Downside Effects

We Have Concerns - A podcast by Jeff Cannata/Anthony Carboni - Mondays

When a harmless placebo becomes effective, it becomes harmful, too, causing side-effects seen in actual therapies. In a new study exploring this mysterious “nocebo effect,” researchers pinpoint regions of the brain that seem to be behind phantom injuries. They also assess factors—framing and price—that can increase the potency of the effect. Jeff and Anthony discuss this phenomenon and what it means for skeptical thinking.

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