Timothy Caulfield
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caulfieldtim.bsky.social
Timothy Caulfield
@caulfieldtim.bsky.social
Professor of health law and science policy, author, speaker, and commentator. #ScienceUpFirst

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/caulfieldtim
Obviously, but worth repeating...

Can diet cure schizophrenia? RFK Jr. said yes, but experts say no medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...

"There is currently no credible evidence that ketogenic diets cure schizophrenia."
Can diet cure schizophrenia? RFK Jr. said yes, but experts say no
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said this week that the ketogenic (keto) diet could cure schizophrenia. But experts say the claim goes far beyond what science supports.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Echo chambers, the false consensus effect, & the embrace of conspiracy theories, etc etc...

My take👇

Alberta separation conversation contains ‘familiar trends’ seen in health misinformation: Caulfield www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/alb...

#ableg #cdnpoli #Yeg #Yyc #ForeverCanadian
Alberta separation conversation contains ‘familiar trends’ seen in health misinformation: Caulfield
Health law professor and misinformation expert Timothy Caulfield joins Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins to discuss the role of echo chambers in the Alberta separation conversation.
www.ctvnews.ca
February 12, 2026 at 2:27 PM
WHO director-general calls plans for U.S.-funded vaccine trial ‘unethical’ www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/h... @helenbranswell.bsky.social via @statnews.com

"...as far as WHO’s position is concerned, it’s unethical to proceed with this study."
WHO director-general calls plans for U.S.-funded vaccine trial ‘unethical’
The director-general of the WHO said a U.S.-funded study of the hepatitis B vaccine in Guinea-Bissau would be “unethical” if it proceeds as planned.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:40 PM
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. NO!

Vaccines causing 'turbo cancer'? How fake science is spreading online medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...

"The claim is FALSE and the term is not a medically recognized technical expression."

#VaccinesWork
Vaccines causing 'turbo cancer'? How fake science is spreading online
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, claims that vaccines can cause severe disease have been widespread on social media, with skeptics raising the alarm about what they call "turbo cancer."
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Really enjoyed doing this episode of Sick Society! 🙏

When Facts Lose: Health Misinformation, Identity, and the Algorithm (with Timothy Caulfield) open.spotify.com/episode/1p0v...
When Facts Lose: Health Misinformation, Identity, and the Algorithm (with Tim Caulfield)
open.spotify.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM
A common vaccine appears to have a surprising impact on brain health www.psypost.org/scientists-a...

Flu vaccine "could serve as a practical and accessible strategy..."

From study: influenza vaccination "a pragmatic, dementia risk–modifying intervention within healthy aging strategies..."
Scientists: A common vaccine appears to have a surprising impact on brain health
A new perspective published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research suggests annual influenza vaccination could be a practical strategy to delay dementia. By reducing vascular inflammation, the fl...
www.psypost.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Americans overestimate how many social media users post harmful content: academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...

"...overestimating the proportion of social media users who post harmful content makes people feel more negative emotion..."

Good news: Effects can be mitigated by correcting misperception. 👍
Americans overestimate how many social media users post harmful content
Abstract. Americans can become more cynical about the state of society when they see harmful behavior online. Three studies of the American public (n = 1,0
academic.oup.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Prasad overruled FDA staff to reject Moderna’s flu vaccine application www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/m... via @statnews.com

"Vaccine skepticism is emanating into FDA from the top, as health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a known vaccine critic [read: antivaxx zealot]."
Prasad overruled FDA staff to reject Moderna's flu vaccine application
The rejection is the latest instance of Vinay Prasad overruling career FDA scientists to place vaccines under harsher scrutiny.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The longevity grift: sensible advice (long known & recommended) + lots of unproven BS (with a dash of manosphere arrogance).

Attia’s Ties to Epstein Spark a Backlash From Doctors www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w... cc @drjengunter.bsky.social
Peter Attia’s Ties to Epstein Spark a Backlash From Doctors
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:52 AM
My take: What Canadians should worry about from new vaccine recommendations in the U.S. youtu.be/w97LZfbEru0?...

Reality:
- Studies show public has less confidence in vaccines (thanks, RFK Jr and your misinformation minions!)
- But studies consistently show impressive safety profile!

#VaccinesWork
What Canadians should worry about from new vaccine recommendations in the U.S.
YouTube video by CTV News
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Yet another bizarre and worrisome vaccine decision by RFK Jr's "health" gang...

FDA refuses to review Moderna’s influenza vaccine www.statnews.com/2026/02/10/f... @matthewherper.bsky.social via @statnews.com
FDA refuses to review Moderna’s influenza vaccine
FDA refuses to review Moderna’s influenza vaccine, which could raise concerns about the agency’s posture toward vaccines and drug approvals more generally.
www.statnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:19 PM
🚨 THIS is the impact of lies & doubtmongering. 🚨

Despite a GROWING body of evidence showing the safety of ALL these vaccines, more doubt safety.

via @kffhealthnews.org @kff.org cc @cmadocs.bsky.social @scienceupfirst.bsky.social @drjengunter.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Doctors warn against dangers of health misinformation from AI sources www.ctvnews.ca/health/artic... via @cmadocs.bsky.social cc @scienceupfirst.bsky.social

“It’s alarming because a lot of that information is misinformation, disinformation, and false information."
Doctors warn against dangers of health misinformation from AI sources
The Canadian Medical Association says doctors are worried that more of their patients are turning to artificial intelligence for health advice — and getting answers that put them in danger.
www.ctvnews.ca
February 10, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Is "social" drinking good for health? It's complex.

Drinking Is a ‘Social Lubricant.’ That’s Not Always a Good Thing. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...

Dr. Oz “made it seem that alcohol is the cure to social problems and loneliness. But it’s also predictive of more problematic behavioral problems.”
Drinking Is a ‘Social Lubricant.’ That’s Not Always a Good Thing.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:46 PM
🚨 Canadians recognize that health misinformation does significant harm.

90% (!) believe the government has a responsibility address the issue!

via @cmadocs.bsky.social cc @scienceupfirst.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! And yes.

Science Communication Should Be a Core Competency in Medical Training www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco... by @drkatiesuleta.bsky.social @funsizeimmuninja.bsky.social
Opinion | Science Communication Should Be a Core Competency in Medical Training
We've seen how profoundly things unravel when communication breaks down
www.medpagetoday.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Ivermectin = ideological flag.

Ugh.

National Cancer Institute studying ivermectin www.statnews.com/2026/02/10/i... via @statnews.com

“I am shocked and appalled." Taking funds from "promising research in order to do a preclinical study based on nonscientific ideas. It’s absurd.”
National Cancer Institute studying ivermectin’s ‘ability to kill cancer cells,’ alarming career scientists
The National Cancer Institute is studying ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment, according to its top official, alarming career scientists.
www.statnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Colostrum Supplement Sales Are Booming, But the Science Is Thin www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

Celebs. Influencers. Iffy science. Classic supplement hype cycle.

Me: Immediate interest & lots of hype. But upon closer examination, "any positive effects 'become small or nonexistent.'"
Colostrum Supplement Sales Are Booming, But the Science Is Thin
Celebrity endorsements have driven more than $22 million in US sales, a 3,000% increase from two years earlier.
www.bloomberg.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Despite all the noise, reality...👇

"Ongoing peer-reviewed evidence supports the safety & effectiveness of immunizations against Covid-19, RSV, & influenza...."

Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, & Influenza Vaccines for 2026 www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....

Soon: on CTV Edmonton!
Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026 | NEJM
Changes in the vaccine advisory process in the United States have disrupted immunization guidance, which reinforces the need for independent evidence review to inform decisions regarding immunizati...
www.nejm.org
February 10, 2026 at 2:27 PM
2 to 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Reduce Dementia Risk. But Not if It’s Decaf. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/h...

But there's a "limit to how much caffeine our bodies can metabolize." I find that limit, dammit! 💪

#TeamCoffee! #TeamConfirmationBias!
2 to 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Reduce Dementia Risk. But Not if It’s Decaf.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Very obviously. Liar gonna lie.

RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say
Newly revealed emails undermine Kennedy’s testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of deadly measles outbreak
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:30 PM
My experiences with Deepak Chopra? Um, not great.

A few years back he spread nasty lies about me. Questioned my integrity. And sent his online trolls after me. Not fun.

A deliberate strategy to use his "spiritual" influence to silence a critic.

The worst.

Namaste.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Deepak Chopra, Timothy Caulfield end Twitter feud | CBC News
Author Deepak Chopra and University of Alberta professor Timothy Caulfield spent many days butting heads on Twitter. But finally, there is a happy ending.
www.cbc.ca
February 9, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Let's highlight the Deepak Chopra – an OG wellness grifter – Epstein connection.

Chopra had regular contact with Epstein, including offensive emails
www.yahoo.com/entertainmen...

Good reminder that pushing exploitive pseudoscience for profit requires a pretty f*cked up moral compass.
'God Is A Construct, Cute Girls Are Real': Bestselling Spiritual Author Deepak Chopra's Emails To Epstein Revealed
Deepak Chopra has spent decades teaching millions of people how to transcend the material world. His 95 books promise spiritual enlightenment through meditation, higher consciousness, ... Read More
www.yahoo.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:23 PM
So much cortisol hype in wellness world... 👇

Do you need to control your cortisol? Probably not medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...

"...no proven over-the-counter treatments for high or low cortisol..."

"A one-off cortisol blood test won't provide useful information for most people..."
Do you need to control your cortisol? Probably not, doctors say
Cortisol, what is known as the stress hormone, is the talk of the internet. Wellness influencers warn about the various symptoms of chronically high cortisol: waking up at 3 a.m., swollen "cortisol fa...
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Research reveals which popular generative AI chatbots lie www.rit.edu/news/researc...

"...LLM could not distinguish between its very own self-generated truths and lies all the time."

Can nudge to agree. This means "...LLMs can provide an echo chamber to persistent users when they press..."
Research reveals which popular generative AI chatbots lie
RIT and Georgia Tech artificial intelligence experts have developed a framework to test hallucinations on ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Claude, and DeepSeek.
www.rit.edu
February 9, 2026 at 4:33 PM