Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts is a Substack that critically examines issues within medicine, healthcare policy, and related societal impacts, with a focus on evidence-based medicine, the politics of healthcare, public health recommendations, and academic freedom. It challenges mainstream narratives and calls for transparency, ethics, and rigorous scientific scrutiny in health policy and practice.

Health Policy Public Health Recommendations Evidence-Based Medicine Academic Freedom Political Influence in Medicine COVID-19 Policies and Measures Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Research Integrity and Academic Misconduct

The hottest Substack posts of Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts

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Science may not be able to exist on controversial issues

60 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🔬 Science Controversy Ideology Research
  1. Some controversial issues may not allow science to exist due to preconceived notions and ideology dominating the discourse.
  2. Activists can potentially cause harm if their actions and beliefs overshadow scientific reasoning and discussion.
  3. The dominance of preconceived notions and ideology can be observed in various narratives, such as recent reports from organizations like the NHS.

Exercise helps long covid patients in a randomized trial

59 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise Long Covid Research Quality of Life Interventions
  1. Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life for long COVID patients in a randomized trial.
  2. Even with varying levels of participation, the exercise program led to positive impacts on mental and physical health in long COVID patients.
  3. This study highlights the importance of consistent exercise as a potential treatment for long COVID symptoms.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Novel Writing Art Characters
  1. The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' explores the challenges and nuances of creating art and friendships, particularly in the context of the video game industry.
  2. The book is praised for elevating gaming to the level of art, alongside other creative forms like poetry and music, emphasizing the joy and bonds that come from creating something for others to enjoy.
  3. While the story is engaging and fast-paced, some elements of the plot and character development may fall short of the book's ambitious themes, ending with a less impactful conclusion.

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

25 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Themes Technology Psychology Human behavior
  1. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton addresses important modern themes like privacy, capitalism, conservation, politics, and compromise, making it a significant literary achievement.
  2. The novel skillfully uses technology to delve into human behavior and psychology, showcasing the eternal themes of infatuation, idealism, and ruthlessness.
  3. The book exemplifies an intriguing juxtaposition of characters and themes, illustrating the challenges of modernity and the consequences of trying to mix incompatible ideologies.