the war against science

I posted a video by Dr Eric Cline last week...he is active in trying to get professional archaeologists to start publicly correcting bad science by the nuts and sociopaths who make crazy claims (e.g UFO's, Noah's ark) get lots of money given to them and get their two minutes of fame on "reality" TV networks.



or check out Bad archeology blog

a similar problem is found in astronomy, and a good podcast about these problems can be found HERE.

now a bunch of doctors at Columbia have asked the university to withdraw Dr Oz'ss credentials there for pushing pseudo science...but the LATimes says you are a hater if you oppose him.

Attention Dr. Oz haters: Get ready to set your DVRs.Next week, “America’s doctor” plans to set aside a portion of his popular TV show to address critics who say he no longer deserves to be associated with a prestigious Ivy League university

 so what problem do scientifically oriented physicians have with Dr Oz?

 in December, a study published in the journal BMJ concluded that fewer than 1 in 3 claims made on “The Dr. Oz Show” can find support in the medical literature, while nearly 40% of them can’t be backed up at all.

well, duh. Sounds like he is committing malpractice. So will the university cut his credentials?

nah...

Doug Levy, the chief communications officer for the university’s medical center, put it to Dr. Henry I. Miller of Stanford, who spearheaded the letter: “Columbia is committed to the principle of academic freedom and to upholding faculty members' freedom of expression for statements they make in public discussion.” 

uh, it might be his opinion, but it's not true from a scientific standpoint, so he is wrong.

alas, we are seeing a lot of similar nonsense in medicine, often pushed as "alternative medicine"....much of it is placebo effect, not scientific...what is a more dangerous trend is that some are pushing "mindfulness" on kids in school without informing the parents that this is merely a form of self hypnosis.

As for Columbia: Can you say "Malpractice" children?

I hope someone who is harmed by his advice sues the hell out of the University for giving his pseudoscience academic credentials.