North Texas Skeptic - Vol 18 No 09 - 2004

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 18, Number 9, dated September 2004, focuses on critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and conspiracy theories. The cover story, "Intercessory prayer, two" by John Blanton, delves into controversial studies on intercessory prayer (IP), questioning their validity and methodology. The magazine also features an article debunking 9/11 conspiracy theories, particularly those surrounding the Pentagon attack, and discusses the promotion of 'intelligent design' in educational settings. A science writer's talk on 'strange matter' is also highlighted.

Intercessory prayer, two

John Blanton's article critically analyzes studies on intercessory prayer. He references a study published in the August issue concerning a trial at the Mid America Heart Institute (MAHI) in Kansas City, which claimed a statistically significant P value of 0.04. Blanton then discusses a subsequent study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine in September 2001, authored by Kwang Cha, Rogerio Lobo, and Daniel Wirth. This study claimed a higher pregnancy rate (50% vs. 26%) for patients receiving intercessory prayer, with P values of 0.0013 for pregnancy and 0.0005 for implantation. Rogerio Lobo is identified as the lead researcher, with Columbia University and Cha Hospital funding the study. Daniel Wirth, the third author, is noted as a lawyer and psychic researcher with no medical or scientific credentials.

The article reveals that "lead researcher" Dr. Lobo did not learn about the study until months after its completion, raising questions about his role. Columbia University now claims Dr. Cha was the lead author. Dr. Lobo has since stepped down as chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine has withdrawn the study report and is investigating its findings, according to managing editor Donna Kessel.

Blanton expresses editorial concerns about the Journal of Reproductive Medicine publishing such a report, suggesting it overlooked the potential for "magic" over science. He also raises ethical concerns about the use of unwitting human subjects in medical studies, noting that if prayer works, it might not always be beneficial.

The article concludes that the study is "just another case of a failed prayer study," implying a pattern of questionable research following the MAHI study.

Fables and Frauds Associated with the 9/11 Attacks

This section, part of the "Events Calendar," briefly introduces a discussion by John Brandt, Mike Selby, and Danny Barnett on "Frauds and conspiracy theories related to the 9/11 attacks," noting the proliferation of such theories and mentioning Thierry Meyssan's book.

Thierry Meyssan and the big lie

John Blanton's article debunks the conspiracy theories presented in Thierry Meyssan's book, "L'Effroyable Imposture" (The Frightening Fraud). Meyssan claims that American Airlines flight 77 did not crash into the Pentagon, suggesting a truck bomb or missile strike was used instead. Blanton refutes Meyssan's assertions, particularly his claim that photographic evidence shows only the nose of the plane entering the building and that no wreckage was found. Blanton cites witness accounts and photographic evidence that contradict Meyssan's claims, including debris found within the building and eyewitnesses who saw the plane crash. He points out that Meyssan's own book contradicts itself regarding the plane's penetration of the building. Blanton suggests Meyssan's explanation involves advanced missile technology, which he finds highly improbable.

The article also mentions other sources that push 9/11 conspiracy theories, such as the "Killtown" Web site, and criticizes Meyssan's research methods, characterizing him as a "left wing radical" and suggesting he is "craving for glory."

Tom Siegfried

This section features a report on a talk given by Tom Siegfried, science editor for The Dallas Morning News, about his book "Strange Matters: Undiscovered Ideas at the Frontiers of Space and Time." Siegfried discussed concepts like anti-matter, explaining its prediction by Einstein's special relativity and Paul Dirac's theory. He also touched upon neutrinos and quarks, including "strange quarks," highlighting the strangeness of matter. The event included a Q&A session and book signing.

Creationist club at UT Dallas

This brief note announces the activities of the IDEA (Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness) Club at the University of Texas at Dallas. It lists upcoming meetings and lectures related to intelligent design and evolution, mentioning a past lecture by creationist Robert Koons from the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture.

Funky evolution

This short piece discusses the comic strip "Funky Winkerbean," which is addressing the topic of creationism in schools. The comic depicts a science teacher being assigned to teach "Intelligent Design," leading to student discussions and comparisons to other comic strips that incorporate creationist themes.

What's new

This column by Robert Park includes a brief report on climate change, noting that the U.S. Climate Change Program's report reinforces the scientific consensus on global warming being caused by CO2 emissions, despite the President's previous dismissive stance.

Skeptic Ink

This section contains a short satirical comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, humorously contrasting scientific results from intelligent design with futuristic scientific achievements.

Project Steve: the evolutionary advantage of being "Steve"

This item describes a project by the National Center for Science Education that parodied the Discovery Institute's list of scientists doubting Darwinism. The NCSE collected signatures from scientists named "Steve" for a statement endorsing evolution, honoring Stephen J. Gould.

Dietary guidelines: advisory panel embraces "the physics plan"

This note reports that a federal advisory panel revising Dietary Guidelines for Americans stated there is no value in using the glycemic index and recommended that calorie intake should not exceed calories expended, aligning with the "physics plan" and the First Law of Thermodynamics.

Space Station: Will U.S. astronauts have to fly tourist-class?

This piece discusses the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000, which makes it illegal to pay Russia for astronaut transport to the ISS. It explains NASA's plan to classify astronauts as "tourists" to circumvent the law and recruit billionaires to pay for their own tickets.

Cold fusion: just when you think life can't get any sillier.

This article critiques a Popular Mechanics article about cold fusion, dismissing the claims that the technology could enable building a nuclear weapon. The author expresses skepticism about the ongoing promotion of cold fusion research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards claims lacking scientific rigor, particularly in areas like intercessory prayer and intelligent design. The magazine consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world, debunking pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and the misrepresentation of scientific concepts. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, scientific methodology, and the rejection of unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the critical analysis of the prayer studies and the debunking of 9/11 conspiracy theories. The publication also engages with contemporary issues by discussing climate change and the promotion of intelligent design in education, always from a skeptical perspective.