Unbiased Science

Identical twins with different personalities. Smokers who age faster than non-smokers. Why do our genes seem to tell only part of the story? Dive into the world of epigenetics and discover how our environment can influence genetic expression. Learn about the cutting-edge science that's revolutionizing our understanding of human biology and challenging long-held beliefs about nature versus nurture. Read it here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/euP_ue-G

🦠 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to be effective in detecting COVID-19, even as new variants emerge. However, the window of detection has changed due to widespread prior infections and immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Today, the highest viral load, and the most infectious period, often occurs later in the infection than during the earlier stages of the pandemic. This shift happens because people's immune systems are now more primed to respond to the virus, meaning their bodies start fighting the infection sooner. As a result, symptoms may appear earlier, but the virus often replicates more slowly, leading to higher viral loads later on. 📑 A March 2024 review article warned against relying too heavily on a single negative RAT result, as the negative predictive value of the test is lower than it was earlier in the pandemic. The article highlighted the increased risk of false negatives, especially in newly symptomatic individuals. On the other hand, a positive RAT result remains a strong indicator that someone is infectious, and proper precautions should be taken. 👉 For more reliable results, the FDA recommends serial testing—taking multiple tests over the course of 2-3 days—to increase confidence in a negative result. While serial testing can be costly, U.S. households will be eligible to order 4 free COVID-19 tests starting at the end of September via COVIDTests.gov. ⚠️ Additionally, it’s important to check the expiration dates of your test kits, as expired tests may not yield accurate results. Some test kits have had their expiration dates extended, so it’s worth checking the FDA's website to verify whether your tests are still valid. Sources: https://lnkd.in/eFUtuqXP https://lnkd.in/efSnpJzD https://lnkd.in/e9eyGUYY https://lnkd.in/eFqmKcPq https://lnkd.in/e6_Gd2KU https://lnkd.in/daMf-JNM https://lnkd.in/gXBke6pF

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and can also affect men and transgender individuals. With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, accurate screening information is crucial. This infographic, created in collaboration with esteemed breast radiologist Dr. Anjali Malik, debunks common myths about breast cancer screening. Empower yourself with facts to make informed decisions about your health. #BreastCancerAwareness #InclusiveHealthcare #EarlyDetectionSavesLives

Florida's Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has issued guidance that flies in the face of established scientific consensus on COVID-19 vaccines. Our latest newsletter delves deep into the dangerous implications of Dr. Ladapo's claims with a point-by-point takedown. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ecSZfWXa

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 requiring host cells to replicate, while vaccines prime the immune system to fight off infections. The hosts explore the constant evolution of viruses and the need for updated vaccines to match circulating strains, mentioning the shift from a quadrivalent to a trivalent flu vaccine and the importance of genomic surveillance in predicting circulating strains. They give lots of practical guidance on ways to stay protected this season! Dr. Jen Brull, a family physician and president elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians joins the pod to discuss vaccines and address common questions and concerns. She emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated for both flu and COVID as soon as they are available. She also discusses the possibility of a combined COVID and flu vaccine and the need for regular updates to vaccines due to new variants. Dr. Brull highlights the benefits of vaccination for individuals and the global community, debunking myths and addressing vaccine hesitancy. She recommends having a trusted relationship with a family physician and provides reliable sources of information.

🔍Uncover The Science Behind the Shots! 🌍Learn why flu and COVID-19 vaccines get regular updates, the science of waning immunity and viral evolution, and get answers to common myths and concerns. Plus, insights on vaccines during pregnancy and for people with allergies. Sponsored by Champions for Vaccine Equity, Education, and Progress (CVEEP). Explore CVEEP’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to respiratory disease vaccines at CVEEP.org. #VaccineScience #FluShot #COVID19Vaccine #PublicHealth #CVEEP

🫀"The Heart of the Matter: Myocarditis and COVID-19 Vaccines" In our latest newsletter, we dive deep into the concerns surrounding myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for parents of teenage boys. We break down the latest research to help you make an informed decision regarding COVID-19 vaccination. 🔗Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ehYFdPU8? ➡️We explain what myocarditis is and its various causes, including viral infections and, rarely, vaccinations. ➡️We present data from large-scale studies showing that while there is a slightly increased risk of myocarditis after mRNA vaccination, especially in males aged 12-30, this risk is significantly lower than the risk posed by COVID-19 infection itself. ➡️We provide detailed comparisons of myocarditis incidence between vaccination and COVID-19 infection, broken down by age and sex. ➡️We discuss the encouraging follow-up studies showing that most cases of vaccine-associated myocarditis are mild and resolve quickly. ➡️We compare different vaccine options, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, in terms of myocarditis risk. Our goal is to equip parents with accurate information to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination for their children. Despite the small risk, the data clearly shows that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, offering crucial protection against severe COVID-19 and its potential long-term impacts. All data sources cited in the newsletter. Please be sure to subscribe so you never miss out on one of our weekly newsletters! It's free to subscribe, though there is a paid option for those able and willing to support our efforts! 🫶

Breast cancer treatment is personalized, with care tailored to your specific diagnosis. While double mastectomies are often chosen to reduce the risk of developing contralateral breast cancer, research indicates that they do not improve overall survival rates compared to unilateral mastectomy or lumpectomy. Despite this, many women believe that a double mastectomy offers better survival odds, with 50% considering it as a treatment option. However, only 17% proceed with the surgery. Double mastectomies may still be the best option for high-risk patients, such as those with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, as they significantly lower the risk of a second breast cancer. A recent study aimed to assess the 20-year mortality rates among women who underwent double mastectomies versus those who opted for other treatments, such as lumpectomy or unilateral mastectomy. The findings showed no significant difference in survival rates. However, bilateral mastectomies did reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the opposite breast. Despite these findings, double mastectomies remain a personal decision influenced by psychological factors, including fear of recurrence and radiation. Patients should be counseled on these options, and informed about the potential benefits and limitations of each approach, to make the best choice for their situation. For those with BRCA mutations, ongoing research suggests that BRCA1 carriers may benefit more from bilateral mastectomies, while BRCA2 carriers might achieve comparable outcomes with surveillance. Patients and their healthcare providers should discuss all available options—ranging from lumpectomies to newer targeted therapies like Herceptin—to ensure they choose a treatment that aligns with their health needs and goals. Specials thanks to Dr. Liz O'Riordan and Dr. Anjali Malik for lending their expertise and reviewing this content. Sources: https://ow.ly/FmzI50TlAeI https://ow.ly/rWwT50TlAeA https://ow.ly/PP5350TlAeH https://ow.ly/St9H50TlAez https://ow.ly/MfIi50TlAeO https://ow.ly/VbFA50TlAeL https://ow.ly/ineZ50TlAeB https://ow.ly/z90i50TlAeN https://ow.ly/rpfe50TlAeF https://ow.ly/gGXn50TlAeJ. https://ow.ly/jtKf50TlAeG https://ow.ly/gbvk50TlAey

 🧬Curious about how respiratory vaccines are made? 🦠Check out our guide on vaccine composition & development! Learn about antigenic drift, strain matching, and the ingredients that go into your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, plus an overview of the rigorous research trial process. Sponsored by Champions for Vaccine Equity, Education, and Progress (CVEEP). Discover more about CVEEP's commitment to equitable access to respiratory disease prevention vaccines and treatment at CVEEP.org. #VaccineScience #FluShot #COVID19Vaccine #VaccineEquity #CVEEP

🌬️Get ready for Respiratory Season! 🛡️Dive deep into the latest on flu and COVID-19 vaccines with our comprehensive guide. Learn about vaccine composition, safety, efficacy, and the best timing for your shots. This post is proudly sponsored by Champions for Vaccine Equity, Education, and Progress (CVEEP). For more on CVEEP’s mission to improve equitable access to prevention and treatment of infectious respiratory diseases, visit CVEEP.org. #FluShot #COVID19Vaccine #VaccineEquity #PublicHealth #CVEEP