Xtalks Life Science Podcast

Social Media’s Disinformation Dozen + Pfizer’s Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Results

In this episode of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, Ayesha discusses a report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and Anti-Vax Watch that shows there are just 12 people behind 65 percent of all online anti-vaccine disinformation. While social media operators such as Facebook and Twitter had vowed to remove vaccine disinformation from their platforms, the disinformation dozen are still active and well on the sites. How can online misinformation be better combatted and are stricter actions on the part of social media networks needed? Ayesha also talks about the latest clinical trial results for Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine. New data shows that the vaccine is safe and effective in children, performs extremely well against some of the new variants and vaccine-generated immune responses last for up to six months. While the new data is exciting and can help build greater confidence in the vaccine, can there be such a thing as too much information, and too fast, especially since data around the vaccines is evolving so quickly?Read the full articles here:Disinformation Dozen: The Anti-Vaxxers Behind Most Social Media MisinformationPfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Results: Stellar, Long-Ranging Efficacies in Children and Against VariantsFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks, @XtalksMedDevice Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Caffeine Consumption in Pregnancy + Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator for MS

In this episode of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, Ayesha discusses the results of a new NIH study that suggest a link between moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy and lower birth weight and reduced body size. Should pregnant women avoid caffeine altogether, or is this yet another restriction placed on expectant mothers that might not be necessary? Ayesha also talks about a new medical device that could help improve gait and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The portable neuromodulation stimulator developed by Helius Medical Technologies helped those with MS achieve a significant improvement in balance in a small trial conducted by the FDA, but will the device’s unique mouthpiece design limit its use?Read the full articles here:New Study Suggests Pregnant Women Should Avoid Caffeine Altogether. Here’s WhyPortable Neuromodulation Stimulator Gets FDA Authorization for MS TreatmentFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks, @XtalksMedDeviceInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

COVID-19 Pandemic Anniversary + Cancer Biotech Acquisitions

This podcast was recorded on March 15, 2021In Episode 3 of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, the team reflects on the 1-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ayesha explains how far we’ve come since March 2020 in terms of vaccine development, but discusses the inequities in distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines despite the establishment of the WHO’s COVAX Facility.Ayesha also discusses the four largest cancer biotech acquisitions of 2021 so far, including deals made by Agilent, Takeda and Amgen. The team discusses the potential benefits of these acquisitions and shares results of a study that found that innovation can sometimes be stalled when smaller biotech firms are absorbed by big pharmas.Read the full articles here:Reflections on the 1-Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 PandemicThe 4 Biggest Cancer Biotech Acquisitions of 2021 So FarFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @Xtalks, @XtalksMedDeviceInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Why You Can’t Compare COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacies

This podcast was recorded on March 2, 2021With a number of COVID-19 vaccines now being authorized for use, how do we decide which is the best? Using data from COVID-19 vaccine trials from Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Moderna and J&J, Ayesha explains why vaccine efficacies can't be directly compared — and why vaccine messaging needs to reflect this. Listen to Episode 2 of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast to hear about Mira's experience with getting vaccinated in the UAE, and why "COVID-19 vaccine shopping" should be discouraged.Read the full article here:COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging: Why Vaccine Efficacies Can’t Be Compared and ShoppedFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks, @XtalksMedDeviceInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Mask-Associated Dry Eye + Droplet Micron Insulin Needle

This podcast was recorded on February 23rd, 2021In Episode 1 of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, Sarah discusses a new condition called “Mask-Associated Dry Eye” and Ayesha talks about Droplet Micron, an innovative insulin needle. Tune into this episode to hear a clip from Sarah’s interview with Dr. Richard Hom, optometric director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, who talks about the impact of prolonged screen time on eye health. And hear from Anu Rajora, director of medical marketing at HTL-STREFA, the company behind the innovative Droplet Micron insulin needle, who explains why technology needs to make it easier for patients to adhere to medication schedules.Read the full articles here:Why Mask-Associated Dry Eye Won’t Necessarily Boost Restasis SalesPatient Centricity in Insulin Delivery: Improving the Injection Experience with Droplet MicronFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks, @XtalksMedDeviceInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured