North Texas Skeptic - Vol 08 No 08 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, Volume 8, Number 8, published in August 1994, presents a collection of articles that champion skepticism and critical thinking across various domains, including health, history, and media analysis.

Healthy Skepticism

This section, authored by Tim Gorski, M.D., delves into the complexities of antioxidant "nutritional supplements" like Beta-Carotene and Vitamins C and E. Gorski challenges the simplistic notion that these supplements prevent cancer and prolong life. He cites the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, which involved over 29,000 male smokers in Finland. Surprisingly, this study found no reduction in lung cancer incidence among those taking beta-carotene supplements; instead, it revealed a statistically significant 8% excess mortality. Another case-control study is mentioned, linking high beta-carotene intake to an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. Furthermore, a multi-center trial on colorectal cancer showed no reduction in precancerous lesions with these supplements. Gorski points out that while critics may pick apart research studies, skepticism is often selectively applied by supplement promoters. He also discusses research at Northwestern University Medical School on an animal model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), involving a mutant Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene, suggesting a "dominant gain of function" that needs further investigation. The article concludes by emphasizing that many chemical reactions are reversible, and while antioxidants can quench free radicals, they can also produce them, urging caution against the assumption that more is always better.

Skeptical News & Views

This section features several short pieces:

Evolutionary View

This piece addresses the creationist argument about the evolution of the eye. It quotes Darwin's perspective that the difficulty of believing in the evolution of a complex organ like the eye is understandable but not insurmountable. The article highlights the work of Dan Nilsson and Susanne Pelger, whose computer simulations demonstrated how a light-sensitive layer could evolve into a functional eye in under 400,000 generations, even with conservative assumptions. Richard Dawkins is quoted as describing the results as "swift and decisive."

Pseudohistory: Proving the Holocaust

Authored by Michael Shermer, this essay refutes Holocaust revisionism by framing history as a scientific discipline. Shermer argues that while the Holocaust is well-established by historical research, all knowledge claims must be continually tested and improved. He contrasts historical methodology with pseudohistory, which rewrites the past for present purposes. Shermer identifies common methodologies of fringe groups, such as creationists and revisionists, including attacking opponents' weak points, exploiting minor errors, quoting out of context, mistaking debates for refutations, and focusing only on what is not known. He emphasizes that historical proof, like the proof of evolution, comes from a "convergence of evidence"—multiple independent inductions that "jump together" to establish a conclusion. Shermer asserts that if history is not treated as a science, it could lead to the "end of history."

The third eye

Written by Pat Reeder, this column offers a critique of media and advocacy groups. Reeder discusses the controversy surrounding Rush Limbaugh and the media watchdog group FAIR, which accused Limbaugh of spreading misinformation. Reeder finds FAIR's own methodology to be biased, suggesting they start with a predetermined conclusion. He also criticizes the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) for what he calls "unscientific scare-mongering" regarding the fat content of Mexican food and other dietary issues. Reeder advocates for a healthy dose of skepticism towards all news sources, especially those using innocent-sounding acronyms.

Up a tree

This section includes a satirical cartoon by Laura Ainsworth, which pokes fun at sensationalized news reporting, specifically referencing W.V. Grant and a story about Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie. It also briefly mentions other news items, including a movie about the Roswell incident, GM's Oldsmobile dealer retreats, the return of Spy magazine, a group of "immortals," a dowsing convention, fire-walking seminars, W.V. Grant's alleged fundraising tactics, a religiously motivated murder in Paris, and a measles outbreak in Illinois linked to Christian Scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and scientific skepticism. The articles consistently challenge unsubstantiated claims, whether they relate to health supplements, historical revisionism, or media narratives. The editorial stance advocates for evidence-based reasoning, rigorous methodology, and a cautious approach to information, particularly when presented by groups with agendas or by sensationalized media reports. The newsletter encourages readers to question claims, verify sources, and apply a discerning eye to the information they encounter.