Unbiased Science

Unbiased Science

Dr. Jessica Steier, a public-health expert, and Dr. Sarah Scheinman, a neurobiologist, are the hosts of Unbiased Science, a podcast devoted to objective, critical appraisal of available evidence on health-related topics relevant to listeners’ daily lives. Follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipod

Episodes

January 7, 2026 37 mins
In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Ashely Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author of '99 Ways to Die,' to discuss critical public health challenges. The scientists explore the intersection of vaccination, misinformation, and preventable deaths, drawing on Dr. Alker's clinical experiences and research. They examine the powerful role of storytelling in medical communication and how narrative can help convey complex...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah discuss the current state of bird flu, particularly H5N1, with expert Dr. Chad Costley. They explore the implications of recent CDC updates, the evolution of viruses, and the innovative development of intranasal vaccines. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and the potential for a universal flu vaccine, emphasizing the need for continued public health effor...
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In this episode, Jess and special guest co-host Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph welcome Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for an in-depth discussion about the future of pediatric healthcare. The scientists explore the urgent need to redesign healthcare systems to prioritize prevention and wellness rather than reactive treatment. Dr. Kressly shares valuable insights on building trust between pediatrician...
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December 3, 2025 33 mins
On this episode of the pod, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist, to explore the contentious topic of fluoride in public health. The scientists examine both the benefits and risks of fluoride use, particularly its critical role in preventing cavities and supporting oral health in children. Dr. Lerman provides expert insights into recent public debates surrounding water fluoridation while discussing hydroxya...
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November 26, 2025 34 mins
While we're taking a Thanksgiving holiday break this week, we’re excited to share a special episode of Nice Genes! from our friends at Genome BC.  Our very own Jess joins Dr. Kaylee Byers as they dive into the fascinating world of wastewater surveillance. Along the way, they enlist a seasoned “poo detective,” Dr. Natalie Prystajecky, who wades through some wastewater 101, and how sewage can tip us off to disease outbreaks before s...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a renowned chemist and science communicator, to explore a range of current scientific topics. The scientists discuss a recent infant formula recall and the FDA's removal of black box warnings from estrogen products, providing context for these regulatory decisions. Dr. Schwarcz addresses the complexities of nutrition research, debunking common misconceptions about superfoods...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Jerome Adams, former US Surgeon General, to discuss critical public health challenges facing the nation. The scientists explore the complex issues of vaccine hesitancy and health misinformation, examining how declining trust in federal health institutions has shaped public health outcomes. Dr. Adams emphasizes the importance of empathetic approaches when addressing parental vaccine concer...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Jomana Musmar to examine the critical and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The scientists explore alarming global statistics and the far-reaching implications of AMR for public health systems worldwide. Dr. Musmar emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated international responses, improved diagnostic capabilities, and enhanced patient advocacy in addressing this challenge...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Seth Berkley, a leading public health expert, to examine pressing global health security challenges. The scientists explore the concerning resurgence of preventable diseases and the critical role of vaccination programs in protecting populations. Dr. Berkley shares insights on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing persistent issues of vaccine inequity and hesitancy across...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome pediatrician Dr. Diane Arnaout to explore the challenges of modern parenting in an era of information overload. The scientists examine how parents navigate conflicting advice and widespread misinformation about infant health and safety. Dr. Arnaout addresses the nuanced realities of infant feeding, providing evidence-based perspectives on both breastfeeding and formula feeding while challengi...
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Yasmin Mohseni to discuss the recent Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for research on regulatory T cells (T-Regs). The conversation explores the significance of T-Regs in immunology, their role in autoimmunity and organ transplantation, and the challenges they present in cancer treatment. Dr. Mohseni shares insights into the future of T-Reg research and the potential for immunotherapy to c...
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In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell to explore the multifaceted topic of hormonal birth control. The scientists examine common myths and evidence-based facts about contraception, addressing concerns about fertility, cancer risks, and overall health impacts. Dr. Curry-Winchell emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to contraceptive choices and advocates for patien...
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In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Ben Rein to discuss his research on the neuroscience of social connection, examining how social interaction profoundly impacts both mental and physical health. They discuss the detrimental effects of social isolation on overall well-being and emphasize the critical need for rigorous scientific methodology when evaluating health claims. Throughout the conversati...
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In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome registered dietitian Abbey Sharp to explore the complex relationships between nutrition, social media, and body image. The scientists examine the role of protein in healthy diets, comparing meat and plant-based sources, while addressing emerging trends like teen creatine use. They delve into the concerning influence of 'Skinny Tok' and similar social media phenomen...
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mR(NA) Big Shot: Who Do You Think You Are? - Understanding mRNA Technology Video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9LWOy_VnHpc In this episode, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Nancy Haigwood to explore the groundbreaking significance of mRNA technology in modern medicine. The scientists examine the rapid development of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing common misconceptions and...
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To kick off season six of Unbiased Science, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Sarah Scheinman welcome Dr. Matthew Facciani to explore the critical intersection of public health, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. The scientists examine how AI chatbots and other technologies are reshaping the landscape of health information, both positively and negatively. They discuss the growing challenges of distinguishing between misinformati...
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This episode is supported by Incogni. Use code UNBIASED to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at ⁠⁠https://incogni.com/unbiased⁠ Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedsc...
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This episode is supported by Incogni. Use code UNBIASED to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at ⁠https://incogni.com/unbiased Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscip...
Mark as Played
This episode is supported by Incogni. Use code UNBIASED to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at ⁠⁠https://incogni.com/unbiased⁠ Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiased...
Mark as Played
This episode is supported by Incogni. Use code UNBIASED to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at https://incogni.com/unbiased Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at ⁠theunbiasedscipo...
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