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Jessica P. Johnson
Science Editor, Biology
Jessica holds an MS in microbiology from UMass Amherst and an MS in science journalism from Boston University. She has conducted laboratory and field research in biofuels and environmental restoration. And since 2011 she has covered science research news for PNAS, Nature Medicine, The Scientist, and others.
CLAIM REVIEWS
Some evidence suggests that vitamin C and D supplementation might prevent or treat respiratory infections, but their effectiveness is still being tested with COVID-19
CLAIM
Vitamins C and D are now finally being adopted in the conventional treatment of SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin C at extremely high doses acts as an antiviral drug, actually killing viruses; vitamin D helps the body fight SARS-CoV-2 infection and can cut infection risk.
SOURCE: Joseph Mercola, Mercola
Published: 14 Apr 2020
VERDICT
Viral video mixes truth about COVID-19 with a long list of ineffective treatments and preventions
CLAIM
Coronavirus does not cause a runny nose; is killed by temperatures above 26 degrees; causes lung fibrosis within days of infection; can be diagnosed by holding your breath for 10 seconds; and can be cured in the early stages by drinking plenty of water.
SOURCE: Steven Aitchison, Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life
Published: 03 Apr 2020
VERDICT
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is real; the story that claims otherwise is a work of fiction
CLAIM
There is no ‘coronavirus’
SOURCE: Facebook users, Facebook
Published: 25 Mar 2020
VERDICT
Claim that not all smokers develop lung discoloration ignores severe health risks linked to smoking
CLAIM
The black lung lie: It’s the widespread belief that smokers’ lungs turn black.
SOURCE: Frank Davis, cfrankdavis.wordpress.com
Published: 31 Dec 2019
VERDICT
HIV drug Truvada linked to kidney damage and bone density loss, but risks are low and usually outweighed by the drug’s benefits
CLAIM
You took Truvada to help protect against HIV, not increase your risk of kidney or bone problems.
SOURCE: Anonymous, A Case for Women
Published: 24 Dec 2019
VERDICT
Bone spurs occasionally form at the base of human skulls, but their growth has not been linked to the use of handheld devices
CLAIM
‘Horns’ are growing on young people’s skulls. Phone use is to blame, research suggests.
SOURCE: Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Washington Post
Published: 19 Nov 2019
VERDICT
