Hypothesized benefit from integrative treatments for veterans’ chronic pain fails to materialize
Researchers hypothesized that chiropractic, acupuncture and massage would benefit veterans with chronic pain. Their results said otherwise.
Adding Sensation to Robotic Limbs
Recently scientists have managed to stimulate the brain in such a way that approximated some of the sensations of a natural limb in a paralyzed subject. No, they did not regain sensation, but the research is a powerful proof of concept. It shows that it is possible to produce natural-feeling sensation through electrical stimulation of the cortex, an important step for brain-machine...
Modern Reflexology: Still As Bogus As Pre-Modern Reflexology
Reflexology is a belief system based on imaginary connections between spots on the skin and internal organs. It has no basis in science.
Another pebble in the quackademic integrative avalanche
We've documented the infiltration of quackery into academic medicine through the "integration" of mystical and prescientific treatment modalities into medicine. Here, we look at a pebble in the quackademic avalanche. Is it too late for the pebbles to vote?
Science-Based Satire: NASA Teams with NCCIH to Study Alternative Medicine in Space
Are NASA and the NCCIH working together to study reiki in space? It sounds plausible I know, but this isn't even remotely true. It's satire. Enjoy!
St. John’s Wort for depression – A herbal remedy that works?
St. John's wort is a herbal remedy that appears to be effective for the treatment of depression. But how does it compare to antidepressants?
The Pertussis Resurgence
A new analysis shows that the resurgence of pertussis is largely due historical patterns of vaccination. This and other data show the importance of full vaccine compliance in preventing returning epidemics of this deadly disease.
Pseudoscience: The Conspiracy Against Science
An excellent new book examines pseudoscience in 22 essays by prominent scientists from various fields.
The Nation indulges in fear mongering about cell phones and cancer
An article published last week in the Nation likens wireless telephone companies to tobacco and fossil fuel episodes in their tactics of spreading fear, misinformation, and doubt regarding the science of cell phone radiation and health. To produce this narrative, the investigation's authors rely on unreliable sources and cherry pick scientific studies, ignoring the scientific consensus that cell phone radiation almost certainly...
Cell phones and cancer: random chance in clinical trials
The full results of the National Toxicology Program's study of cell phones and cancer are finally in. They are somewhat complicated, but ultimately do not support the idea that cell phones can cause cancer.