Science has gone under attack and many silly or harmful ideas have taken hold in society under the guise of “science.” The thing is, there’s a lot more to science than just claiming something to be scientific. In this episode, you’ll hear all about what it means to follow the scientific method, what it means to be scientific, and what to do about those who erroneously claim science. 

Dr. Grimes earned his PhD in ultraviolet radiation physics followed by a post doctoral fellowship in medical physics and oncology but now largely operates as a science communicator. He is the author of the book “Good Thinking – why flawed logic puts us all at risk and how critical thinking can save the world.” He is also often seen as a panelist and contributor on news stations such as BBC world news, CBS, CNN, and also in written mediums such as the New York Times, Guardian, and Washington Post among others. 

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1. How did you go from being a cancer researcher to broad science communicator? Tell us a little bit about why you are so passionate about what you do?
   
2. What does preventive medicine mean to you?
   
3. Can you talk about the history of the scientific method and why “scientific” people would believe in things like the 4 humors of the body or leeches? How did we go from there to where we are now?
   
4. What does it mean to follow the scientific method?
   
5. Why do even prolific scientists like Dr. Linus Pauling who you write about in your book, fall into certain dogmas
   
6. Misinformation seems to condense into a very vocal minority that has outsized effects on public discourse – can you speak to why this seemingly always ends up being the case?
   
7. What do we do about misinformation? It seems exhausting to be constantly combatting it and relies on the “good” scientists to work 10x as hard.
   
8. How can science literacy be increased – for those in applied science (doctors etc.), and the lay person?
   
9. How do you find good information? How do you sift through the garbage?
   
10. If someone asks you how to get healthy, what do you tell them in 2 minutes?
    

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