This year, SciCheck writer Vanessa Schipani has appeared on NBC10 in Philadelphia several times to discuss some of her stories.
Tilapia
On Aug. 13, Schipani discussed deceptive articles that claim bacon is healthier than tilapia.
Many of these articles argue the fish lacks essential nutrients and can increase the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. But there is no solid evidence that eating tilapia increases the risk of either of these diseases. Tilapia is also a low-fat source of protein and a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium.
For SciCheck’s full analysis, see our story “Is Bacon Better for Your Than Tilapia?”
E-cigarettes
On June 1, Schipani discussed an article circulating on the web that claims e-cigarettes cause an incurable respiratory disease called “popcorn lung.” The vapor of some e-cigarettes contains a chemical associated with popcorn lung, but there’s not enough evidence to conclude the devices cause the disease, Schipani told NBC.
For SciCheck’s full analysis, see our story “The Facts on E-Cigarettes.”
Paris Agreement
On March 30, Schipani covered claims made by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt about the Paris Agreement.
Pruitt said China and India are “the largest producers of CO2 internationally.” China emits the most per kiloton, followed by the United States. Per person, the U.S. emits more than twice as much as China and over eight times more than India.
Pruitt also claimed that China and India don’t “have to take steps until 2030” under the Paris Agreement. But both countries would have to take steps before 2030 to meet goals they set for that year.
For SciCheck’s full analysis, see our story “Pruitt on the Paris Accord.”
Autism
On Feb. 24, Schipani discussed whether there has been a “tremendous” increase in autism in U.S. children, as President Donald Trump claimed.
There has been a significant increase in the reported cases of autism, but scientists aren’t sure if this is due to a broadening of the disorder’s definition and greater efforts in diagnosis or an actual increase in the number of individuals who have autism, Schipani told NBC. But research suggests that a large portion, if not the majority, of the reported cases in recent years is not due to an actual increase.
For SciCheck’s full analysis, see our story “Has Autism Prevalence Increased?“
These news videos are part of FactCheck.org’s partnership with NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal, to produce weekly fact-checking segments for local NBC stations across the country.