All articles tagged with #scientific evidence
Magnesium lotion has become a popular social media trend claimed to improve sleep and treat various ailments, but there is little scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, as absorption through the skin is unlikely. Experts suggest any benefits are probably due to massage or moisturizing effects, and while generally safe, consumers should be cautious due to lack of regulation and proven efficacy.
The article explores the complex effects of screen time on children's brains, highlighting that current scientific evidence is inconclusive and often flawed, with some experts arguing that moderate screen use may not be as harmful as widely believed, while others emphasize the risks of online harms and social media. It also discusses the lack of clear guidelines for parents and the societal debate over restricting children's access to technology.
Conspiracy theories about COVID's origins, particularly the false lab leak narrative, are undermining trust in science and hindering efforts to prevent future pandemics. Scientific evidence strongly supports a natural zoonotic origin, with the virus likely spilling over from animals at the Wuhan market, but misinformation is leading to cuts in crucial research funding and public health initiatives, increasing global vulnerability to future outbreaks.
Mouth taping, a trend popularized by James Nestor's book 'Breath', involves sealing the mouth to promote nose breathing and purported health benefits. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is minimal, and for some with sleep apnea or nasal obstructions, it could be harmful. The trend is driven by social media influencers and fringe health figures, often without rigorous scientific backing.
Scientific advisers to the European Commission have recommended a moratorium on solar geoengineering efforts across the EU, citing insufficient evidence and potential risks. These technologies, which aim to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight, have faced criticism despite their potential to combat climate change. The European Commission's advisory groups have expressed concerns over the high levels of uncertainty and possible harmful effects, advocating against large-scale experimentation and deployment.
The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is considered strong evidence for the Big Bang theory, despite some contrarian views. The CMB's properties, such as its omnidirectional nature, uniform temperature, and perfect blackbody spectrum, align with predictions from the Big Bang model. These observations, along with the expanding universe and large-scale structure, support the Big Bang as the most viable explanation for the universe's origin, as alternative theories fail to account for the comprehensive data.
While apple cider vinegar has been touted for its health benefits, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. Some studies suggest it may aid in weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes by delaying stomach emptying and improving insulin sensitivity, leading to reduced blood glucose and lipid levels. However, claims of its disinfectant properties and ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent cancer lack substantial scientific backing.
ESPN reporter Katie Barnes questioned the belief that transgender women have an advantage over biological women in sports, citing the lack of scientific evidence to support this notion. Barnes highlighted the complexity of the issue, emphasizing that differences in athletic performance between sexes exist but may not universally apply to all sports and levels of competition. This comes amid ongoing debate and policy changes regarding transgender athletes in sports, with the NAIA recently deciding to prohibit transgender women from competing against biological females.
Ocean Infinity, a US company, claims to have scientific evidence of the final resting place of missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 and has proposed a new search in the southern Indian Ocean with a no-find, no-fee approach. The company's proposal has been submitted to the Malaysian government, and Malaysia's transportation minister has expressed willingness to greenlight a new search if the evidence is credible. The missing plane, which disappeared in 2014, has never been found despite extensive search efforts, and relatives of the passengers are pushing for a new search to find closure.
A new study challenges the claims made by researchers earlier this year that Homo naledi, an ancient hominid species, deliberately buried its dead and created rock art. The study highlights flaws in the evidence presented, including the scattered nature of the bones and the lack of scientific techniques used to date the alleged engravings. The authors argue that there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the claims of burial practices and rock art production by Homo naledi in the Rising Star Cave system.
The use of medicinal mushrooms as supplements is gaining popularity, with claims ranging from improving cognitive function to treating cancer. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, with most studies conducted on cell cultures or small human trials. The lack of well-designed clinical trials and standardized dosages makes it difficult to determine the true efficacy of these supplements. While some drugs derived from fungi are already in use, the majority of health claims made for mushrooms remain unsupported. Advanced scientific methods are needed to identify the beneficial compounds in fungi for treating human illnesses.
A new study proposes a possible experiment to scientifically prove the simulated universe theory, which suggests that our reality is a meticulously programmed computer simulation. The study introduces the second law of infodynamics, a new law of physics that supports the simulated universe theory. This law states that information entropy must remain constant or decrease over time, in opposition to the second law of thermodynamics. The research indicates that the second law of infodynamics is a cosmological necessity and has implications for genetic research, evolutionary biology, physics, and cosmology. If further studies confirm the validity of this law and the simulated universe hypothesis, it could provide scientific evidence for the theory.
Apple cider vinegar gummies have become a popular trend for incorporating apple cider vinegar into diets, with claims of aiding weight loss and improving digestion. However, the scientific evidence supporting these health claims is limited. Professor Carol Johnston, who has studied vinegar for two decades, discusses the lack of conclusive evidence behind these claims.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting its first summit on traditional medicine, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of natural-based treatments. The summit aims to mobilize political commitment and evidence-based action towards traditional medicine, which is widely used by millions of people worldwide. While traditional medicine can help bridge healthcare access gaps, it must be used appropriately and based on the latest scientific evidence. The summit takes place alongside a meeting of G20 health ministers in India and follows the opening of a WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine last year. The use of traditional medicine faces criticism for lacking scientific value and contributing to the illegal trade of endangered animals.
Over 3,000 scientists have signed an open letter defending the EU's flagship bill to restore nature, which aims to restore damaged environments on 20% of Europe's land and sea by 2030. The letter responds to claims made by the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) that the bill will hurt farmers and endanger food security. The scientists argue that the EPP's claims lack scientific evidence and contradict it. The biggest threats to food security are climate change and the degradation of nature, and action to restore nature and curb agricultural chemical use is needed to maintain sustainable food production. The nature bill is heading for two tight votes in the EU Parliament, the first on Thursday.