Homeopathy Awareness Week shows that homeopathy is still a problem
Homeopathy Awareness Week might be almost over, but The One Quackery To Rule Them All wastes resources and endangers patients year round, and a recent French criticism of homeopathy has provoked another case of legal thuggery by homeopaths.
Dog breath and stinky studies: Do pets need to be knocked out for dental care?
Most professional veterinary organizations recommend anesthesia to ensure thorough dental care for pet dogs and cats. Despite this, some companies are trying to mislead the pet-owning public by claiming they have high quality evidence showing they provide the same benefit without the risks. Their research smells worse than old chihuahua breath.
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.