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Evolution Intelligent design/creationism Medicine Skepticism/critical thinking Surgery

The Energizer Bunny of antievolution

I need some β-blockers STAT. I say that not because I’m hypertensive or because I’m having heart palpitations–at least not at the moment. I’m saying it because, after reading the latest brave foray into antievolutionary ignorance by–as much as I hate to admit it–a fellow surgeon named Dr. Michael Egnor, I need to do something […]

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Medicine

Paintings by Species

For the last 50 years, zoo animals around the world have been tricked into painting. In many cases, the “art” has fetched big bucks: up to $25,000 for Chimp and Orangutan work. It’s time for a comprehensive art show to compare styles: Maggie, Sea Lion, Pittsburgh Zoo Congo, Chimpanzee, London (1950’s) “Make Me Fly” by […]

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Bioethics Complementary and alternative medicine Medicine Quackery

Studying homeopathy in Third World countries

I’m on the record multiple times as saying that I reject the entire concept and nomenclature of “alternative medicine” as being distinct from “conventional” medicine as a false dichotomy, when in reality there should be just “medicine.” Moreover, this “medicine” remaining should, whenever possible, be based on sound scientific and clinical trial evidence. In essence, […]

Categories
Biology Evolution Intelligent design/creationism Medicine Pseudoscience Science Skepticism/critical thinking Surgery

Train wreck, thy name is Egnor!

It figures. After my having written repeated debunkings of various physicians who are creationists (mostly of the “intelligent design” variety), in retrospect I should have seen this one coming. I should have seen that the Discovery Institute, eager to use anyone they can find whom they can represent to the public as having scientific credentials […]

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Complementary and alternative medicine Medicine Pseudoscience Quackery Skepticism/critical thinking

Rosie O’Donnell: Hanging skepticism upside down

Well, not exactly “no comment.” You know that Orac, being the annoyingly obnoxious skeptic that he is, has to put at least two cents in. This one’s just plain odd. I knew Rosie O’Donnell’s not exactly the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, and she also borders on being a creduloid, at least with respect […]