Daily Junction Play
641watching now
CrashCourse 17 Mar 2026 19 here now

What Happens When Science Clashes with the Public?: Crash Course Scientific Thinking #7

We know smoking causes cancer. But the journey to that knowledge is way wilder than you think. In our last episode of Crash Course Scientific Thinking, we’ll explore what happens when scientific resea

For You

Because of what you watch

Comments (30)

Daily Junction discussion mixed with clearly attributed comments from the original video provider.

Join in — free. Comments on Daily Junction are for members, so real names stay rare and bots stay out.

One field. We email you a 6-digit code — no password needed. Your comment is kept while you do it.

Under 13? You’ll need a parent’s OK first — it takes them one click.

@
This is a perfect example of how capitalistic ideals favor making money so much more than the lives of the consumers. Buy an addictive product that can kill you, but don’t worry, it’ll cost so much more money to get (possibly unhelpful) help for your illnesses!
@
I love that Sage still got in the video anyway
@
Thanks to Hank and everyone at crash course for this lesson in science!! 😃👍
@
@KingsleyIII From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 488
If your cigarettes are "fresh as mountain air," they're probably referring to a mountain that has an active forest fire on it.
@
Didn't the research into smoking happen at/around the same time as the research into the effects of asbestos? Seeing as they have similar effects (lung cancer), it would be really interesting to hear about the intersection of the two (if there was an intersection).
@
Wow! Crash course keeps getting better and better! Amazing class. Thank yall.
@
I want there to be stronger legislation regarding penalties for corporations and governmental agencies who have been found to deliberately lied/spread disinformation harmful to the public good.

I'm looking at you, big oil.
@
@iqandreas From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 31
How do I, as an ordinary Joe, know what actually is the scientific consensus? If I'm told in the media "scientists disagree about this!", how do I know if that is true, or if that disagreement is manufactured?
@
Comment for the algorithm. This needs a boost. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.
@
Remember kids: Big Tobacco regulated itself, so it could pick the terms instead of the experts.
@
@amk-243 From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 360
this was an incredible series. please consider doing another on how we debunk false science: climate deniers, flat earthers, anti-vaxxers, tylenol skeptics, etc.
@
@adpirtle From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 21
I think it's important to note that it's not just cigarette smoke that kills cilia. Marijuana smoke does the same thing. Fortunately, most people who smoke marijuana aren't inhaling the the equivalent of a pack a day.
@
@bhangela From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 11
THIS IS THE LAST EPISODE???? I'm so sad.... i feel like this could be at least double the episodes! thank you crash course for making this series anyway. it'll be a good starting point for anyone :)
@
The same situation with the tobacco industry and cancer currently exists within the oil industry and climate change.

We just haven't reached the end of that story yet, and it may have far more sweeping consequences than a financial settlement and some misleading propaganda...
@
Thank you! This is one of the best, most needed series like this right now. Fantastic job!
@
@faenarae_ From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 29
10:35 More Sage? Yes, please!
@
I cannot stress enough how crucial complexly has been in nurturing scientific thinking in me for years now. I am so grateful to this community for keeping me motivated as I apply for PhD positions myself.
@
Thank you!
@
So glad you guys did this series! Agnotology for the masses!
@
And we had the "scientific case studies" of 98 year old uncle William who smoked his whole life, and was still running the marathon. 😂
@
loved this course! thanks hank!
@
@fosfool3773 From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 104
You used to be able to buy cigarettes, matches included, out of the hospital vending machine. Then go back to your desk and smoke them. Doctors and Nurses were known for chain smoking back then. It's nearly unimaginable now.
@
@KumBukkit From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 809
When companies are found to be guilty of these kinds of misinformation campaigns, all executives involved should be jailed, their companies should be dismantled, and all their wealth should be confiscated and redistributed for public health and welfare.
@
Thank you for this series!
@
@dukelornek From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 20
i like at the end where the bad idea gets pooped out.
@
Awesome series. I really wish they could make a part 2 or something in the future.
@
Goodbye Crash Course Scientific Thinking. I wish it was longer...
@
Just watched you in history class!
@
Nothing like watching Crash course then getting a notification of a new crash course episode.
@
@RushFan84 From YouTube ↗ 17 Mar 2026 148
If you are intelligent, you change your mind based on the evidence of reality and never the other way around.