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| - Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A post on X claims that COVID-19 vaccines contain nanobots and can cause turbo cancer or autoimmune diseases. Our fact check reveals it’s False.
The Claim
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) claims that Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain “nanobots.” The post also alleges that it can cause “turbo cancer” and autoimmune diseases. It references a study by Dr Young Mi Lee and Dr Daniel Broudy from Okinawa Christian University. They supposedly discovered these components under 400X magnification, describing them as “animated worm-like” entities. The post further asserts that these nanobots are part of a larger conspiracy involving the “Internet of Bodies” and synthetic “Biohybrid Magnetic Robots.”
Fact Check
Do COVID-19 vaccines contain nanobots?
No, COVID-19 vaccines do not contain nanobots. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are built on mRNA technology, which uses lipid nanoparticles—tiny fat particles—to safely deliver mRNA into your cells. These nanoparticles are there to protect the mRNA and help it enter the cells, where it instructs them to produce the spike protein, triggering an immune response. The idea that these vaccines contain “animated worm-like” entities is entirely baseless and has no scientific support. The claim that COVID-19 vaccines include nanobots leading to “turbo cancer” and autoimmune diseases is not true as per credible evidence. These kinds of claims originate from misinformation and conspiracy theories. Research and real-world data have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and saving lives. COVID has been a subject of debate since the emergence of pandemic. There have been strange claims like mRNA vaccines eats away at children’s immune systems. But scientific evidence does not support these conspiracy theories.
What did the study by Dr Young Mi Lee and Dr Daniel Broudy actually find?
The study by Dr Young Mi Lee and Dr Daniel Broudy, mentioned in the claim, has not been published in any reputable peer-reviewed journal. The International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research, where the claim appeared, is not recognised in the scientific community as a reliable source. No credible evidence supports their findings of “undisclosed additional engineered components” in vaccine vials. Additionally, the claim that they used 400X magnification to identify complex “nanobots” or structures is highly questionable. Because, this level of magnification is insufficient to detect the kind of detail necessary to make such claims.
The study suggests that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines contain self-assembling nanotechnology, but there are several significant limitations to consider. It was published in predatory journals like the International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research and shared on ResearchGate, neither of which guarantees scientific authenticity. The study does not have rigorous peer review, uses insufficient methodologies, such as low magnification, has a small and non-representative sample size, and exhibits clear bias against vaccines. Therefore, its claims lack credible scientific support and should be viewed with significant scepticism.
Can COVID-19 vaccines cause “turbo cancer” and autoimmune diseases?
No, COVID-19 vaccines do not cause “turbo cancer” or autoimmune diseases. The term “turbo cancer” does not exist in the medical field. Plus, the notion that vaccines could rapidly trigger aggressive cancers is not true. Similarly, there isn’t enough evidence to support the idea that COVID-19 vaccines cause or worsen autoimmune diseases. Vaccines have played an important role in protecting people from severe COVID-19 and have saved countless lives.
A series of 2023 studies explore the potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmune reactions, noting that while some cases of new-onset autoimmune diseases have been observed post-vaccination, the risk of developing autoimmune conditions is higher with COVID-19 infection itself. Vaccination remains crucial, especially against variants like Omicron. For example, a 2023 study from Saudi Arabia reported 31 cases of autoimmune diseases following vaccination. But, this study also highlighted the rarity of such events and emphasised the need for further research to fully understand these risks.
Is there any truth behind the “Internet of Bodies” and “Biohybrid Magnetic Robots” claims?
The claims about the “Internet of Bodies” and “Biohybrid Magnetic Robots” controlling human bodies are rooted in conspiracy theories with no basis in medical science or vaccine technology. The “Internet of Bodies” is a hypothetical concept involving human bodies connected to the internet via devices or implants, but there is no evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to such scenarios. The concept of Biohybrid Magnetic Microrobots is indeed new and promising for biomedical applications. For example, targeted drug delivery, but not in the way the claim suggests.
Are COVID-19 vaccines unsafe and ineffective?
No, COVID-19 vaccines are neither unsafe nor ineffective. The idea that they should be banned due to alleged “nanobots” is a case of deliberate misinformation. Extensive research and testing have shown that mRNA vaccines, like those from Pfizer and Moderna, are safe and highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. That being said, we do acknowledge that there are some rare but severe adverse effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines. This includes COVID-19 vaccine-related acute pancreatitis. All kinds of vaccines come with certain side effects. Regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have thoroughly reviewed these vaccines, confirming their safety and effectiveness. A 2023 review suggests that mRNA vaccines, particularly Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, are highly safe and effective against various COVID-19 variants, outperforming traditional vaccines like Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm. Therefore, the claims that question these vaccines’ safety and effectiveness are false.
THIP Media Take
These claims are not just false—they’re dangerous. Deliberate misinformation like this can create fear and confusion, leading people to avoid life saving vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have proven to be safe and effective in preventing severe illness and death. Sadly, COVID-19 vaccines have also been a subject of misinformation and conspiracy theories. For instance we frequently see posts which claim COVID-19 vaccines were futile, or allege that these vaccines can cause deadly heart defects. There were also claims that COVID vaccines can trigger an HIV infection or that COVID vaccines disrupt the gut microbiome. These social media posts are pure misinformation. It’s crucial to rely on accurate, evidence-based information from reputable sources, and always consult healthcare professionals.
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