Alternative_science

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience List of topics characterized as pseudoscience This is a list of topics characterized as pseudoscience by organizations within the international scientific community, by notable skeptical organizations, or by notable academics or researchers. Besides explicitly using the word "pseudoscience", some may also have used synonyms that help to explain why they consider a topic to be pseudoscientific. The existence of such expressed opinions suffices for inclusion in this list, and therefore inclusion does not necessarily indicate that any given entry is in fact pseudoscience. Opposing points of view exist and are presented in the main article for each subject listed below. Also included are important concepts associated with the main entries, and concepts that, while notable and selfevidently pseudoscientific, have not elicited commentary from mainstream scientific bodies or skeptical organizations. Notable parodies of pseudoscientific concepts are also included. Some subjects in this list may be questioned aspects of otherwise legitimate fields of research, or have legitimate ongoing scientific research associated with them. For instance, while some proposed explanations for hypnosis have been criticized for being pseudoscientific, the phenomenon is generally accepted as real and scientific explanations exist. Some subjects and methods are included because certain claims regarding them are pseudoscientific, even though the subjects themselves may be legitimate, or the methods themselves may have some efficacy, thus indicating it is the claims that are pseudoscientific, and not necessarily the subjects or methods. science to prove that the moon landing couldn’t have happened, thus qualifying them as pseudoscientific claims.[1][2] refers to any of several systems of understanding, interpreting and organizing knowledge about reality and human existence, based on the relative positions and movement of various real and construed celestial bodies.[3][4][5][6][7] is a series of claims that the Dogon tribe knew about the white dwarf companion of Sirius despite it being invisible to the naked eye.[1] proposed that Earth was visited by ancient astronauts.[1] Such beings have been claimed to have initiated the rise of human civilization or provided significant technological assistance to various ancient civilizations.[8][9] (in Cydonia Mensae) is a rock formation on Mars asserted to be evidence of intelligent, native life on the planet.[1] High resolution images taken recently show it to appear less face-like. It features prominently in the work of Richard C. Hoagland. proposes that the earth is a flat, disc shaped planet with enough upward acceleration to produce gravity. Proposers of the Flat Earth theory don’t accept compelling evidence, like photos of planet Earth from Space, and they believe that the moons landings are a hoax.[10][11] proposed that ancient texts refer to the collision of astronomical bodies as in Worlds in Collision.[1] is the belief that the full moon influences human behavior.[1] • • • • • • • Astronomy and space sciences • are claims that parts of the Apollo program were hoaxed and subsequently covered up. While many of the accusations are best categorized under conspiracy theories, some do attempt to use faulty Earth and Earth sciences • is a region of the Atlantic Ocean that lies between Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and (in its most popular version) Florida. Frequent disappearances and ship and aircraft disasters in this area have led to the circulation of stories of unusual natural 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia phenomona, paranormal encounters, and interactions with extraterrestrials.[8] List of topics characterized as pseudoscience which have not been validated by mainstream science.[8] is a type of medical fraud, popular in Brazil and the Philippines. Practitioners use sleight of hand to make it appear as though they are reaching into a patients body and extracting "tumours".[28][29][30][31][32] is the paranormal ability of the mind to influence matter or energy at a distance. are ritualized attempts to communicate with the dead.[8] was allegedly placed on the discoverers of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, causing widespread deaths and other disastrous events.[8] The was a large explosion caused by a meteoroid or comet in what is now Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia in June 1908. Night skies as far away as London were markedly brighter for several evenings. Unsupported theories regarding the event include the impact of a miniature black hole or large body of antimatter, ball lightning, a test by Nikola Tesla of the apparatus at Wardenclyffe Tower, and a UFO crash.[8][33][34] is the study of unidentified flying objects (UFO) and frequently includes the belief that UFOs are evidence for extraterrestrial visitors.[1][5][8][19][35] • are events where persons witness UFOs, or purportedly meet and/or communicate with alien beings. • Paranormal and Ufology Paranormal subjects[1][6][12][13] have been subject to critiques from a wide range of sources including the following claims of paranormal significance: • are cases of animals, primarily domestic livestock, with seemingly inexplicable wounds. These wounds have been said to be caused by natural predation, extra terrestrials, cults, or covert government organizations.[8] • is the communication of information to or through a person allegedly from a spirit or other paranormal entity.[14] • are geometric designs of crushed or knocked-over crops created in a field. Aside from skilled farmers or pranksters working through the night, explanations for their formation include UFOs and anomalous, tornado-like air currents.[1] The study of crop circles has become known as "cerealogy".[15] • is the search for creatures that are considered not to exist by biologists.[16][17] Well known examples of creatures of interest to cryptozoologists include Bigfoot, Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster. According to leading skepticical authors Michael Shermer and Pat Linse, "Cryptozoology ranges from pseudoscientific to useful and interesting, depending on how it is practiced." [18] • refers to practices said to enable one to detect hidden water, metals, gemstones or other objects. [19] • is the purported communication by spirits through tape recorders and other electronic devices.[20][21][22][23][24] • is the paranormal ability (independent of the five main senses or deduction from previous experience) to acquire information by means such as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychic abilities, and remote viewing.[14][14][25][26][27] • , in this sense, is the act of rising up from the ground without any physical aids, usually by the power of thought. • is the supposed creation or appearance of matter from unknown sources. • is the investigation of the ancient past using alleged paranormal or other means • • • • • Psychology • is the common name for a set of potentially fatal[36] clinical interventions and parenting techniques aimed at controlling aggressive, disobedient, or unaffectionate children using "restraint and physical and psychological abuse to seek their desired results."[37] (The term "attachment therapy" may sometimes be used loosely to refer to mainstream approaches based on attachment theory, usually outside the USA where pseudoscientific form of attachment therapy is less known). Probably the most common form is holding therapy in which the child is restrained by adults for the purpose of supposed cathartic release of suppressed rage and regression. Perhaps the most extreme, but much less common, is "rebirthing," in which the child is 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience examination, which also examines handwriting. • The (lie detector) is an instrument that measures and records several physiological responses such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, breathing rhythms, body temperature and skin conductivity while the subject is asked and answers a series of questions, on the theory that false answers will produce distinctive measurements. There is little scientific evidence to support the reliability of polygraphs.[48][49] Despite claims of 90% - 95% reliability, critics charge that rather than a "test", the method amounts to an inherently unstandardizable interrogation technique whose accuracy cannot be established. A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the test’s average accuracy at about 61%, a little better than chance.[50] • is a now defunct theory for determining personality traits by feeling bumps on the skull proposed by 18th century physiologist Franz Joseph Gall.[8] In an early recorded use of the term "pseudoscience", François Magendie referred to phrenology as "a pseudo-science of the present day".[51] The assumption that personality can be read from bumps in the skull has since been thoroughly discredited. However, Gall’s assumption that character, thoughts, and emotions are located in the brain is considered an important historical advance toward neuropsychology (see also localization of brain function, Brodmann’s areas, neuroimaging, modularity of mind or faculty psychology).[52] • is sometimes presented as a science.[53] The Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology (2001) states that: "The theoretical basis for the therapy is the supposition that prenatal experiences and birth trauma form people’s primary impressions of life and that they subsequently influence the direction our lives take... Truth be known, primal therapy cannot be defended on scientifically established principles. This is not surprising considering its questionable theoretical rationale."[54] Other sources have also questioned the scientific validity of primal therapy, some using the term "pseudoscience" (see Criticism of Primal Therapy). wrapped tightly in a blanket and then made to simulate emergence from a birth canal. This is done by encouraging the child to struggle and pushing and squeezing him/her to mimic contractions.[8] Despite its name it is not based on attachment theory or research.[38] In 2006 it was the subject of an almost entirely critical Taskforce Report commissioned by the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC).[39] Not all forms of attachment therapy are coercive and since the Candace Newmaker case there has been a move towards less coercive practices by leaders in the field.[39] • is an approach to psychiatry that aims to understand mental disorder in terms of the biological function of the nervous system. Psychiatrists Colin A. Ross and Alvin Pam[40] argue that ’the legitimacy and cultural authority granted to an objective and value-free science is undeserved by biologic psychiatry’ and that ’the valid notion of investigating constitutional determinants of psychological disorders has been coopted by a biomedical reductionist ideology.’[41] Such sentiments and conflicting results of scientific research[42][43] have spawned the Biopsychiatry controversy and ADHD controversy. • , sometimes called Reparative therapy, seeks to change a non-heterosexual person’s sexual orientation so they will no longer be homosexual or bisexual.[44] The American Psychiatric Association defines Reparative therapy as "psychiatric treatment...which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that a patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation." • is a psychological test based on a belief that personality traits unconsciously and consistently influence handwriting morphology - that certain types of people exhibit certain quirks of the pen. Analysis of handwriting attributes provides no better than chance correspondence with personality, and neuroscientist Barry Beyerstein likened the assigned correlations to sympathetic magic.[8][45][46][47] Graphology is only superficially related to forensic document 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience from the scientific community to “pseudoscience” degrees."[63] Degrees in alternative medicine have been described as "’pseudo-science’ degrees",[62][63][64] "anti-scientific", and "harmful".[65] • , or Anthroposophically extended medicine, is a school of complementary medicine[66] founded in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner in conjunction with Ita Wegman based on the spiritual philosophy of anthroposophy. It is an individualized holistic and salutogenic approach to health, deemphasizing randomized controlled trials.[67][68] Medications are formulated to stimulate healing by matching "key dynamic forces" with symptoms,[69] and are prepared for external, oral, or parenteral introduction in various dilutions ranging from whole to homeopathic.[70] The use of vaccinations, antibiotics, and antipyretics is generally restricted or delayed.[71][72][73] Skeptic Robert Carroll likens to sympathetic magic the principle that curative plants may be identified by distortions or abnormalities in their morphology or physiology.[74] Carroll and others state that the system is not based in science.[74][75][76] No thorough scientific analysis of the efficacy of anthroposophical medicine as a system independent of its philosophical underpinnings has been undertaken; no evidence-based conclusion of the overall efficacy of the system can be made at this time.[77] • The is an educational method developed by ophthalmologist William Bates intended to improve vision "naturally" to the point at which it can allegedly eliminate the need for glasses by undoing a habitual strain to see.[78] In 1929 Bates was cited by the FTC for false or misleading advertising in connection with his book describing the method, Perfect Sight Without Glasses,[79] though the complaint was later dismissed.[80] Although some people claim to have improved their eyesight by following his principles, Bates’ ideas about vision and accommodation have been rejected by mainstream ophthalmology and optometry.[81][82][83][84][85] • – a hypothesis holding that human physiology and behavior are governed by physical, emotional, and intellectual cycles • is a body of ideas developed by Austrian physician Sigmund Freud and his followers, which is devoted to the study of human psychological functioning and behavior. It has been controversial ever since its inception.[55] Karl Popper characterized it as pseudoscience based on psychoanalysis failing the requirement for falsifiability.[56][57] Frank Cioffi argued that "though Popper is correct to say that psychoanalysis is pseudoscientific and correct to say that it is unfalsifiable, he is mistaken to suggest that it is pseudoscientific because it is unfalsifiable. […] It is when [Freud] insists that he has confirmed (not just instantiated) [his empirical theses] that he is being pseudoscientific."[58] • is visual or auditory information that is discerned below the threshold of conscious awareness and has an effect on human behavior. It went into disrepute in the late 1970s [59] but there has been renewed research interest recently.[8][60][61] Health and medicine • has been described as pseudoscientific. The National Science Foundation has conducted surveys of the "Public Attitudes and Public Understanding" of "Science Fiction and Pseudoscience", which includes studying the popularity of alternative medicine. It considers belief in alternative medicine a matter of concern, defining it as "all treatments that have not been proven effective using scientific methods." After quoting the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry’s listing of alternative medicine as one of many pseudoscientific subjects, as well as mentioning the concerns of individual scientists, organizations, and members of the science policymaking community, it comments that "nevertheless, the popularity of alternative medicine [with the public] appears to be increasing."[62] "At least 60 percent of U.S. medical schools devote classroom time to the teaching of alternative therapies, generating controversy within the scientific community."[62] It has been reported that universities are "increasingly turning their backs on homoeopathy and complementary medicine amid opposition 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience of moderate effectiveness for spinal manipulation in the management of nonspecific low back pain.[104][105][106] The effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation has not been demonstrated according to the principles of evidencebased medicine for any other condition.[107] Spinal manipulation, particularly upper spinal manipulation, carries some risk of side effects with possible neurologic involvement (fainting, dizziness, light headedness, headache, or numbness or tingling in the upper limbs), and low risk of more serious complications such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or vertebral artery dissection.[108][109][110][111][112] • (AK) is a chiropractic diagnostic method using manual muscle-strength testing for medical diagnosis and a subsequent determination of prescribed therapy, which proponents believe can identify health problems or nutritional deficiencies through practitioner assessment of external physical qualities such as muscle response, posture, or motion analysis. A variety of therapies are prescribed based on tested weakness or smoothness of muscle action and a conjectured viscerosomatic association between particular muscles and organs. For example, a practitioner will give the patient a jar containing a substance to hold in one hand, then test for muscle strength in the other hand; if there is little resistance, the practitioner may conclude that the patient is allergic to that substance. The sole use of Applied Kinesiology to diagnose or treat any allergy[113] or illness[114][115] is not scientifically supported, and the International College of Applied Kinesiology requires concurrent use of standard diagnostic techniques.[116] Applied kinesiologists are often chiropractors, but may also be naturopaths, physicians, dentists, nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and nurses.[114] Applied Kinesiology should not be confused with kinesiology, the scientific study of human movement. lasting 23, 28, and 33 days, respectively. The system posits that, for instance, errors in judgment are more probable on days when an individual’s intellectual cycle, as determined by days since birth, is near a minimum. No biophysical mechanism of action has been discovered, and the predictive power of biorhythms charts is no better than chance.[8][86][87][88] For the scientific study of biological cycles such as circadian rhythms, see chronobiology. • – a commercial training program that claims that any learning challenges can be overcome by finding the right movements, to subsequently create new pathways in the brain. They claim that the repetition of the 26 Brain Gym movements "activates the brain for optimal storage and retrieval of information",[89] and are designed to "integrate body and mind" in order to improve "concentration, memory, reading, writing, organizing, listening, physical coordination, and more."[90] Its theoretical foundation has been thoroughly discredited by the scientific community, who describe it as pseudoscience.[91][92][93][94] Peer reviewed scientific studies into Brain Gym have found no significant improvement in general academic skills. Its claimed results have been put down to the placebo effect and the benefits of breaks and exercise. Its founder, Paul Dennison, has admitted that many of Brain Gym’s claims are not based on good science, but on his "hunches".[95] • is an alternative medicine practice focusing on spinal manipulation. Many modern chiropractors target solely mechanical dysfunction, and offer health and lifestyle counseling.[96][97] Many others, however, base their practice on the vitalism of D.D. Palmer and B. J. Palmer, maintaining that all or many organic diseases are the result of hypothetical spinal dysfunctions known as vertebral subluxations and the impaired flow of Innate intelligence, a form of putative energy.[98][99] These ideas are not based in science, and along with the lack of a strong research base are in part responsible for the historical conflict between chiropractic and mainstream medicine.[100][101][102][103] Recent systematic reviews indicate the possibility 5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience beyond the point where any treatment molecule is likely to remain.[128] Studies of homeopathic practice have been largely negative or inconclusive.[129][130][131][132] No scientific basis for homeopathic principles has been substantiated.[13][133][134][135][136][137][138] is a state of extreme relaxation and inner focus in which a person is unusually responsive to suggestions made by the hypnotist. The modern practice has its roots in the idea of animal magnetism, or mesmerism, originated by Franz Mesmer[139] and Though Mesmer’s explanations were thoroughly discredited, hypnosis itself is today almost universally regarded as real.[8][61] It is clinically useful for e.g. pain management, but some claimed uses of hypnosis outside of hypnotherapy clearly fall within the area of pseudoscience. Such areas include the use of hypnotic regression beyond plausible limits, including past life regression.[140] Also see false memory syndrome. is a means of medical diagnosis which proponents believe can identify and diagnose health problems through close examination of the markings and patterns of the iris. Practitioners divide the iris into 80-90 zones, each of which is connected to a particular body region or organ. This connection has not been scientifically validated, and disorder detection is neither selective nor specific.[141][142][143] Because iris texture is a phenotypical feature which develops during gestation and remains unchanged after birth (which makes the iris useful for Biometrics), Iridology is all but impossible. is the practice of using magnetic fields to positively influence health. While there are legitimate medical uses for magnets and magnetic fields, the field strength used in magnetic therapy is too low to effect any biological change, and the methods used have no scientific validity.[8][144][145] . Traditional Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old alternative medical practice with roots in ancient India based on a mind-body set of beliefs.[146][147] Imbalance or stress in an individual’s consciousness is believed to be the reason of diseases.[146] Patients are classified by body types (three doshas, which are considered to control mind-body • is a form of putative energy, the flow of which is considered by some Chiropractors to be responsible for patient health. Chiropractic historian Joseph C. Keating, Jr., PhD. stated: "So long as we propound the ’One cause, one cure’ rhetoric of Innate, we should expect to be met by ridicule from the wider health science community. Chiropractors can’t have it both ways. Our theories cannot be both dogmatically held vitalistic constructs and be scientific at the same time. The purposiveness, consciousness and rigidity of the Palmers’ Innate should be rejected."[117] • is a uniquely Chiropractic term. It describes variously a site of impaired flow of innate or a spinal lesion resulting in neuromusculoskeletal or visceral dysfunction. Scientific consensus does not support the existence of chiropractic’s vertebral subluxation.[118] • is the belief that crystals have healing properties. Once common among prescientific and indigenous peoples, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with the new age movement.[119][120][121] • (EHS) is a reported sensitivity to electric and magnetic fields or electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies at exposure levels well below established safety standards. Symptoms are inconsistent, but can include headache, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and similar non-specific indications.[122] Provocation studies find that the discomfort of sufferers is unrelated to hidden sources of radiation,[123][124] and "no scientific basis currently exists for a connection between EHS and exposure to [electromagnetic fields]."[125] • is the act of curing disease by such means as prayer and laying on of hands. No material benefit in excess of that expected by placebo is observed.[8][126][127] • is the belief in giving a patient with symptoms of an illness extremely dilute remedies that are thought to produce those same symptoms in healthy people. These preparations are often diluted • • • • 6 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience alternative medicine throughout much of the world. It contains elements based in Taoism, Buddhism, and NeoConfucianism,[159] and considers the human body more in functional and vitalistic than anatomical terms.[160][161] Health and illness in TCM follow the principle of yin and yang, and are ascribed to balance or imbalance in the flow of a vital force, qi.[162][163] Diagnostic methods are solely external, including pulse examination at six points, examination of a patient’s tongue, and a patient interview; interpractitioner diagnostic agreement is poor.[160][164][165][166] The TCM theory of the function and structure of the human body is fundamentally different from modern medicine, though some of the procedures and remedies have shown promise under scientific investigation.[162][167] • is the use of fine needles to stimulate acupuncture points and balance the flow of qi. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.[164][168] Some acupuncturists regard them as functional rather than structural entities, useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients.[162][169][170] Dry needling is the therapeutic insertion of fine needles without regard to TCM theory. Acupuncture has been the subject of active scientific research since the late 20th century,[171] and its effects and application remain controversial among Western medical researchers and clinicians.[171] Because it is a procedure rather than a pill, the design of controlled studies is challenging, as with surgical and other procedures.[162][171][172][173][174]:126 Some scholarly reviews conclude that acupuncture’s effects are mainly placebo,[175][176] and others find likelihood of efficacy for particular conditions.[171][177][178][179] • is manual non-invasive stimulation of acupuncture points. harmony, determine an individual’s "body type"); and treatment is aimed at restoring balance to the mind-body system.[146][147] It has long been the main traditional system of health care in India,[147] and it has become institutionalized in India’s colleges and schools, although unlicensed practitioners are common.[148] As with other traditional knowledge, much of it was lost; in the West, current practice is mostly based on the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1980s,[149] who mixed it with Transcendental Meditation. The most notable advocate of Ayurveda in America is Deepak Chopra, who claims that Maharishi’s Ayurveda is based on quantum mysticism.[149] • is a means of medical diagnosis and therapy which proponents believe can diagnose and remedy health problems using various frequencies in a putative energy field coupled to the practitioner’s electronic device. The first such "black box" devices were designed and promoted by Albert Abrams, and were definitively proven useless by an independent investigation commissioned by Scientific American in 1924.[150] The internal circuitry of radionics devices is often obfuscated and irrelevant, leading proponents to conjecture dowsing and ESP as operating principles.[151][152] Similar devices continue to be marketed under various names, though none is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration; there is no scientific evidence for the efficacy or underlying premise of radionics devices.[153][154] The radionics of Albert Abrams and his intellectual descendants should not be confused with similarly named reputable and legitimate companies, products, or medical treatments such as radiotherapy or radiofrequency ablation. • is a form of vitalism where a practitioner, who may be also a nurse,[155] passes his or her hands over and around a patient to "realign" or "rebalance" a putative energy field.[19] A recent Cochrane Review concluded that "[t]here is no evidence that [Therapeutic Touch] promotes healing of acute wounds."[156] No biophysical basis for such an energy field has been found.[157][158] • (TCM) is the traditional medical sytem originating in China and practiced as an 7 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience, "today, vitalism is one of the ideas that form the basis for many pseudoscientific health systems that claim that illnesses are caused by a disturbance or imbalance of the body’s vital force." "Vitalists claim to be scientific, but in fact they reject the scientific method with its basic postulates of cause and effect and of provability. They often regard subjective experience to be more valid than objective material reality."[189] • or acupoints are a collection of several hundred points on the body lying along meridians. According to TCM theory, each corresponds to a particular organ or function. • in TCM are the channels through which qi flows, connecting the several zang-fu organ pairs.[160][180] There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.[164][168] • is the application on or above the skin of smoldering mugwort, or moxa, to stimulate acupuncture points. • is the vital energy whose flow must be balanced for health. Qi has never been directly observed, and is unrelated to the energy used in science.[181][182][183] • is the collection of crude medicines used in Traditional Chinese medicine. These include many plants in part or whole, such as ginseng and wolfberry, as well as more exotic ingredients such as seahorses. Preparations generally include several ingredients in combination, with selection based on physical characteristics such as taste or shape, or relationship to the organs of TCM.[184] Most preparations have not been rigorously evaluated or give no indication of efficacy.[167][185][186] Pharmacognosy research for potential active ingredients present in these preparations is active, though the applications do not always correspond to those of TCM.[187] • is the concept of organs as functional yin and yang entities for the storage and manipulation of qi.[160] These organs are not based in anatomy. • . Drinking either one’s own undiluted urine or homeopathic potions of urine for treatment of a wide variety of diseases is based on pseudoscience.[188] • is a doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining. According to the Religious and spiritual beliefs Spiritual and religious practices and beliefs are normally not classified as pseudoscience.[190] The following have been related pseudoscience in some way, however: • is the belief that the origin of everything in the universe is the result of a first cause, brought about by a creator deity, and that this thesis is supported by geological, biological, and other scientific evidence.[1][4][5][191] • asserts that the Bible makes accurate statements about the world that science verifies thousands of years later. • is the subset of creation science that tries to explain biology without evolution. • are ones which, among other things, allow for a universe that is only thousands of years old. • is the creationist form of geology that advocates most of the geologic features on Earth are explainable by a global flood. • , citing uniform gamma-ray bursts distribution, and other arguments of this type, as evidence that we are at the center of the universe. • maintains that "certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection."[192] These features include:[4][191][193] 8 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience water into a usable fuel by just adding a few drops of his "secret formula" liquid. The government of China and the Chinese Communist Party were alarmed by pseudoscience developments like this one and issued a joint proclamation condemning the recent decline of public education in science.[208] • is a class of proposed machines that violate one of the Laws of Thermodynamics. Perpetual motion has been recognized as extrascientific since the late 18th century, but proposals and patents for such devices continue to be made to the present day.[1][6][19] • is a particular class of perpetual motion which purports to create energy (violating the first law of thermodynamics) or extract useful work from equilibrium systems (violating the second law of thermodynamics). This is in contrast to proposals made most notably by Harold Puthoff[209] which involve the extraction of zero point energy, a real energy which in quantum mechanics is thought not to be available to do work.[19] • are an instance of perpetual motion machines.[210] Such devices are claimed to use water as fuel or produce fuel from water onboard with no other energy input. • is the claim that some systems are so complex that they cannot have evolved from simpler systems. It is used by proponents of intelligent design to argue that evolution by natural selection alone is incomplete or flawed, and that some additional mechanism (an "Intelligent Designer") is required to explain the origins of life. • is the claim that when something is simultaneously complex and specified, one can infer that it was produced by an intelligent cause (i.e., that it was designed) rather than being the result of natural processes. • is L. Ron Hubbard’s pseudoscience that purports to treat a hypothetical reactive mind by means of an E-meter, a device which Hubbard was later legally forced to admit "does nothing".[194][195][196][197][198] • builds on a superficial similarity between certain New Age concepts and such seemingly counter-intuitive quantum mechanical concepts as the uncertainty principle, entanglement, and wave–particle duality, while generally ignoring the limitations imposed by quantum decoherence.[8][199][200][201][202] One of the most abused ideas is Bell’s theorem, which proves the nonexistence of local hidden variables in quantum mechanics. Despite this, Bell himself resisted mystical interpretations of the theory.[203] • The is a length of linen cloth believed by some members of the Christian community to have been Jesus’ death shroud.[8] Radiocarbon dating of the original material has shown that it dates from the 13th or 14th century,[204] though some claim that the material tested was not representative of the whole shroud.[205][206] Analyses of the paint and the herringbone twill weave of the cloth similarly point to a medieval origin.[207] Other • are spherical or toroidal objects marketed as soap substitutes for washing machines.[8] • is the claim that scientific evidence shows the inferiority or superiority of certain races.[211][212] • is a belief founded in the distortion of known physical properties of melanin, a natural polymer, that posits the inherent superiority of Black people and the essential inhumanity and an inferiority of Whites.[213][214] • is an approach to evolutionary models of cultural information transfer based on the concept of the meme. Starting from a proposition put forward in the writings of Richard Dawkins, it has since turned into a new area of study, one that looks at the Energy • is a pseudoscience incident in China where an inventor claimed that could turn 9 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience • is a technological concept developed by Canadian autodidact and inventor Mel Winfield.[224] • is a device created by schizophrenic Steven Green to detect the messages that are sent to one’s brain.[225] • is a claimed acoustically-induced structural reorganization of liquid water into long-lived small clusters of five molecules each. Neither these clusters nor their asserted benefits to humans have been shown to exist.[226][227] • is a hypothetical polymerized form of water proposed in the 1960s with a higher boiling point, lower freezing point, and much higher viscosity than ordinary water. It was later found not to exist, with the anomalous measurements being explained by biological contamination.[228] • are a set of proposals that modify electromagnetic theory in various nonstandard ways. • is a proposal by Ed Seykota, a commodities trader, which claims to clarify "problems" with the application of the Bernoulli principle. • is a proposed theory of everything which holds that time is cubic. Its creator, Gene Ray, finds those who are ignorant of or in disagreement with his theory to be "stupid and evil." According to his own web site, he is a diagnosed schizophrenic.[229] • is a notion by the Austrian Hans Hörbiger that ice was the basic substance of all cosmic processes.[230] self-replicating units of culture. It has been proposed that just as memes are analogous to genes, memetics is analogous to genetics. Memetics has been deemed a pseudoscience from several fronts. It has been called redundant, without physical basis, and a means for attacking others’ beliefs as opposed to actual science.[215][216][217] Idiosyncratic ideas The following concepts have only a very small number of proponents, yet have become notable. • is an alternative to special relativity proposed by Ricardo Carezani based on revised Lorentz transformations. In addition to failing to make accurate predictions at relativistic velocities, the proposed transformations do not correspond to classical velocity addition. Promoters also propose a number of revisions to the "particle zoo" of subatomic physics, including the nonexistence of neutrinos.[218][219] • was an academic dispute regarding the legitimacy of a series of theoretical physics papers written by French twin brothers Igor and Grichka Bogdanov.[220] • is a proposed unified theory of physics due to Myron Evans, a Welsh chemist.[221] • is based upon the original work of Nikola Tesla and advanced by Thomas Townsend Brown that attempts to connect gravity and electromagnetism.[222] • is a historical proposal that was made alongside continental drift theory and has been all but abandoned by geologists, yet still has some lay advocates, the most famous of which is Neal Adams • is a proposed explanation for purported levitation caused by devices made by John Hutchison. • are a state of the hydrogen atom that, according to proponent Randell Mills, are of lower energy than ground state and thus a source of free energy. • was a proposed philosophy and system of claims about physics made by baseball player Alfred William Lawson.[223] • is a self-published Finnish autodidact proposing various alternative physical ideas. Previously disputed unusual natural phenomena Certain unusual natural phenomena have previously been considered pseudoscientific but are no longer doubted by modern science: • is a slow-moving, luminous sphere which is up to 30 cm in diameter, explanations for which have ranged from combusted hydrocarbon gas to "Will o’ the wisp" creatures.[8] The phenomenon is now better understood[231] and contemporary scientific consensus clearly accepts the existence of a phenomenon which mimics some reports of ball lightning, but is on a much smaller scale.[232][233] • are objects composed of stone and/or metal that fall from space onto the surface 10 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience • Pseudoskepticism • Science • Scientific consensus (describes the majority views of scientists) • Superseded scientific theories of the Earth. This was contested by skeptical scientists in the 18th century, especially those of the French Academy. Ernst Chladni demonstrated their celestial origin in 1794, and a substantial fall of meteorites in France in 1803 dispersed the skepticism.[234] • is a theory which suggests the major continents of the Earth move into different positions over geological time. This was long considered to be pseudoscience.[235] It was later recognized as a solid theory when more evidence of the existence of Pangea appeared and when abundant evidence for sea floor spreading and subduction was discovered during the 1950s and 60s. The concept was replaced with plate tectonics. Notes and references [1] ^ article on the website of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.Astronomical Pseudo-Science: A Skeptic’s Resource List (Version 3.0; August 2003) [2] Knier, Gil; Becky Bray (2001-03-30). "The Moon Landing Hoax". NASA. http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/News/2001/ News-MoonLanding.asp. Retrieved on 2007-12-02. "Did we actually send humans to the Moon in the 1960’s? Of course we did!" [3] "The Universe At Your Fingertips Activity: Activities With Astrology". Astronomical Society of the Pacific. http://www.astrosociety.org/education/ astro/act3/astrology.html. Retrieved on 2007-12-03. "These activities help students to understand the difference between science and pseudoscience by investigating some of astrology’s claims." [4] ^ statement from the California Academy of Sciences.[1] [5] ^ statement from the Iowa Academy of Science.[2] [6] ^ statement from the Russian Academy of Sciences.[3] [7] National Science Foundation (2002). Science and Engineering Indicators – 2002. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation. pp. ch. 7. ISBN 978-0160665790. http://www.nsf.gov/ statistics/seind02/c7/c7s5.htm. "Belief in pseudoscience is relatively widespread... More than 25 percent of the public believes in astrology, that is, that the position of the stars and planets can affect people’s lives." [8] ^ entry in The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience. [9] Trefil, James (2007-03). "Who Were the Ancient Engineers of Egypt?". Skeptical Briefs. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. http://www.csicop.org/sb/2007-03/ egypt.html. Retrieved on 2007-12-01. "the pyramids, as impressive as they are, give no evidence at all for the presence Parody pseudoscience The following are notable parodies of other pseudosciences and pseudoscientific concepts, or scientific jokes posing as serious theories. • dhmo.org is a web site purporting to be set up by concerned citizens to examine "the controversy surrounding dihydrogen monoxide" including evidence of its environmental, health, and other problems. Dihydrogen Monoxide is H2O (also known as water).[236] • is a parody of intelligent design which attacks gravitation in the same way intelligent design attacks the teaching of evolution.[237] • is a hoax invention that relies on technobabble and incongruous use of jargon to give the appearance of a legitimate invention when it is, in fact, nonsense. See also • • • • • • • • • • • • Cargo cult science Crank (referencing a disagreeable person) Falsification Fringe science Occam’s razor Paradigm Paradigm shift ’Pataphysics Pathological science Philosophy of science Protoscience Pseudophilosophy 11 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience of advanced technology at work in [22] Carroll, Robert Todd, The Skeptic’s ancient Egypt." Dictionary 2003, Wiley Publishing [10] Brendan O’Neill (2008-08-04). "Do they Company, ISBN 0471272426 really think the earth is flat?". BBC [23] Shermer, Michael (May 2005). "Turn Me News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ On, Dead Man". Scientific American. uk_news/magazine/7540427.stm. http://www.sciam.com/ [11] Plinio Prioreschi (1998). Edwin Mellen article.cfm?articleID=000EB977-12BE-1264-8F96834 Press. ed. A history of medicine. p. xxxv. Retrieved on 2007-02-28. ISBN 1888456035. [24] Terrence Hines, Pseudoscience and the http://books.google.com/ Paranormal: A Critical Examination of books?id=H3ZaIYAaOSQC&pg=PR34&dq=flat+earth+society+pseudoscience+OR+pseudoscientific the Evidence, Prometheus Books, "Since the Renaissance, there has been a Buffalo, NY, 1988. ISBN pseudo-scientific counterpart for each of 0-87975-419-2.Thagard (1978) op cit 223 the various sciences. The existence of ff pseudo-scientific counterparts for [25] Parapsychological Association website, physiscs, astronomy (...) is indicated, Glossary of Key Words Frequently Used respectively, by the activities of the in Parapsychology, Retrieved December believers in perpetual motion, the 24, 2006 members of the flat earth society, (...)" [26] "extrasensory perception" Merriam[12] Indicators 2000 - Chapter 8: Science and Webster Online Dictionary. Technology: Public Attitudes and Public [27] National Science Foundation (2002). Understanding - Belief in the Paranormal Science and Engineering Indicators – or Pseudoscience 2002. Arlington, VA: National Science [13] ^ Beyerstein, BL (1997). "Distinguishing Foundation. pp. ch. 7. ISBN Science from Pseudoscience" (PDF). 978-0160665790. http://www.nsf.gov/ http://www.sfu.ca/~beyerste/research/ statistics/seind02/c7/c7s5.htm. "Belief in articles/02SciencevsPseudoscience.pdf. pseudoscience is relatively widespread... Retrieved on 2007-07-14. At least half of the public believes in the [14] ^ Science and Technology: Public existence of extrasensory perception Attitudes and Public Understanding (ESP)." Science Fiction and Pseudoscience [28] Randi, James (1989). The Faith Healers. [15] "They call it cerealogy", CNN.com Prometheus Books. ISBN 0-87975-535-0. [16] Bell, David (2005). Science Technology [29] David Vernon in Skeptical - a Handbook and Culture. McGraw-Hill International. of Pseudoscience and the Paranormal, ed pp. 114. http://books.google.com/ Donald Laycock, David Vernon, Colin books?id=pEcqiii4MOUC. Groves, Simon Brown, Imagecraft, [17] Prothero, Donald R.; Carl Dennis Buell Canberra, 1989, ISBN 0731657942, p47 (2007). Evolution. New York: Columbia [30] ""Psychic surgery" -- 40 (3): 184 -- CA: A University Press. p. 13. Cancer Journal for Clinicians". http://books.google.com/ http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/ books?id=QeKWpRX77JgC. content/abstract/40/3/184. Retrieved on [18] The Skeptic Encyclopedia of 2007-07-28. Pseudoscience by Michael Shermer & [31] Carroll, Robert Todd. "Psychic Surgery". Pat Linse, 2002, ISBN 1576076539 The Skeptic’s Dictionary. [19] ^ Scientific American http://www.skepdic.com/psurgery.html. [20] http://parapsych.org/ Retrieved on 2007-07-28. glossary_e_k.html#e Parapsychological [32] "Psychic surgeon charged". The Filipino Association website, Glossary of Key Reporter. June 17-23, 2005. Words Frequently Used in http://www.filipinoreporter.com/archive/ Parapsychology, Retrieved January 24, 3327/headline03.htm. Retrieved on 2006 2007-07-28. [21] Alcock, James E. "Electronic Voice [33] Stableford, Brian M (2006). Science fact Phenomena:Voices of the Dead?". and science fiction: an encyclopedia. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. New York: Routledge. ISBN http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/ 0-415-97460-7. evp.html. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 12 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience [34] SPACE.com - "Russian Alien Spaceship Claims Raise Eyebrows, Skepticism " [35] National Science Foundation (2002). Science and Engineering Indicators – 2002. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation. pp. ch. 7. ISBN 978-0160665790. http://www.nsf.gov/ statistics/seind02/c7/c7s5.htm. "Belief in pseudoscience is relatively widespread... A sizable minority of the public believes in UFOs and that aliens have landed on Earth." [36] Randi, James (2004-07-16 "This is a total quack procedure that has actually killed children."). "Swift: Online Newsletter of the JREF". http://www.randi.org/jr/ 071604an.html#7. Retrieved on 2007-11-17. [37] Maloney, Shannon-Bridget. "Be Wary of Attachment Therapy". http://www.quackwatch.org/ 01QuackeryRelatedTopics/at.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-17. [38] Preface to "Enhancing Early Attachments. Theory, Research, Intervention and Policy." Duke series in child development and public policy. Eds. Lisa J. Berlin, Yair Ziv, Lisa AmayaJackson and Mark T. Greenberg Guilford Press ISBN 1-59385-470-6 p. xvii [39] ^ Chaffin M, Hanson R, Saunders BE, et al. (2006). "Report of the APSAC task force on attachment therapy, reactive attachment disorder, and attachment problems.". Child Maltreat 11 (1): 76–89. doi:10.1177/1077559505283699. PMID 16382093. [40] Pam, A (1990). "A critique of the scientific status of biological psychiatry". Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum 362: 1–35. ISSN 0065-1591. PMID 2088016. edit [41] Pseudoscience in Biological Psychiatry: Blaming the body http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/ 332/26/1796 [42] Jensen, Ps; Arnold, Le; Swanson, Jm; Vitiello, B; Abikoff, Hb; Greenhill, Ll; Hechtman, L; Hinshaw, Sp; Pelham, We; Wells, Kc; Conners, Ck; Elliott, Gr; Epstein, Jn; Hoza, B; March, Js; Molina, Bs; Newcorn, Jh; Severe, Jb; Wigal, T; Gibbons, Rd; Hur, K (Aug 2007). "3-year follow-up of the NIMH MTA study". Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 46 (8): 989–1002. doi:10.1097/ CHI.0b013e3180686d48. PMID 17667478. edit [43] . http://psycnet.apa.org/ index.cfm?fa=search.displayRecord&uid=2002-1407 [44] "The Pseudo-science of Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy". ANGLES, the policy journal of the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS), www.iglss.org. 1999. http://www.iglss.org/media/files/ Angles_41.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-04-04. [45] "Barry Beyerstein Q&A". Ask the Scientists. Scientific American Frontiers. http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/3_ask/ archive/qna/3282_bbeyerstein.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. "they simply interpret the way we form these various features on the page in much the same way ancient oracles interpreted the entrails of oxen or smoke in the air. I.e., it’s a kind of magical divination or fortune telling where ’like begets like.’" [46] "The use of graphology as a tool for employee hiring and evaluation". British Columbia Civil Liberties Union. 1988. http://www.bccla.org/positions/privacy/ 88graphology.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. "On the other hand, in properly controlled, blind studies, where the handwriting samples contain no content that could provide nongraphological information upon which to base a prediction (e.g., a piece copied from a magazine), graphologists do no better than chance at predicting the personality traits" [47] Thomas, John A. (2002). "Graphology Fact Sheet". North Texas Skeptics. http://www.ntskeptics.org/factsheets/ graphol.htm. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. "In summary, then, it seems that graphology as currently practiced is a typical pseudoscience and has no place in character assessment or employment practice. There is no good scientific evidence to justify its use, and the graphologists do not seem about to come up with any." [48] "Scientific Validity of Polygraph Testing: A Research Review and Evaluation". Washington, D. C.: U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment. 1983. http://www.fas.org/sgp/othergov/ polygraph/ota/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-29. 13 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience [49] "Monitor on Psychology - The polygraph and Public Understanding. Science in doubt". American Psychological Fiction and Pseudoscience. Association. 07-2004. [63] ^ Alexandra Frean, Education Editor. http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/ Universities drop degree courses in polygraph.html. Retrieved on alternative medicine. Universities are 2008-02-29. increasingly turning their backs on [50] Vergano, Dan (September 9 2002). homoeopathy and complementary "Telling the truth about lie detectors". medicine amid opposition from the USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/ scientific community to ’pseudo-science’ news/nation/2002-09-09-lie_x.htm. degrees. The Times, January 30, 2009 [51] Magendie, F (1843) An Elementary [64] Zoë Corbyn. Experts criticise ’pseudoTreatise on Human Physiology. 5th Ed. scientific’ complementary medicine Tr. John Revere. New York: Harper, note: degrees. Times Higher Education 24 "pseudo-science" (p.150). April 2008 [52] Fodor, JA. (1983) The Modularity of [65] Roger Highfield. Alternative medicine Mind. MIT Press. p.14, 23, 131 degrees ’anti-scientific’. The Daily [53] Primal therapy homepage Telegraph March 22, 2007 [54] Moore, Timothy (2001). Primal Therapy. [66] von Rohr et al., "Experiences in the Gale Group. http://findarticles.com/p/ realisation of a research project on articles/mi_g2699/is_0005/ anthroposophical medicine in patients ai_2699000587. with advanced cancer", Schweiz Med [55] Merkin, Daphne (5 September 2004), Wochenschr 2000;130:1173–84 "Psychoanalysis: Is It Science or Is It [67] Klotter, Jule (May 2006). Toast?", New York Times, "Anthroposophical Medicine". Townsend http://query.nytimes.com/gst/ Letter for Doctors and Patients, fullpage.html?res=9C07E5D9113EF936A3575AC0A9629C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all 24(1):274. [56] Currie, G; Musgrave, A (eds) (1985) [68] Helmut Kiene, Complementary “Popper and the Human Sciences Methodology in Clinical Research (Nijhoff International Philosophy Series)” Cognition-based Medicine, Springer SpringerVerlag, pp13-44 Publishers: Heidelberg, New York. 2001. [57] Popper KR, "Science: Conjectures and ISBN 3-540-41022-8 Refutations", reprinted in Grim P (1990) [69] "Miscellaneous Holistic Remedies". Philosophy of Science and the Occult, Holistic Online. Albany, pp. 104-110 http://www.holisticonline.com/ [58] Cioffi, Frank (1985), "Psychoanalysis, hol_miscellaneous.htm. Retrieved on Pseudo-Science and Testability", in 2008-02-09. Currie, Gregory; Musgrave, Alan, Popper [70] "The Position of Anthroposophic and the human sciences, Springer, ISBN Medicine". Internationale Vereinigung 9789024729982 . Reprinted in Cioffi, Anthroposophischer Ärztegesellschaften Frank (1998), Freud and the question of (International Federation of pseudoscience, Open Court, ISBN Anthroposophic Medical Associations). 9780812693850 http://www.ivaa.info/IVAA_new/ [59] "Urban Legends Reference Pages: anthroposophical_medicine.htm. Business (Subliminal Advertising)". The Retrieved on 2008-02-09. "Some Urban Legends Reference Pages. medicines are similar to herbal medicinal http://www.snopes.com/business/hidden/ products, some are prepared according popcorn.asp. Retrieved on 2006-08-11. to the guidelines of homeopathic [60] For example, processing of happy and pharmacopoeias." sad faces affecting the desirability of [71] Alm, J. S., Swartz, J., Lilja, G., Scheynius, subsequent stimulus (Westen, 2006 A., and Pershagen, G. (1999). Atopy in p.184-185). children of families with an [61] ^ Westen et al. 2006 "Psychology: anthroposophic lifestyle. Lancet, Austraian and New Zealand edition" John 353(9163):1485-8. PMID 10232315 Wiley. Reprint copy [62] ^ National Science Foundation survey: [72] Flöistrup, Helen; Jackie Swartz, Anna Science and Technology: Public Attitudes Bergström, Johan S. Alm, Annika 14 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience Scheynius, Marianne van Hage, Marco Waser, Charlotte Braun-Fahrländer, Dieneke Schram-Bijkerk, Machteld Huber, Anne Zutavern, Erika von Mutius, Ellen Üblagger, Josef Riedler, Karin B. Michaels, Göran Pershagen (2006-01). "Allergic disease and sensitization in Steiner school children". The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117 (1): 59–66. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.09.039. http://www.jacionline.org/article/ PIIS0091674905021287/abstract. Retrieved on 2008-03-03. [73] Klotter, Jule. "Anthroposophic lifestyle & allergies in children.(Shorts)." Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 274 (May 2006): 24(2). [74] ^ Carroll, Robert. "anthroposophic medicine". Skeptic’s Dictionary. http://skepdic.com/ anthroposophicmedicine.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. [75] Hansson, Sven Ove (1991). "Is Anthroposophy Science?". Conceptus XXV (64): 37–49. "The claims that anthroposophy is a science are not justified." [76] Ernst, Edzard (2006), "Mistletoe as a treatment for cancer", BMJ 333 (7582): 1282, doi:10.1136/bmj.39055.493958.80, PMID 17185706 "Anthroposophic drugs are based on ancient alchemistic and homeopathic notions, far removed from the concepts of pharmacology." [77] Ernst, Edzard, "Anthroposophical Medicine: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials." Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, ISSN 0043-5325, 2004, vol. 116, no4, pp. 128–130 [78] Quackenbush, Thomas R. (2000). Better Eyesight The complete magazines of William H. Bates. North Atlantic Books. pp. page 643. ISBN 1-55643-351-4. [79] Worrall, Russell S.; Jacob Nevyas, Stephen Barrett (2007-09-12 "The claims Bates made in advertising his book were so dubious that in 1929 the Federal Trade Commission issued a complaint against him for advertising "falsely or misleadingly.""). "Eye-Related Quackery". http://www.quackwatch.org/ 01QuackeryRelatedTopics/ eyequack.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-17. [80] Pollack P. (1956). "Chapter 3: Fallacies of the Bates System". The Truth about Eye Exercises. Philadelphia: Chilton Co.. [81] Leanna Skarnulis (February 5, 2007). "Natural Vision Correction: Does It Work?". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ features/natural-vision-correction-doesit-work. "No evidence was found that visual training had any effect on the progression of nearsightedness, or that it improved visual function for patients with farsightedness or astigmatism, or that it improved vision lost to diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy." [82] Gardner, Martin (1957). "Chapter 19: Throw Away Your Glasses". Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science. Reprint: Courier Dover. pp. 230–241. ISBN 0-486-20394-8. http://books.google.com/ books?id=kWoJ8mEEJ0wC&printsec=frontcover&so "Actually, Bates’ theory of accommodation (so necessary to explain the value of his exercises) is so patently absurd that even most of his present-day followers have discarded it." [83] Robyn E. Bradley (September 23, 2003). "Advocates See Only Benefits From Eye Exercises" (PDF). The Boston Globe (MA). http://visioneducators.com/articles/ advocates_see_only_benefits_from_eye_exercises.pdf [84] Marg, E. (1952). ""Flashes" of clear vision and negative accommodation with reference to the Bates Method of visual training." (PDF). Am J Opt Arch Am Ac Opt 29 (4): 167–84. http://brain.berkeley.edu/pub/ 1952%20April%20Flashes%20of%20Clear%20Vision [85] Randi, James (2006-11-11 "This is pure old quackery, it’s wishful thinking, and it’s profitable."). "Swift: the weekly newsletter of the JREF". http://www.randi.org/jr/2006-11/ 111706rampa.html#i3. Retrieved on 2007-11-17. [86] "Biological Rhythms: Implications for the Worker". OTA-BA-463 Box 2-A pg. 30. Office of Technology Assessment. 1991-09. http://www.princeton.edu/~ota/ disk1/1991/9108_n.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-21. "No evidence exists to support the concept of biorhythms; in 15 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience fact, scientific data refute their applications. Most scientists would argue existence." that filling the gulf is premature. [87] Carroll, Robert Todd. "Biorhythms". Nevertheless, at present, teachers are at Skeptic’s Dictionary. http://skepdic.com/ the receiving end of numerous ’brainbiorhyth.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-21. based learning’ packages. Some of these "The theory of biorhythms is a contain alarming amounts of pseudoscientific theory that claims our misinformation, yet such packages are daily lives are significantly affected by being used in many schools.". rhythmic cycles overlooked by scientists [93] "Sense About Science - Brain Gym". who study biological rhythms." Sense About Science. [88] Hines, Terence (1998). "Comprehensive http://www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/ Review of Biorhythm Theory" (pdf index.php/site/project/233/. Retrieved on 2008-04-11. "These exercises are being (summary)). Psychological Reports 83: taught with pseudoscientific 19–64. doi:10.2466/PR0.83.5.19-64. explanations that undermine science http://ammonsscientific.com/ teaching and mislead children about how link.php?N=10326. Retrieved on their bodies work. ... There have been a 2008-02-20. "The conclusion is that few peer reviewed scientific studies into biorhythm theory is not valid." the methods of Brain Gym, but none of [89] "Brain Gym - FAQ". The Official Brain them found a significant improvement in Gym Web Site. http://www.braingym.org/ general academic skills." faq#How_does_movement_affect_the_brain__Do_actual_physical_changes_in_the_brain_occur_through [94] Hyatt, Keith J. (April 2007). "Brain Gym Retrieved on 2008-08-11. "BRAIN GYM Building Stronger Brains or Wishful works by facilitating optimal Thinking?" (fee required). Remedial and achievement of mental potential through Special Education (SAGE Publications) specific movement experiences. All acts of speech, hearing, vision, and 28 (2): 117–124. doi:10.1177/ coordination are learned through a 07419325070280020201. ISSN complex repertoire of movements. 0741-9325. http://rse.sagepub.com/cgi/ BRAIN GYM promotes efficient content/abstract/28/2/117. Retrieved on communication among the many nerve 2008-09-12. "a review of the theoretical cells and functional centers located foundations of Brain Gym and the throughout the brain and sensory motor associated peer-reviewed research system." studies failed to support the contentions [90] About Brain Gym of the promoters of Brain Gym®. [91] "Neuroscience and Education: Issues and Educators are encouraged to become Opportunities" (PDF). the ESRC’s informed consumers of research and to Teaching and Learning Research avoid implementing programming for Programme website. http://www.tlrp.org/ which there is neither a credible pub/documents/ theoretical nor a sound research basis.". Neuroscience%20Commentary%20FINAL.pdf. "News in brief". The Times. 2008-04-05. [95] Retrieved on 2007-08-03. "The pseudohttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/ scientific terms that are used to explain uk/article3671213.ece. Retrieved on how this works, let alone the concepts 2008-09-01. "Paul Dennison, a they express, are unrecognisable within Californian educator who created the the domain of neuroscience." programme, admitted that many claims [92] Goswami, Usha (May 2006). in his teacher’s guide were based on his "Neuroscience and education: from ’hunches’ and were not proper science." research to practice?" (fee required). [96] "An Introduction to Chiropractic". National Center for Complementary and Nature 7: 406–413. doi:10.1038/ Alternative Medicine. 2007-11. nrn1907. http://www.nature.com/nrn/ http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/. journal/v7/n5/abs/nrn1907.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-06. Retrieved on 2008-08-11. "Cognitive [97] "Standards for Doctor of Chiropractic neuroscience is making rapid strides in programs and requirements for areas highly relevant to education. institutional status" (PDF). The Council However, there is a gulf between current on Chiropractic Education. 2007. science and direct classroom 16 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of topics characterized as pseudoscience http://cce-usa.org/uploads/File/ 2007%20January%20STANDARDS.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-02-14. [98] Nelson CF, Lawrence DJ, Triano JJ, et al. (July 2005). "Chiropractic as spine care: a model for the profession". Chiropr Osteopat 13: 9. doi:10.1186/ 1746-1340-13-9. PMID 16000175. [99] Grod JP, Sikorski D, Keating JC (October 2001). "Unsubstantiated claims in patient brochures from the largest state, provincial, and national chiropractic associations and research agencies". J Manipulative Physiol Ther 24 (8): 514–9. doi:10.1067/mmt.2001.118205. PMID 11677551. [100] eating JC Jr, Cleveland CS III, Menke M K (2005). "Chiropractic history: a primer" (PDF). Association for the History of Chiropractic. http://data.memberclicks.com/site/ahc/ ChiroHistoryPrimer.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-06-16. 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[237] vangelical Scientists Refute Gravity E With New ’Intelligent Falling’ Theory, The Onion List of topics characterized as pseudoscience • Gardner, Martin, Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science • Gardner, Martin, Science, Good, Bad, and Bogus • Randi, James, Flim-Flam: Psychics, ESP, Unicorns and other Delusions, Prometheus, 1982, ISBN 0-87975-198-3 • Sagan, Carl, The Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Candle in the Dark. Ballantine Books, March 1997 ISBN 0-345-40946-9, 480 pgs. 1996 hardback edition: Random House, ISBN 0-394-53512-X, xv+457 pages plus addenda insert (some printings). • Schick, Theodore and Lewis Vaughn. (1998) How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age. Mayfield. ISBN 0-7674-0013-5 • Shermer, Michael. (2002) Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time. Owl Books. ISBN 0-8050-7089-3 Further reading • Abell, George O. and Barry Singer, Science and the Paranormal: Probing the Existence of the Supernatural, Charles Scribner’s, 1981, ISBN 0-684-17820-6 • Collins, Paul S. (2002) Banvard’s Folly: Thirteen Tales of People Who Didn’t Change the World. Picador. ISBN 0-312-30033-6 Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_topics_characterized_as_pseudoscience" Categories: Pseudoscience, Fringe science, Paranormal, Scientific skepticism This page was last modified on 24 May 2009, at 11:00 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) taxdeductible nonprofit charity. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers 25