Some fields of science are most likely unbiased. Astrophysics, for example. Discover weird x-ray lines in a distant galaxyâs spectrum that make you rethink a particular theory, and it might be quite an upheaval to the AP world, but you wonât have anyone shouting you down as a Heretic.
Talk medicine, climate, anything along those lines, and money and politics both rule, and influence a) what studies get funded (or defunded), and b) the desired outcome of the study.
If you wouldnât trust Big Tobacco to come up with a study that âprovesâ <coff!> how harmless smoking is, why would you trust Big Pharma to come up with a study that âprovesâ their intended outcome?
Statins are the a Boon To Mankind, according to Big Pharma, a billion-dollar industry that keeps repeating the same mantra of âcontrolling bad cholesterolâ, yet they have effects that no one likes to talk about, not even your doctor whoâs pushing them on you. See The medications that change who we are - BBC Future for a quick rundown.
With all the news reports about the New Way Of The Week to cure cancer (gold nanoparticles, targeted delivery, etc.), itâs still all about cutting/poisoning/burning (ie, surgery/chemo/radiation). It ainât about curing cancer, but managing it.
Definitely follow the money, but also be aware of Orthodoxy. If youâre branded a Heretic, you will be defunded, shouted-down, blackballed, and so on. Thatâs where politics comes in (what money influences).
Science is supposed to be about keeping an open mind, but when politics and funding determine whatâs Good Science and Bad Science, itâs tainted.