Timothy Caulfield
@caulfieldtim.bsky.social
Professor of health law and science policy, author, speaker, and commentator. #ScienceUpFirst
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/caulfieldtim
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/caulfieldtim
This is so horrible and sad and maddening and tragic.
But it also shows the power of cognitive biases.
How could MAGA possibly think this newly released video helps their false narrative?
It does the exact opposite. It highlights cruel incompetence www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
But it also shows the power of cognitive biases.
How could MAGA possibly think this newly released video helps their false narrative?
It does the exact opposite. It highlights cruel incompetence www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Renee Nicole Good said ‘I’m not mad at you’ before ICE agent shot her, video shows
Clip first posted by partisan outlet Alpha News shows perspective of ICE agent as Good was fatally shot
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:26 AM
This is so horrible and sad and maddening and tragic.
But it also shows the power of cognitive biases.
How could MAGA possibly think this newly released video helps their false narrative?
It does the exact opposite. It highlights cruel incompetence www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
But it also shows the power of cognitive biases.
How could MAGA possibly think this newly released video helps their false narrative?
It does the exact opposite. It highlights cruel incompetence www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Why Canadians feel unsafe despite crime rates dropping www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... by @robynurback.bsky.social
My take: Studies show that the fear is driven by fearmongering (often by politicians), media coverage of scary anecdotes, lies about immigrants, TV show portrayals, etc
My take: Studies show that the fear is driven by fearmongering (often by politicians), media coverage of scary anecdotes, lies about immigrants, TV show portrayals, etc
Opinion: Why Canadians feel unsafe despite crime rates dropping
Major crimes were down for 2025, but our brains don’t care about year-end data resets
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Why Canadians feel unsafe despite crime rates dropping www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... by @robynurback.bsky.social
My take: Studies show that the fear is driven by fearmongering (often by politicians), media coverage of scary anecdotes, lies about immigrants, TV show portrayals, etc
My take: Studies show that the fear is driven by fearmongering (often by politicians), media coverage of scary anecdotes, lies about immigrants, TV show portrayals, etc
"When it comes to vaccine schedules, the U.S. is now the outlier" www.statnews.com/2026/01/09/c... by @helenbranswell.bsky.social via @statnews.com
And given America's large size, terrible healthcare system & inequities, it would likely benefit more from an inclusive schedule.
And given America's large size, terrible healthcare system & inequities, it would likely benefit more from an inclusive schedule.
January 9, 2026 at 9:12 PM
"When it comes to vaccine schedules, the U.S. is now the outlier" www.statnews.com/2026/01/09/c... by @helenbranswell.bsky.social via @statnews.com
And given America's large size, terrible healthcare system & inequities, it would likely benefit more from an inclusive schedule.
And given America's large size, terrible healthcare system & inequities, it would likely benefit more from an inclusive schedule.
Reposted by Timothy Caulfield
RFK Jr. has said previous dietary guidelines were untrustworthy because advisers had ties to food-industry groups. But so do several advisers on his dietary guidelines — just different parts of the industry, including red meat and dairy.
Kennedy Said His Dietary Advisers Would Have ‘No Conflicts of Interest.’ Some Did.
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:45 PM
RFK Jr. has said previous dietary guidelines were untrustworthy because advisers had ties to food-industry groups. But so do several advisers on his dietary guidelines — just different parts of the industry, including red meat and dairy.
"...vaccinations were associated with reduced influenza- and pertussis-related hospitalization or ED visits in infants younger than 6 months."
"...urgent need to implement strategies to improve their acceptance."
Maternal Vaccination jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... #VaccinesWork
"...urgent need to implement strategies to improve their acceptance."
Maternal Vaccination jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... #VaccinesWork
Maternal Vaccination and Infant Hospital and ED Care for Influenza and Pertussis
This cohort study examined the association of influenza and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccinations during pregnancy and infant hospitalization or emergency department visits in northern I...
jamanetwork.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:42 PM
"...vaccinations were associated with reduced influenza- and pertussis-related hospitalization or ED visits in infants younger than 6 months."
"...urgent need to implement strategies to improve their acceptance."
Maternal Vaccination jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... #VaccinesWork
"...urgent need to implement strategies to improve their acceptance."
Maternal Vaccination jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... #VaccinesWork
Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy & antidepressants www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
"...reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy..."
"...compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect..."
#Move
"...reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy..."
"...compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect..."
#Move
Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy and antidepressants | Cochrane
www.cochrane.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy & antidepressants www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
"...reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy..."
"...compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect..."
#Move
"...reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy..."
"...compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect..."
#Move
As more patients order lab tests online, doctors don’t know what to do with the results www.statnews.com/2026/01/09/p... via @statnews.com by @ravindranize.bsky.social
Good evidence DTC testing – beyond anecdotes – leads to health benefits? Nah. Harm: > anxiety > over-diagnosis > costs etc etc etc
Good evidence DTC testing – beyond anecdotes – leads to health benefits? Nah. Harm: > anxiety > over-diagnosis > costs etc etc etc
As more patients order lab tests online, doctors don't know what to do with the results
Hoping to catch serious illnesses early, more Americans are ordering lab tests online, but their doctors don't know what to do with the results.
www.statnews.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:20 PM
As more patients order lab tests online, doctors don’t know what to do with the results www.statnews.com/2026/01/09/p... via @statnews.com by @ravindranize.bsky.social
Good evidence DTC testing – beyond anecdotes – leads to health benefits? Nah. Harm: > anxiety > over-diagnosis > costs etc etc etc
Good evidence DTC testing – beyond anecdotes – leads to health benefits? Nah. Harm: > anxiety > over-diagnosis > costs etc etc etc
AI for good...👇
Intervention in Health Misinformation Using Large Language Models for Automated Detection, Analysis, & Inoculation www.jmir.org/2026/1/e75500
"...the system effectively detects misinformation, identifies underlying themes, and provides explanatory responses to combat its spread."
Intervention in Health Misinformation Using Large Language Models for Automated Detection, Analysis, & Inoculation www.jmir.org/2026/1/e75500
"...the system effectively detects misinformation, identifies underlying themes, and provides explanatory responses to combat its spread."
Intervention in Health Misinformation Using Large Language Models for Automated Detection, Thematic Analysis, and Inoculation: Case Study on COVID-19
Background: The rapid growth of social media as an information channel has enabled the swift spread of inaccurate or false health information, significantly impacting public health. This widespread di...
www.jmir.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:39 PM
AI for good...👇
Intervention in Health Misinformation Using Large Language Models for Automated Detection, Analysis, & Inoculation www.jmir.org/2026/1/e75500
"...the system effectively detects misinformation, identifies underlying themes, and provides explanatory responses to combat its spread."
Intervention in Health Misinformation Using Large Language Models for Automated Detection, Analysis, & Inoculation www.jmir.org/2026/1/e75500
"...the system effectively detects misinformation, identifies underlying themes, and provides explanatory responses to combat its spread."
So excited to see THE CERTAINTY ILLUSION in paperback!
🙏🙏🙏
Check it out: penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451... via @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
🙏🙏🙏
Check it out: penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451... via @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
January 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM
So excited to see THE CERTAINTY ILLUSION in paperback!
🙏🙏🙏
Check it out: penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451... via @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
🙏🙏🙏
Check it out: penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451... via @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
The knowledge crisis: Timothy Caulfield the 2026 Arts Distinguished Speaker www.mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRo...
For some topics — like vaccines, climate change & immigration — your political affiliation has become the number one most predictive variable for the embrace of demonstrably false information.
For some topics — like vaccines, climate change & immigration — your political affiliation has become the number one most predictive variable for the embrace of demonstrably false information.
'The knowledge crisis' | MRU
Timothy Caulfield to present as the 2026 Arts Distinguished Speaker
www.mtroyal.ca
January 8, 2026 at 6:20 PM
The knowledge crisis: Timothy Caulfield the 2026 Arts Distinguished Speaker www.mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRo...
For some topics — like vaccines, climate change & immigration — your political affiliation has become the number one most predictive variable for the embrace of demonstrably false information.
For some topics — like vaccines, climate change & immigration — your political affiliation has become the number one most predictive variable for the embrace of demonstrably false information.
The continued influence of AI deepfake videos despite warnings www.nature.com/articles/s44... by @lewan.bsky.social et al.
"...participants relied on the content of a deepfake video, even when they had been explicitly warned beforehand that it was fake..."
Sum: warning ain't enough.
"...participants relied on the content of a deepfake video, even when they had been explicitly warned beforehand that it was fake..."
Sum: warning ain't enough.
Client Challenge
www.nature.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The continued influence of AI deepfake videos despite warnings www.nature.com/articles/s44... by @lewan.bsky.social et al.
"...participants relied on the content of a deepfake video, even when they had been explicitly warned beforehand that it was fake..."
Sum: warning ain't enough.
"...participants relied on the content of a deepfake video, even when they had been explicitly warned beforehand that it was fake..."
Sum: warning ain't enough.
Rise of the Self-Serve Blood Test www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/w... by @kristenvbrown.bsky.social
Me: "...generate anxiety & fear in order to sell their product."
Reality: no evidence helpful. And > anxiety, over-diagnosis, costs, etc
"Root causes" claim & "functional medicine" red flags for bunk!🚩
Me: "...generate anxiety & fear in order to sell their product."
Reality: no evidence helpful. And > anxiety, over-diagnosis, costs, etc
"Root causes" claim & "functional medicine" red flags for bunk!🚩
The Rise of the Self-Serve Blood Test
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Rise of the Self-Serve Blood Test www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/w... by @kristenvbrown.bsky.social
Me: "...generate anxiety & fear in order to sell their product."
Reality: no evidence helpful. And > anxiety, over-diagnosis, costs, etc
"Root causes" claim & "functional medicine" red flags for bunk!🚩
Me: "...generate anxiety & fear in order to sell their product."
Reality: no evidence helpful. And > anxiety, over-diagnosis, costs, etc
"Root causes" claim & "functional medicine" red flags for bunk!🚩
Such a fun discussion! Thx thx @irpp.org & @jenditchburn.bsky.social! 🙏
January 8, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Such a fun discussion! Thx thx @irpp.org & @jenditchburn.bsky.social! 🙏
Reposted by Timothy Caulfield
The power of online reviews 🎙️
Why does misinformation spread so easily? @caulfieldtim.bsky.social breaks it down on Futureproofing Canada.
🎧 Full episode: YouTube + wherever you get your podcasts.
irpp.org/podcast/misi...
Why does misinformation spread so easily? @caulfieldtim.bsky.social breaks it down on Futureproofing Canada.
🎧 Full episode: YouTube + wherever you get your podcasts.
irpp.org/podcast/misi...
January 8, 2026 at 2:31 PM
The power of online reviews 🎙️
Why does misinformation spread so easily? @caulfieldtim.bsky.social breaks it down on Futureproofing Canada.
🎧 Full episode: YouTube + wherever you get your podcasts.
irpp.org/podcast/misi...
Why does misinformation spread so easily? @caulfieldtim.bsky.social breaks it down on Futureproofing Canada.
🎧 Full episode: YouTube + wherever you get your podcasts.
irpp.org/podcast/misi...
Zero surprise. RFK Jr et al = hypocrisy machine.
Promise: transparency, good science, & NO conflicts.
Reality: LESS transparency, NO science, & MORE conflicts.
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n... @statnews
Promise: transparency, good science, & NO conflicts.
Reality: LESS transparency, NO science, & MORE conflicts.
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n... @statnews
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries
The industry connections of an advisory panel for the new dietary guidelines are notable, especially in light of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s criticism of corporate influence.
www.statnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Zero surprise. RFK Jr et al = hypocrisy machine.
Promise: transparency, good science, & NO conflicts.
Reality: LESS transparency, NO science, & MORE conflicts.
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n... @statnews
Promise: transparency, good science, & NO conflicts.
Reality: LESS transparency, NO science, & MORE conflicts.
Panel behind new dietary guidelines had financial ties to beef, dairy industries www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/n... @statnews
2025 was the year protein ‘jumped the shark’ theconversation.com/2025-was-the... by Stuart Phillips 🙏
"Biology is full of plateaus. Protein is no exception."
"More is not endlessly better."
"...no strong, rational, evidence-based case for going beyond [the recommended] range for most people..."
"Biology is full of plateaus. Protein is no exception."
"More is not endlessly better."
"...no strong, rational, evidence-based case for going beyond [the recommended] range for most people..."
2025 was the year protein ‘jumped the shark’
2025 was not the year protein finally got its due. It was the year protein was oversold, overvalued and overhyped. The science of protein has not changed; we just need to listen to it again.
theconversation.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:48 PM
2025 was the year protein ‘jumped the shark’ theconversation.com/2025-was-the... by Stuart Phillips 🙏
"Biology is full of plateaus. Protein is no exception."
"More is not endlessly better."
"...no strong, rational, evidence-based case for going beyond [the recommended] range for most people..."
"Biology is full of plateaus. Protein is no exception."
"More is not endlessly better."
"...no strong, rational, evidence-based case for going beyond [the recommended] range for most people..."
Reposted by Timothy Caulfield
Canadians have been known to follow the U.S. lead, but @caulfieldtim.bsky.social warns American health policy shouldn't be imported.
He says s new childhood vaccine policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and elevates potential harms.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
He says s new childhood vaccine policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and elevates potential harms.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
January 7, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Canadians have been known to follow the U.S. lead, but @caulfieldtim.bsky.social warns American health policy shouldn't be imported.
He says s new childhood vaccine policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and elevates potential harms.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
He says s new childhood vaccine policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and elevates potential harms.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
My first impression: an ideological motivated mess.
A mix of long embraces truisms (more fruits & veggies!), fearmongering, bad advice (more animal protein?), & the oversimplification of complex issues (avoid UPFs).
New dietary guidelines www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/d... via @statnews.com
A mix of long embraces truisms (more fruits & veggies!), fearmongering, bad advice (more animal protein?), & the oversimplification of complex issues (avoid UPFs).
New dietary guidelines www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/d... via @statnews.com
Dietary guidelines declare war on processed foods and sugar, encourage more protein and dairy
The MAHA movement claims wins — fewer processed foods and seed oils, more beef and dairy products — as Kennedy discards 421 pages of scientific recommendations.
www.statnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:59 PM
My first impression: an ideological motivated mess.
A mix of long embraces truisms (more fruits & veggies!), fearmongering, bad advice (more animal protein?), & the oversimplification of complex issues (avoid UPFs).
New dietary guidelines www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/d... via @statnews.com
A mix of long embraces truisms (more fruits & veggies!), fearmongering, bad advice (more animal protein?), & the oversimplification of complex issues (avoid UPFs).
New dietary guidelines www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/d... via @statnews.com
With so many bunk claims, exactly the WRONG move (but totally expected).
MAHA MO: Create barriers & distrust for effective interventions (eg vaccines), but enable wellness industry.
FDA announces sweeping changes to oversight of wearables www.statnews.com/2026/01/06/f... via @statnews.com
MAHA MO: Create barriers & distrust for effective interventions (eg vaccines), but enable wellness industry.
FDA announces sweeping changes to oversight of wearables www.statnews.com/2026/01/06/f... via @statnews.com
FDA announces sweeping changes to oversight of wearables, AI-enabled devices
The FDA will ease regulation of digital health products, aiming to deregulate AI and promote its widespread use.
www.statnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:31 PM
With so many bunk claims, exactly the WRONG move (but totally expected).
MAHA MO: Create barriers & distrust for effective interventions (eg vaccines), but enable wellness industry.
FDA announces sweeping changes to oversight of wearables www.statnews.com/2026/01/06/f... via @statnews.com
MAHA MO: Create barriers & distrust for effective interventions (eg vaccines), but enable wellness industry.
FDA announces sweeping changes to oversight of wearables www.statnews.com/2026/01/06/f... via @statnews.com
Health Misinformation Is Everywhere.
And increasingly it is about politics.
My take: thewalrus.ca/before-you-s... via @thewalrus.ca
People’s positions on everything from raw milk and miracle supplements to reproductive care, gender, and diet are often shaped by how they vote.
And increasingly it is about politics.
My take: thewalrus.ca/before-you-s... via @thewalrus.ca
People’s positions on everything from raw milk and miracle supplements to reproductive care, gender, and diet are often shaped by how they vote.
You’re Not Imagining It. Health Misinformation Is Everywhere | The Walrus
And yes, some of it has probably gotten to you
thewalrus.ca
January 7, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Health Misinformation Is Everywhere.
And increasingly it is about politics.
My take: thewalrus.ca/before-you-s... via @thewalrus.ca
People’s positions on everything from raw milk and miracle supplements to reproductive care, gender, and diet are often shaped by how they vote.
And increasingly it is about politics.
My take: thewalrus.ca/before-you-s... via @thewalrus.ca
People’s positions on everything from raw milk and miracle supplements to reproductive care, gender, and diet are often shaped by how they vote.
Why are older adults more likely to share misinformation online? Politics. www.digitalinformationworld.com/2026/01/why-...
"...consistently stronger partisanship..."
Age-linked political traits "...reshape what counts as accurate in practice, filtering truth through partisan identity.”
"...consistently stronger partisanship..."
Age-linked political traits "...reshape what counts as accurate in practice, filtering truth through partisan identity.”
Why are older adults more likely to share misinformation online?
Research shows older adults spot falsehoods yet share more misinformation due to partisan-filtered accuracy.
www.digitalinformationworld.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Why are older adults more likely to share misinformation online? Politics. www.digitalinformationworld.com/2026/01/why-...
"...consistently stronger partisanship..."
Age-linked political traits "...reshape what counts as accurate in practice, filtering truth through partisan identity.”
"...consistently stronger partisanship..."
Age-linked political traits "...reshape what counts as accurate in practice, filtering truth through partisan identity.”
RFK Jr. guts the US childhood vaccine schedule despite its decades-long safety record theconversation.com/rfk-jr-guts-... by
@jakescottmd.bsky.social
New policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and will confuse...
Soon: on CHED880 with @ctheriault.bsky.social
@jakescottmd.bsky.social
New policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and will confuse...
Soon: on CHED880 with @ctheriault.bsky.social
RFK Jr. guts the US childhood vaccine schedule despite its decades-long safety record
In an unprecedented move, health officials cut the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children from 17 to 11.
theconversation.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:34 PM
RFK Jr. guts the US childhood vaccine schedule despite its decades-long safety record theconversation.com/rfk-jr-guts-... by
@jakescottmd.bsky.social
New policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and will confuse...
Soon: on CHED880 with @ctheriault.bsky.social
@jakescottmd.bsky.social
New policy ignores evidence, twists facts, fearmongers about risks, and will confuse...
Soon: on CHED880 with @ctheriault.bsky.social
🙏! Thrilled you enjoyed. Hope for better future lives on! 💪
January 6, 2026 at 9:22 PM
🙏! Thrilled you enjoyed. Hope for better future lives on! 💪
📢 The Certainty Illusion paperback drops TODAY!
It is sad that the themes in this book more relevant today than when first published!
And, as the history of January 6th gets more twisted, fitting that this is the release date.
See: www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451...
It is sad that the themes in this book more relevant today than when first published!
And, as the history of January 6th gets more twisted, fitting that this is the release date.
See: www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451...
The Certainty Illusion by Timothy Caulfield | Penguin Random House Canada
In a world where there is so much conflicting information about how we are supposed to live, what can we really know?
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
January 6, 2026 at 8:13 PM
📢 The Certainty Illusion paperback drops TODAY!
It is sad that the themes in this book more relevant today than when first published!
And, as the history of January 6th gets more twisted, fitting that this is the release date.
See: www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451...
It is sad that the themes in this book more relevant today than when first published!
And, as the history of January 6th gets more twisted, fitting that this is the release date.
See: www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451...