How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Nerdy Publication alert!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Nerdy Publication alert!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Nerdy Publication alert!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Nerdy Publication alert!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Nerdy Publication alert!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEMJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
The Nerdy Girls are thrilled to share a jointly authored editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion sharing our “Let’s Learn” communication strategy: đź’Ą Lesson #1: ➡️ Listening and Empathy Come First In the Dear Pandemic community, learning is a two-way street. Our readers are among our best teachers. Read the full essay here: Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Appeal to Authority
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. In this series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that have led people astray during the pandemic. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning Read more…
Chlorine dioxide can’t prevent or cure COVID-19 (but it can cause liver failure).
Treatments Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
Taking chlorine dioxide (or its relatives, such as sodium hypochlorite) does not prevent or cure COVID-19. And it is dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can cause acute kidney and liver failure, intestinal perforations with sepsis, vomiting & diarrhea, anemia, thyroid disruption, and neurological injury. It is not safe for human consumption. Not even if it comes labeled Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. đź’ĄFLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Healthy Diet & Exercise vs. COVID Vaccination? Try both!
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
We’re hearing so many people repeat this line: “just eat well and exercise, that’s the best prevention for COVID-19!” Is this true? Healthy diet and exercise *are* good for your health! Unfortunately, they do not really prevent COVID. The best prevention for COVID-19 is to be vaccinated. If you do get COVID, being vaccinated is Read more…
Omicron – Blip or Blow-up?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
******UPDATE, 1:05 pm EST, 11/27/21: New cases are being reported in other countries. We can expect more of the same as surveillance goes into overdrive. I keep reminding myself that science doesn’t move at the speed of the news cycle. So we won’t know for a while which details are signal and which are noise. Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, *IS* available in the United States.
Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
Have you heard the latest social media rumor? Pfizer-BioNTech’s FDA-approved vaccine, Comirnaty, is not available in the United States/your state yet. True or false?! You guessed it–this is not true. And next time you run across something that smells a little fishy, don’t get caught! 🎣 Just google it followed by the words “fact check” Read more…
