2010-2019, a decade in so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

In so-called alternative medicine (SCAM), there is never a dull moment; for me, the last decade was hardly an exception. 2010: Simon Singh and I had just published our book ‘Trick of Treatment‘, and consequently, the SCAM community decided to oust me. At my university, I had major battles after the complaint by Prince Charles’ […]

Read the rest here: 2010-2019, a decade in so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

American Loon #2289: Rodney Stark

Yes, he’s got credentials. Rodney Stark is a sociologist of religion, long-time professor of sociology and of comparative religion at the University of Washington, currently Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and co-director of the university’s Institute for Studies...

Read the full lunacy: #2289: Rodney Stark Encyclopedia of American Loons

The sale of BMW cars as a marker for the popularity of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

Please allow me to quote from yet another paper that I published 20 years ago. It is a very brief comment on an article by Kaptchuk and Eisenberg which discussed the reasons for the considerable popularity of SCAM. In it, they stated that the attraction of alternative medicine is related to the power of its underlying […]

Read the rest here: The sale of BMW cars as a marker for the popularity of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

American Loon #2288: Bob Staples

Somewhat obscure, perhaps, but Bob Staples is member of the Villa Rica Church of Christ and a young-earth creationist. He is, we suspect, not the only young-earth creationist in his congregation. What’s more disconcerting is that Staples is also “a college math teacher”...

Read the full lunacy: #2288: Bob Staples Encyclopedia of American Loons

The making of a SCAM-obsessed, cantankerous twit (the Dunning Kruger Effect in action)

We were all born stupid, but it requires continuously hard work to  remain dumb. A SCAM-obsessed, belligerent twit – the type we regularly encounter in the comments section of this blog – is not born but evolves during years of agonisingly tough work. At least, this is my impression. Certain traits (e. g. lack of […]

Read the rest here: The making of a SCAM-obsessed, cantankerous twit (the Dunning Kruger Effect in action)

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM): if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

I published this article 20 years ago! Yet, it is, I think, still relevant today. For the purpose of this blog, I have altered it marginally (mainly by using the acromym SCAM): Whatever SCAM is, it is not an alternative to conventional medicine. Nevertheless, one might still ask why so many people pay for ‘unproven’ […]

Read the rest here: So-called alternative medicine (SCAM): if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

American Loon #2287: Glenn Stanton

Glenn Stanton is a spokesperson for Focus on the Family – indeed, he is director of global family formation studies – and seems to have been heavily involved in the organization’s systematic and deliberate misrepresentation of research to try to support their anti-gay political agenda....

Read the full lunacy: #2287: Glenn Stanton Encyclopedia of American Loons

Surprise, surprise! Chiropractors recommend chiropractic management of neck pain

The current Cochrane review of clinical trials testing the effectiveness of manipulation/mobilisation for neck pain concluded as follows: Although support can be found for use of thoracic manipulation versus control for neck pain, function and QoL, results for cervical manipulation and mobilisation versus control are few and diverse. Publication bias cannot be ruled out. Research […]

Read the rest here: Surprise, surprise! Chiropractors recommend chiropractic management of neck pain

TO ALL MY FRIENDS IN HOMEOPATHY: In the true Christmas spirit, I am giving away presents to homeopaths

In the true Christmas spirit, I decided that I will give away presents to fans of homeopathy. Here is the deal: It is almost 2 years now that I asked all homeopaths, particularly those who believe that homeopathy works because it is ‘nano-medicine’, to answer the questions below: How (by what mechanism) does a nano-particle […]

Read the rest here: TO ALL MY FRIENDS IN HOMEOPATHY: In the true Christmas spirit, I am giving away presents to homeopaths

American Loon #2286: Salo Stanley

Now what is this? Salo Stanley is apparently a chiropractor who consistently calls herself “Dr. Stanley”, apparently on the grounds that she received some degree from Life Chiropractic College West. That place received a bit of attention in 2015 when its students gave Andrew...

Read the full lunacy: #2286: Salo Stanley Encyclopedia of American Loons

French homeopaths seek disciplinary action against doctors for speaking out against homeopathy

Guest post by Richard Rasker Almost two years ago, in March 2018, a group of 124 doctors and other medical professionals published an article in the French newspaper ‘Le Figaro’, warning the general public for the false promises, unproven claims and dangers of alternative medicine. Homeopathy in particular is denounced as an unscientific belief in […]

Read the rest here: French homeopaths seek disciplinary action against doctors for speaking out against homeopathy

American Loon #2285: Glenn Stankis

Glenn Stankis is a local village idiot in Magalia, California, who has for a long time been tirelessly fronting a campaign to get religion and “love of country” back into public schools. He has alternately pestered and run for the local school board for years, on a platform of “Christian Beliefs”,...

Read the full lunacy: #2285: Glenn Stankis Encyclopedia of American Loons

The anti-vaccination movement is financed by the dietary supplement industry

At the heart of this story is Joseph Mercola, a dietary supplement entrepreneur and osteopath. His website states that: EVERYONE can benefit from Dr Mercola’s unparalleled knowledge. For expertise in alternative healthcare and high quality supplemental medicine, it’s hard to beat visionary Dr Joseph Mercola. The Chicago-based health wizard has his own website, Mercola.com (‘Take […]

Read the rest here: The anti-vaccination movement is financed by the dietary supplement industry

American Loon #2284: Jill Stanek

Jill Stanek is a radical anti-abortion activist and nurse, national campaign chair of the anti-abortion organization the Susan B. Anthony List, and currently affiliated with Newsbusters and regular columnist for the WND. Yeah, “columnist for the WND” should really tell you all you need to...

Read the full lunacy: #2284: Jill Stanek Encyclopedia of American Loons

Autogenic training is an effective therapy for managing stress

This post is dedicated to all who claim that I never discuss anything positive about so-called alternative medicine (SCAM). Autogenic training is a therapy developed in the 1920s by the German psychiatrist Johannes Heinrich Schultz (1884 – 1970). It is an auto-hypnotic relaxation technique popular in Germany but less so other countries. (The lack of […]

Read the rest here: Autogenic training is an effective therapy for managing stress

Prince Charles becomes patron of the ‘College of Medicine and Integrated Health’

If you had thought that HRH Prince Philip, soon to be King, would calm down regarding his royal bee under his alternative bonnet, you evidently were mistaken. In June 2019, he became the patron of the ‘Faculty of Homeopathy‘ the professional organisation of UK doctor homeopaths. And a few days ago, it has been announced […]

Read the rest here: Prince Charles becomes patron of the ‘College of Medicine and Integrated Health’

American Loon #2283: Timothy Standish

Timothy Standish is one of the mainstays of the Intelligent Design Creationist movement, and has given numerous talks and contributed numerous articles to creationist publications, such as a chapter in the 2006 anthology Darwin’s Nemesis, a series of essays in honor of Phillip Johnson....

Read the full lunacy: #2283: Timothy Standish Encyclopedia of American Loons

Recommendations of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) by US physicians

There are no representative studies using a probability sample examining whether US physicians recommend so-called alternative medicines (SCAMs) to their patients. This article fills a void in the current literature for robust data on recommendations for SCAMs by office-based physicians in the US. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses of physician-level data were from the […]

Read the rest here: Recommendations of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) by US physicians

Carbon 60: the new ‘cure all’?

Carbon 60 has recently been promoted by some commentators on this blog. Their claim seems to be that it is the best thing since sliced bread. So, what should we make of carbon 60 as a dietary supplement? Here is my attempt to provide a brief summary: The endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) […]

Read the rest here: Carbon 60: the new ‘cure all’?

Shark cartilage: trust supplements at your peril

According to WebMed, the shark cartilage (tough elastic tissue that provides support, much as bone does) used for medicine comes primarily from sharks caught in the Pacific Ocean. Several types of extracts are made from shark cartilage including squalamine lactate, AE-941, and U-995. Shark cartilage is most famously used for cancer. Shark cartilage is also […]

Read the rest here: Shark cartilage: trust supplements at your peril

The Baloney Detection Kit

Carl Sagan was a giant in critical thinking and has inspired many, including myself. His book THE DEMON HAUTED WORLD is a classic. In it, he published his ‘BALONEY DETECTION KIT’. As it relates to SCAM and so much more that troubles us today, I today take the liberty of citing it here. Wherever possible […]

Read the rest here: The Baloney Detection Kit

The 1st Chinese herbal medicine with a UK license

I have to admit, I only read the DAILY MAIL, if I have to (and certainly not today). This is probably why I missed this article announcing the 1st traditional Chinese medicine to be licensed in the UK. The plant Sigesbeckia, which has an unpleasant smell, is renowned for its ability to treat aches and […]

Read the rest here: The 1st Chinese herbal medicine with a UK license

American Loon #2281: Erick Stakelbeck

Yet another rightwing commentator whose only recognizable qualifications are anger and paranoia, Erick Stakelbeck is a former sports reporter who has become recognized by some wingnuts (e.g. Pat Robertson) as a “terror expert” because he says stupid things they happen to agree with. Stakelbeck...

Read the full lunacy: #2281: Erick Stakelbeck Encyclopedia of American Loons

Does SCAM Reduce Opioid Use for Chronic Pain?

Many patients with chronic pain (CP) are prescribed opioids, a situation which has led to the much-discussed opioid crisis. Integrative medicine (IM), which combines pharmacological and so-called alternative medicine (SCAM), has been proposed as a solution. Yet, the role of SCAM therapies in reducing opioid use remains unclear. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of […]

Read the rest here: Does SCAM Reduce Opioid Use for Chronic Pain?

American Loon #2280: Mike Stahl

Pastor Mike Stahl of the Living Water internet church is one of many raging fundies polluting the Internet. Stahl has apparently “been seriously considering forming a ( Christian ) grassroots type of organization to be named ‘The Christian National Registry of Atheists’ or something similar.”...

Read the full lunacy: #2280: Mike Stahl Encyclopedia of American Loons

Death by Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Realgar, α-As4S4, is an arsenic sulfide mineral, also known as “ruby sulphur” or “ruby of arsenic”. It is a soft, sectile mineral occurring in monoclinic crystals, or in granular, compact, or powdery form, often in association with the related mineral, orpiment (As2S3). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), realgar is often used in combination with herbs. […]

Read the rest here: Death by Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

The best way to reduce the use of bogus SCAMs is to make conventional medicine less flawed.

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) could easily be described as a business that exists mainly because it profits from the flaws of conventional medicine. I know, this is not a good definition, and I don’t want to suggest it as one, but I think it highlights an important aspect of SCAM. Let me explain. If we […]

Read the rest here: The best way to reduce the use of bogus SCAMs is to make conventional medicine less flawed.

American Loon #2279: Carol Spooner

As a result of intense lobbying, naturopaths have become licensed in several American states. Now, naturopathy is bullshit through and through, and being a licensed naturopath doesn’t come with any duties toward truth, efficacy or accountability. That, of course, has never been the point....

Read the full lunacy: #2279: Carol Spooner Encyclopedia of American Loons

Acupuncture for xerostomia – a new trial with some most revealing findings

Radiation-induced xerostomia (RIX) is a common, often debilitating, adverse effect of radiation therapy among patients with head and neck cancer. Quality of life can be severely affected, and current treatments have limited benefit. Acupuncture is often recommended, but does it work? This study was aimed at finding out whether acupuncture can prevent RIX in patients […]

Read the rest here: Acupuncture for xerostomia – a new trial with some most revealing findings

Suffering from persistent low back pain? Forget about Chiropractic or other SCAMs

Recently, we discussed the findings of a meta-analysis which concluded that walking, which is easy to perform and highly accessible, can be recommended in the management of chronic LBP to reduce pain and disability. At the time, I commented that this will hardly please the legions of therapists who earn their daily bread with pretending their […]

Read the rest here: Suffering from persistent low back pain? Forget about Chiropractic or other SCAMs

American Loon #2278: Chuck & Lency Spezzano

Psychology of Vision (POV) is, allegedly, a “transpersonal model of healing that employs cutting edge psychological tools and methodology with the miracle power of grace.” Yes, it’s New Age bullshit, and there is some entropy principle at work here to the effect that for any word in...

Read the full lunacy: #2278: Chuck & Lency Spezzano Encyclopedia of American Loons

Etiopathy: a SCAM like so many others

Here is a so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) that might be new to you – it certainly was to me: etiopathy. Founded in 1963 by the French Christian Trédaniel, etiopathy is a method of reasoning to determine the causes of a health problem and remove them acting on them. Etiopathy seems particularly popular in France, but is […]

Read the rest here: Etiopathy: a SCAM like so many others

American Loon #2277: Dorothy Spaulding

Though she may not be among the most famous televangelists working in the US, Dorothy Spaulding, President and Founder of Watchmen Broadcasting, is certainly one of the truly whacky ones – a sort of low-budget, poor man’s version of Cindy Jacobs, if you wish – and her network show Club 36 has...

Read the full lunacy: #2277: Dorothy Spaulding Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic maintenance care: boosting chiropractic cash flow in perpetuity

Maintenance Care is an approach whereby patients have chiropractic manipulations even when symptom-free. Thus, it is an ideal method to keep chiropractors in clover. Previous reviews concluded that evidence behind this strategy is lacking. Since then, more data have emerged. It was therefore timely to review the evidence. Fourteen original research articles were included in […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic maintenance care: boosting chiropractic cash flow in perpetuity

American Loon #2276: Ryan Sorba

Ryan Sorba is the Chairman of the Young Conservatives of California and a tireless anti-gay activist. Indeed, at a 2011 conference at the cargo cult version of an educational institution Liberty University, Sorba claimed that “‘gay’ is a left-wing socio-political construct designed to create...

Read the full lunacy: #2276: Ryan Sorba Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic spinal manipulation of children: an independent review

Having mentioned the report on chiropractic for children by SAVER CARE VICTORIA (SCV) several times before, I now better reveal its contents. Here are important excerpts from it, but I encourage everyone to read the full document: Review of evidence of harm An extensive search was undertaken to identify evidence of harm sustained by children who […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic spinal manipulation of children: an independent review

Tiger balm: not free of adverse effects and not supported by convincing evidence

Tiger Balm (TB) ointments are Chinese topical remedies, often used for pain relief available as over-the-counter medications. TB is clearly popular, but does it work? The aim of this systematic review was to find out by assessing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of TB ointments. A total of 12 studies were included (five on TB ointments […]

Read the rest here: Tiger balm: not free of adverse effects and not supported by convincing evidence

American Loon #2275: Edward Sopcak

CanCell, also known as Entelev or Cantron, is one of many utterly useless purported cancer cures. Ostensibly CanCell is “an assembly of synthetic chemicals” – they are secret, though the assembly has apparently also changed over the years – that react with the body “electrically” rather than...

Read the full lunacy: #2275: Edward Sopcak Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic: making bogus claims for profit

This survey investigated how many chiropractors in the Canadian province of Alberta promote a theory of subluxation, which health ailments or improvements were linked to subluxation, and whether the subluxation discourse was used to promote chiropractic for particular demographics. Using the search engine on the Canadian Chiropractic Associations’ website, the researchers made a list of […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic: making bogus claims for profit

An ethicist, feminist view on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

Arianne Shahvisi is a lecturer in Ethics and Medical Humanities at the Brighton & Sussex Medical School. She has long had an interest is so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) – see here, for instance. Now she has published another most intriguing paper. In it, she explains that scientific medicine (SM) neglects the needs of women relative […]

Read the rest here: An ethicist, feminist view on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

American Loon #2274: Mitchel Soltys

Answers in Genesis is apparently still running their own vanity journal, the Answers Research Journal, and the garbled nonsense that finds its ways into its pages is still strangely fascinating. Many of the contributors to the journal are completely unknown, and we have to admit that we have...

Read the full lunacy: #2274: Mitchel Soltys Encyclopedia of American Loons

‘Perineum sunning’ gives an entirely new meaning to ‘HOLISM’

I receive all the energy I need by charging my butthole in the sunlight! Actually, I don’t, but some people do! The new so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) of ‘perineum sunning’ has become all the rage. It gives an entirely new meaning to the word ‘holism’. And, like all good SCAMs, it has a long tradition. […]

Read the rest here: ‘Perineum sunning’ gives an entirely new meaning to ‘HOLISM’

Sorry, I was wrong about homeopathy and vaccination

On this blog and elsewhere, I have repeatedly claimed that as early as 2002 I published data to show that UK homeopaths advise their patients against vaccinations. So sorry, but this not entirely true! The truth is that I had forgotten about this article published 1995 in the British Journal of General Practice. As it is […]

Read the rest here: Sorry, I was wrong about homeopathy and vaccination

American Loon #2273: Stan Solomon

[Update: Did he die, back in 2015 or so?] Stan Solomon is a fundie wingnut radio host who does the kind of stuff fundie wingnut radio hosts do, such as demanding that the police murder peaceful protestors when he disagrees with the contents of those protests and palling...

Read the full lunacy: #2273: Stan Solomon Encyclopedia of American Loons

When the UK homeopathy sector issues a joint statement, hilarity is never far

The UK homeopathy sector have issued a joint statement. The reason for this action is a series of allegedly negative press stories about homeopathy. Here is the full statement: Homeopathy registers including the Society of Homeopaths, Faculty of Homeopathy and Alliance of Registered Homeopaths in conjunction with other homeopathy partners have come together to provide […]

Read the rest here: When the UK homeopathy sector issues a joint statement, hilarity is never far

A complaint from the British Acupuncture Council

On 6 November the Guardian published an article in which acupuncture and its risks were briefly mentioned. It prompted a complaint by the British Acupuncture Council which, I think, is sufficiently interesting to merit a discussion. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has a membership of around 3,000 professionally qualified acupuncturists. It is the UK’s largest professional/ […]

Read the rest here: A complaint from the British Acupuncture Council

American Loon #2272: David Snoke

David Snoke is one of the central characters of the intelligent design creationist movement. A physics professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Fellow of the American Physical Society (and, it must be emphasized, a respectable scientist in his own field), Snoke was also a co-author on a...

Read the full lunacy: #2272: David Snoke Encyclopedia of American Loons

The GCC “seems to be a little self-regulatory chiropractic bubble where chiropractors regulate chiropractors.”

We have discussed the tragic case of John Lawler before. Today, the Mail carries a long article about it. Here I merely want to summarise the sequence of events and highlight the role of the GCC. In 2017, Mr Lawler, aged 79 at the time, has a history of back problems, including back surgery with metal […]

Read the rest here: The GCC “seems to be a little self-regulatory chiropractic bubble where chiropractors regulate chiropractors.”

American Loon #2271: Warren Cole Smith

Warren Cole Smith is an evangelical writer (e.g. coauthor of Restore All Things), WORLD Magazine associate publisher, vice president of mission advancement for The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview and raging fundamentalist, whose columns for WORLD are also run by the...

Read the full lunacy: #2271: Warren Cole Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic? Surely not!

Yes, chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic! At least, this is the result of an overview of systematic reviews of so-called alternative medicines (SCAMs) for infant colic. Here I focus merely on the part that deals with chiropractic spinal manipulation. The authors of the overview come to this result based […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic? Surely not!

American Loon #2270: Robert Smith II

Smith in a not-quite-recent photo.We’ve encountered one Robert Smith before. The current entry’s Bob Smith, however, is perhaps the most high-profile loon of that name covered thus far: Robert Clinton Smith served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Hampshire’s 1st...

Read the full lunacy: #2270: Robert Smith II Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic spinal care for children is dangerous, unwarranted and must cease immediately

This letter (dated 21 June 2019) to the Safer Care Victoria review team represents a statement by the Australian Medical Association of Victoria on chiropractic for children. As it is highly relevant to many of the discussions we had on this blog, I take the liberty of copying it here in full: RE: Review of […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic spinal care for children is dangerous, unwarranted and must cease immediately

Homeopathy as a means to reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics

As reported, the Bavarian government has set aside almost half a million Euros for research to determine whether the over-use of antibiotics can be reduced by replacing them with homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths in and beyond Germany were delighted, of course, but many experts were bewildered (see also this or this, if you read German). While […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy as a means to reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics

American Loon #2269: Lamar Smith

US representative for Texas’s 21st congressional district for 16 terms until 2019, and for several years the head of the House Science Committee, Lamar Seeligson Smith was for several years perhaps the most dangerous loon in the US (in part because he was far from the only loon on said committee)....

Read the full lunacy: #2269: Lamar Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

“We hope that the publicity surrounding this event will highlight the dangers of chiropractic”… A statement of the family of the man who died after treatment of a ‘vertebral subluxation complex’

I have reported previously about the tragic death of John Lawler. Now after the inquest into the events leading to it has concluded, I have the permission to publish the statement of Mr Lawler’s family: We were devastated to lose John in such tragic and unforeseen circumstances two years ago. A much-loved husband, father and […]

Read the rest here: “We hope that the publicity surrounding this event will highlight the dangers of chiropractic”… A statement of the family of the man who died after treatment of a ‘vertebral subluxation complex’

Prayer as a therapy: a new randomised study

An intercessory prayer (IP) is an intervention characterized by one or more individuals praying for the well-being or a positive outcome of another person. There have been several trials of IP, but the evidence is far from clear-cut. Perhaps this new study will bring clarity? The goal of this double-blind RCT was to assess the […]

Read the rest here: Prayer as a therapy: a new randomised study

American Loon #2268: J.C. Smith

J.C. Smith (right) being interviewed.The appreciation of science, evidence and medicine among chiropractors varies. Chiropractor J.C. Smith represents the non-appreciating faction. According to Smith, science and scientists, biased as they are toward truth, evidence and reality, are waging a war...

Read the full lunacy: #2268: J.C. Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Death by chiropractic neck manipulation? More details on the Lawler case

The tragic case of John Lawler who died after being treated by a chiropractor has been discussed on this blog before. Naturally, it generated much discussion which, however, left many questions unanswered. Today, I am able to answer some of them. Mr Lawler died because of a tear and dislocation of the C4/C5 intervertebral disc […]

Read the rest here: Death by chiropractic neck manipulation? More details on the Lawler case

Pharmacists must advise customers that homeopathic remedies lack evidence

It has been reported that pharmacies in New Zealand continue to ignore a code of ethics that requires them to inform customers, if a product has no evidence of efficacy. The code of ethics states: “Pharmacists must advise patients when scientific support for treatment is lacking.” Eight Auckland pharmacies were visited to enquire about a homeopathic product for […]

Read the rest here: Pharmacists must advise customers that homeopathic remedies lack evidence

American Loon #2267: E. Norbert Smith

One of Smith's books labelled "non-fiction". Smith does of course not want you to consider the evidence - he wants you to consider the fragments of evidence he carefully selects and interprets for you.A.k.a. Doc Gator E. Norbert Smith is a near-infamous mainstay of...

Read the full lunacy: #2267: E. Norbert Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Prince Charles celebrates his 71st birthday today

I almost forgot! This would have been no good, after all, Charles has for decades been the most influential supporter of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) in the UK. He is one of SCAM’s greatest proponent. So, here is my up-dated, extended and illustrated summary of his achievements in this area. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLES! Charles went […]

Read the rest here: Prince Charles celebrates his 71st birthday today

The death of Mr Lawler highlights the scandals of chiropractic

The Telegraph published an article entitled ‘Crack or quack: what is the truth about chiropractic treatment?’ and is motivated by the story of Mr Lawler, the 80-year-old former bank manager who died after a chiropractic therapy. Here are 10 short quotes from this article which, in the context of this blog and the previous discussions […]

Read the rest here: The death of Mr Lawler highlights the scandals of chiropractic

American Loon #2266: David E. Smith

The Illinois Family Institute, a state affiliate of the American Family Association, is, not surprisingly, an anti-marriage-equality organization and its executive director, David E. Smith, a fundamentalist bigot (Smith succeeded Peter LaBarbera in the position; Laurie Higgins is...

Read the full lunacy: #2266: David E. Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Death by chiropractic: thoughts about the sad case of Mr Lawler

On 11/11/2019, the York Press reported from the trial against a chiropractor who allegedly killed a patient. John Lawler suffered a broken neck while being treated by a chiropractor for an aching leg, an inquest has been told. His widow told how her husband was on the treatment table when things started to go wrong. […]

Read the rest here: Death by chiropractic: thoughts about the sad case of Mr Lawler

“Vaxxed II: Son of Vaxxed” in One Minute

In case you missed it, the merry gang of anti-vaccine warriors have produced yet another piece of filthy anti-vaccine propaganda. As creative as they are, they named it “Vaxxed II.” That’s it. No subtitle. At least all of the Avengers films have subtitles like Age of Ultron or Infinity War. So I’m calling this one, Son of Vaxxed. Sticking to […]

Read more at: “Vaxxed II: Son of Vaxxed” in One Minute by Reuben

I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better

“Maybe it is as simple as: I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better.” This argument between the fans and the critics of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) might be the key to understanding the two opposing positions. It applies across the board to all the SCAMs […]

Read the rest here: I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better

American Loon #2265: Daniel Smith

Alternative medicine isn’t medicine, but at least most woo is in itself probably as harmless as it is useless (the conspiracy theories and falsehoods involved in marketing them less so). MMS, or Miracle Mineral Supplement, is different. MMS an aqueous solution of 28% sodium chlorite, an industrial...

Read the full lunacy: #2265: Daniel Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Children respond particularly well to homeopathy. TIME TO ABANDON THIS DANGEROUS MYTH!

When I worked as a junior doctor in a homeopathic hospital, this is what I was told in no uncertain terms: children are ideal patients of homeopathy, because they respond particularly well to it. Most books on the subject confirm this message. The reason for the assumption is as simple as it is simplistic: children […]

Read the rest here: Children respond particularly well to homeopathy. TIME TO ABANDON THIS DANGEROUS MYTH!

American Loon #2264: Brad Smith et al.

In 2013 a group of pagans planned and arranged a festival to celebrate the summer solstice in Pahokee, Florida. It is probably little surprise that the event was not exactly welcomed by the area’s resident Talibanists, who packed a city commission meeting and demanded that the city prevent the...

Read the full lunacy: #2264: Brad Smith et al. Encyclopedia of American Loons

Homeopathy as an alternative to antibiotics? It’s official: the Bavarian government has gone barmy!

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported yesterday that the Bavarian government has given the go-ahead to a major study of homeopathy, and Die Zeit published a similar article. For those who read German, I append the text from the SZ below. For those who don’t, let me give a short summary. The study is aimed at clarifying […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy as an alternative to antibiotics? It’s official: the Bavarian government has gone barmy!

European experts demand consistent proof of efficacy, safety and quality for TCM

The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) and the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council have issued a joint statement today urging the World Health Organisation (WHO) to clarify how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other so-called alternative medicines (SCAMs) should be used. As we discussed previously, the WHO has included TCM diagnoses in the […]

Read the rest here: European experts demand consistent proof of efficacy, safety and quality for TCM

Drug-induced liver injuries after SCAM: a new and most valuable review

This review provides published data on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)-related liver injuries (DILI) in Asia, with detail on incidences, lists of most frequently implicated herbal remedies, along with analysis of patient population and their clinical outcomes. Its authors conclude that SCAM use is widely prevalent in Asia and is associated with, among other adverse effects, […]

Read the rest here: Drug-induced liver injuries after SCAM: a new and most valuable review

American Loon #2263: Patricia Slusher

Chronic Lyme disease is (almost certainly) a non-existent condition, but the diagnosis remains popular in woo-minded and (largely overlapping) conspiracy-minded groups. There is, accordingly, a thriving market for people who “diagnose” and “treat” chronic lyme disease, and they...

Read the full lunacy: #2263: Patricia Slusher Encyclopedia of American Loons

The FDA has issued more warning letters to homeopathic manufacturers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued another warning about homeopathy. Here are some of the most relevant excerpts: … Homeopathic products … are marketed without FDA review and may not meet modern standards for safety, effectiveness, quality and labeling. FDA uses a risk-based approach to monitor these products and to evaluate reports of […]

Read the rest here: The FDA has issued more warning letters to homeopathic manufacturers

American Loon #2262: Sharon Slater

Family Watch International (FWI) is a hate organization that lobbies the United Nations for pro-life and anti-gay causes, including the imprisonment of gay people around the world. Sharon Slater, its president, is apparently opposed to the death penalty for gay people, but she is fine with...

Read the full lunacy: #2262: Sharon Slater Encyclopedia of American Loons

An unexpected honour for ‘TRICK OR TREATMENT’

  This came a few days ago, completely out of the blue. To be honest, I did not even know what the BOOK AUTHORITY is. So, I looked them up; this is what they say about themselves: BookAuthority is the world’s leading site for nonfiction book recommendations, helping you find the best books on various […]

Read the rest here: An unexpected honour for ‘TRICK OR TREATMENT’

Homeopaths offer to rebrand products as 'confectionery' | Martin Robbins | Science | The Guardian

Skeptics have been explaining that lactose or sucrose pilules are sweeties, not medicine, so it's nice to see the homeopaths in agreement with reality for once:

Faced with an MHRA crackdown on unlicensed medicines, one of Britain's leading manufacturers of homeopathic remedies has indicated it would be prepared to relabel its products 'confectionery' to circumvent regulation

Read the full report: Homeopaths offer to rebrand products as 'confectionery' | Martin Robbins | Science | The Guardian

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Please note: we can no longer recommend Quackometer as a skeptic blog, due to its espousal of anti-LGBT propaganda. However, there are plenty of good skeptic blogs out there, starting with the lovely (and amazingly polite, given the aggro & ignorance she regularly encounters) Jo Brodie's Stuff That Occurs to Me.

American Loon #2261: Jane Skrovota

Jane Skrovota is hardly a big name in bigotry; indeed, she is just a Lincoln, Nebraska local lady whose only claim to notability is a graphic diatribe she delivered during a public hearing before the Lincoln city council in 2012 on a proposed ordinance to ban discrimination against gays and...

Read the full lunacy: #2261: Jane Skrovota Encyclopedia of American Loons

The UK Society of Homeopaths, a hub of anti-vaccination activists?

The Society of Homeopaths (SoH) is the UK’s professional organisation of lay-homeopaths, therapists who treat patients without having studies medicine. This is what they say about themselves: Everyone needs a healthcare professional they can trust – one who’s trained to rigorous standards, bound by a strict code of ethics, and subject to independent regulation. That’s […]

Read the rest here: The UK Society of Homeopaths, a hub of anti-vaccination activists?

American Loon #2260: Mark Sircus

Marc Sircus is a near-legendary crank and promoter of cancer woo, perhaps most familiar for his Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, which is not something you should get involved with under any circumstances. Sircus, like many quacks, are fond of adding meaningless alphabet soups to his name, and...

Read the full lunacy: #2260: Mark Sircus Encyclopedia of American Loons

A large-scale multisite effectiveness trial of Reiki

I have recently gone to the trouble of evaluating 150 different modalities from the realm of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) in a book. This is what it tells you about Reiki: Reiki is a form of paranormal or energy healing popularised by Japanese Mikao Usui (1865-1926). Rei means universal spirit (sometimes thought of as a […]

Read the rest here: A large-scale multisite effectiveness trial of Reiki

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is a harmless little cottage industry – true or false?

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is compared to ‘Big Pharma’ a tiny and benign cottage industry – at least this is what we are often told and what many consumers believe. If you are one of them, this report might make you rethink your position. The global market for SCAM is expected to generate a revenue […]

Read the rest here: So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is a harmless little cottage industry – true or false?

The scandal of Chinese acupuncture research and its publication in seemingly reputable journals

The medical literature is currently swamped with reviews of acupuncture (and other forms of TCM) trials originating from China. Here is the latest example (but, trust me, there are hundreds more of the same ilk). The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of scalp, tongue, and Jin’s 3-needle acupuncture for the improvement […]

Read the rest here: The scandal of Chinese acupuncture research and its publication in seemingly reputable journals

American Loon #2259: Matt Singleton et al.

Matt Singleton is a Baptist minister in Louisville who also runs an Internet talk-radio program. A staunch supporter of the nearby Ark Park, Singleton is a fierce critic of evolution, calling teachings on evolution a lie that have led to drug abuse, suicide and other social afflictions. His...

Read the full lunacy: #2259: Matt Singleton et al. Encyclopedia of American Loons

HOMEOPATHY = “the complete alternative to vaccination” ?!?!

The UK-based homeopathic pharmacy AINSWORTH has attracted my attention several times already. Amongst other things, Tony Pinkus, the director of the firm, once accused me of having faked my research and I suspected him of violating the basic principles of research ethics in his study of homeopathy for autism. Today, THE DAILY MAIL reports about […]

Read the rest here: HOMEOPATHY = “the complete alternative to vaccination” ?!?!

American Loon #2258: Stephen Sinatra

Though he is, indeed, a cardiologist, Stephen T. Sinatra is better known as one of the most prominent and comprehensively lunatic woo-meisters, or “integrative medicine” practitioners, working in the US at present. In addition to being a cardiologist, Sinatra is a “certified bioenergetic...

Read the full lunacy: #2258: Stephen Sinatra Encyclopedia of American Loons

Homeopathy can cause serious harm – and finally, the NHS England has realised it

I must have published well over two dozen articles in the peer-reviewed literature (and many more on this blog) warning of the indirect risks of homeopathy. The most obvious example of such risks is the advice many homeopaths give about vaccinations. Here is, for instance, a quote from an abstract I published in 1996: … […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy can cause serious harm – and finally, the NHS England has realised it

More on chiropractic and opioid use

We have discussed the association between chiropractic an opioid use before. But the problem of causality remained unresolved. Perhaps this new paper can help? This retrospective cohort study with new onset back pain patients (2008-20013) examined the association of initial provider treatment with early and long-term opioid use in a national sample of patients with new-onset […]

Read the rest here: More on chiropractic and opioid use

American Loon #2257: James Simpson

Accuracy in Media is a wingnut “media watchdog” run by Don Irvine. It was founded with the expressed purpose of combatting “liberal media bias” but actually – and predictably – ended up combatting accuracy instead, in favor of promoting wingnut conspiracy theories. It’s a perfect fit for...

Read the full lunacy: #2257: James Simpson Encyclopedia of American Loons

Spinal epidural haematoma after neck manipulation

Spinal epidural haematoma is a potentially serious condition that can occur due to trauma, such as spinal manipulation, particularly in the presence of a blood clotting abnormality. A case has been published of a patient who, after performing self-neck manipulation, suffered spinal epidural haematoma and subsequent paralysis of all 4 limbs. A 63-year-old man presented […]

Read the rest here: Spinal epidural haematoma after neck manipulation

Scientology and chiropractic: is there a link?

Recently, I stumbled across this website and the following text: “Measles are an implant Scientology can handle using New Era Dianetics,” said Scientology chiropractor Colonel Dr. Roberto Cadiz. “As a chiropractor, I see mock ups of so-called serious diseases all the time,” Dr. Cadiz remarked. “And fully 99% of the time these diseases are chronic subluxations caused […]

Read the rest here: Scientology and chiropractic: is there a link?

American Loon #2256: Frank Simon

The American Family Association is a group of bigoted, unhinged fundamentalists. The national leaders are crazy enough, but the wild-eyed Talibanists you find in their various state chapters might occasionally be even crazier. Frank Simon is the director of the Kentucky chapter, and he...

Read the full lunacy: #2256: Frank Simon Encyclopedia of American Loons

Homeopathy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: no good evidence for effectiveness

The aim of this update of a Cochrane review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of homeopathic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hold on, the bit about safety is odd here and does not bode well: one cannot possibly assess the safety of an intervention on the basis of just a few trials. […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: no good evidence for effectiveness

The association between chiropractic and opioid use

This systematic review was aimed at investigating the current evidence to determine whether there is an association between chiropractic use and opioid receipt. Controlled studies, cohort studies, and case-control studies including adults with noncancer pain were eligible for inclusion. Studies reporting opioid receipt for both subjects who used chiropractic care and nonusers were included. Data […]

Read the rest here: The association between chiropractic and opioid use

Leech therapy, if you ask me, it sucks!

Hirudotherapy, also known as leech therapy, has been used to treat a wide range of disorders for thousands of years. It is also mentioned as a minimal invasive technique called Jalaukavacharana in the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text of Ayurvedic medicine. But a long history is a fallacious argument (appeal to tradition) when used […]

Read the rest here: Leech therapy, if you ask me, it sucks!

American Loon #2255: Matthew Silverstone

His book. B.M. Hegde is a legendary promoter of quantum woo whose career seems mostly devoted to claiming that Ayurvedic medicine is superior to science-based medicine. It is perhaps  indicative of something that they managed to spell his name wrong...

Read the full lunacy: #2255: Matthew Silverstone Encyclopedia of American Loons

Vidatox, homeopathy’s answer to cancer or outright fraud?

I just came across the most amazing cancer cure: it’s called VIDATOX 30C, and it is a true wonder. Well, on second thought, I might take that this back. Is it really true? Or is it perhaps a most despicable health fraud? The Vidatox website makes the following claims for VIDATOX: it is based on […]

Read the rest here: Vidatox, homeopathy’s answer to cancer or outright fraud?

Leah Blacknell (1964-2019): another victim of cancer quackery?

Leah Blacknell, started raising funds ~3 years ago for alternative cures of her stage 4 lung cancer. Blacknell who, after her acting career, had become a yoga teacher said at the time that, in the UK, she was given “a fairly brutal and bleak diagnosis, but one I am determined to challenge”. Her partner, Jez […]

Read the rest here: Leah Blacknell (1964-2019): another victim of cancer quackery?

Burning mouth syndrome: a case-report of (harmful?) effects of homeopathy

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare but potentially debilitating condition. So far, individualised homeopathy (iHOM) has not been evaluated or reported in any peer-reviewed journal as a treatment option. Here is a recently published case-report of iHOM for BMS. At the Centre of Complementary Medicine in Bern, Switzerland, a 38-year-old patient with BMS and […]

Read the rest here: Burning mouth syndrome: a case-report of (harmful?) effects of homeopathy

American Loon #2254: Alyssa Shull

Alyssa Shull is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, and the founder of The Pink Lid, a conference for teen girls “about self-worth, identity, value, and purity.” We hope, for the sake of self-worth, identity and value, that the conference fails to have an impact among its intended audience (we...

Read the full lunacy: #2254: Alyssa Shull Encyclopedia of American Loons

Celebrity-based acupuncture: fallacious logic in practice

The field of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) has long been actively supported by many celebrities. In 2006, we tried to  study the phenomenon systematically. Here is our abstract: OBJECTIVE: To collect contemporary accounts of celebrity use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), to aid clinicians in determining which CAM treatments patients are likely to use. […]

Read the rest here: Celebrity-based acupuncture: fallacious logic in practice

Freedom of speech in homeopathy: as diluted as the remedies?

I was recently struck by a short notice by the FACULTY OF HOMEOPATHY (FoH): Following the publicity we got after the announcement of our royal patronage, it seems like a good time to  remind all members of our media policy. If you are contacted by the media, please contact the faculty and get some advice […]

Read the rest here: Freedom of speech in homeopathy: as diluted as the remedies?

American Loon #2253: Sherry Shriner

Oh, heavens.  The rabbit hole is a fascinating place, but the webs of lunacy are often woven according to logics so foreign to any rational mind, that unravelling the ideas going into them is tricky. For instance, the National Economic Security and Recovery Act (NESARA) was a set of proposed...

Read the full lunacy: #2253: Sherry Shriner Encyclopedia of American Loons

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) helps improve patients’ health behaviour. True or false?

The use of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) are claimed to be associated with preventive health behaviors. However, the role of SCAM use in patients’ health behaviors remains unclear. This survey aimed to determine the extent to which patients report that SCAM use motivates them to make changes to their health behaviours. For this purpose, a […]

Read the rest here: So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) helps improve patients’ health behaviour. True or false?

You think that personality and stress are risk factors for cancer? PLEASE THINK AGAIN!

Professor Anthony Pelosi just published an intriguing paper. Here is the abstract: During the 1980s and 1990s, Hans J Eysenck conducted a programme of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of fatal diseases in collaboration with one of his protégés, Ronald Grossarth-Maticek. This led to what must be the most astonishing series of findings […]

Read the rest here: You think that personality and stress are risk factors for cancer? PLEASE THINK AGAIN!

American Loon #2252: David Shormann

David Shormann is a Texas-based young-earth creationist, president of the “Dive into Math” program, and homeschooling activist with a PhD in marine chemistry. Though a biblical literalist who “believe a biblical framework provides us with the most rational interpretation of the past,” Shormann...

Read the full lunacy: #2252: David Shormann Encyclopedia of American Loons

Naturopathy for children with cancer?

Many paediatric oncology patients report use of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM), and naturopathic ‘doctors’ (NDs) often provide supportive paediatric oncology care. However, little information exists to formally describe this clinical practice. This survey was aimed at filling the gap. It was conducted with members of the ‘Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ (OncANP.org) to describe recommendations […]

Read the rest here: Naturopathy for children with cancer?

Enneagram + homeopathy = ??? (spoiler: nonsense + nonsense = nonsense)

Four speakers have been announced for next year’s conference (25-26 April 2020) of the UK ‘Society of Homeopaths’ (SoH). It has the theme ‘All About Men’ (which is surprising considering the majority of homeopathy fans are women). The meeting will aim to provide a better understanding of men’s lives and illnesses in order for practitioners to […]

Read the rest here: Enneagram + homeopathy = ??? (spoiler: nonsense + nonsense = nonsense)

American Loon #2251: Theodore Shoebat

We suppose some readers may take a morbid interest in checking with on Theodore Shoebat on a regular basis with the question “who does Theodore Shoebat want to murder today?” (There is a list of people Shoebat wants murdered here.) Theodore Shoebat is the deranged spawn of fake ex-terrorist Walid...

Read the full lunacy: #2251: Theodore Shoebat Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chinese Activists Protest the Use of Traditional Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a term created by Mao lumping together various modalities in an attempt to pretend that healthcare in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was being provided despite the most severe shortages of conventional doctors, drugs and facilities. Since then, TCM seems to have conquered the West, and, in the PRC, […]

Read the rest here: Chinese Activists Protest the Use of Traditional Treatments

Is spinal manipulation a placebo therapy?

Spinal manipulation is a treatment employed by several professions, including physiotherapists and osteopaths; for chiropractors, it is the hallmark therapy. They use it for (almost) every patient. They use it for (almost) every condition. They have developed most of the techniques. Spinal manipulation is the focus of their education and training. All textbooks of chiropractic […]

Read the rest here: Is spinal manipulation a placebo therapy?

American Loon #2250: Naveena Shine

Naveena Shine is a Seattle-based splash of color who received some attention in 2013, when she decided to find out if she could live without food, subsisting only on water, tea and sunshine – in other words, by photosynthesis. She could not. She dropped out of the experiment after 47 days, having...

Read the full lunacy: #2250: Naveena Shine Encyclopedia of American Loons

American Loon #2249: Scott Shifferd

Scott Shifferd, jr. is the minister of Dean Road Church of Christ in Jacksonville, and a creationist. Like most creationists, Shifferd doesn’t remotely understand evolution. Rather he regurgitates talking points from young-earth creationists who really, really don’t understand evolution...

Read the full lunacy: #2249: Scott Shifferd Encyclopedia of American Loons

Who gave Hahnemann the idea of ‘provings’?

When Samuel Hahnemann translated Cullen’s ‘Treatise on Materia Medica’ in 1790, he learnt of Cullen’s explanation of the actions of Peruvian (or China) bark, Cinchona officinalis, a malaria treatment. Hahnemann disagreed with it and decided to conduct experiments of his own. He thus ingested high doses of Cinchona and noticed that subsequently he developed several of […]

Read the rest here: Who gave Hahnemann the idea of ‘provings’?

An appeal to broaden the definition of evidence

A team of 42 authors from various disciplines (mostly medicine and philosophy) have published an appeal to broaden the definition of evidence. They reached several overlapping conclusions with implications for policy and practice in research and clinical care, which they summarised as follows: 1. ‘Evidence’ is typically evidence of causation. Common terms used in EBM, […]

Read the rest here: An appeal to broaden the definition of evidence

American Loon #2248: Lisa Shiel

Lisa Shiel first made (sort of) a name for herself as a frequent commenter on various science-related blogs, committing the most beautiful illustrations of fractal ignorance and misunderstandings you can imagine. In 2009, she channeled her efforts into an apparently self-published...

Read the full lunacy: #2248: Lisa Shiel Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chronic arsenic poisoning associated with homeopathy

Once upon a time, arsenic has been used widely for medicinal and other purposes. Now that we know how toxic it is, few people would voluntarily take it – except of course fans of homeopathy. In homeopathy, arsenic is an important and popular remedy. Here is what HOMEOPATHY PLUS tell us about its therapeutic potential: […]

Read the rest here: Chronic arsenic poisoning associated with homeopathy

The effectiveness of (chiropractic) spinal manipulations for children is unproven. TIME TO STOP TREATING KIDS!

A systematic review of the evidence for effectiveness and harms of specific spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) techniques for infants, children and adolescents has been published by Dutch researchers. I find it important to stress from the outset that the authors are not affiliated with chiropractic institutions and thus free from such conflicts of interest. They searched […]

Read the rest here: The effectiveness of (chiropractic) spinal manipulations for children is unproven. TIME TO STOP TREATING KIDS!

American Loon #2247: Maya Shetreat-Klein

Yes, she is a genuine MD. But no: you should not take medical advice from her. Maya Shetreat-Klein is the author of the book The Dirt Cure: Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil”, detailing the eponymous dirt cure, a health regimen Shetreat-Klein apparently developed through...

Read the full lunacy: #2247: Maya Shetreat-Klein Encyclopedia of American Loons

Acupuncture shown to be effective for fibromyalgia – so, why am I not convinced?

Acupuncture is often recommended for relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of this systematic review was to ascertain whether verum acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture in FMS. Ten RCTs with a total of 690 participants were eligible, and 8 RCTs were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Its results showed a sizable […]

Read the rest here: Acupuncture shown to be effective for fibromyalgia – so, why am I not convinced?

American Loon #2246: Richard Sheridan

Perhaps this entry should be considered more of an intermission from our regular fare. Richard Sheridan is a local colorful of Dallas known for disrupting (or frequently speaking before) the Dallas City Council proceedings, making broad accusations of electronic vote fraud and claiming that a...

Read the full lunacy: #2246: Richard Sheridan Encyclopedia of American Loons

Combination SCAMs: from ‘HomeoPuncture’ to ‘Effective Reverse Energy Transfer Counselling’

I have met many acupuncturists who think that homeopathy is bunk. Similarly, I have met many homeopaths who are convinced that acupuncture is a placebo therapy. And, I have met some (not many) practitioners of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) who think so highly of both SCAMs that they combine the two into one handy treatment: […]

Read the rest here: Combination SCAMs: from ‘HomeoPuncture’ to ‘Effective Reverse Energy Transfer Counselling’

“Scientists have shown how homeopathy works” – journalists’ obsession with ‘balance’

I live (most of my time) in the UK, a country where the media interest in so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is considerable. Years ago, the UK press used to be very much in favour of SCAM. In 2000, we showed that the level of interest was huge and the reporting was biased. Here is our […]

Read the rest here: “Scientists have shown how homeopathy works” – journalists’ obsession with ‘balance’

Homeopathic provings: Bullshit about dogshit

I am not usually a vulgar person, and I do apologise for the title of this post. But, in view of todays’ subject, some vulgarity seems almost unavoidable. This post is about homeopathic provings. In my book, I explain them in some detail: The term ‘proving’ is a mis-translation of Hahnemann’s term ‘Pruefung’ which means ‘a […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathic provings: Bullshit about dogshit

The 20 principles of the World Federation of Chiropractic

The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) claim to have been at the forefront of the global development of chiropractic. Representing the interests of the profession in over 90 countries worldwide, the WFC has advocated, defended and promoted the profession across its 7 world regions. Now, the WFC have formulated 20 principles setting out who they […]

Read the rest here: The 20 principles of the World Federation of Chiropractic

American Loon #2245: Christie Marie Sheldon

We admit that the only reason we became aware of Christie Marie Sheldon, is because ads for her services started showing up on facebook. According to her ads, Sheldon “is an intuitive healer and medium that’s conducted over 10,000 private consultations [“30,000” by 2019].” Based on...

Read the full lunacy: #2245: Christie Marie Sheldon Encyclopedia of American Loons

The de-randomised clinical trial (dRCT): how we might be fooled by seemingly rigorous research

Controlled clinical trials are methods for testing whether a treatment works better than whatever the control group is treated with (placebo, a standard therapy, or nothing at all). In order to minimise bias, they ought to be randomised. This means that the allocation of patients to the experimental and the control group must not be […]

Read the rest here: The de-randomised clinical trial (dRCT): how we might be fooled by seemingly rigorous research

Autologous whole blood therapy, another very surprising SCAM. Does it merit further study?

Autologous whole blood (AWB) therapy is a treatment where a patients blood is first drawn from a vein and then (unmodified or treated in various bizarre ways) reinjected intra-muscularly. This sounds barmy, not least because there is no remotely plausible mode of action. Nonetheless, the therapy is popular in some countries (like Germany, where it […]

Read the rest here: Autologous whole blood therapy, another very surprising SCAM. Does it merit further study?

American Loon #2244: Dutch Sheets

One of the central figures in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Dutch Sheets is an anointed and apparently re-anointed (“with a fresh impartation of Holy Spirit”) “teaching apostle”, self-appointed prophet and hardcore dominionist. Sheets is critical of the current state of American...

Read the full lunacy: #2244: Dutch Sheets Encyclopedia of American Loons

Virucid: boosting the immune system or the manufacturer’s profit?

On Twitter, I recently found this remarkable advertisement: Naturally, it interested me. The implication seemed to be that we can boost our immune system and thus protect ourselves from colds, the flu and other infections by using this supplement. With the flu season approaching, this might be important. On the other hand, the supplement might […]

Read the rest here: Virucid: boosting the immune system or the manufacturer’s profit?

2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #38

Story of the Week... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Climate Feedback Reviews... SkS Week in Review... Poster of the Week...

Story of the Week...

Global Climate in 2015-2019: Climate change accelerates

Record greenhouse gas concentrations mean further warming 

 

The tell-tale signs and impacts of climate change – such as sea level rise, ice loss and extreme weather – increased during 2015-2019, which is set to be the warmest five-year period on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere have also increased to record levels, locking in the warming trend for generations to come.

The WMO report on The Global Climate in 2015-2019, released to inform the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, says that the global average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial period, and by 0.2°C compared to 2011-2015.

The climate statement – which covers until July 2019 - was released as part of a high-level synthesis report from leading scientific institutions United in Science under the umbrella of the Science Advisory Group of the UN Climate Summit 2019. The report provides a unified assessment of the state of Earth system under the increasing influence of climate change, the response of humanity this far and projected changes of global climate in the future. It highlights the urgency and the potential of ambitious climate action in order to limit potentially irreversible impacts.

An accompanying WMO report on greenhouse gas concentrations shows that 2015-2019 has seen a continued increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to new records, with CO2 growth rates nearly 20% higher than the previous five years. CO2 remains in the atmosphere for centuries and in the ocean for even longer. Preliminary data from a subset of greenhouse gas observational sites for 2019 indicate that CO2 global concentrations are on track to reach or even exceed 410 ppm by the end of 2019.

“Climate change causes and impacts are increasing rather than slowing down,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas, who is co-chair of the Science Advisory Group of the UN Climate Summit.

“Sea level rise has accelerated and we are concerned that an abrupt decline in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, which will exacerbate future rise. As we have seen this year with tragic effect in the Bahamas and Mozambique, sea level rise and intense tropical storms led to humanitarian and economic catastrophes,” he said.

“The challenges are immense. Besides mitigation of climate change, there is a growing need to adapt. According to the recent Global Adaptation Commission report the most powerful way to adapt is to invest in early warning services, and pay special attention to impact-based forecasts,” he said.

“It is highly important that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, notably from energy production, industry and transport. This is critical if we are to mitigate climate change and meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement,” he said.

“To stop a global temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the level of ambition needs to be tripled. And to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees, it needs to be multiplied by five,” he said.

Sea level rise:

Over the five-year period May 2014 -2019, the rate of global mean sea-level rise has amounted to 5 mm per year, compared with 4 mm per year in the 2007-2016 ten-year period. This is substantially faster than the average rate since 1993 of 3.2 mm/year. The contribution of land ice melt from the world glaciers and the ice sheets has increased over time and now dominate the sea level budget, rather than thermal expansion. 

Shrinking Ice:

Throughout 2015-2018, the Arctic’s average September minimum (summer) sea-ice extent was well below the 1981-2010 average, as was the average winter sea-ice extent. The four lowest records for winter occurred during this period. Multi-year ice has almost disappeared.

Antarctic February minimum (summer) and September maximum (winter) sea-ice extent values have become well below the 1981-2010 average since 2016. This is in contrast to the previous 2011-2015 period and the long term 1979-2018 period. Antarctic summer sea ice reached its lowest and second lowest extent on record in 2017 and 2018, respectively, with 2017 also being the second lowest winter extent.

The amount of ice lost annually from the Antarctic ice sheet increased at least six-fold, from 40 Gt per year in 1979-1990 to 252 Gt per year in 2009-2017.

The Greenland ice sheet has witnessed a considerable acceleration in ice loss since the turn of the millennium.

For 2015-2018, the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) reference glaciers indicates an average specific mass change of −908 mm water equivalent per year, higher than in all other five-year periods since 1950. 

Ocean heat and acidity:

More than 90 % of the excess heat caused by climate change is stored in the oceans. 2018 had the largest ocean heat content values on record measured over the upper 700 meters, with 2017 ranking second and 2015 third.

The ocean absorbs around 30% of the annual anthropogenic emissions of CO2, thereby helping to alleviate additional warming. The ecological costs to the ocean, however, are high, as the absorbed CO2 reacts with seawater and changes the acidity of the ocean. There has been an overall increase in acidity of 26% since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Extreme events:

More than 90 % of the natural disasters are related to weather.  The dominant disasters are storms and flooding, which have also led to highest economic losses. Heatwaves and drought have led to human losses, intensification of forest fires and loss of harvest.

Heatwaves, which were the deadliest meteorological hazard in the 2015-2019 period, affecting all continents and resulting in numerous new temperature records. Almost every study of a significant heatwave since 2015 has found the hallmark of climate change, according to the report.

The largest economic losses were associated with tropical cyclones. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most devastating on record with more than US$ 125 billion in losses associated with Hurricane Harvey alone. On the Indian Ocean, in March and April 2019, unprecedented and devastating back-to-back tropical cyclones hit Mozambique. 

Wildfires

Wildfires are strongly influenced by weather and climate phenomena. Drought substantially increases the risk of wildfire in most forest regions, with a particularly strong influence on long-lived fires. The three largest economic losses on record from wildfires have all occurred in the last four years.

In many cases, fires have led to massive releases of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Summer 2019 saw unprecedented wildfires in the Arctic region. In June alone, these fires emitted 50 megatons (Mt) of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is more than was released by Arctic fires in the same month from 2010 to 2018 put together. There were also massive forest fires in Canada and Sweden in 2018. There were also widespread fires in the non-renewable tropical rain forests in Southern Asia and Amazon, which have had impacts on the global carbon budget. 

Climate change and extreme events

According to the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, over the period 2015 to 2017, 62 of the 77 events reported show a significant anthropogenic influence on the event’s occurrence, including almost every study of a significant heatwave. An increasing number of studies are also finding a human influence on the risk of extreme rainfall events. 

Global Climate in 2015-2019: Climate change accelerates, WMO Press Release, Sep 22, 2019

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Toon of the Week...

 

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Coming Soon on SkS...

• A brief guide to the impacts of climate change on food production (Daisy Simmons)
• Skeptical Science New Research for Week #38, 2019 (Doug Bostrom)
• How the Greenland ice sheet fared in 2019 (Ruth Mottram, Martin Stendel & Peter Langen)
• A small electric plane demonstrates promise, obstacles of climate-friendly air travel (Lindsay Fendt)
• What psychotherapy can do for the climate and biodiversity crises (Caroline Hickman)
• 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #39 (John Hartz)
• 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #39 (John Hartz  

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Climate Feedback Reviews...

 [To be added]

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Poster of the Week...

 

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SkS Week in Review...  

• 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #38 by John Hartz
• The Consensus Handbook: download and translations by Baerbel
• Greta Thunberg is a painful reminder of decades of climate failures by Dana Nuccitelli (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)
• Skeptical Science to join the Global Climate Strike on September 20! by BaerbelW
• Skeptical Science New Research for Week #37, 2019 by Doug Bostrom
• 'Trollbots' Swarm Twitter with Attacks on Climate Science Ahead of UN Summit by Marianne Lavell (InsideClimate News)
• 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #37 by John Hartz

from Skeptical Science
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EBM anyone? Yes, but which one?

I recently saw a tweet by a German homeopath stating that ‘homeopathy is 100% experienced based medicine’. It made me think and realise that there is not just one EBM, there are, in fact, at least three EBMs! Experience based medicine Eminence based medicine Evidence based medicine I will start with the type which I […]

Read the rest here: EBM anyone? Yes, but which one?

Myelopathy following manipulation of the neck

Myelopathy is defined as any neurologic deficit related to the spinal cord. When due to trauma, it is known as (acute) spinal cord injury. When caused by inflammatory, it is known as myelitis. Disease that is vascular in nature is known as vascular myelopathy. The symptoms of myelopathy include: Pain in the neck, arm, leg […]

Read the rest here: Myelopathy following manipulation of the neck

How to save money with homeopathy … yes, really!

There is a long-standing debate on the question whether the use of homeopathy saves money. Homeopathy fans usually insist that it does. Even the Smallwood report commissioned by Prince Charles claimed that the NHS could save pots of money, if GPs only used more homeopathy. And it is true, of course: on average homeopathics are […]

Read the rest here: How to save money with homeopathy … yes, really!

American Loon #2243: Robert Sheaffer

This is an important entry. Robert Sheaffer is a writer and skeptic who has written sharp and illuminating articles, e.g. for Skeptical Inquirer, about such topics as UFOs and creationism. But Sheaffer is also an example of the remarkable powers of compartmentalization – though good at...

Read the full lunacy: #2243: Robert Sheaffer Encyclopedia of American Loons

Does placebo research boost pseudoscience?

I have often discussed the fact that many proponents of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) have in recent years adopted the following argument: even if our SCAM were just a placebo, it would still be useful. After all, placebo effects are real and increasingly backed by sound science. The argument is deeply flawed, yet it convinces […]

Read the rest here: Does placebo research boost pseudoscience?

I’d Like to Play a Game

…But I can’t. I can’t play a game with anti-vaccine people because Game Theory assumes that you’re dealing with rational players. When it comes to the people who peddle in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, you’re not dealing with rational people. You’re dealing, for the most part, with some incredibly irrational individuals who believe any and all […]

Read more at: I’d Like to Play a Game by Reuben

American Loon #2242: Matt Shea

Matthew Thomas Shea has served in the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 4th Legislative District, since 2009. In 2019, he was removed as State House Republican Caucus Chair for advocating violence against religious minorities and offering state surveillance of political...

Read the full lunacy: #2242: Matt Shea Encyclopedia of American Loons