As a layman, you hit on my chief complaint when I read about scientific studies. I always expect them to be making hard scientific queries, but so many in recent years appear to be asking sociological questions. I feel like our scientific research dollars have funded vanity projects for activist PhD candidates.
We need to fund science. We need to ask bold questions. But those bold questions need to be in tandem with questions of utility, feasibility, accountability, and investment value.
On oral COVID vaccines: do “scientists” really believe an oral approach toward a respiratory virus is the way to go? At least an oral vaccine interfaces with the mucosa. But that is hardly respiratory mucosa. And, as you said do we really need it at this point?
As to the climate change study proposal: it’s clear the authors are chasing the funding. Climate change research has been heavily funded and that likely generates junk science are researchers chase dollars with essentially stupid studies.
Or, conversely, make yourself feel better by burning a Tesla.
If nothing else, the current hysteria reveals just how much many American citizens really want to be governed, as is said, "really hard." They miss the ease of following orders during covid; they base everything on their own "feelings," and could give a fig about others'.
Common sense. Even ardent proponents of USG-funded science would have to admit there is a lot of waste in the budget for poor studies and needless admin. They should embrace the crisis as an opportunity for reform and put their best ideas forward. Many funding priorities have become petrified by politics rather than science. The USG spends as much on HIV research as on all of heart disease- there is no justification for this in 2025.
My biggest fear about junk science is that it will generate junk “truths“ which will in turn generate bad government health policy. The food pyramid is but one example. The United States government really has to be more careful about what studies it funds. There is more at stake here than wasting money.
I just read a post from a physician I respect, but he does lean in a different direction as to the “tragedy” of RFK2 cancelling oral “covid vaccines.” I thought it odd. One thing I’ve noticed with many who lean left is the very large undercurrent of fear that they seem to live in. Everything is a tragedy that MAGA creates. I’m neither one way or the other; I prefer common sense but that doesn’t appear to be common anymore. As we all know.
Cheaper versions of Mojarro and Ozempic are necessary. Apparently Eli Lilly is going to be selling it in India for $50 a month. We want pill versions that work and maybe even put it in the water supply because you know as a physician that's so many issues people have are just related to inflammation and the 50 to 100 extra pounds they carry on their frames First. waistline measurement which will show 64% or more are obese. Maybe we won't be so chronically miserable if we weren't so fat and of course, since tariffs will impact food prices everyone needs to know how much they eat how many bites a day for most Americans it's north of 200 bites a day when 80 max is what a stomach wants.The ANTI-WELLNESS DIET
Sorry there is way too much emphasis on those toxic drugs and not enough on teaching people how to lose weight safely. Plus with RFK, Jr. trying to get the toxins out of the food supply, people will lose weight automatically when they stop consuming that junk. The body is smart and knows to store toxins in fat to protect it. A famous biological dentist wrote she cannot lose weight because she is surrounded by mercury all the time in her work removing amalgam fillings. Yes, we have an obesity crisis but those drugs are not the answer. RFK, Jr. is on the right path!
I think it's best to stop referring to drugs as 'toxic' and use the framework of 'benefit/risk'. Meaning, every drug has side effects but in the context of the disease they are treating, those side effects could be worth taking a chance on. Chemo drugs are the best example of that (ask any cancer patient whether they are willing to accept the risks...I, for one, was). Or antibiotics to treat serious infections. You could die from not using the drug, but you are probably willing to take a chance on the side effects (risks) in order to live.
As a layman, you hit on my chief complaint when I read about scientific studies. I always expect them to be making hard scientific queries, but so many in recent years appear to be asking sociological questions. I feel like our scientific research dollars have funded vanity projects for activist PhD candidates.
We need to fund science. We need to ask bold questions. But those bold questions need to be in tandem with questions of utility, feasibility, accountability, and investment value.
oh! but isn't it call social "science"? Now what? 🙄
In an ideal world: Vinay could be the filter and deny government grants to all B.S. scientific studies.
amen!!
2 points:
On oral COVID vaccines: do “scientists” really believe an oral approach toward a respiratory virus is the way to go? At least an oral vaccine interfaces with the mucosa. But that is hardly respiratory mucosa. And, as you said do we really need it at this point?
As to the climate change study proposal: it’s clear the authors are chasing the funding. Climate change research has been heavily funded and that likely generates junk science are researchers chase dollars with essentially stupid studies.
Or, conversely, make yourself feel better by burning a Tesla.
If nothing else, the current hysteria reveals just how much many American citizens really want to be governed, as is said, "really hard." They miss the ease of following orders during covid; they base everything on their own "feelings," and could give a fig about others'.
Insanity at its finest!
Common sense. Even ardent proponents of USG-funded science would have to admit there is a lot of waste in the budget for poor studies and needless admin. They should embrace the crisis as an opportunity for reform and put their best ideas forward. Many funding priorities have become petrified by politics rather than science. The USG spends as much on HIV research as on all of heart disease- there is no justification for this in 2025.
My biggest fear about junk science is that it will generate junk “truths“ which will in turn generate bad government health policy. The food pyramid is but one example. The United States government really has to be more careful about what studies it funds. There is more at stake here than wasting money.
I just read a post from a physician I respect, but he does lean in a different direction as to the “tragedy” of RFK2 cancelling oral “covid vaccines.” I thought it odd. One thing I’ve noticed with many who lean left is the very large undercurrent of fear that they seem to live in. Everything is a tragedy that MAGA creates. I’m neither one way or the other; I prefer common sense but that doesn’t appear to be common anymore. As we all know.
increase funding for fusion energy science but the oil and gas lobby keeps killing it, imagine how many people that could help.
Thank you! This post makes a lot of sense! Onward and upward!
Cheaper versions of Mojarro and Ozempic are necessary. Apparently Eli Lilly is going to be selling it in India for $50 a month. We want pill versions that work and maybe even put it in the water supply because you know as a physician that's so many issues people have are just related to inflammation and the 50 to 100 extra pounds they carry on their frames First. waistline measurement which will show 64% or more are obese. Maybe we won't be so chronically miserable if we weren't so fat and of course, since tariffs will impact food prices everyone needs to know how much they eat how many bites a day for most Americans it's north of 200 bites a day when 80 max is what a stomach wants.The ANTI-WELLNESS DIET
Sorry there is way too much emphasis on those toxic drugs and not enough on teaching people how to lose weight safely. Plus with RFK, Jr. trying to get the toxins out of the food supply, people will lose weight automatically when they stop consuming that junk. The body is smart and knows to store toxins in fat to protect it. A famous biological dentist wrote she cannot lose weight because she is surrounded by mercury all the time in her work removing amalgam fillings. Yes, we have an obesity crisis but those drugs are not the answer. RFK, Jr. is on the right path!
I think it's best to stop referring to drugs as 'toxic' and use the framework of 'benefit/risk'. Meaning, every drug has side effects but in the context of the disease they are treating, those side effects could be worth taking a chance on. Chemo drugs are the best example of that (ask any cancer patient whether they are willing to accept the risks...I, for one, was). Or antibiotics to treat serious infections. You could die from not using the drug, but you are probably willing to take a chance on the side effects (risks) in order to live.
Love coming here for some old fashioned common sense.
Love it!
great post. Any comment on RFK Jr hiring a previously disciplined "vaccines cause autism" proponent to run the new studies? What could go wrong?