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Clinical trials Medicine

Publication bias in clinical trials used for FDA approval

If there is one difference that defines scientific medicine compared to “alternative medicine” it is the application of the scientific method to health claims. Science and the scientific method require transparency: transparency in methodology, transparency in results, transparency in data analysis. Because one of the most important aspects of science is the testing of new […]

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Antivaccine nonsense Autism Complementary and alternative medicine Medicine Quackery

Mandatory reading on alternative medicine

Every blogger encounters a post that he wishe he or she had written. Here’s one such time, as Prometheus schools us on how alternative practitioners manage to be so persuasive and convincing: How they do the voodoo that they do so well – Part 1 How they do the voodoo that they do so well […]

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Cancer Complementary and alternative medicine Entertainment/culture Medicine Popular culture Skepticism/critical thinking

The Chicago Tribune’s cheerleader for woo is at it again

Oddly enough, I’m more tired this morning than I was on Friday. That’s the sort of thing that happens when I actually do as much work over the weekend as I often do on two typical weekdays. The reason is that I’ve suddenly found myself with an unexpected promotion, and–oh, by the way–there’s stuff that […]

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Medicine

Fast approaching: The Skeptics’ Circle

As hard as it is to believe, it’s almost here: The 96th Meeting of the Skeptics’ Circle, which will be appearing on Thursday, September 25. This time around, it’s set to land at Endcycle. If you’re a skeptical blogger, don’t forget to get your best stuff ready by Wednesday. Now, I’ve heard from a few […]

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Entertainment/culture Medicine Music

Breathe, breathe in the air

No, it’s not Pink Floyd, but I needed surgery, I’d want these guys trying to wake me up after it was over: They don’t have to sing about it while they’re doing it, though. After I’m safely awake and in the recovery room would be fine.