Steven Novella
Author
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2012
Language
English
Description
No skill is more important in today's world than being able to think about, understand, and act on information in an effective and responsible way. What's more, at no point in human history have we had access to so much information, with such relative ease, as we do in the 21st century. But because misinformation out there has increased as well, critical thinking is more important than ever. These 24 rewarding lectures equip you with the knowledge
...Author
Publisher
Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
"Our predictions of the future are a wild fantasy, inextricably linked to our present hopes and fears, biases and ignorance. Whether they be the outlandish leaps predicted in the 1920s, like multi-purpose utility belts with climate control capabilities and planes the size of luxury cruise ships, or the forecasts of the '60s, which didn't anticipate the sexual revolution or women's liberation, the path to the present is littered with failed predictions...
Author
Publisher
Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date
2018.
Language
English
Description
Based on the podcast known for battling sloppy reasoning, bad arguments, and superstitions with logical thinking, the "Skeptical Rogues" help readers try to make sense of an increasingly crazy world using critical thinking skills, science, and philosophy.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
The idea of using electromagnetism to heal has been around for centuries. Investigate how magnetic fields in objects like microwaves and cell phones work on our bodies, how healing is attempted through devices such as bracelets and pads, and how research shows that this curious form of medicine is scientifically unsound.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Find out where toxins come from, how our bodies work to effectively handle toxins, and what toxins you should worry about. Then, discover the scientific reasons why detoxifying treatments like colon cleansing, over-the-counter herbal agents, and skin products do nothing more than leech money out of your wallet.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Diagnoses are the labels we attach to the signs and symptoms of particular diseases or illnesses. But not all diagnoses are equally valid. Here, learn how doctors make informed diagnoses and investigate several diseases that illustrate the controversy behind them, including chronic Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Myths about placebos are "gateway myths," meaning they often lead to many other medical misconceptions and half-truths. By understanding how placebos are defined, how they are administered, and what their different effects can be, you can better grasp whether they really make for an effective form of medicine.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Get a broader perspective on medical misinformation with this tour of myths from around the world, including South Korea (where sleeping with an electric fan on is thought to be deadly), parts of Africa (where it's believed that intercourse with a virgin can cure HIV infection), and Japan (where some believe personality is tied to blood type).
10) The Common Cold
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Finally put to bed the popular myths about one of the most common illnesses: a cold. You've heard the stories about not going out in cold weather, eating chicken soup, washing your hands, and taking over-the-counter medicine. Now, discover what science says about what works and what doesn't.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Another popular medical subject is antioxidants: substances in "superfoods" such as green tea that stabilize oxygen-free radicals. Discover what scientists have found about the potential for antioxidants to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, to prevent cancer and heart disease, and to promote longevity and lifelong health.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Herbalism is perhaps the oldest form of medicine. So how much does it really differ from modern pharmacology? Find out as Dr. Novella explores the complicated process of drug development and testing, and then scientifically debunks popular herbal remedies such as echinacea, Gingko biloba, and St. John's wort.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
There are billions of bacteria around and inside your body, and some of them are actually beneficial to your health. Explore the truths behind probiotics: what they are, whether they help with issues like tooth decay and irritable bowel syndrome, and the future possibilities of genetically engineered bacteria.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
In Dr. Novella's introductory episode, discover the importance of debunking medical myths and learn tips on where to seek out solid, medically backed information. Then, get a taste of the episodes to come by unpacking common myths about hiccups, sneezing, swallowing gum, curing a hangover, and swimming after eating.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Water is the most basic element of life. And yet there are many misconceptions about keeping your body hydrated. How exactly do our bodies regulate water? How much water should you really drink every day? Are expensive bottles of water and water purifiers worth the cost?
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Discover evidence-based guidelines for good health, enhance your knowledge of common medical myths, strengthen your skills at assessing the truth behind medical information and advice, and much more. Dr. Steven Novella of the Yale University School of Medicine has designed these 24 episodes as an essential aid that can help you make smarter health decisions.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Carrying a baby low while pregnant means it's a boy. Never eat fish or drink caffeine while pregnant. Intercourse every 48 hours will increase your chances of conception. A whirlwind of misinformation surrounds the subject of pregnancy. Unpack many of the most common (and popular) myths in this episode.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Vaccines are perhaps the single safest and most effective preventive health measure ever devised. In the first of two episodes on this subject, learn the history of vaccination, what types of vaccines doctors use to stave off specific diseases, and why some people still question whether this technique works.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Finish the series with a brief survey of "mini-myths," including that body heat is mostly lost through your head, that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, and that eating turkey makes you sleepy. Afterward, take a moment to ponder the benefits of knowing how to sort through misconceptions and hype.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
You cannot overdose on vitamins. Organically grown food is more nutritious than traditionally grown food. Everyone should take vitamin supplements, and the more the better. These are some of the many myths and half-truths you investigate in this episode on vitamin use and nutritional health.