/oss/taxonomy/term/210/all en /oss/article/covid-19/statistics-behind-breakthrough-infections <p>Recently we have seen a rash of headlines along the lines of “75% of infected people were fully vaccinated” atop stories describing a “super-spreader” event in Massachusetts. While that statistic is correct, it needs to be put into context. First, let’s note that the outbreak, in which 360 out of 469 cases (75%) were among vaccinated individuals, was linked with densely packed indoor and outdoor events on the July 4th weekend with few people wearing masks. Next, let’s examine that scary 75% number.</p> Fri, 27 Aug 2021 17:37:35 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8823 at /oss /oss/article/critical-thinking-general-science/when-numbers-get-politicized <p>Do political beliefs affect our ability to crunch numbers?</p> <p>Our brain is not straightforward. The past few years have served as a wake-up call for people who had not realized that believing weird things is quite common. From the rise of QAnon to the politicized debates over mask-wearing and the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, it has become abundantly transparent that our thinking easily zigs and zags according to our preconceptions. But what about math?</p> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:56:17 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 8709 at /oss /oss/article/health-general-science/can-biosil-really-help-thicken-my-hair-and-nails <p>The ads for BioSil look and sound like every other supplement ad. There are bold claims like “promotes unbreakable nails” (I’m pretty sure that’s impossible); references to science like “molecular biologists have pinpointed the key structural protein…” and “your own DNA fingerprint”; and a blond celebrity (Christie Brinkley) smiling while talking about how this product, in particular, has changed her life.</p> Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:08:26 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 7640 at /oss /oss/article/general-science/number-four-kills-again-or-does-it <p>Do superstitions kill? You may have heard the one about Chinese people dying in larger numbers on the fourth of every month because, in both Cantonese and Mandarin (and also in Japanese), the words for “four” and “death” sound the same. Imagine making a medical appointment on January “Death Day”. Might this not create enough stress to push your frail body over the edge?</p> Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:19:15 +0000 Jonathan Jarry, MSc 6859 at /oss /oss/article/general-science-quackery/chemistry-lesson-food-babe-and-everyone-else-15-cause-and-effect <p>Studies are the heart of science. But which studies do we take to heart? That is becoming more and more of a critical question as studies are being cranked out at a frenetic pace exploring every facet of our lives. On any given day we may hear about rosacea being improved by a kanuka honey preparation, cranberry juice helping to lower heart disease risk, olive leaf extract reducing inflammation, or fatty and sugary foods being linked to lower cognitive function, at least if you happen to be a mouse. And that’s not all.</p> Fri, 17 Feb 2017 18:12:08 +0000 Joe Schwarcz 1469 at /oss /oss/article/diets-environment-food-health-household-products/conundrum-associations �� Tue, 03 Jun 2014 10:09:52 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2150 at /oss