North Texas Skeptic - Vol 15 No 11 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15, Number 11
Date: November 2001
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic focuses heavily on "Anthrax Quackery," critically examining the proliferation of unproven and potentially harmful remedies and claims that emerged in the wake of the anthrax scare following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The magazine also touches upon other topics of skeptical interest, including controversies surrounding spiritual figures, the promotion of alternative medicine, and critiques of pseudoscience.

Anthrax Quackery

The lead article, "Anthrax Quackery" by Daniel R. Barnett, addresses the fear and misinformation surrounding anthrax in late 2001. Barnett highlights how the mention of anthrax causes fear, and while it is a serious infectious disease that can be a biological warfare agent, the public is being targeted by "quacks" promoting questionable remedies.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is presented as a popular alternative remedy for anthrax. The article explains it as a solution of submicroscopic silver particles in demineralized water. While silver medicines were used historically for ailments like epilepsy and gonorrhea, they have largely been replaced by more effective medications. Colloidal silver was once used in cold remedies but is now mainly limited to clinical pathology and laboratory analysis. Despite this, health food stores and distributors have sold it with claims of curing ailments from AIDS to leukemia to typhoid. The article notes the emergence of colloidal silver generators that allow users to produce the solution at home. James South, MA, is cited for an article claiming silver is "extremely toxic to Anthrax spores" and that it "routinely kills germs that are known to be antibiotic-resistant." However, Barnett states that a search on MEDLINE found no medical journal articles corroborating colloidal silver's effectiveness against any illness, though it may be useful for detecting proteins. The article also mentions that excessive use of colloidal silver can cause argyria, a permanent gray discoloration of the skin. In August 1999, the FDA declared OTC products containing colloidal silver unsafe and ineffective, deeming them misbranded. Despite this ruling, the sale of such products continues, often without explicit health claims. The article recounts an instance of Greg Bittner, mayor of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, planning to purchase a colloidal silver generator for the town to protect against anthrax.

Surfing for Bogus Anthrax Remedies

Barnett also explores other dubious anthrax remedies found online. Rite Care Pharmacy is mentioned for advertising homeopathic "Anthracinum." The article explains the homeopathic process of dilution and agitation, illustrating its extreme dilution with the analogy of filling Texas Stadium with water and using a single drop. Despite the extreme dilution, homeopathic practitioners claim the "essence" of the substance remains. The article also discusses the promotion of "essential oils" for fighting infection, citing claims that they can destroy various bacteria, including anthrax bacillus. Dr. Jean Valnet, MD, is mentioned for his research on essential oils, but Barnett expresses skepticism, noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advocate for antibiotics.

Anthrax and Antibiotics

The article addresses the use of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) for treating anthrax. It notes the high demand for Cipro and the practice of some Americans obtaining it without a prescription from Mexico. Dr. Tim Gorski is quoted on how even evidence-based medicines can become "quack medicines" if used incorrectly, such as using Cipro as unwarranted prophylaxis against anthrax. The author stresses that antibiotics should only be taken when directed by a physician and that penicillin has also proven effective. The article warns against developing antibiotic resistance and highlights the potential side effects of powerful antibiotics, noting that Cipro is not recommended for individuals under 18 due to possible joint damage. The overall message is to avoid panic, seek evidence-based medical care, and steer clear of unproven alternative treatments.

Sathya Sai Baba the Ugly

This section, the second of two parts by Prasad Golla, continues the critical examination of Sathya Sai Baba. It details how B. Premanand, an Indian Skeptic, challenged Baba's followers and even took the government to court, accusing them of destroying evidence. Premanand and K.N. Balagopal also sued Baba for violating the Gold Control Act by "materializing" gold ornaments. The court, however, allowed the argument that spiritually materialized items were not manufactured. The article mentions Jed Geyerhahn's perspective on "Sai Baba: Sex and Magic" and T.N. Murthy's accusation that police harassment was instigated by Baba's followers, many of whom hold high political positions. The article notes that Mr. Ramana Murthy published a series of articles titled "How did this Charlatan become God?" and that the December issue of VIJAYA VIHARAM discussed Baba's sexuality, referencing Tal Brook's book "Avatar of Night" which allegedly details pedophilia. The article also lists A.B. Vajpayee (Prime Minister of India), Murali Manohar Joshi (Minister for Human Resources), and Chandra Babu Naidu (Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) as close followers of Sathya Sai Baba. Mr. Ramana Murthy faced charges related to promoting enmity and outraging religious belief. The International Humanist and Ethical Union is mentioned for campaigning against laws that suppress freedom of expression and the right to critically examine religion, which are used to protect figures like Sathya Sai Baba.

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, covers several brief skeptical news items:

• Alternative reading: Two very different books defend science: Park reviews "Snake Oil" by John Diamond, an "uncomplimentary book about complementary medicine," and "Junk Science Judo" by Steven Milloy, which exposes health scams and statistical abuses. Park notes Milloy's focus on issues like cell phones, Alar, and radon, but expresses discomfort with his critique of studies on second-hand smoke.
• Evolution again: K-12 education bill is the latest vehicle: A Senate amendment introduced by Rick Santorum is discussed, which urges that curricula teach evolution as a "continuing controversy," framing it as an open scientific debate, which Park sees as a tactic by intelligent design proponents.
• More anti-science: Clinton's legacy on alternative medicine: The White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy is criticized for having no notable medical researchers or scientists among its members, with its goal being to "look at medicine and health care from a different perspective." Gordon, the chairman, aims to replace the landmark Flexner Report.
• Bio-terrorism: So far, the count is one dead: This brief note states that anthrax exposure cases are being treated with modern scientific medicine, not homeopathy or other alternative therapies, and no one is complaining.
• Pascal's wager: The Podkletnov gravity shield strikes out: The article revisits Eugene Podkletnov's 1992 claim of a gravity shield effect. NASA spent $1M and four years on tests, finding the results "inconclusive," which Park interprets as "it didn't work." He notes that NASA supported this idea despite it violating the First Law of Thermodynamics.
• Alternative medicine: So why not just make it mainstream?: The article questions whether medical schools should integrate information about scientifically unproven alternative therapies into their curriculum, noting that Georgetown University is the first to do so. Scientists are troubled by the unproven nature of these therapies.
• Alternative pregnancy: You better pray this study is wrong: A study on in-vitro fertilization finding that women with people praying for them are twice as likely to become pregnant is discussed, with skepticism about its implications and potential for lawsuits.
• Levitation: The "science" of Yogic flying: The article describes a demonstration of "Yogic flying" offered by Hagelin, which involved participants levitating a few inches, with Park humorously suggesting it was due to contracting gluteus maximus muscles.
• Free electricity! Yes folks, Dennis Lee is still at it: The article reports on Dennis Lee's continued promotion of perpetual motion machines and other inventions, noting his past scams and legal troubles.
• Dietary supplements: Yes folks, they're still selling ephedra: The article mentions a UCSF study on ephedra's serious side effects and the Public Citizen Health Research Group's petition to ban it. However, the FDA is blocked by Congress and the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act from banning such "natural" supplements.

Skeptical Ink

This section contains a comic strip by Golla & Blanton, with a note about God's retribution and a humorous exchange about anthrax transmission via FAX.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards unproven medical claims, alternative medicine, and pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based science, rational thinking, and critical examination of claims, particularly in the context of health and public safety. The magazine actively debunks what it considers quackery and misinformation, urging readers to rely on scientific consensus and professional medical advice rather than unverified or anecdotal evidence. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of critical thinking and avoiding panic, especially in response to events like the anthrax scare.