examine the clinical criteria, symptoms, and biological mechanisms underlying SAD, while addressing both winter and summer variations of the condition. They discuss evidence-based treatment approaches, including light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy, emphasizing the legitimacy of SAD as a mental health...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by the leaders of the Human Immunome Project to explore groundbreaking research in immunology. The scientists discuss the project's mission to comprehensively map and understand the human immune system, emphasizing the importance of studying diverse populations through longitudinal research. They delve into the complexities of immune system dynamics, modern immunotherapy advances, and the development of predictive models...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an expert in outbreak science, to explore the complex world of infectious diseases. The scientists discuss how outbreaks evolve into pandemics and examine the current landscape of infectious threats. They delve into the nature of various pathogens, with a particular focus on COVID-19 dynamics and emerging concerns such as Marburg virus and avian influenza. Dr. Rivers shares insights on the critical...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Joey Munoz to explore the comprehensive benefits of exercise. The scientists discuss the distinctions between aerobic and strength training, highlighting their unique impacts on physical health. They delve into the often-overlooked psychological and cognitive advantages of regular physical activity, challenging common exercise myths along the way. They emphasize the importance of finding joy in exercise and offer...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman investigate the widespread myth that sugar causes ADHD and hyperactivity. The scientists trace the origins of this belief, including the influential Feingold diet, and examine scientific studies that challenge the purported link between sugar and hyperactive behavior. They explore sugar's biological effects on the brain, discuss the concept of addiction in relation to sugar, and consider the health consequences of excessive sugar...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman discuss anxiety and panic disorders with clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile. The scientists explore the definitions of anxiety, its neurobiological underpinnings, and various types of anxiety disorders. They examine common myths surrounding nutrition and mental health, with a focus on the gut-brain connection. They conclude the episode by discussing effective coping mechanisms and treatment options for those struggling...

In this episode, Dr. Jess Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman explore the fascinating field of epigenetics, which examines how external factors influence gene expression and impact health outcomes. They discuss the interplay between nature and nurture, explaining how epigenetics involves information layered on top of DNA that affects gene operation. The scientists cover key mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications, and how factors such as nutrition and stress can impact these...

This episode of Unbiased Science is proudly sponsored by the Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP). Drs. Jess Steier and Sarah Scheinman discuss respiratory virus season and the importance of vaccines with guest Dr. Bertha Hidalgo, an epidemiologist. They share their personal experiences with COVID and the flu, highlighting the severity of these illnesses. The conversation covers viruses and vaccines, explaining that viruses are microscopic bundles of genetic material...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman are joined by Dr. Julie Bruene, a sports medicine physician, to discuss concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They cover essential topics including the definition of a concussion, the impact of concussions on the brain, the difference in concussion severity between children and adults, signs and symptoms of concussions, and the assessment and treatment of concussions. The conversation highlights that concussions increase...

We are BACK for SEASON FIVE of the pod! In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman discuss Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. They cover essential topics including the definition and symptoms of Alzheimer's, the genetic and epigenetic basis of the disease, brain changes associated with Alzheimer's, risk factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle, modifiable risk factors and prevention strategies, and current treatments and their controversies. The scientists...

On this episode of the pod, Jess discusses the topic of misinformation in the wellness industry (specifically related to mental health) with special guest, Dr. Jonathan Stea. They delve into the history of wellness, the commercialization of the wellness industry, and the impact of alternative medicine. They also explore the concept of wellness and how it is often pitted against conventional medicine as the answer to the “root cause” of health issues. They discuss the pseudoscientific nature...

Measles, once on the brink of eradication in the U.S., is making a dangerous comeback. Serese Marotta, Director of Advocacy and Education at Vaccinate Your Family, joined Jess to share her personal journey, the loss of her son to a vaccine-preventable illness, which shaped her life's commitment to vaccine education. They discuss the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, the concept of herd immunity, and the work being done by community health workers to educate and engage communities. The...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Esther Olu (aka "The Melanin Chemist" to talk about the chemistry of our skincare! We discuss the significance of "melanin-friendly" sunscreens and the importance of understanding hyperpigmentation to find effective solutions. We delve into the world of preservatives, exploring whether products can be adequately preserved without them. Our guest also shares her holy grail skincare product and ingredients she avoids. We tackle the common...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. David Robert Grimes to discuss various aspects of cancer, including prevalence, survivorship, trends, and prevention. They emphasize the importance of understanding that cancer is a complex disease with various forms and causes. They debunk myths and misinformation surrounding cancer, such as the idea that sugar, sunscreen, or deficiency in vitamin C cause cancer. They also highlight the role of screening programs in early detection and...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne for an unfiltered heart-to-heart discussion. You may have heard Sarah's name mentioned on a previous episode of the pod-- being criticized for her association with the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet. Yes, Sarah was previously known as the Paleo mom but has shed that title and done a complete 180 to right past wrongs and correct previous misinformation that she unknowingly spread. No topic was off limits during this raw...

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a world-renowned chemist and science communicator joins the pod to address some commonly asked questions! They kick-off the conversation by discussing the concept of superfoods and the need for a balanced diet, as well as the role of vitamins and supplements. They also touch on the origins of the belief that vitamin C can cure the common cold, tracing it back to Dr. Linus Pauling (and discuss the impact of eminence versus evidence). They walk through the evidence (or lack...

In this episode, Jess is joined by Dr. Joey Munoz to discuss various topics related to nutrition, including the monetization of expertise, the role of supplements, and the marketing tactics used in the supplement industry. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based claims and the need for individualized approaches to supplementation. The conversation covers the importance of dose and type of supplements, the limitations of marketing claims, and the Yuka app's oversimplification of food...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. Matthew Facciani, social scientist, to talk about media literacy, misinformation, and polarization. The two kick things off with a conversation about mis- and disinformation and why some people are more susceptible to it. They then shift gears slightly to chat about motivations behind the intentional spread of false information. Next, they share some media literacy tips and ways to spot red flags of misinformation. They bring tech into...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Emmy-winning Executive Producer and Journalist, Mosheh Oinounou to talk about communication. The two discuss the ways they are both committed to disseminating non-partisan information to the general public. They discuss balancing the credibility of information, nuance, and context with the clickbait nature of social media and the ways we consume information online. They share some tips for effective communication as well as red flags of...

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess chats with Meghann Featherstun about the Netflix docuseries, "You Are What You Eat." The pair kick things off with a summary of the premise of the docuseries (which centers around the purported benefits of a vegan diet) and the study upon which it was based, the "Stanford Twin Study". They dig deeper into the specifics of the study design, study findings, strengths, and limitations. The two discuss certain clinical markers used in the study to piece...

On this week’s episode of the pod, Jess is joined by not one but TWO toxicologists to discuss microplastics. The episode kicks off with a recap of some of the claims being made about microplastics that we’ve seen splashed all over the headlines. The team discusses just how prevalent and ubiquitous microplastics really are and some of the main sources of microplastics. Next, they dive into the evidence (or lack thereof) that microplastics have an impact on human health. The trio discusses our...