Hantavirus outbreak reignites COVID misinformation tropes
The MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak triggered a wave of conspiracy theories and misinformation about ivermectin and vaccines, which were popular during the pandemic.
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Insights
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Omega-3 supplements: not a silver bullet for depression
Health influencers suggest omega-3 supplementation can treat depression or even replace antidepressant medication. But such claims put vulnerable people at risk. In truth, the scientific evidence behind the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation for depression is more uncertain than these social media posts let on. We explain in this Insight article.
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You are what you eat: how dietary misinfo appeals to our emotions
Harmful nutrition misinformation circulates widely online. From the raw food movement to the carnivore diet, we look at how these trends exploit various psychological levers to gain popularity in spite of the lack of scientific evidence to support them.
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Scientific evidence doesn’t back the hype over colostrum supplements
Influencers tout the benefits of colostrum supplements for immunity and gut health. But the claims don’t stand up to scientific scrutiny.
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Busting popular misinformation about Alzheimer’s disease
Do cholesterol-lowering drugs or stress cause Alzheimer’s? Can coconut oil and mushrooms prevent it? Approach these claims with caution.
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Can HPV infection be treated? Here are the facts
The Internet is awash with products claiming to treat HPV infection. But evidence for these claims is scarce.
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Leucovorin might help some kids with autism, but it’s no silver bullet
Some studies suggest leucovorin could help treat certain autism-related symptoms. But experts caution against viewing it as a cure for autism.
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Beware of “miracle cure” claims surrounding DMSO
Claims about DMSO’s alleged curative properties are big on anecdotes but small on evidence.
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Anti-vaccine claims about the Alexis Lorenze case mislead on vaccine risks
This report highlights the questionable rapidity with which Lorenze’s illness was attributed to vaccines by anti-vaccine activists. As a fuller examination of the available evidence shows, it is challenging to reliably establish vaccines as the sole cause of her condition.
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How fears of parasites drive viral claims for detoxes and cleanses
Removing parasites from the body is a recurring theme in health misinformation on social media. These posts misleadingly suggest that…