The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Universal Primary Care: The Antidote to Health Reform Paralysis?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Policy Insurance Access Costs
  1. Universal primary care is important because everyone needs it, even healthy people. It helps with routine illnesses and preventive care.
  2. Primary care is cost-effective, making up a small part of total healthcare spending but providing great health benefits. Investing in primary care can save money in the long run.
  3. Starting with universal primary care could be a smart first step toward broader healthcare reform. It might gain more political support and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.

Lessons for the Next Plague

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Vaccine Policy Political Impact
  1. The pandemic response showed many mistakes, like unnecessary lockdowns and wrong theories about how the virus spread. Learning from these errors can help us better handle future pandemics.
  2. Politics played a big role in how people reacted to health measures, with facts becoming linked to personal beliefs. This shows how polarized views can affect public health decisions.
  3. Trust in science was low because there were no clear, reliable sources of information. It's important to establish trustworthy scientific reporting to avoid confusion during health crises.

A big discovery, Medicaid cuts, states removing fluoride, drug price questions, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Medicaid Epidemiology
  1. A recent breakthrough in genetics used new tools to fix a baby's rare disease by editing their DNA. This could lead to treatments for many other genetic disorders.
  2. Florida is removing fluoride from drinking water, which could affect many people's dental health. This decision might inspire other states to follow suit.
  3. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could leave 8.6 million people without health coverage, highlighting the importance of contacting lawmakers about healthcare access.

The Complex Adaptive Landscape Created by SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Shows Us Why Evolution Will Not Allow Effective mRNA Vaccines Against mRNA Viruses, Part 1.

Popular Rationalism • 574 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Immunology
  1. mRNA vaccines face big challenges because of how fast RNA viruses can change. It's unlikely they'll be able to completely eliminate the virus over time.
  2. These vaccines can push viruses to evolve in ways that make them escape detection and survive better. This means the virus can keep changing and might even become more dangerous.
  3. Natural immunity, from getting the virus instead of a vaccine, can be broader and may help prevent newer variants. This shows how different immune responses can affect how the virus evolves.

Your top 10 FAQ on drug prices

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1591 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Drug Pricing Healthcare policy Pharmaceuticals Public Health Patient Advocacy
  1. Drug prices in the U.S. are much higher than in other countries because drug companies set their own prices, and patents keep competition away for many years. This results in Americans paying more for medications.
  2. High drug prices lead people to skip doses or avoid taking medicine altogether, which can result in serious health issues. Many people can't afford their medications, causing preventable health problems.
  3. There are possible solutions to lower drug prices, like the government negotiating prices and reforming patents to allow generics more quickly. However, it requires public pressure and political will to make these changes happen.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Welcome To The Fauci/Pfizer Matrix: COVID Vaccines Directly Cause Long-Lasting Side Effects, Per New Study

Unmasked • 92 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Misinformation Policy Analysis COVID-19
  1. There was a lot of misinformation about COVID vaccines when they came out. Experts made claims that were not supported by facts, leading to confusion about their effectiveness.
  2. Key figures like Dr. Fauci and Rochelle Walensky made statements that turned out to be incorrect, which worsened public trust and guided harmful policies.
  3. Recent research suggests that the long-term side effects of vaccines are more significant than previously acknowledged, highlighting ongoing issues around vaccine communication and transparency.

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 1

COVID Reason • 1050 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Control Misinformation Crisis Management
  1. Chaos and confusion can be more powerful than a virus. When people are confused, they struggle to find the truth.
  2. Control is the real goal, not just dealing with the virus itself. Keeping people afraid and divided helps maintain that control.
  3. History shows us that fear can tear communities apart. Encouraging suspicion between neighbors can lead to a lot of conflict and chaos.

I Say Thank You to Big Pharma

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Medical Research Drug policy Healthcare systems
  1. It's important to keep encouraging medical research because it brings a lot of benefits to society. We rely on a mix of private and government support for this research.
  2. Cutting drug prices without considering the negative effects might hurt medical research and innovation. We should think about the long-term impact of such changes.
  3. Using prizes instead of patents could lead to fairer rewards for drug developers and might reduce some issues in the research funding system.

FDA approves Pfizer drugs with inadequate safety and efficacy data, and then regulators work for Pfizer

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 180 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Regulation Public Health Corruption Pharmaceuticals
  1. FDA approvals for Pfizer drugs may not have enough safety and effectiveness data. This raises concerns about the reliability of the drugs available to the public.
  2. There is a pattern of FDA regulators moving to jobs at pharmaceutical companies after approving their products. This can create a conflict of interest and lead to questions about transparency.
  3. The system seems designed to favor big pharmaceutical companies rather than prioritize patient safety and well-being. This indicates a troubling relationship between regulators and the companies they oversee.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 1 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 597 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Public Health Medical Ethics Policy Analysis
  1. The HHS report on youth gender medicine raises skepticism due to its ties to past administrations, but it actually offers a well-done summary of the current evidence, which is lacking in support for youth gender treatments.
  2. Critics of the HHS report, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have responded quickly and forcefully but often without providing clear evidence or details to back up their claims.
  3. The conversation around youth gender medicine is complicated, and the rushing to judgment by authorities has damaged their credibility, making it harder for families to find trustworthy guidance.

Movers and Shakers: Assisted Dying

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Legal issues Ethics Patient rights
  1. There's a big debate about whether terminally ill people should get legal help to end their lives. Some believe the laws should change to support this decision, while others think it's best to keep the state out of it.
  2. Many people, especially in the Parkinson's community, might not qualify for assisted dying under current proposals. They may not get a 'terminal' diagnosis in time, even if their suffering is severe.
  3. Countries like Spain have different rules about assisted dying, allowing people with chronic conditions to seek help. This brings up questions about who decides what's considered unbearable suffering.

H5N1: Much More Than You Wanted To Know

Astral Codex Ten • 27324 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Risk Assessment
  1. H5N1 bird flu started in birds but can spread to other animals and possibly humans. There are concerns about it becoming a bigger threat as it mutates.
  2. Currently, experts estimate a 5% chance of H5N1 causing a human pandemic in the next year, but it could rise to 50% over the next 20 years.
  3. If H5N1 does become a pandemic, most forecasts suggest it won't be as deadly as the Spanish flu, with risks ranging from normal flu severity to several times worse.

Dr. Atlas and the Crucible of Open Dialogue

COVID Reason • 495 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Censorship Public Health Policy Analysis Academic Freedom Pandemic response
  1. Government lockdowns during the pandemic didn't work as intended and caused more harm than good, affecting people's mental health and education.
  2. Censorship stifled important discussions and alternative viewpoints, which are essential for scientific progress.
  3. Academic institutions didn't uphold free expression and debate, which is key for critical thinking and finding the truth.

Ten States Have Held Out on Medicaid Expansion. It's Left Millions of Americans Without Health Coverage.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicaid Legislation Public Health
  1. Ten states have not expanded Medicaid, leaving millions of people without health coverage. These states have some of the highest rates of uninsured residents.
  2. Many people in the coverage gap are working but still can't afford health insurance. Their incomes are too high for Medicaid but too low for ACA subsidies.
  3. The refusal to expand Medicaid often comes from political choices, not a lack of need. Many residents want the expansion, but their state governments are not listening.

Bruised by Government Report, Cigna's Pharmacy Business Sues the Federal Trade Commission

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 20 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Practices Drug Pricing Legal Challenges
  1. Cigna's pharmacy business, Express Scripts, is suing the Federal Trade Commission to challenge a report that claims they inflate drug prices and harm patients.
  2. The FTC's report has raised awareness about the power and practices of big pharmacy benefit managers, which control a large share of the market.
  3. Cigna is trying to protect its financial interests in pharmacy benefits, as they now make up a huge portion of the company's revenues, while also facing potential reforms from lawmakers.

Unjustified Critique of a CDC Report on Social Media Risks

The Shores of Academia • 39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Health Social media
  1. The CDC report links frequent social media use to increased risks of bullying, feelings of sadness, and suicidal thoughts among teens. It found that a significant number of high school students use social media frequently, which may affect their mental health.
  2. Chris Ferguson criticizes the CDC report, claiming it shows bias and incompetence without providing solid evidence for his accusations. He describes the CDC's findings as exaggerated and accuses the authors of unethical behavior, which raises questions about his arguments.
  3. The conversation around social media impacts on mental health is polarizing, with some dismissing concerns as moral panic. This reflects a broader debate about the effects of digital technology on youth and the responsibility of researchers to communicate findings accurately.

1DaySooner's Trump II Health Policy Proposals

Astral Codex Ten • 14935 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Public Health Medical Research Regulatory Affairs Healthcare access
  1. To improve kidney donations, policies may allow compensation for organ donors, which could help reduce the waiting list and save lives.
  2. There is a push for better transparency in healthcare data from the FDA, which could improve research and lead to safer medical products.
  3. Novel research ideas are often underfunded, so increasing support for unconventional studies and human challenge trials could speed up medical advancements.

How Experts Created a Peanut Allergy Epidemic

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Nutrition Allergies Medical Guidelines
  1. Experts once recommended avoiding peanuts during pregnancy and for young children. This led to a big increase in peanut allergies.
  2. Initially, there was no strong evidence for the peanut avoidance advice, which caused more harm than good.
  3. Now, it's suggested that introducing peanuts early can actually help prevent allergies, showing that previous guidelines were misguided.

Think Stabilized Spike is Bad? Meet Replicon mRNA Vaccines. They are So Bad, We Predict FDA Will Posture for Public Trust on These.

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Trust Regulatory issues Public Health Biotechnology
  1. Replicon mRNA vaccines have the ability to replicate inside the body, which could lead to unknown risks and side effects. This uncontrolled replication raises concerns about overstimulating the immune system or causing mutations.
  2. Protests in Japan highlight public fear and skepticism surrounding self-replicating vaccines. Many people are worried about the lack of long-term safety data and want more transparency from health officials.
  3. How Japan handles this new vaccine could influence other countries' decisions. Regulatory bodies worldwide need to balance innovation with public safety and trust to avoid backlash and promote acceptance.

Friday brief: Northants health system overspending as county’s two hospitals bust budget

NN Journal • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Finance Policy Community health
  1. The Northants health system is spending a lot more money than it planned, with hospitals facing major budget shortfalls.
  2. Kettering General Hospital has a big overspend due to issues like rising costs and high demand for services.
  3. The council and healthcare system are looking for solutions, including an external review of the hospital finances to get back on track.

Another PRO-MASK Study Debunked

COVID Reason • 733 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Policy Analysis Epidemiology Health Education
  1. Recent studies show that school mask mandates may not significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission. It's important to look closely at how studies are conducted to understand their true effectiveness.
  2. Researchers highlight that using observational data can lead to misleading conclusions about mask mandates. Different methods could give us clearer answers about their impact.
  3. Future public health decisions about masks should rely on strong evidence from well-designed studies. This will help build trust and ensure that interventions are truly beneficial.

Heterodox Views In The Academy Could Save Lives

Heterodox STEM • 142 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Scientific research Policy Debate Pandemic response Epidemiology
  1. The lab leak theory is still debated, but political biases can influence how openly this is discussed in science.
  2. Gain-of-function research helps study viruses but poses risks, as it could lead to pandemics if not handled properly.
  3. Honest communication about scientific topics can help build public trust, which is crucial for handling future health crises.

Movers and Shakers: The NHS Health Check

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 515 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Policy Patient Care Neurology
  1. The waiting times for Parkinson's care in places like Oxford can be shocking, reaching up to 56 weeks for a new appointment.
  2. Many patients feel let down by the NHS and sometimes choose to pay for private care due to long delays in service.
  3. Fixing the NHS needs both immediate funding for extra appointments and long-term improvements to the system to make it work better.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Food Safety
  1. Influenza cases have dropped recently, giving some relief, although numbers are still higher than usual. Improvements were seen across all age groups.
  2. COVID-19 activity varies by state, with some places seeing high case numbers while others have less. Overall hospitalizations are low now compared to past months.
  3. Norovirus remains very high across the country, and it's expected to stay elevated for a while. This season's peak may last longer than usual.

The Dirty Trick Health Insurers Are Playing That You Don’t Know About

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1199 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Regulation Consumer Rights Healthcare Costs Health Reform
  1. Health insurers use a measurement called the medical loss ratio (MLR) to determine how much of your premiums go to actual medical care versus overhead costs. They should spend at least 80-85% on care, but many find sneaky ways to get around this.
  2. Big insurance companies manipulate what counts as 'quality improvement' to make it look like they're spending more on healthcare than they actually are. They might include things like software upgrades or marketing instead of just patient care.
  3. By buying up doctors' offices and clinics, insurers can steer patients to their own services without MLR rules applying. This way, they keep more money for themselves instead of lowering premiums or improving coverage for you.

A review of Charles Piller’s Doctored

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Research Ethics Public Health Alzheimer's Disease Regulatory issues
  1. Fraud and bad research have hurt Alzheimer's studies for years. Some scientists faked results, leading to wasted money and efforts chasing non-existent breakthroughs.
  2. Many findings in Alzheimer's research, like the amyloid hypothesis, have not led to effective treatments. This shows that simply following popular theories can mislead researchers away from better solutions.
  3. The issues in research go beyond fraud; they include the way studies are designed and published. Negative results are often ignored, which can cause scientists to miss important information and keep searching down the wrong paths.

Is this real life?

Disaffected Newsletter • 3776 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Trauma Psychology Public Health
  1. Derealization is a feeling where the world seems unreal, like a scary movie. It can happen to people with mental health issues or past trauma, and it's really unsettling.
  2. The constant changes in news and public opinion can make people feel confused and anxious. It's like we are living in a situation where nothing feels stable or real.
  3. For those who have experienced derealization, knowing others feel the same can help them feel less alone. It's important to talk about these feelings and experiences.

OPINION: The GOP Plan to Right-Size the NIH and Provide Oversight Does Not Go Far Enough

Popular Rationalism • 693 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Disease Medical Research Healthcare Costs Policy Reform
  1. The GOP wants to cut the number of NIH disease centers and add political oversight, but that won't fix deeper problems. Chronic diseases are a big issue, and the focus needs to shift towards prevention, not just treatment.
  2. NIH spends a lot on traditional pharmaceutical research, but it often ignores integrative medicine, which could really help with chronic illnesses. More research into things like diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
  3. #PlanB suggests decentralizing research by creating many independent labs that can focus on local health needs. It prioritizes prevention and transparency, aiming to better address the long-term health problems facing the country.

The Microplastic Concerns Elevate—To the Brain

Ground Truths • 13384 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Toxicology Nutrition Health Impact
  1. Microplastics are accumulating in the brain and other organs, with much higher levels found in people with dementia. This is raising alarms about their possible effects on health.
  2. Studies have shown that microplastics can affect blood flow in the brain, leading to issues like blood clots. This suggests they could contribute to neurological problems.
  3. To reduce exposure to microplastics, people can avoid plastic packaging and heating plastic items. There's also a need for broader action to cut down plastic production overall.

Movers and Shakers: Can you sue over Parkinson's?

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 674 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Legal issues Epidemiology Chronic Illness
  1. It's unclear if people with Parkinson's can sue for their condition. A recent case showed the link between Parkinson's and chemicals like TCE isn't proven enough yet.
  2. The case of Holmes v Poeton involved a worker who claimed his Parkinson's was caused by chemical exposure at work. Courts found the evidence too weak to support this claim.
  3. Studies suggest some chemicals might increase the risk of Parkinson's, but proving direct causation is hard because many factors can influence health conditions.

Her Surgeon Said She Needed The Operation. UnitedHealthcare Said No.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Issues Medical Ethics Patient Advocacy Policy Reform
  1. A woman named Robin needed a back surgery that her doctor recommended, but her insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, denied the request multiple times without clear explanations.
  2. The increasing number of denied medical procedures has led to significant financial issues for hospitals and has contributed to rising health care costs and bankruptcies.
  3. Robin's situation highlights a broader problem where insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient care, causing emotional and physical distress for those affected.

Everything You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 246 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology
  1. H5N1 bird flu is becoming a serious threat and might be spreading through the air from bird droppings, which could put people at risk even in parks.
  2. The current government's lack of transparency and support for tracking outbreaks is concerning, especially as hospitals face rising flu cases.
  3. Historical pandemics show that initial mildness can lead to deadly mutations, and without proper public health measures, we may be repeating past mistakes.

A Covid Nasal Vaccine Update

Ground Truths • 10148 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Clinical Trials Policy Infectious Diseases
  1. There are now 6 different nasal vaccines in clinical trials in the US aimed at preventing COVID-19 and blocking its transmission. These vaccines are promising because they might work better than traditional shots.
  2. Two major challenges facing these new vaccines are the low current levels of the virus, which make it harder to gather data from trials, and the uncertainty about ongoing government support for these projects.
  3. Successful nasal vaccines could provide a convenient way to protect people from COVID-19, but it will take time to find out if they really work well in humans.

Yes, Wipe Down Surfaces. No, Don't Hoard Cleaning Products. Try HOCl.

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. It's important to wipe down surfaces to prevent the spread of germs, especially when illnesses like the flu are on the rise.
  2. Instead of hoarding cleaning products, try using hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a simpler and effective germ killer.
  3. The flu season is currently very severe, even worse than COVID-19 in some cases, so taking precautions is essential for safety.

Fighting for the voiceless: The Death of Franca Panettone

COVID Reason • 594 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient rights Healthcare access Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. Franca Panettone, who had Down Syndrome, faced a tragic situation in a hospital where she was separated from her family and had no way to advocate for herself. This led to her feeling helpless and restrained during her care.
  2. Franca's family experienced a lack of communication from the hospital about her condition and treatment. They were not informed about her critical health changes or allowed to visit her, which added to their grief and confusion.
  3. This story highlights the need for better advocacy and communication in healthcare, especially for vulnerable individuals. It raises important questions about patient rights and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Anti-Autism Manifesto

Wood From Eden • 5952 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Disability Rights Psychoanalysis
  1. The high-functioning autism label may not accurately describe many individuals who don't fit classic autism criteria, but rather those with unique personality traits.
  2. There are concerns that mental health professionals overlook disorders like schizoid personality disorder by mislabeling them as autism, which can hinder proper treatment.
  3. Mental health discussions should acknowledge individual preferences and personality differences rather than solely focusing on skills or deficits.

Our Healthcare System, a Reign of Terror

Freddie deBoer • 18038 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Mental health Social justice Policy Critique Inequality
  1. Many people only react strongly to certain types of suffering and fail to recognize the ongoing harm of our healthcare system. It's important to think about why we care more about some victims than others.
  2. Our healthcare system often denies essential care to those who need it, leading to tragic outcomes. The choices made by companies and policymakers directly affect people's lives and deaths.
  3. There's a disconnect in how society views death caused by healthcare versus murder. We need to acknowledge and address the systemic issues causing suffering in our healthcare system, rather than just express sympathy for individual cases.

The First Diagnostic Immunome

Ground Truths • 7960 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Immunology AI Diagnostics Autoimmunity Healthcare
  1. Sequencing B and T cell receptors can help diagnose autoimmune diseases. This kind of testing is much faster and could lead to more accurate diagnoses.
  2. Using machine learning and AI makes analyzing the complex data from these receptors easier. The technology can find patterns and help doctors understand patients' conditions better.
  3. In the future, a full immunome could be a standard test to check how well someone's immune system is working. This could help prevent diseases before they become serious.

Therapy Patients Stop Treatment After ‘Pre-Payment Reviews’ Swell

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Mental health Policy Impact Patient rights
  1. Many therapy patients are stopping their treatment because insurance company UnitedHealthcare is asking for a lot of extra paperwork before paying for services. This makes it hard for patients to get reimbursed and leads to anxiety about continuing their care.
  2. Therapists are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort needed to process these pre-payment reviews. Some have had to cut back on their schedules to handle the paperwork, which affects both their work and their patients' treatment.
  3. The situation highlights larger issues in mental health care access and billing, particularly for out-of-network providers. It raises concerns about patient privacy and adds unnecessary stress for both patients and therapists.

The Psychology of Collapse: A Deep Dive in Human Misbehavior

OK Doomer • 221 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Human behavior Health Risks
  1. People often reject truths that challenge their beliefs, making it hard to change minds. This shows that once someone is convinced of a falsehood, it can be painful to accept the truth.
  2. There is a growing trend of people ignoring health advice and embracing harmful choices, like the demand for raw milk despite public health warnings. This can be seen as a reaction against authority and established knowledge.
  3. Studies in human behavior suggest that society is increasingly turning away from useful knowledge and safety measures, which raises concerns about our ability to respond effectively to real threats.