Alison Bernstein, Author at SciMoms

Ask SciMoms: How do you treat head lice?

July 17, 2018December 11, 2018 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Health

This post outlines safe, effective options for lice removal.

Spice rack with a variety of brands and types of spices.

Defining Safety: How Safe is Safe?

April 26, 2018February 2, 2019 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

Safety as a scientific concept is widely misunderstood. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of safety as defined by the FDA and EPA, and we'll define the concepts of GRAS and minimal risk.

Risk in perspective infographic showing population risk is not individual risk. The general population includes people who are genetically predisposed to disease and those who have a protective genotype.

Risk In Perspective: Population risk does not equal individual risk

April 4, 2018February 2, 2019 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

This series is a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in detail. This series is cross-posted on SciMoms and Thoughtscapism. We tend to think in very small … Continue reading Risk In Perspective: Population risk does not equal individual risk

Chart titled the Risk landscape with risk ratio as the y axis. Trees and grass represent different risks with bigger plants as bigger risks, such as smoking as the largest risk and radon as one of the smallest.

Risk In Perspective: Zero Risk Is an Impossible Dream

March 19, 2018February 2, 2019 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

This post on zero risk and reducing risk is part of a series written as a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in detail. This series is … Continue reading Risk In Perspective: Zero Risk Is an Impossible Dream

Dirty metal door with pink paint splatters and a sign that reads "Danger: Inorganic arsenic cancer hazard authorized personnel only no smoking or eating respirator required".

Risk In Perspective: Hazards Are Not All Created Equal

March 8, 2018October 18, 2018 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

This series is a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in detail. This series is cross-posted on SciMoms and Thoughtscapism. Alison and Iida would like to thank … Continue reading Risk In Perspective: Hazards Are Not All Created Equal

Simple infographic. On the left is hazard, something that can potentially cause harm, with a drawing of a shark. On the right is risk = hazard + exposure with a drawing of a shark approaching a drawing of a swimmer.

Risk In Perspective: Hazard And Risk Are Different

February 27, 2018December 10, 2019 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

This post on hazard and risk is part of a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in detail. This series is cross-posted on SciMoms and Thoughtscapism. The … Continue reading Risk In Perspective: Hazard And Risk Are Different

Red outlined diamonds showing different types of hazards, such as fire, poison, and corrosion.

Risk In Perspective

February 22, 2018October 19, 2018 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Risk

This series is a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in detail. This series is cross-posted on SciMoms and Thoughtscapism. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook … Continue reading Risk In Perspective

Artistic rendering of the human brain with feathery neural networks in aqua and blue shades.

SciMoms Chats: Pfizer closes neuroscience division

January 13, 2018October 18, 2018 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Health

SciMoms chats are a series of articles based on our everyday conversations. Today, the SciMoms discussed the continuing trend of pharmaceutical companies closing their neuroscience divisions. Alison is a neuroscientist who studies the role of epigenetics in Parkinson’s disease. Layla is a molecular geneticist who works in the biotech sector. The original conversation has been edited … Continue reading SciMoms Chats: Pfizer closes neuroscience division

Different types of medication, including silver blister packs, small green liqui-gels, and red and white capsules.

SciMoms Chats: Placebos and Compassion

December 14, 2017February 2, 2019 by Alison Bernstein, posted in Health

SciMoms Chats are a series of articles based on our SciMoms chat. Yesterday, we discussed placebos after reading a new study about the efficacy of acupuncture for pain relief in cancer patients. The original conversation has been edited for clarity and references added where needed. Alison: This study is interesting: (Acupuncture in cancer study reignites … Continue reading SciMoms Chats: Placebos and Compassion