Unbiased Science

Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP helps PolitiFact's Sara Swann fact check the Moms Across America?and?GMOScience study into Girl Scout cookies. https://lnkd.in/e6yukwEm #factcheck #healthcommunications #sciencecommunications #misinformation

Despite initial concerns raised when the FDA canceled its advisory committee meeting (VRBPAC) on flu vaccine strain selection in February, the agency has now confirmed that flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season will be available on schedule this fall. The cancellation had sparked warnings from medical experts, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, about potential delays in vaccine production during what has been described as the worst flu season in more than a decade. On March 13, 2025, the FDA announced its recommendations for flu vaccine strains after collaborating with experts from the CDC and the Department of Defense. The vaccine composition is similar to last year's formula, with specific strains selected for both egg-based and cell/recombinant-based production methods. The FDA has already informed vaccine manufacturers of these recommendations, ensuring production can proceed as planned for fall distribution despite the earlier concerns about potential disruptions. Source: https://lnkd.in/eFYB-RND

VAERS is a powerful tool for detecting potential vaccine safety signals—but it’s just one of MANY surveillance systems in place worldwide. Unfortunately, it’s often misinterpreted or taken out of context. Just like vaccines, all medications are monitored through global pharmacovigilance systems, ensuring continuous safety evaluation. Vaccine safety isn’t just a U.S. priority—countries around the world have similar systems, like the UK’s Yellow Card, the EU’s EudraVigilance, and Canada’s CAEFISS, all working together to detect and investigate potential risks. In this post, we break down what happens when a VAERS report is filed, how it’s investigated, and the steps taken to ensure vaccine safety. Reports are taken seriously and thoroughly examined—and we have a newsletter in the works to dive even deeper. Our goal? To demystify the process and highlight how vaccine safety monitoring truly works. Stay tuned! Sources: https://ow.ly/qgK450Vi1CM https://ow.ly/nEtb50Vi1CF https://ow.ly/oKEE50Vi1CT https://ow.ly/tqcQ50Vi1CW https://ow.ly/lI3n50Vi1CR https://ow.ly/IoB050Vi1CA https://ow.ly/XQqB50Vi1CN https://ow.ly/oZNp50Vi1CZ https://ow.ly/I0em50Vi1CO https://ow.ly/lzb050Vi1Cw https://ow.ly/cQ1B50Vi1CE https://ow.ly/Ej8750Vi1Cz https://ow.ly/v6yb50Vi1CG https://ow.ly/8jXU50Vi1E0 https://ow.ly/9Ook50Vi1E1 https://ow.ly/OzzU50Vi1CV https://ow.ly/vrWv50Vi1CU https://ow.ly/9CP350Vi1CC https://ow.ly/HqOG50Vi1CH

Am I protected against measles? It might depend on when you were born. Our CEO and public health scientist Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP speaks with science journalist Anna Gibbs on what, if anything, you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles. Am I vaccinated?enough? Do I need a measles booster? Should I confirm that I’m immune by taking something called a?titer test? https://lnkd.in/eZvpgaZA #healthcommunications #sciencecommunications #misinformation #socialmedia

In our latest Unbiased Science Substack article, we discuss the alarming global surge in measles cases, with Europe experiencing its highest outbreak in over 25 years and the U.S. facing escalating cases across multiple states. This resurgence is driven by declining vaccination rates and rampant misinformation, including false claims that vitamins or supplements can prevent measles. Measles is not a harmless childhood illness—it can cause severe complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and immune amnesia, which weakens the immune system long after recovery. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% lifelong immunity, making it the most effective tool in preventing infection. In the U.S., outbreaks are concentrated in Texas and New Mexico but have spread to California, New York, Maryland, and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, in Europe, over 127,000 cases were reported in 2024 alone, with Romania, Kazakhstan, and Russia among the hardest-hit countries. Alarmingly, vaccination rates in some regions have fallen well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with some as low as 24%. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses—far more infectious than COVID-19 or Ebola. While high-dose vitamin A can help reduce complications in those already infected, it does not prevent the disease. The only effective prevention is vaccination. WHO and UNICEF are calling for urgent action to close vaccination gaps, restore public trust in immunization, and strengthen healthcare systems. The resurgence of measles is entirely preventable. We have the tools to stop it—but only if we take action now. Read the Substack article: https://lnkd.in/ePuvNsix Sources: https://ow.ly/yHMs50VhpIg https://ow.ly/1NxZ50VhpIf https://ow.ly/jpP850VhpI6 https://ow.ly/VTis50VhpI5 https://ow.ly/ZfLK50VhpI2

Europe has recorded the highest number of measles cases in 25 years, with children under five making up more than 40% of all cases. Today, UNICEF and WHO issued a joint media statement on the global measles situation—and the findings are alarming. We’ve summarized the key takeaways in our latest newsletter. ??https://lnkd.in/ePuvNsix

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been a recent topic of discussion and controversy. Statements from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, have sparked intense debate about SSRIs. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy pointed to what he called "tremendous circumstantial evidence" supporting a connection between SSRI use and school shootings. He also referred to individuals on SSRIs as "addicts," a comment that has faced significant criticism from medical experts. In this week's episode of the pod, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein to explore the complex world of SSRIs. The scientists examine how these medications work in the brain, addressing both the supporting evidence for their effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety as well as ongoing controversies in the field. ?? https://ow.ly/Fxs450VgqPx ?? https://ow.ly/j48l50VgqPw ?? https://ow.ly/OzjZ50VgqPt

This is a super inspring read in Life Science Leader. Unbiased Science COO Michelle Bridenbaker takes a look at how the pharma industry communicates its value to the market and explores how to be heard above the market noise, which has now reached a peak. In today’s “attention economy,” human brain-space is a limited resource which all communicators must ‘earn’ — whether they are pharma/medical device industry communicators, or social media health communicators. https://lnkd.in/eh2sNq2k #healthcommunications #socialmedia #misinformation #pharmacommunications

Making accurate science stick: Combating burnout and bad information Our COO Michelle Bridenbaker talks to PharmaLive. "When there are exciting new discoveries or therapies whose benefits need to be communicated – what can their developers and distributors do to ensure they are heard; that they succeed in delivering the facts to the audiences that need to learn them?" https://lnkd.in/eEWRZvrk #healthcommunications #socialmedia

In our latest newsletter, we examine the ongoing debate surrounding selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and address recent controversial claims. We explore the scientific understanding of addiction, explaining how traditionally addictive substances affect the brain's reward system through dopamine release, and contrast this with how SSRIs function by increasing serotonin levels. We clarify that while discontinuation syndrome can occur when stopping SSRIs, this differs fundamentally from addiction. Additionally, we analyze the evidence regarding alleged connections between SSRI use and violent behaviors, particularly mass shootings, finding that scientific research does not support such causal links. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of relying on rigorous scientific evidence rather than speculation when discussing mental health medications, as misrepresentations can perpetuate stigma and potentially discourage those who need treatment from seeking help. This was written by not one but TWO neuroscientists! Shoutout to Unbiased Scientist, Dr. Sarah Scheinman, and Dr. Ben Rein (@doctor.brein)! ??https://lnkd.in/eMJ6FDba