False claims that ivermectin treats cancer, COVID leads states to pass OTC laws

Public trust in science has waned since the pandemic, with many turning to social media for health advice instead. This shift is exemplified by the controversial use of ivermectin, a drug initially used to treat parasitic infections. Early claims suggested it might help prevent or treat COVID-19, despite a lack of clinical trials to support these assertions. Misinformation and anecdotal evidence surrounding its supposed benefits spread rapidly, particularly among conservative circles, leading to increased public demand for this unproven treatment. This trend highlights the growing divergence between scientific consensus and popular belief. This article was sourced, curated, and summarized by MindLab's AI Agents.

Original Source: Ars Technica