News and Media Archive - 2017
Recent Posts
Chatelaine: Myth-Buster Timothy Caulfield On What To Say To Someone Who's Hesitant To Vaccinate Their Kid
The author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? says more and more Canadians are hesitant about vaccination, and it's hard to convince them otherwise. But he has a few ideas.
Policy Options: Acupuncture and the placebo problem
Article written by Professor Caulfield.
CBC: Unapproved stem cell therapies on the market in Canada
Professor Caulfield comments on the emergence of stem cell therapies.
CBC: Meet the human guinea pig who hacked his own DNA
Professor Caulfield comments on the risks of DIY biohacking.
The Vaccination Picture
By Timothy Caulfield.
The Globe and mail: Stopping the spread of anti-vax myths: There's no quick fix
Anti-vax myths and their impact - cause vaccination hesitancy - Professor Timothy Caulfield notes.
NBC News: Wellness Brands Like Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP Wage War on Science
Despite the best efforts of journalists and doctors, debunkers are not winning the wellness war. By Timothy Caulfield.
The Globe and Mail: Science, polarized thinking and health policy: a bad mix
Article - on discussions and the relevant science in a measured manner - by Timothy Caulfield.
CBC The Goods: Debunking the latest fads - Which health trends are worth your time
Writer and de-bunker-extraordinaire Timothy Caulfield dropped by The Goods to talk about health and wellness trends. There are so many crazy, and maybe not-so-crazy trends popping up everyday, and Timothy even bravely tested some of them on himself so you don't have to!
McGill: Review: "A User's Guide to Cheating Death"
"The goal of the series is to explore the popular and controversial procedures which, we are told, will improve our health, reverse aging, and stave off death. Tim Caulfield serves as our guide, narrator, and guinea pig."
folio: Tim Caulfield takes his medical myth busting to television as host of new show
The oft-aggressive debunker undergoes something of a transformation during filming.
CTV News: Goop-debunker buoyed by renewed attack on Gwyneth Paltrow's wellness brand
Timothy Caulfield targeted Goop's famous founder with his last book, "Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?". Years later, the Alberta-based health policy expert still believes the actress-turned-wellness entrepreneur is wrong, about so many things. But he's heartened by the prospect of increased scrutiny over Paltrow's lifestyle brand and website, Goop, now in the crosshairs of the U.S. watchdog group Truth in Advertising.
National Post: Goop-debunker revels in new attack on Gwyneth Paltrow: 'We don't want the spreading of bunk'
'She keeps pushing this idea that Goop is about autonomy and anyone who questions the science is somehow infringing on women's autonomy'
CBC news Edmonton: Edmonton Goop-debunker buoyed by renewed attack on Gwyneth Paltrow's wellness brand
'We don't want misleading information and we don't want the spreading of bunk'. Professor Caulfield comments on Gwyneth and Goop.
Global: User's Guide to Cheating Death (video)
An outspoken critic of some popular health trends investigates ancient therapies and anti-aging products to separate science fact from fiction on a new TV series.
CBC Quirks & Quarks: Guest Host - Timothy Caulfield
Professor Timothy Caulfield is guest host for CBC Quirks & Quarks from August 26 to September 2, 2017. Listen to the full audio episode here.
Vice: Wellness Is Mostly an Expensive Fantasy
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment on what "influencers" recommend about health
CBC News: Sports hype of platelet-rich plasma 'powerful marketing tool' but distorts the science
Evidence on when and how to use PRP becoming more murky, sports medicine physicians say. Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Globe and Mail: Modification of genes in human embryos could mark turning point in human evolution
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
Chatelaine: Who is Dr. Jen Gunter, and why is she on Gwyneth Paltrow's bad side?
Every time Paltrow's lifestyle site, Goop, recommends an out-there health choice, this Canadian doctor tries to debunk the pseudo-science. This hasn't made her any friends at Goop. Professor Caulfield's book and op-ed are referenced.
CBC news: It's war! Debunkers take on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop and celebrity pseudoscience
War on GOOP breaks out into the open. Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
Vox: Is Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop pseudoscience winning?
Goop has been called out for b%!!$#!% over and over. But the brand seems to be stronger than ever. Professor Caulfield's book is mentioned.
Scienceblog: Are Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop winning against skeptics?
Goop's pseudoscience is discussed. Professor Caulfield is referenced.
Flare: Who Is Dr. Jen Gunter-& Why Is She on Gwyneth Paltrow's Bad Side?
Every time Paltrow's lifestyle site, Goop, recommends an out-there health choice, this Canadian doctor tries to debunk the pseudo-science. This hasn't made her any friends at Goop. Professor Caulfield's book and op-ed are referenced.
The Washington Post: Unproven stem-cell treatments touted on federal database ClinicalTrials.gov, study says
Professor Caulfield calls for "tighter regulation" of unproven stem-cell treatments.
Health News Review: Why journalists should take greater care when reporting on alternative health treatments
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Star Toronto: This Canadian doctor is going head-to-head with Gwyneth Paltrow over Goop
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Cut: You (Probably) Don't Need to Worry About the Chemicals in Your Macaroni and Cheese
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
CTV News: Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Goop team' defends 'vaginal jade eggs'
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Globe and Mail: Sorry, Gwyneth Paltrow. Science will always beat goopy junk
Article written by Professor Caulfield on Goop's attack to Dr. Gunther's science-informed criticisms.
BuzzFeedNews: This Doctor Says Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Promotes Bullshit. Goop Just Clapped Back.
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
CTV Alberta Primetime: Crackdown on experimental stem cell treatments
Professor Timothy Caulfield is interviewed. (Video)
WNYC/NPR: Debunking Celebrity Pseudo-Health Science
Professor Timothy Caulfield discusses how to debunk fake health news, including trends, unsubstantiated claims and wellness brands touted by celebrities.
Metro News: 'Scienceploitation': Prof calls for crackdown on unproven stem cell therapies
University of Alberta health-law professor Timothy Caulfield joins global call for tighter regulations.
Global News: Researcher warns of risks associated with unregulated stem cell treatments
Professor Timothy Caulfield has a warning about the dangers of unregulated stem cell treatments.
The Washington Post: 'Stem-cell tourism' needs tighter controls, say medical experts
Some types of stem cell transplant have been approved by regulators to treat certain types of cancer and to grow skin grafts for burn patients. "These therapies are advertised directly to patients with the promise of a cure, but there is often little or no evidence to show they will help or that they will not cause harm, the 15 experts wrote in the journal Science Translational Medicine."
National Post: Naturopaths not 'real' doctors, despite video claims they are 'medically trained': critics
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Stat News: Freeze-dried placenta pills likely caused this newborn's dangerous bacterial infection
Professor Caulfield comments.
The Lancet: The art of immunisation
A highlight of "The Vaccination Picture"
New York Post: How celebs are tricking you into BS wellness fads
"Studies tell us that the general public is already confused about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Science-free advice only confuses things more," says Caulfield.
Vocative: Goop-Busters: The Health Pros Debunking Gwyneth Paltrow's Fake Science
When fighting celebrity quackery is your job, Professor Timothy Caulfield engages the public to focus on the science, not the celebrity endorsement.
CBCNews: No tax break for natural remedies, Edmonton tax court rules
An Edmonton woman says natural remedies cost her about $6,000 in health care in 2014. Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
Digital Publishing Awards: Best Blog or Online-Only Column
Awards were presented at the Digital Publishing Awards soirée on June 1 in Toronto. Best Blog or Online-Only Column Gold award went to Timothy Caulfield for The Cure with Policy Options.
Ottawa Citizen: Fake science publisher accepts (again) a paper already exposed as 'pile of dung'
Timothy Caulfield, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Alberta, said "scam journals" continue to be a serious problem universities cannot afford to ignore.
Policy Options: The direct-to-consumer genetic testing fog
Continued hype on direct-to-consumer genetic testing - company gives parents opportunity to uncover kids' "hidden" talents; the limitation - these tests simply don't have an impact on health behaviour.
Canadian Art: The Art of Vaccination
What can art bring to emotionally charged debates around vaccination? This is just one question raised by a Canadian-led exhibition on now in Geneva .
Seeking asthma and allergy treatment from a naturopath: A wise decision?
Annie, fed up with her nagging asthma and allergies, seeks treatment from a naturopath based on a friend's recommendation. Is that a wise decision? Will the naturopath be able to help?
Vox: Is mindfulness meditation good for kids? Here's what the science actually says.
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
CBC Radio: Keep Calm: the science and business of handling stess
Professor Timothy Caulfield is among experts in their fields commenting on the radio interview.
The New England Journal of Medicine: The March of Science - The True Story
Timothy Caulfield's expert suggestions on media meddling is noted.
The Washington Post: When it comes to vitamin supplements, more isn't always better
Professor Timothy Caulfield comments on IV therapy and the popularity of vitamins.
The Globe and Mail: Why we need agenda-free science more than ever
Timothy Caulfield provided expert comment on media and science.
'Like' or 'dislike'? Health Law Institute to Study Instagram Users' Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding
New study will explore whether Instagram users are building communities of support around women who breastfeed.
Global News: Alberta government not supporting mandatory vaccinations for students
Professor Timothy Caulfield comments on the Government of Alberta's decision against mandatory vaccinations.
CBC News: Private Health, Public Risk?
How the Alberta government allowed a private foundation to offer an unproven 'experimental' health program to its citizens. Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
The Atlantic: The Voice's Empty Promise of the American Dream
The NBC reality singing competition has been selling glittering visions of fame for 11 seasons, but has rarely delivered on them. Timothy Caulfield is captioned from his book 'Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?'
CBC Radio - The 180: The blunt truth about 'cutting edge' medical research
News of medical advances often come with phrases like 'cutting edge research' sprinkled liberally into the story. But, whatever the promise of these 'cutting edge' treatments, Timothy Caulfield says enthusiastically reports lead to real harms.
NY Magazine - The Cut: What's the Deal With Bee Pollen?
What is bee pollen? What are people saying it does? Does bee pollen actually have any health benefits? Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Globe and Mail: Beware the hype on stem-cell breakthroughs
Expert comment provided by Timothy Caulfield.
Healthy Debate: Stem cell miracles don't live up to the hype
Expert comment by Timothy Caulfield.
tvo: Communicating Science
Fact, Fiction and Fake News. Interview with Timothy Caulfield.
New York Post: Gwyneth Paltrow could be hazardous to your health
"Celebrity culture can be dangerous, make no mistake," Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
CBC The National: MS vein therapy debunked
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
delish: This Researcher Is Here To Debunk Your Favorite Celebrity Diets
While most of us are stalking our favorite celebrities to read about the crazy new diet they're trying or the detox they swear by, Timothy Caulfield has made a living out of debunking them.
BuzzFeedNews: Inside the Anti-Science Forces of the Internet
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
The Globe and Mail: Quebec osteopaths face dozens of charges, fines after undercover investigation
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
CBC News: 91% vs. 47%: Why vaccination rates are so different in these neighbouring Alberta towns
Pincher Creek has among the highest childhood immunization rates in Alberta while neighbouring Fort Macleod has among the lowest, out of 132 local health areas in the province. (Robson Fletcher/CBC). Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
University Herald: Celebrity Health Advice Is Bad For Your Health, Says Law Professor
Why do people listen to celebrity health advices? A researcher finds that this is actually disadvantageous to one's health. Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
Montral Gazette: PepsiCo sees growth from "guilt-free" items like Baked Lay's
Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
Associated Press: PepsiCo sees growth from guilt-free items like Baked Lay's
Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
AlbertaFarmer: Celebrity advice could have a negative impact on your health
We have more good science and information than ever - and more people believing in 'ridiculous bunk', professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
National Post: Is Tom Brady's diet - no nightshades or fruit - the secret behind his success?
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
National Post: From Down syndrome to 'near normal'? New Delhi clinic makes stem cell claims that worry experts
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
Calgary Herald: From Down syndrome to 'near normal'? New Delhi clinic makes stem cell claims that worry experts
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides comment.
Real Clear Science: Don't Follow Tom Brady's Pseudoscientific Diet
Tom Brady and vagina eggs - column by Timothy Caulfield.
Fast company: Why We Need Scientists On Social Media, Now More Than Ever
More young scientists see social media platforms as an important way to engage the public and clear up misinformation. Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Policy Options: Tom Brady and vagina eggs
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment on Brady's intense hyper-strict diet.
National Post: Should sneezing doctors stay home? The 'big problem' of doctors who work while infectious
The reasons doctors ignore the advice they might give patients and come to work sick are complex, says Caulfield. High workloads, job insecurity, and a sense of duty to care for patients all contribute to medical-industry presenteeism, and a lack of planning to cover the workload of doctors who need to take a day off mean patients may not get care if their doctor doesn't come to work. The research published in JAMA Paediatrics identified those same reasons.
BMJ: Stem cell research: time for a does of realism
Professor Timothy Caulfield provides expert comment.
Healthy Debate: IgG tests promise to reveal food sensitivities. But are they science or science-ish?
National Post: U.S. scientists create human-pig chimera embryos to grow human cells: 'This required a tour de force'
The more human-like we make living organisms the more valuable for research purposes they become, says Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in health law and policy. "But of course the more we humanize an animal, the more we raise questions about animal ethics," he said.
CBC: Deepak Chopra, Timothy Caulfield end Twitter feud
'Thank you for accepting my apology,' Chopra tells Caulfield at end of social-media spat
Vox: Let's call Gwyneth Paltrow's jade eggs for vaginas what they are: Goopshit
Even if debunking doesn't have an immediate impact, getting the science on the record is important in the long run, Caulfield added, as is teaching critical thinking skills. We have to find ways to help people call Goopshit when they see it. And the jade rocks are most certainly a lesson in Goopshit.
CBC: Set aside ideology, health expert urges, after death of Calgary boy treated with natural remedies
Timothy Caulfield, a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and professor at the University of Alberta, spoke to the Calgary Eyeopener on Tuesday to weigh in on the judge's ruling.
Health News Review: You want me to put what where!? News media wisely take Gwyneth Paltrow to task for latest eye-rolling idea
"This speaks to the power of her brand and, perhaps, the meaninglessness of 'fact' in this realm too," said Tim Caulfield, health law policy researcher and author of "Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?" (He then summarized things well by adding "ugh.")
CBC: Autism conference speaker Deepak Chopra brushes off criticism
Timothy Caulfield, a professor of health law and science policy at the University of Alberta has said Chopra is the "embodiment of pseudoscience."
The Star: Eat a hearty breakfast to keep thin? Maybe not
Timothy Caulfield, an expert in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, said nutrition science often comes with uncertainties and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't provide slam-dunk evidence. He said health experts give advice on the best available research, but there needs to be greater understanding about its limitations.
Health Debate: Is Canadian research falling prey to predatory journals?
Doppelgänger sites set up to collect fees from researchers desperate to publish.
CBC: Celebrities in the oilsands: The visits continue but do they have an impact?
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment on the impact celebrities can have.
National Post: Should parents be punished for not vaccinating? Doctors told to call child welfare in 'exceptional circumstances'
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Maclean's: Gluten-free baby: When parents ignore science
Inside the troubling and dangerous rise of alternative medicine for kids, professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Policy Options: In 2017, let's take back science!
Column by Timothy Caulfield
Mims: Doctor who promoted anti-vaccine claims to face disciplinary action
Neides' claims slammed for having no scientific backing. Professor Caulfield provides comment.
Stat: Anti-vaccine rant exposes conflict over hospitals' embrace of alternative medicine
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Daily Beast: Doctors Hate Him! The One Weird Trick That Gave Us President Trump
Anti-vaxxers. Green coffee. Homeopaths. Cleanses. The health world has been dealing with active ignorance and misinformation for a long time-and it's now seeped into our political climate. Professor Caulfield provides comment.
Yahoo: Alternative medicine clinics often tout 'treatments' for allergy, asthma
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
WNCY: Alternative medicine clinics often tout 'treatments' for allergy, asthma
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Reuters: Alternative medicine clinics often tout 'treatments' for allergy, asthma
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
The Star: Meals to help you eat well and feel well
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Edmonton Metro: Start the New Year with food that makes you happy
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
Market Watch: 10 things you should NOT buy in 2017
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.
CBC Radio: Liars
Professor Caulfield provides expert comment.