Garbage science?

[watervole]

This one looks like a particularly good example of waffle masquerading as science...

Also, for the past two months I've been using an electro-magnetic field protection unit plugged into a wall at home. The device was created by engineer and homeopath Gary Johnson. Disturbed with the increasing number of patients coming to him with skin problems, exhaustion, blurred vision, and symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, he suspected that they might be sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

"The heart of the unit is a programmed microprocessor unit that produces a holograph field that is amplified through an internal aerial system. This protection field protects the human system from the negative effects of EMR," says Johnson. He says he has had great success in alleviating patients' symptoms, and claims the unit offers unlimited protection from any negative electromagnetic emissions in a 700-square metre radius.

The original article (which contained the occasional grain of possible science until it reached the point above) can be found here

Comments

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

he has had great success in alleviating patients' symptoms...

The placebo effect in action...

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

A sugar pill has been known to give the patient relief from psychosomatic illness. This is a very expensive, probably, sugar pill.

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

I did see a woman on television who was using something like this, and insisted, in a rather weary, bored-of-being-disbelieved way that it was the only thing that relieved her symptoms. It seems awfully unlikely, but if she's convinced it's the only way to get better then, for her, it's money well spent.

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

The fact that the sugar pill works doesn't make it any the less a sugar pill. If this machine works for some people then it is money well spent, providing they have exhausted all other avenues, then good luck to them. What worries me is that using what is now thought of as crank cures(which I grant may not be crank for very long, even my orthopedic specialist was recommending alternative therapies to me)will prevent users getting their problems properly investigated and treated.

[jthijsen.livejournal.com]

Yep. My vet once actually suggested a homeopathic cure for one of my cats. Cats don't respond to sugar pills! I now go to a different vet.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

LOL. I always thought homeopathy for pets was stupid for the same reason as you.

[melodyclark.livejournal.com]

I'd say there's a 75% chance of placebo effect, with a 25% chance that he's discovered something no one else has and it functions in some unknown way that isn't contrary to physical law. However, if the mind is that powerful, it does make one wonder about all the supposedly "scientific" devices we use every day. lol

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

As I expected, Ben Goldacre (http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2093724,00.html)'s on to it today.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

A good devastating attack.