Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
Editorial note:
We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording.
Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available.
Episode summary:
Join Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they dissect the chaotic rollout of a controversial study on LDL cholesterol and lean mass hyper responders, explore issues in science communication, and debate the integrity of research in the age of social media.
If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount
Chapters
00:00 Intro
09:18 Social media dust-up
17:27 Revisiting the “Lean Mass Hyper Responder Study”
23:25 New controversy surrounding the study
33:14 Investigations regarding data integrity
41:43 Historical Context: NUSI and Its Implications
50:55 Steelmanning the argument
55:22 Potential issues with the “citizen science” movement
01:01:50 The death of expertise and the future of science communication
Editorial note:
We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording.
Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available.
Episode summary:
Join Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they dissect the chaotic rollout of a controversial study on LDL cholesterol and lean mass hyper responders, explore issues in science communication, and debate the integrity of research in the age of social media.
If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount
Chapters
00:00 Intro
09:18 Social media dust-up
17:27 Revisiting the “Lean Mass Hyper Responder Study”
23:25 New controversy surrounding the study
33:14 Investigations regarding data integrity
41:43 Historical Context: NUSI and Its Implications
50:55 Steelmanning the argument
55:22 Potential issues with the “citizen science” movement
01:01:50 The death of expertise and the future of science communication
