Summary: <br> The government puts fluoride in our drinking water. What is the evidence that this is safe? We examine two studies that purport to show a connection between fluoride in our water and both thyroid disease and lower IQ. We also learn a little about so-called “ecological” studies, some stuff about statistics, and whose name is the earliest in recorded history. So let’s get our learn on, people.<br> Links from today’s episode:<br> <br> * The full clip from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr2bSL5VQgM">Dr Strangelove</a><br> * <a href="http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2015/02/09/jech-2014-204971.abstract">Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water</a><br> * <a href="http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1104912/">Developmental Fluoride Neurotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis</a><br> * <a href="http://theconversation.com/flawed-study-overstates-link-between-fluoride-and-ill-health-experts-37973">Flawed study overstates link between fluoride and ill health: experts</a><br> * <a href="http://jech.bmj.com/content/69/7/617.full">Water fluoridation and hypothyroidism: results of this study need much more cautious interpretation</a><br> * <a href="http://ilikemyteeth.org/debunking-unreliable-claims-the-harvard-study/">Debunking Unreliable Claims: The “Harvard study”</a><br> * <a href="http://coursethreads.berkeley.edu/media/video/birth-writing-kushim-tablet">The Birth of Writing: The Kushim Tablet</a><br> <br> <br>
