We look back at some of the more questionable science-related claims from 2016 on topics such as climate change, Zika, GMOs, marijuana and the human mind.
FactChecking Science in 2016
Issues: Zika virus
Does Zika Cause Blindness?
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid claimed that Zika “affects everyone” — not just pregnant women and their babies — because recent research found that it “causes people to go blind.” That’s false.
Clinton’s Trumped Up Zika Claim
Hillary Clinton falsely claimed that “my opponent in this race, his campaign officials” have called Zika “an insignificant issue.” That was said by an unpaid local supporter of Donald Trump. Trump himself has called Zika a “big problem.”
SciCheck Speaks with WHYY
FactCheck.org’s SciCheck writer, Vanessa Schipani, spoke with WHYY radio host Dave Heller about topics she has covered in recent articles.
What Zika Means for Americans
During floor addresses urging Congress to act on President Obama’s $1.9 billion request for emergency funds to combat the Zika virus, a number of senators made claims that were either misleading or lacked context.
Video: Male and Female Mosquitoes
FlackCheck.org’s latest video explains the difference between male and female mosquitoes when it comes to transmission of viruses, like Zika.
Video: What Mosquitoes Carry Zika?
This video from FlackCheck.org answers questions about mosquitoes and the Zika virus.
GMOs Didn’t Cause Zika Outbreak
Q: Did genetically modified mosquitoes cause the Zika outbreak?
A: No. In fact, GM mosquitoes may be able to help control the virus’ spread.
The Facts About Zika
Several members of Congress wrote to government officials about the recent Zika virus outbreak in Brazil and a suspected rise there in the number of microcephaly cases. But some of those letters overstated what’s known about these two phenomena.