Health fact-checks
Infact's fact-checks in Health, newest first. Each links to a full verdict with a 0–100 accuracy score and cited evidence.
- 81 Oribe's Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo has been recalled due to bacterial concerns, specifically Pluralibacter gergoviae, which poses little risk to healthy individuals but may affect those with weakened immune systems.
- 70 The website discusses the mental health services provided by McChord Clinic to support Airmen, including details about the clinic's staffing, budget, and appointment offerings.
- 92 The website reports that the Ebola death toll in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 500, with at least 506 deaths and 1,561 confirmed cases. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine or treatment. A clinical trial for two treatments has begun.
- 92 The website reports a cluster of Legionnaires' disease in NYC's Upper East Side with 23 cases, 17 hospitalizations, and no deaths. The likely source is a cooling tower. A similar outbreak in Harlem last year resulted in seven deaths and 114 illnesses.
- 72 San Diego County health officials confirmed the first locally acquired case of Chagas disease, which is more common in rural Latin America. The disease can cause serious complications, and the county made it reportable in 2024 to raise awareness.
- 94 Oribe shampoo was recalled due to the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria, affecting certain lots sold in the U.S. and Canada.
- 79 Shampoo sold nationwide by a Cincinnati-based company was recalled due to potential contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae. The bacteria poses little risk to healthy individuals but may affect those with weakened immune systems. Microsoft plans to cut 4,800 jobs worldwide.
- 62 The text discusses abuse of power in the German healthcare system, with almost half of doctors facing such abuse, including sexual harassment and intimidation. It highlights that male executives are often harassed and that these issues are suppressed due to fear of consequences.
- 45 Denis Vasurin appears to be 14 years old but is actually 32 due to a genetic malfunction that stopped his aging in his teens. He is otherwise healthy.
- 61 The text claims that increased sunlight exposure raises testosterone levels in men.
- 46 The text suggests that if you stop feeling thirsty, you need to drink water urgently, and that dehydration causes the thirst mechanism to shut down.
- 91 Virginia health officials warn that heat is causing medical issues for hundreds.
- 56 RFK Jr. attempted to transform the CDC and take over the vaccine panel, described as 'pure chaos' by a former official.
- 60 Cheap sunglasses may not block UV rays, potentially causing eye damage.
- 72 Wearing skinny jeans can cause nerve damage in your legs, known as 'tingling thigh syndrome.'
- 50 25% of women have one breast larger than the other by at least one cup size.
- 73 Virtua Health uses AI to improve patient care, achieving significant improvements in sepsis identification, heart failure detection, and reducing patient stays.
- 72 The website discusses an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, with over 225 cases confirmed. The source of the outbreak is unknown, and cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics. The FDA estimates 48 million food-borne illness cases annually in the U.S., leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.
- 71 The website discusses the severe impact of brain drain on Yemen's healthcare system, highlighting shortages of medical staff, lack of access to care, and the recruitment of foreign doctors.
- 68 The website discusses the re-funding of Planned Parenthood through Medicaid, the closure of clinics, and the political reactions from conservative groups.
- 84 The website discusses Uganda's efforts to manage an Ebola outbreak, highlighting the challenges of stigma and misinformation, and the role of health workers in community reintegration.
- 72 The website reports on a diarrhea-causing parasite, Cyclospora, contaminating raw produce and causing illness across several US states, with 145 cases reported nationwide and significant increases in Michigan and New York. No single multistate outbreak has been identified.
- 63 Veronica Seider reportedly had exceptional visual acuity, allowing her to identify people over a mile away, and earned a Guinness World Record for smallest visible object.
- 46 Staring at a wall for 10 minutes is claimed to improve productivity and short attention span.
- 46 Crushed cockroaches may reduce pain when applied to wounds.
- 77 In 2001, Russia had more abortions than live births, with 2.11 million abortions compared to 1.31 million live births.
- 53 Sober Sue, a performer in the early 1900s, never laughed despite a $1,000 challenge due to facial paralysis.
- 54 Having sons may make a mother's age faster, according to a study.
- 80 Guidelines for handling a fallen permanent tooth include acting within 30 minutes, holding it by the white part, rinsing with milk, attempting to reposition it, and visiting a dentist immediately.
- 50 The text claims that legumes stimulate substances in the body that enhance brain impulses, potentially increasing intelligence.
- 76 The website reports the launch of Quibim's QP-Breast MRI tool in Europe and the UK, designed to detect breast cancer more efficiently. It highlights the prevalence of breast cancer, the regulatory compliance of the tool, and the operational requirements of MRI scanners.
- 78 Wayne County health officials are tracking 27 potential cyclosporiasis cases amid a growing outbreak in Michigan, which has affected over 300 people statewide. The illness is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, often linked to contaminated fresh produce.
- 61 The text discusses opposition from over 300 beverage companies against a proposed sugar tax in Germany, citing concerns over increased business and consumer costs. The government plans to introduce a levy on sweetened beverages in 2028 as part of its financial plans, aiming to reduce sugar consumption. Health links to sugary foods and industry adjustments in product formulations are noted.
- 42 Buckwheat may make people smarter by reducing cholesterol levels by 10%, preventing vascular dementia, and improving brain blood flow.
- 72 The text states that eating quickly prevents your body from realizing when it's full, leading to overeating.
- 75 From 1898 to 1910, children's cough medicine was made from heroin.
- 31 Bananas are said to be the only fruit that even babies are not allergic to.
- 75 A parasite causing watery diarrhea is spreading across the U.S., infecting over 140 people, with the largest concentration in New York. The CDC reports 145 cases between May 1 and June 16, with 20 hospitalizations. The infections are spread across 17 states.
- 67 The website reports confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in Lucas County, Ohio, linked to fresh produce, with an increase in cases since June 1. The illness is common in developing countries and symptoms develop within two to 14 days.
- 50 The text states that red wine was used in ancient times for cleaning teeth and gums.
- 50 The text discusses misconceptions about alcohol's effect on body temperature, stating alcohol is believed to raise it but actually lowers it.
- 56 The number of deaths from the heat in France has reached one thousand, mainly affecting those 65 years and older, with most deaths occurring in the region of Ile-de-France. The heat has also impacted nuclear reactors in Hungary, Switzerland, and France, leading to reduced electricity production and increased electricity prices across Europe.
- 50 Pruno, also called prison wine or prison hooch, is an alcoholic drink made in prisons by fermenting sugary foods. It has varying alcohol levels and food safety risks, including botulism.
- 50 Musicomania is described as a condition where a person's passion for music hinders their ability to function.
- 70 Fatal familial insomnia is a rare and severe disease where a protein mutation in the brain prevents sleep, leading to death and body deterioration.
- 68 Discussion on the challenges of hate speech, freedom of expression, and their impact globally and in Georgia.
- 53 Germany faces potential record-breaking heatwaves up to 44°C, risking public health, especially in Berlin and Bavaria, with expected high UV radiation levels.
- 59 European trade unions demand mandatory hydration breaks at work due to heat risks similar to FIFA World Cup measures. The risk of death increases significantly with high temperatures. Germany expects high heat.
- 71 The text states that sleeping less than six hours a day increases the likelihood of mental problems.
- 74 Peeing in chlorine water can create chemicals that irritate eyes, causing them to sting in swimming pools.
- 68 Doctors in the United States injected a virus that could defeat a malignant tumor.
- 82 The text discusses the dangers of minerals like asbestos, cinnabar, galena, torbernite, orpiment, and hutchinsonite due to their toxic or radioactive properties.
- 40 The text suggests love is healthier than gym workouts, but combining both leads to great results.
- 68 Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital has been certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, which developed the program with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The hospital joined Vanderbilt Health in 2021 and has received numerous accreditations.
- 72 The website reports a nationwide recall of blood pressure medication due to potential ineffectiveness, highlights a significant increase in high blood pressure rates among children over 20 years, and notes that more than 11,000 bottles of the medication have been recalled.
- 83 The website reports that over 11,000 bottles of chlorthalidone, a blood pressure medication, have been recalled due to dissolution issues that may affect effectiveness. The recall involves specific NDC codes and batch numbers, with an expiration date of April 2027.
- 82 The website reports a nationwide recall of over 11,000 bottles of Chlorthalidone blood pressure medication due to a manufacturing issue, initiated by Inventia Healthcare Limited. The recall affects bottles distributed by Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. due to dissolution failures.
- 88 The text states that the most expensive drug in the world costs $2.1 million per injection and that Zolgensma is a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
- 67 The text claims that black chocolate promotes blood flow to important brain areas for 2-3 hours.
- 38 The text asserts that vaping nicotine is worse than smoking cigarettes.
- 21 The text suggests that nicotine-mimicking molecules could be effective as anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
- 53 Nicotine is stated to potentially lessen symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
- 67 Nicotine may reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
- 84 The website discusses the renewal of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, efforts by Iran and the U.S. to negotiate a broader deal, President Trump's G7 appearance, and aid arriving in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the Ebola outbreak.
- 72 The website discusses recent scientific breakthroughs, including a preference in human turning direction, the creation of nuclear clocks, a brain implant for ALS communication, a meteorite impact discovery in Australia, and the identification of autism subtypes.
- 68 The website reports on beach closures in multiple U.S. states due to high bacteria levels, with specific mentions of Massachusetts and Washington state. It also highlights a report stating that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels in 2024.
- 33 In Malaysia, beer is believed to prevent infant illnesses, and newborns are often bathed in it.
- 54 Alcoholic beverages are claimed to force you to think more about the bad than the good because they are a depressant.
- 52 In Berlin, 789 medical errors were reported, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. The majority involved surgery, followed by dentistry and maxillofacial, gynecology and obstetrics, and patient care. Only a third of cases were investigated. There is a call for a unified register of medical errors.
- 52 The text states that women's brains need more sleep than men's.
- 67 The website discusses a study finding that while most TikTok sunscreen content is accurate, misinformation tends to go viral. It highlights that misinformation includes claims about sunscreen being toxic and hormone-disrupting, and notes the rise of skin cancer globally.
- 70 The text suggests alcohol does not cause forgetfulness but leads to temporary memory loss when extremely drunk.
- 41 The text states that more than 8,000 children die of hunger every day.
- 70 Our mouths produce more saliva before vomiting to protect teeth from erosion due to strong stomach acid.
- 49 The text states that eating one apple a day reduces the risk of kidney stones by 43 percent.
- 39 The text questions whether Slim Tide leads to weight loss.
- 31 An incredible man born without a lower jaw defied the odds and found his true soulmate.
- 42 The text asserts that clean hair grows faster than dirty hair.
- 38 A bio-fascist technocracy is emerging on the ruins of neoliberalism, with the German populace reportedly exhausted by current crises. Repression against government opposition is suggested to have been initiated by NATO, as detailed in their 2023 Vilnius summit, with the EU agenda from 2024 to 2029 promising resilience. Additionally, it is claimed that Germany is bound to secret NATO goals.
- 65 The website discusses the potential of graphene quantum dots as an alternative to antibiotics, highlighting their ability to kill bacteria with light and their effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains.
- 65 Spicy foods are said to aid in digesting fatty foods and stimulate the appetite.
- 74 The text states that you can't kill yourself by holding your breath.
- 47 Cataplexy is described as a rare sleep disorder where sufferers fall asleep whenever they laugh.
- 64 Maggot treatment, known as larval therapy, can save limbs from amputation by dissolving dead tissue, destroying bacteria, and promoting healing.
- 66 Coffee provides a quick alertness boost due to caffeine, whereas apples offer sustained energy with natural sugars and fiber. Choose coffee for a fast energy spike and apples for prolonged energy.
- 75 A shooting in Midland, Texas resulted in at least one death and 10 injuries. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, was wanted for attempted capital murder and barricaded himself in a building before being found dead. Nine victims were hospitalized, with four undergoing surgeries.
- 31 A Hong Kong woman lost 10 years of memories temporarily due to straining on the toilet during constipation.
- 79 The text states that implants in artificial breasts need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
- 56 The text states that cherries stimulate liver and kidney function and improve blood circulation.
- 74 Misophonia means 'Hatred of Sound'. It can be triggered by sounds like chewing and can cause reactions from discomfort to violence. It's said to share symptoms with Autism and PTSD but is not medically recognized yet.
- 50 The text describes Maladaptive Daydreaming as a mental disorder causing excessive daydreaming as a defense mechanism due to trauma, typically from abuse.
- 26 1% of women can experience orgasm from brushing their teeth.
- 79 The website states that a new study finds people who do a variety of exercises live longer, even if they don't work out more.
- 73 The website discusses a study by Northwestern University revealing that one in three middle-aged American adults struggle with health literacy, impacting their ability to manage chronic conditions. The study highlights the need for improved health education and simplified patient materials.
- 74 The website discusses a new clinical guideline that links care for heart, kidney, and metabolic diseases under the CKM syndrome framework, highlighting its prevalence and the need for coordinated care.
- 45 The text discusses the Greens' proposals in Germany to reduce alcohol consumption, including restrictions on youth access, advertising bans, and a tax based on alcohol content.
- 65 The text claims that a parasite affects half of the planet, impacting brain functions and encouraging risky behaviors. It connects Toxoplasma gondii, spread by cats, to increased dopamine production and risky behaviors. WHO states it infects 30-50% worldwide.
- 49 Scientists have confirmed that ultra-processed food like chips, sodas, and sweets is addictive, affecting the brain like drugs. Studies across 36 countries show these foods cause strong cravings and loss of control. Products are designed to stimulate pleasure stronger than ordinary food, with examples like milkshakes causing a dopamine surge. Manufacturers target children to create lifelong customers. Scientists call for official recognition of food addiction and protection similar to tobacco and alcohol.
- 65 The text suggests that non-alcoholic beer is a natural isotonic that helps in rehydration and microelement replenishment, and that many athletes use it.
- 56 A man in China had a 20 foot long tapeworm living in his small intestine for at least 2 years after frequently eating raw beef.
