In a time when the statements from leaders can contradict scientific evidence, it becomes crucial to avoid perpetuating false information.

Mark Twain famously said that “A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth has put its boots on.” This quote, often misattributed to him, actually traces back to Jonathan Swift. In our current digital age, where information can spread like wildfire, unverified claims can quickly reach millions, especially during crises.

During emergencies, misinformation tends to proliferate. The urgency to find solutions to complex problems can lead individuals to embrace unverified claims. Here are some recent examples of viral misinformation surrounding COVID-19:

• The assertion that COVID-19 was engineered in a laboratory has been debunked by genetic sequencing, which shows its close relation to bat viruses, with no evidence of manipulation.
• Claims linking COVID-19 to 5G cell towers emerged concurrently with the pandemic, but there is no scientific basis for such a connection.
• The notion that human breast milk can cure COVID-19 lacks evidence, despite children being less vulnerable to the virus.
• Chloroquine was touted as a cure, but subsequent studies indicated it offers no benefits and can cause severe side effects.
• Conspiracy theories about Bill Gates creating the virus have circulated, despite his foundation actively working to combat the pandemic.
• The dangerous recommendation to inject bleach as a treatment arose from a misinformed statement by a public figure, widely condemned by experts.

These examples illustrate how misinformation can gain traction and become widely accepted in a short period.

To counteract these wild claims, it’s often best to wait for credible journalists from outlets like Snopes or the New York Times to investigate and provide clarity.

Evaluating Claims: The Importance of Credible Sources

A critical skill in scientific research is the skepticism toward unverified information. Scientific writing demands that every assertion is backed by credible evidence. Peer-reviewed publications, which have undergone scrutiny by experts, are essential for validating claims.

However, two challenges arise: 1. Institutional press releases may not contain all necessary details, despite providing links to papers. 2. The peer review process is time-consuming, often allowing misinformation to spread before the truth is clarified.

Consider the timeline surrounding chloroquine: - March 16: A misleading document claiming chloroquine as a treatment is tweeted by Elon Musk. - The same day, it gains traction on media platforms, likely drawing the attention of political leaders. - March 19: Public officials begin to promote the drug. - March 21: A tragic incident occurs when individuals misuse the drug, influenced by misinformation. - By the end of April, various studies and the FDA conclude that chloroquine should not be used as a treatment.

While misinformation exploded within a week, it took nearly six weeks to establish the truth.

Practical Tips for Avoiding Pseudoscience

In our fast-paced information environment, it’s not feasible to wait weeks for verification. However, you can assess the credibility of claims by following these steps:

1. Identify the source. Is it a scientific paper or a casual social media post?
2. If there’s a link, check it. Scientific papers provide a summary, or abstract; does it align with the claim?
3. Look for multiple reputable sources that corroborate the information. True scientific claims are supported by a consensus across various studies.

Using chloroquine as an example: - The original paper Musk referenced was not peer-reviewed and had significant limitations. - Subsequent studies overwhelmingly indicated the drug's ineffectiveness.

When evaluating scientific claims, remember: - Check for credible sources and peer-reviewed studies. - Seek multiple articles from diverse publications. - Look for expert consensus, excluding unreliable voices.

Finally, keep in mind the wise saying: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” This adage has endured through centuries and remains relevant today.

Sam Westreich holds a PhD in genetics and investigates every medication he considers. Follow him on Medium or Twitter at @swestreich.

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