Join hosts Dr. Liza Dunn and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 291 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
Seed oils are routinely maligned as uniquely harmful to human health, another "industrial" product foisted on unsuspecting consumers by duplicitous food companies. It's a popular story on social media. It's also mostly false. As a rule, studies cited in attacks on vegetable oils are low-quality experiments involving rodents or isolated cells. Clinical studies tend to show that people who eat these oils in recommended amounts don't experience any serious health effects. As always, the key to a healthy diet is balance.
With millions of people battling loneliness, tech companies are turning to AI as a potential solution. The idea is to train computer programs to converse with individuals who struggle to form meaningful relationships for one reason or another. Fighting the "loneliness epidemic" with technology brings several important challenges. For instance, training an AI to behave like a conversation partner might just be a stopgap measure when people really need community. But does that mean technology has no role to play in helping lonely people?
A recently passed law in Idaho requires schools and health care providers to get parental consent before administering most forms of medical care to children. The legislation has generated intense criticism from some educators and public health officials who say it violates children's right to privacy and even puts them in harm's way. Supporters say the law is merely meant to keep parents informed and help them guide their kids through serious health care decisions. Let's take a closer look.