Science Fictions

The Studies Show LIVE (with special guest Jesse Singal) is next Friday, 9th of May, at Conway Hall in London. Get your tickets right HERE! Or go to bit.ly/tss_live. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. can’t be wrong about literally everything, can he? His latest controversial statement is that he wants to find the “environmental exposure” that has been causing the huge spike in autism rates over the past few decades.In this episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart look into whether there really is an autism epidemic in the first place—and if there isn’t, why the diagnoses might be going up so quickly anyway.The Studies Show is brought to you by Works in Progress magazine. This week we discussed the article from the most recent issue about the UK’s land value tax—a cautionary tale of a policy that might sound good on paper, but was utterly cursed in practice. Find this and so many more fascinating articles about human progress at worksinprogress.co.Show notes* RFK Jr’s latest claims about autism (and his plans to gather data)* His statement “I believe autism comes from vaccines”, from 2023* His “Children’s Health Defence” org from 2015* CDC data on autism rates in the US* And similar data from the UK* A paper on the much lower rates in 1966* “Early infantile autism” - the original 1944 paper by Leo Kanner* Hans Asperger’s similarly-timed research* And on his collaboration with the Nazis* On “refrigerator mothers”* Data from after the MMR vaccine was split in Yokohama, Japan* The DSM-V checklist for autism spectrum disorder* Scott Alexander’s controversial piece “Against against autism cures”* 2023 paper on the prevalence of profound autism* Article on the growing waiting lists for autism diagnoses* More details on the same* 2022 paper on the genetics of autism* Article on rates of extra time in exams in the UK* Adam Hunt’s post about Renée Thornton, hot-air balloonist* The Economist’s Bagehot column on the “tyranny of turning up”* Underdiagnosed autism in girlsCreditsWe’re grateful to Adam Hunt for talking to us about psychiatric diagnoses for this episode. The Studies Show is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencefictionspod.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sciencefictionspod.substack.comSome scientific controversies are quite surprising (why would the shape of the Earth be controversial, for example?). But some aren’t. The controversy surrounding circumcision—which involves disputed medical science, bodily autonomy, children, disease, religion, sex, tradition, family, and, of course, genitalia—is about as fiery as it gets. In this paid-only episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart discuss the very sensitive issue of circumcision, covering the health benefits or lack thereof, the alleged risks, and the unbelievably bitter scientists who are battling it out over this unlikely topic.If you’re not a paid subscriber, you’ll just hear the very tip of the show—you’ll need to go to www.thestudiesshowpod.com/subscribe to read the show notes and hear the whole thing.

The podcast dives into the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, provoking thoughts on pandemic preparedness. It scrutinizes the UK’s past strategies and the complexities of flu virus classification. Controversial studies on modifying viruses spark debate around safety and ethics. The hosts mix humor with serious discussions on health risks related to bird flu and food safety. They also explore lessons from historical violence in societies, adding a lighthearted touch to the serious implications of public health challenges.

Dive into the psychology of conspiracy theories and what drives people to believe in them. Explore the blurred lines between conspiracy theorists and investigative journalists, and laugh along as absurd tales like flat-earthers and reptilian royals are unpacked. Discover how media ethics play a role in perception, and assess the socio-political implications of conspiracies in today’s world. Plus, unravel the connections between scientific fraud and belief systems, all while pondering the challenges of shifting entrenched views.

This podcast dives deep into the complex world of cannabis, exploring its impact on mental health. Lists of significant studies reveal potential links between cannabis use and psychosis, particularly emphasizing genetic influences. The hosts also discuss how cannabis interacts with IQ, addressing various research findings and the challenges in this controversial field. Cultural perceptions of cannabis in society and music are examined, showcasing the evolving attitudes towards legalization. Personal anecdotes and humor enrich the conversation, making it both informative and entertaining.

Catch the excitement as hosts invite listeners to a live show in London! They dive into the complexities of personality disorders, tackling myths around antisocial and borderline types. A notable guest joins for the first time, adding spice to discussions on controversial science. The conversation even touches on critical questions in gender medicine, spurred by a contentious article. With humor and insightful banter, it's an engaging peek into topics that spark both intrigue and debate!

Dive into the intricate world of abortion and its emotional complexities. The hosts tackle the heated debate surrounding the impact on women's mental health, questioning whether abortion leads to lasting depression or if many view it as the right choice. They examine societal stigma, socio-economic factors, and various scientific perspectives. With a focus on the importance of nuanced dialogue, the conversation critiques sensational research and encourages a deeper understanding of emotional responses. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion!

The podcast dives deep into the controversial world of seed oils and their alleged health risks. It humorously critiques the modern dietary reliance on these oils, linking them to the obesity epidemic. The hosts discuss the significance of monitoring metabolic health indicators like body temperature, while contrasting polyunsaturated fats with saturated fats. They also highlight gaps in current research connecting seed oils to inflammation. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of rigorous studies over popular narrative-driven claims.

Explore the intriguing world of superforecasting, where accurate predictions come from understanding probabilistic language. Dive into Cold War tensions that shaped critical decision-making moments and learn why teamwork may not always enhance forecasting accuracy. Discover the nuanced skills that distinguish exceptional forecasters, while reflecting on the dangers of flawed research in Alzheimer's studies. Embrace open-mindedness and the power of Bayesian reasoning to refine beliefs and improve predictive capabilities.

Discover the mysterious origins of Havana Syndrome, where US diplomats reported strange symptoms linked to alleged sonic attacks. Dive into the debate around mass hysteria and cognitive impairments that followed. Explore the implications of conspiracy theories and foreign sabotage, while also examining the fascinating connection between acoustic signals and human behavior. Finally, unravel the psychological dynamics of mass hysteria, revealing how collective belief can manifest as real physical symptoms in people, influenced by today's digital landscape.