Well Informed
@wellinformedfacts.bsky.social
🔍 We separate scientific facts from viral fiction. Evidence-based answers to help you make informed health choices.
From @politifact.bsky.social and @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
👇 Fact-check your health: politifact.com/well-informed/
From @politifact.bsky.social and @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
👇 Fact-check your health: politifact.com/well-informed/
For a lot of Americans, the first time they heard the letters “mRNA” was during the early, panic-filled months of the COVID-19 pandemic, as scientists raced to develop a vaccine. mRNA is making headlines again because it shows promise to treat cancer. #mRNA #cancer #MRNACancerVaccine
September 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
For a lot of Americans, the first time they heard the letters “mRNA” was during the early, panic-filled months of the COVID-19 pandemic, as scientists raced to develop a vaccine. mRNA is making headlines again because it shows promise to treat cancer. #mRNA #cancer #MRNACancerVaccine
Oncologists are hoping to use personalized mRNA vaccines to treat cancer. It involves creating a vaccine that teaches the body’s immune system to recognize cancer cells and try to kill them. #cancer #cancerresearch #cancertreatment #mRNA politifact.com/article/2026...
Why mRNA vaccines are giving cancer patients hope
Oncologists are hoping to use personalized mRNA vaccines to treat cancer. It involves creating a vaccine that teaches the body’s immune system to recognize cancer cells and try to kill them.
politifact.com
September 9, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Oncologists are hoping to use personalized mRNA vaccines to treat cancer. It involves creating a vaccine that teaches the body’s immune system to recognize cancer cells and try to kill them. #cancer #cancerresearch #cancertreatment #mRNA politifact.com/article/2026...
Seeing headlines about the sweetener xylitol being linked to risk of heart attack and stroke? It's more complicated than that, and may have to do with the xylitol our own bodies produce rather than what we eat. Here's what you should know. #Xylitol #ArtificialSweeteners#HeartHealth #WellInformed
September 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Seeing headlines about the sweetener xylitol being linked to risk of heart attack and stroke? It's more complicated than that, and may have to do with the xylitol our own bodies produce rather than what we eat. Here's what you should know. #Xylitol #ArtificialSweeteners#HeartHealth #WellInformed
Seeing headlines about the sweetener xylitol being linked to risk of heart attack and stroke? It's more complicated than that, and may have to do with the xylitol our own bodies produce rather than what we eat. #xylitol #sweeteners #hearthealth
Why you shouldn’t stress about the sweetener xylitol yet
Seeing headlines about the sweetener xylitol being linked to risk of heart attack and stroke? It's more complicated than that, and may have to do with the xylitol our own bodies produce rather than…
politifact.com
September 4, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Seeing headlines about the sweetener xylitol being linked to risk of heart attack and stroke? It's more complicated than that, and may have to do with the xylitol our own bodies produce rather than what we eat. #xylitol #sweeteners #hearthealth
Pennsylvania health officials announced two “measles-associated” deaths. A day later RFK Jr. called the deaths possibly “fabricated.” We dissect the dispute. #MeaslesOutbreak #LancasterCounty #Pennsylvania
Dissecting RFK Jr. and PA Gov. Josh Shapiro’s measles dispute
Pennsylvania health officials announced two “measles-associated” deaths. A day later RFK Jr. called the deaths possibly “fabricated.” We dissect the dispute.
politifact.com
September 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Pennsylvania health officials announced two “measles-associated” deaths. A day later RFK Jr. called the deaths possibly “fabricated.” We dissect the dispute. #MeaslesOutbreak #LancasterCounty #Pennsylvania
With U.S. measles cases on the rise, we looked at data that tells a story about vaccine confidence and vaccination rates. politifact.com/article/2026...
August 31, 2026 at 6:01 PM
With U.S. measles cases on the rise, we looked at data that tells a story about vaccine confidence and vaccination rates. politifact.com/article/2026...
So long, continuous scroll? Here are 6 ways Meta agreed to change Facebook and Instagram for U.S. teens. The changes are the result of a $17.1 billion lawsuit settlement Meta reached with states over claims its social media media platforms endangered kids. #MetaSettlement #TeenSafety #OnlineSafety
August 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM
So long, continuous scroll? Here are 6 ways Meta agreed to change Facebook and Instagram for U.S. teens. The changes are the result of a $17.1 billion lawsuit settlement Meta reached with states over claims its social media media platforms endangered kids. #MetaSettlement #TeenSafety #OnlineSafety
Registering as an organ donor is typically legally binding and means you might donate organs and tissues including your heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, eyes and corneas. But few are actually chosen. Here’s a look at what’s involved in the organ donation process. politifact.com/article/2026...
August 25, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Registering as an organ donor is typically legally binding and means you might donate organs and tissues including your heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, eyes and corneas. But few are actually chosen. Here’s a look at what’s involved in the organ donation process. politifact.com/article/2026...
Have AOC’s social media posts piqued your curiosity about egg freezing? Scientific advancements have made it a more viable fertility option in the last two decades. Here’s how it works and what it costs.
Want to freeze your eggs? Here’s what to know
Have AOC’s social media posts piqued your curiosity about egg freezing? Scientific advancements have made it a more viable fertility option in the last two decades. Here’s how it works and what it…
politifact.com
August 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Have AOC’s social media posts piqued your curiosity about egg freezing? Scientific advancements have made it a more viable fertility option in the last two decades. Here’s how it works and what it costs.
Is anyone measuring the amount of liquid injected in a person's body over the course of routine childhood vaccines? Yes, and spoiler alert: It's not soda bottles full. #vaccines #childhoodvaccines #wellinformedfacts
August 18, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Is anyone measuring the amount of liquid injected in a person's body over the course of routine childhood vaccines? Yes, and spoiler alert: It's not soda bottles full. #vaccines #childhoodvaccines #wellinformedfacts
After a woman’s emotional testimony about SSRIs went viral, we looked into what is known and unknown about “post-SSRI sexual dysfunction.” It’s not a formal diagnosis and research is sparse. politifact.com/article/2026...
What we know about sexual function after antidepressants
After a woman’s emotional testimony about SSRIs went viral, we looked into what is known and unknown about “post-SSRI sexual dysfunction.” It’s not a formal diagnosis and research is sparse.
politifact.com
July 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
After a woman’s emotional testimony about SSRIs went viral, we looked into what is known and unknown about “post-SSRI sexual dysfunction.” It’s not a formal diagnosis and research is sparse. politifact.com/article/2026...
Confused by mixed messages on cyclosporiasis? With unprecedented case numbers and more than one outbreak, here’s what you can do.
July 30, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Confused by mixed messages on cyclosporiasis? With unprecedented case numbers and more than one outbreak, here’s what you can do.
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating mixed messages on this unpleasant illness.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Sorting through the mixed messages on cyclosporiasis
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating…
politifact.com
July 28, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating mixed messages on this unpleasant illness.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating mixed messages on this unpleasant illness.
Sorting through the mixed messages on cyclosporiasis
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating…
politifact.com
July 28, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Yes, US officials linked lettuce from one farm to cyclosporiasis. But rising cases are the result of multiple outbreaks, and not all of them have been traced to a source. Here’s advice for navigating mixed messages on this unpleasant illness.
The annual health assessment for members of the military will soon include required screening for testosterone deficiency. But when it comes to testosterone levels, scientists don’t agree on a single value that is too low.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
What’s testosterone replacement therapy and who needs it?
The annual health assessment for members of the military will soon include required screening for testosterone deficiency. But when it comes to testosterone levels, scientists don’t agree on a single…
politifact.com
July 25, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The annual health assessment for members of the military will soon include required screening for testosterone deficiency. But when it comes to testosterone levels, scientists don’t agree on a single value that is too low.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Many Americans support switching to year-round daylight saving time to see more sunshine. But doctors and sleep experts say that schedule can disrupt our circadian rhythms and long-term health. Here’s why.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Why doctors say permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea
Many Americans support switching to year-round daylight saving time to see more sunshine. But doctors and sleep experts say that schedule can disrupt our circadian rhythms and long-term health.…
politifact.com
July 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Many Americans support switching to year-round daylight saving time to see more sunshine. But doctors and sleep experts say that schedule can disrupt our circadian rhythms and long-term health. Here’s why.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious bacterial pneumonia most often spread when someone breathes in water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria. It’s not spread from person to person. Here are 4 facts.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
4 facts during a deadly NYC Legionnaires’ outbreak
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious bacterial pneumonia most often spread when someone breathes in water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria. It’s not spread from person to person. Here are…
politifact.com
July 24, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious bacterial pneumonia most often spread when someone breathes in water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria. It’s not spread from person to person. Here are 4 facts.
politifact.com/article/2026...
politifact.com/article/2026...
Ever bought a new type of soda and realized it was an herbal “mood” drink or “social tonic?” They’re sold next to soft drinks, but these drinks contain herbal supplements, some of which can interact with common medications and health conditions.
Common herbs in “social tonics” can interact with meds
Ever bought a new type of soda and realized it was an herbal “mood” drink or “social tonic?” They’re sold next to soft drinks, but these drinks contain herbal supplements, some of which can interact…
politifact.com
July 23, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Ever bought a new type of soda and realized it was an herbal “mood” drink or “social tonic?” They’re sold next to soft drinks, but these drinks contain herbal supplements, some of which can interact with common medications and health conditions.
Kratom is an herbal extract that has both stimulant and opiate-like properties, depending on how much someone takes. Toxicology and addiction experts warn that kratom products can be addictive and too much can lead to an overdose.
What is kratom and where is it illegal in the US?
Kratom is an herbal extract that has both stimulant and opiate-like properties, depending on how much someone takes. Toxicology and addiction experts warn that kratom products can be addictive and…
www.politifact.com
July 23, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Kratom is an herbal extract that has both stimulant and opiate-like properties, depending on how much someone takes. Toxicology and addiction experts warn that kratom products can be addictive and too much can lead to an overdose.
We don’t yet know what caused outbreaks of a GI distress-causing parasitic disease. But here’s what you can do to protect yourself.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms and common causes amid 2026 outbreak
We don’t yet know what caused outbreaks of a GI distress-causing parasitic disease. But here’s what you can do to protect yourself.
www.politifact.com
July 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM
We don’t yet know what caused outbreaks of a GI distress-causing parasitic disease. But here’s what you can do to protect yourself.
Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug retatrutide isn’t FDA approved, but one patient got access through a “compassionate use” pathway. What is compassionate use and what is this experimental drug? We’ve got answers.
A primer on retatrutide and compassionate use
Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug retatrutide isn’t FDA approved, but one patient got access through a “compassionate use” pathway. What is compassionate use and what is this experimental drug? We’ve got…
www.politifact.com
July 22, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug retatrutide isn’t FDA approved, but one patient got access through a “compassionate use” pathway. What is compassionate use and what is this experimental drug? We’ve got answers.
Bemotrizinol has been around a long time, but this is the first time U.S. sunscreen manufacturers will be allowed to use it. Decades of use elsewhere show it’s safe.
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
US sunscreens enter a new age with bemotrizinol
Surprised by word of a newly FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient? Bemotrizinol has been around a long time, but this is the first time U.S. sunscreen manufacturers will be allowed to use it. Decades of…
www.politifact.com
July 21, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Bemotrizinol has been around a long time, but this is the first time U.S. sunscreen manufacturers will be allowed to use it. Decades of use elsewhere show it’s safe.
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
Did you know that certain common medications can make you more vulnerable to heat strokes? Here’s what you need to know about heat stroke, how it’s different from heat exhaustion, and how to stay safe this summer.
Tips to spot — and prevent — a heat stroke this summer
Did you know that certain common medications can make you more vulnerable to heat strokes? Here’s what you need to know about heat stroke, how it’s different from heat exhaustion, and how to stay…
www.politifact.com
July 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Did you know that certain common medications can make you more vulnerable to heat strokes? Here’s what you need to know about heat stroke, how it’s different from heat exhaustion, and how to stay safe this summer.
Are headlines about infectious disease outbreaks making you nervous about your summer vacation plans? Here’s how to stay healthy while traveling — and what to do if you get sick.
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
Traveling this summer? Tips on how to avoid getting sick
Are headlines about infectious disease outbreaks making you nervous about your summer vacation plans? Here’s how to stay healthy while traveling — and what to do if you get sick.
www.politifact.com
July 20, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Are headlines about infectious disease outbreaks making you nervous about your summer vacation plans? Here’s how to stay healthy while traveling — and what to do if you get sick.
www.politifact.com/article/2026...
www.politifact.com/article/2026...