Health Nerd
@gidmk.bsky.social
Epidemiologist. Research Fellow. Doctor of Spreadsheets. Writer (Slate, TIME, Guardian, etc). PhD, MPH. Host of senscipod Email gidmk.healthnerd@gmail.com he/him. Find my writing on Substack and Medium.
Pinned
Are Administrators To Blame For Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs?
The story of a viral meme
gidmk.substack.com
My new piece looks at a meme that's been going viral for the last 6 years, and whether healthcare administrators are really causing healthcare costs to skyrocket in the United States.
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
This is one of the most remarkable academic debacles I've ever seen.
A large RCT got published in BMJ. There are currently 44 Pubpeer comments, mostly about the data, including...well. Read for yourself.
pubpeer.com/publications...
A large RCT got published in BMJ. There are currently 44 Pubpeer comments, mostly about the data, including...well. Read for yourself.
pubpeer.com/publications...
PubPeer - Prevention of acute myocardial infarction induced heart fail...
There are comments on PubPeer for publication: Prevention of acute myocardial infarction induced heart failure by intracoronary infusion of mesenchymal stem cells: phase 3 randomised clinical trial (P...
pubpeer.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:19 AM
This is one of the most remarkable academic debacles I've ever seen.
A large RCT got published in BMJ. There are currently 44 Pubpeer comments, mostly about the data, including...well. Read for yourself.
pubpeer.com/publications...
A large RCT got published in BMJ. There are currently 44 Pubpeer comments, mostly about the data, including...well. Read for yourself.
pubpeer.com/publications...
I've thought for a while that one of the key parts of pandemic success - both in terms of mortality and economics - during COVID-19 was public trust.
I also think that one of the things that really supported public trust was consistency of messaging and implementation.
I also think that one of the things that really supported public trust was consistency of messaging and implementation.
November 10, 2025 at 4:40 AM
I've thought for a while that one of the key parts of pandemic success - both in terms of mortality and economics - during COVID-19 was public trust.
I also think that one of the things that really supported public trust was consistency of messaging and implementation.
I also think that one of the things that really supported public trust was consistency of messaging and implementation.
Reposted by Health Nerd
As a Co-Investigator on the #PANDA Trial, I approve this message. Australian friends and colleagues, take note! 👇
www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
#healthybynature
www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
#healthybynature
We're running a trial of exercise in nature here in Sydney. Free support for exercise and wellbeing for those who participate. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share our link: www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 AM
As a Co-Investigator on the #PANDA Trial, I approve this message. Australian friends and colleagues, take note! 👇
www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
#healthybynature
www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
#healthybynature
Someone asked me about ivermectin for COVID-19 recently and it's such a bizarre blast from the past.
Can't believe it's been more than 4 years since we proved much of the benefit was based on fraudulent research! Wild.
Can't believe it's been more than 4 years since we proved much of the benefit was based on fraudulent research! Wild.
November 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Someone asked me about ivermectin for COVID-19 recently and it's such a bizarre blast from the past.
Can't believe it's been more than 4 years since we proved much of the benefit was based on fraudulent research! Wild.
Can't believe it's been more than 4 years since we proved much of the benefit was based on fraudulent research! Wild.
We're running a trial of exercise in nature here in Sydney. Free support for exercise and wellbeing for those who participate. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share our link: www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
November 9, 2025 at 10:53 PM
We're running a trial of exercise in nature here in Sydney. Free support for exercise and wellbeing for those who participate. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share our link: www.powerlab.site/research/pan...
It is so bizarre seeing people argue that the incredibly limited data showing that severe cases of Long COVID have some minor immune issues makes COVID-19 anything like HIV.
November 8, 2025 at 6:27 AM
It is so bizarre seeing people argue that the incredibly limited data showing that severe cases of Long COVID have some minor immune issues makes COVID-19 anything like HIV.
My new piece looks at a meme that's been going viral for the last 6 years, and whether healthcare administrators are really causing healthcare costs to skyrocket in the United States.
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
Are Administrators To Blame For Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs?
The story of a viral meme
gidmk.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 AM
My new piece looks at a meme that's been going viral for the last 6 years, and whether healthcare administrators are really causing healthcare costs to skyrocket in the United States.
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
gidmk.substack.com/p/are-admini...
Reposted by Health Nerd
Imagine getting headshot by a 14 year old in Arc Raiders and then you report him to the Australian police who ban his account. Incredible. Incredible feeling.
Tbh they should include all such platforms in the ban, it would save me from being owned by 14yos.
November 7, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Imagine getting headshot by a 14 year old in Arc Raiders and then you report him to the Australian police who ban his account. Incredible. Incredible feeling.
A very interesting comparison here.
2025 vs 2023 for my state of NSW. Testing for COVID-19 and influenza has not changed substantially that I'm aware of in this time.
The labs generally test for both on any swabs taken. The ratio of COVID-19:Flu
2025 - 0.49
2023 - 2.97 (!)
2025 vs 2023 for my state of NSW. Testing for COVID-19 and influenza has not changed substantially that I'm aware of in this time.
The labs generally test for both on any swabs taken. The ratio of COVID-19:Flu
2025 - 0.49
2023 - 2.97 (!)
November 6, 2025 at 10:58 PM
A very interesting comparison here.
2025 vs 2023 for my state of NSW. Testing for COVID-19 and influenza has not changed substantially that I'm aware of in this time.
The labs generally test for both on any swabs taken. The ratio of COVID-19:Flu
2025 - 0.49
2023 - 2.97 (!)
2025 vs 2023 for my state of NSW. Testing for COVID-19 and influenza has not changed substantially that I'm aware of in this time.
The labs generally test for both on any swabs taken. The ratio of COVID-19:Flu
2025 - 0.49
2023 - 2.97 (!)
One of the things that Australia really excels at is consumer protection.
This is huge news in @cameronwilson.bsky.social's @thesizzle.com.au- Microsoft is being forced by the Aus regulator refund all the ultra-dodgy AI plan pushing it was doing for Office 365
Wild that other regions aren't also using regulatory power to punish Microsoft
thesizzle.com.au/p/google-sur...
Wild that other regions aren't also using regulatory power to punish Microsoft
thesizzle.com.au/p/google-sur...
November 6, 2025 at 10:44 PM
One of the things that Australia really excels at is consumer protection.
A study I wrote to the journal about in May this year was just retracted: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The review paper claimed that the majority of benefits in clinical trials could be explained by placebo effects.
The review paper claimed that the majority of benefits in clinical trials could be explained by placebo effects.
November 6, 2025 at 12:19 AM
A study I wrote to the journal about in May this year was just retracted: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The review paper claimed that the majority of benefits in clinical trials could be explained by placebo effects.
The review paper claimed that the majority of benefits in clinical trials could be explained by placebo effects.
Reposted by Health Nerd
so lilaware and i took a stab at it. there are some methodological caveats due to resource constraints, will discuss below
for 2 samples of (stacks of 5 pennies) x 8 in each sample, p = .41
@gidmk.bsky.social @markhoofnagle.medsky.social
for 2 samples of (stacks of 5 pennies) x 8 in each sample, p = .41
@gidmk.bsky.social @markhoofnagle.medsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 1:16 AM
so lilaware and i took a stab at it. there are some methodological caveats due to resource constraints, will discuss below
for 2 samples of (stacks of 5 pennies) x 8 in each sample, p = .41
@gidmk.bsky.social @markhoofnagle.medsky.social
for 2 samples of (stacks of 5 pennies) x 8 in each sample, p = .41
@gidmk.bsky.social @markhoofnagle.medsky.social
One thing that always identifies charlatans - they blame patients when their treatment fails.
November 3, 2025 at 6:14 AM
One thing that always identifies charlatans - they blame patients when their treatment fails.
Headlines are saying that COVID-19 and flu TRIPLE your risk of heart attack. This is just a painful story about pretty weak science.
If nothing else, the "triple" risk is only over the first 14 days post-infection and declines enormously after that!
1/n
If nothing else, the "triple" risk is only over the first 14 days post-infection and declines enormously after that!
1/n
November 3, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Headlines are saying that COVID-19 and flu TRIPLE your risk of heart attack. This is just a painful story about pretty weak science.
If nothing else, the "triple" risk is only over the first 14 days post-infection and declines enormously after that!
1/n
If nothing else, the "triple" risk is only over the first 14 days post-infection and declines enormously after that!
1/n
Not a bad run for a random Saturday morning.
October 31, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Not a bad run for a random Saturday morning.
A spooky piece for a spooky day - why do parents believe that sugar causes hyperactivity in children when we've known for decades that it doesn't?
slate.com/life/2025/10...
slate.com/life/2025/10...
Why Do Parents Still Insist on Believing This Myth About Sugar?
You may want to keep this news from your kids.
slate.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:52 PM
A spooky piece for a spooky day - why do parents believe that sugar causes hyperactivity in children when we've known for decades that it doesn't?
slate.com/life/2025/10...
slate.com/life/2025/10...
Reposted by Health Nerd
Credit to MDPI for retracting this vitamin D/COVID-19 meta-analysis that @gidmk.bsky.social and I flagged: pubpeer.com/publications...
PubPeer - Protective Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on COVID-19-R...
There are comments on PubPeer for publication: Protective Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on COVID-19-Related Intensive Care Hospitalization and Mortality: Definitive Evidence from Meta-Analysis a...
pubpeer.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Credit to MDPI for retracting this vitamin D/COVID-19 meta-analysis that @gidmk.bsky.social and I flagged: pubpeer.com/publications...
I wonder if the increasing accuracy of computer translation services has resulted in fewer ridiculous tattoos
October 30, 2025 at 11:39 PM
I wonder if the increasing accuracy of computer translation services has resulted in fewer ridiculous tattoos
Bit of news - a study I emailed the journal about last year was just retracted
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sesame oil and vitamin E co-administration may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial - European Journal of Clinical N...
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition - RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sesame oil and vitamin E co-administration may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized...
www.nature.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Bit of news - a study I emailed the journal about last year was just retracted
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Health Nerd
8 months later and this "journal" has more people on the editorial board (19) than published "research articles" (7). 😆And that's with hyperprolific author JPAI involved. He could spare them at least an article a week and never notice.
Probably not wanting to "mix politics and science", but then again he has joined a scientific society and members-only journal funded by the realclear foundation, lmao.
www.realclearscience.com/articles/202...
www.realclearscience.com/articles/202...
RealClearFoundation Launches the Journal of the Academy of Public Health
5 February 2025 (Washington, DC) The RealClearFoundation announces today the launch of the Journal of the Academy of Public Health, a revolutionary new scientific journal publishing cutting-edge, p
www.realclearscience.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
8 months later and this "journal" has more people on the editorial board (19) than published "research articles" (7). 😆And that's with hyperprolific author JPAI involved. He could spare them at least an article a week and never notice.
A bunch of headlines are proclaiming that you can boost your metabolism and you don't even have to exercise!
Except, that's not really true. Let's look at the study. 1/n
Except, that's not really true. Let's look at the study. 1/n
October 29, 2025 at 10:20 PM
A bunch of headlines are proclaiming that you can boost your metabolism and you don't even have to exercise!
Except, that's not really true. Let's look at the study. 1/n
Except, that's not really true. Let's look at the study. 1/n
Putting a CONSORT diagram in the supplementary materials but the verbal description in the text is entirely the wrong way around imo.
October 29, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Putting a CONSORT diagram in the supplementary materials but the verbal description in the text is entirely the wrong way around imo.
Reposted by Health Nerd
The importance of scientific sleuthing (although, why was this paper published at all?)
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All open.substack.com/pub/gidmk/p/...
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All open.substack.com/pub/gidmk/p/...
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All
Some fascinating insights into the world of scientific integrity.
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:53 AM
The importance of scientific sleuthing (although, why was this paper published at all?)
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All open.substack.com/pub/gidmk/p/...
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All open.substack.com/pub/gidmk/p/...
Can apple cider vinegar make you lose weight?
Probably not. My piece this week takes a look at a fascinating example of unreliable science, forensic metascience, and seriously problematic data.
gidmk.substack.com/p/apple-cide...
Probably not. My piece this week takes a look at a fascinating example of unreliable science, forensic metascience, and seriously problematic data.
gidmk.substack.com/p/apple-cide...
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss - A Study That May Never Have Happened At All
Some fascinating insights into the world of scientific integrity.
gidmk.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Can apple cider vinegar make you lose weight?
Probably not. My piece this week takes a look at a fascinating example of unreliable science, forensic metascience, and seriously problematic data.
gidmk.substack.com/p/apple-cide...
Probably not. My piece this week takes a look at a fascinating example of unreliable science, forensic metascience, and seriously problematic data.
gidmk.substack.com/p/apple-cide...
Haven't done one of these in ages.
Scientific error-checking, difficulty: easy
Spot the issues in this table 1 from an RCT. For context, there are supposedly 8 patients in each group.
I count at least 3 major errors/issues.
Scientific error-checking, difficulty: easy
Spot the issues in this table 1 from an RCT. For context, there are supposedly 8 patients in each group.
I count at least 3 major errors/issues.
October 29, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Haven't done one of these in ages.
Scientific error-checking, difficulty: easy
Spot the issues in this table 1 from an RCT. For context, there are supposedly 8 patients in each group.
I count at least 3 major errors/issues.
Scientific error-checking, difficulty: easy
Spot the issues in this table 1 from an RCT. For context, there are supposedly 8 patients in each group.
I count at least 3 major errors/issues.