GLP podcast: Bad research sows distrust in science; Pesticides in food aren’t dangerous—unless you eat 340 apples daily

Bad research in peer-reviewed journals is undermining the public’s trust in science. What can experts do to stop the flow of flawed science into academic publications? It’s the time of year when activist groups, with the media’s help, scare the public about pesticides on food. Is the produce in your grocery store safe? Absolutely. Let’s take a close look at the evidence.

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Join host  GLP contributor Cameron English and guest host Dr. Kevin Folta on episode 255 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• Part I — Viewpoint: Why is trust in scientific research at an all time low?

Scientists have identified a troubling trend in peer-reviewed journals that publish original research: a growing number of the studies found in these publications are nonsense. Sometimes this is the result of outright fraud—cases where researchers fabricate or distort data. In other instances, it’s an honest mistake that undermines the reliability of a study. Whatever the cause in a particular instance, unreliable research is a critical problem for two reasons. It pollutes the body of evidence we use to make public policy and solve practical problems, like treating disease. Bad studies also sow public distrust in scientific institutions. We need to resolve crisis as soon as possible. But how do we do it?

• Viewpoint: Feeding your child 2,000 nectarines or 340 apples in one day? Environmental Working Group claims about the dangers of conventionally-grown produce are scientifically absurd

Pesticides approved for use in the US are carefully tested for safety before they enter the market, and then carefully monitored by regulators at multiple federal agencies. Moreover, independent research consistently shows that trace amounts of pesticides in our food don’t pose a risk to human health. Each year, though, a handful of NGOs led by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warn Americans that their food supply is tainted by potentially dangerous chemicals. Their disingenuous claims don’t stand up to scrutiny.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on X @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow him on X @camjenglish