Nicholas Staropoli
Genetic Literacy
New York, NY, United States
Contact Nicholas
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
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Past articles by Nicholas:
Epigenetics Around the Web: Should farmers use vinegar, instead of genetically engineered solutions, to protect crops from drought?
A new study being peddled by anti-GMO activists suggests that table vinegar may be equal or superior to advanced breeding techniques in developing drought-tolerant crops. But a dive into the science says, "not so fast". → Read More
Dicamba Drift Dilemma: Who Carries More Blame, Farmers or Monsanto?
This summer Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee have all restricted the use of the herbicide dicamba. Other states, like Iowa and Georgia, are monitoring the situation closely. This on the heels of a massive lawsuit filed by lawyers representing farmers in ten states against makers of the chemical. How did this herbicide, which was recently billed as part of the solution to a major agricultural… → Read More
FDA Deeming Regulations On E-Cigarettes Postponed: What That Means
People trying to quit smoking won a major battle last week when the FDA announced it would delay implementation of regulations that would have deemed a number of e-cigarette products illegal. So why are some anti-nicotine advocates calling foul? Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb made the announcement on July 28th as part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing nicotine-related deaths in the US.… → Read More
Poop doping: No, elite athletes can't improve performance by optimizing gut bacteria
The sports, science and mainstream media have circulated a scientist's claim that optimizing gut bacteria is the secret to elite athlete's performance. But a closer inspection finds that her ideas may stink. Literally. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Q&A on hype of epigenetics and health link on Reddit Science 'Ask Me Anything'
Epigenetics Literacy Project's Nicholas Staropoli took to Reddit Science to answer questions and debunk myths about the budding, yet controversial, science of epigenetics. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Microbiome boom; and What links Native American repatriations to epigenetics? Nothing
This week’s features: CNN story on UCLA professor botches 'epigenetics and Indians'; and why you shouldn't trust personalized microbiome tests--yet. → Read More
Hiding in plain sight: Is popular image of autism as a male-dominated condition hurting girls?
A commonly cited statistic is that boys have about a 1 in 52 chance of being placed on the autism spectrum. For girls, it’s only 1 in 252-- a five-fold difference. So statistically, autism is biased to men, but is that really the full story? → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Marie Claire's missteps on probiotics and microbiome; Dad's role in fetal health
Missteps on science, journalism and advertising; Overhyping the epigenetic relationship between healthy fathers and healthy children. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: IFL Science doesn't f****** understand how humans 'inherit' modifications
The popular science site IFL Science whiffs at covering a major study; and can we please stop talking about 'space twins' and epigenetics? → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Evolution of instincts — How 'real' is behavioral plasticity?
A researcher's decision to broadcast his controversial hypothesis about the evolution of instincts is irresponsible, and a study throws cold water on the idea of inherited trauma. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Epigenetics and health in 2030, botched vitamin B cure, and more
This week’s features: Vitamin B still won't protect you from air pollution, and epigenetics and the city of 2030. Plus, see what’s trending on the Epigenetics Literacy Project. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, income inequality does not cause epigenetic changes, botching Lamarck, and more
A psychology professor claims that income inequality is causing epigenetic changes and a Huffington Post article on climate change and wine grapes muddles the science of evolution. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, Dr. Sarah Gottfried, we can’t control genes with lifestyle tweaks, and more
This week’s features: An MD is pushing pseudoscience to sell her new book and a word of caution about epigenetics in medicine. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Avoid Craigslist for epigenetics advice; Engineering superhumans
Futurism's claims about the potential of epigenetics to create superhumans are about as scientific as a superhero comic book...and other comic mistakes in reporting about epigenetics. → Read More
Eating local is not sustainable. Solution? Reality check and science
Eating local has not achieved its goal of reducing emissions through fewer food miles. The fix could include embracing genetic engineering. → Read More
Epigenetics Around the Web: Oprah Magazine fumbles 'inherited trauma' story, and more
This week’s features: Writer for Oprah Magazine falls for classic epigenetics pitfalls; life insurance company is using methylation data to shape policy details; new book tackles the question, "What is epigenetics?" → Read More
Enviro activists reject synbio solution for Indonesian palm oil-orangutan crisis
Expanding palm oil demand has increased rain forest deforestation in places like Indonesia. Synthetic biology has a solution: genetically engineered yeast and bacteria. But why do environmentalists reject it? → Read More
Fact checking pHony water
An old, and weakened Mahatma Gandhi went 21 days without eating. Other reports have humans living as many as 40 days without food. But to go this long without food, people still have to consume water. Seven days is believed to be the most a person can go without water, but some estimates put that length at closer to three. We are 60 percent water and we need to keep it that way by consuming as… → Read More