Friendly Fire: How Bad Science Contributes to The Health and Wellness Lie - Livestream

Science is the most powerful tool we have for systematically testing our ideas and revealing objective “truths” about the natural world. As humanity grapples with existential threats, from soaring obesity rates and vaccine hesitancy to climate “skepticism,” science is our first and last hope for a solution. But what happens when the systems we’ve come to trust become part of the problem? In this talk, Dr. Nick Tiller (Research Associate, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor - UCLA Medical Center) explores the shady side of scientific research, exposing a spectrum of questionable practices, from honest procedural missteps and statistical malfunctions to conflicts of interest and financially incentivized data fabrication. Drawing on real-world examples from medicine, kinesiology, and nutrition, Tiller shows how flawed studies and sensationalized conclusions accumulate error as they travel from the lab bench to the lay public - through press releases, media headlines, and social media influencers. Tiller situates bad science at the top of this “garbage-in, garbage-out” model, and concludes with a call to action for practical reform. This unique talk will challenge you to confront inconvenient truths about research malpractice to safeguard scientific integrity for future generations.

Speaker: Nick Tiller, UC Los Angeles

See weblink for connection information