North Texas Skeptic - Vol 23 No 07 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 23, Number 7
Date: July 2009
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into critiques of Intelligent Design, examines pseudoscientific claims, and provides updates on the organization's activities.

The Edge of Intelligence: A Review of Michael Behe's 'The Edge of Evolution'

John Blanton reviews Michael J. Behe's book, 'The Edge of Evolution: The Search for the Limits of Darwinism.' Blanton notes that Behe, a creationist who accepts the age of the universe and the fossil record, challenges the idea that random mutation and natural selection can fully account for biological evolution. Behe's central argument, previously presented in 'Darwin's Black Box,' revolves around the concept of 'irreducible complexity' in biochemical processes, which he argues are too complex to have arisen through gradual evolutionary steps.

Blanton points out disagreements with other scientists, such as Donald C. Lindsay, who suggest Behe is not up-to-date with the literature on biochemical evolution. The review highlights Behe's use of the 'black box' analogy for cell chemistry and his focus on irreducible complexity. Behe's testimony in the 2005 Kitzmiller creationism trial is mentioned, where he admitted to not reading refutations of his claims.

Behe's new book revisits the bacterial flagellum as an example of irreducible complexity. Blanton explains Behe's argument that Darwinian evolution has limits, comparing the process to a computer algorithm trying to find the highest peak on a graph. Behe suggests that natural selection alone is inadequate to explain the complexity of life, hinting at another process at work, which Blanton interprets as design.

The review criticizes Behe's lack of a clear mechanism for design and his vague references to a 'designer.' It notes that Behe does not explicitly invoke God, unlike some creationists, and that his book contains only a few references to 'God.' Blanton quotes Behe's cautious phrasing: "take purposeful 'designer' in a very broad sense."

Behe's proposed alternative to random mutation is 'nonrandom mutation,' suggesting beneficial changes that defy probability. Blanton finds this explanation unsatisfactory and uses an analogy from the movie 'Casablanca' to illustrate how attributing complex outcomes to chance without a clear cause is problematic.

Sean B. Carroll is quoted from a Science review, stating Behe's error is minimizing the power of natural selection to act cumulatively. Carroll argues that multiple amino acid replacements can occur sequentially, with selection acting on each slight performance improvement.

Blanton concludes that Intelligent Design proponents often avoid discussing the supernatural aspect of their claims, as seen in the Dover trial where a judge ruled against teaching Intelligent Design in public schools.

Events Calendar

The issue includes an events calendar for the North Texas Skeptics (NTS). Upcoming events include:

• July 18, 2009: Danny Barnett presents material from his book on the history of homeopathy in America.
• July 25, 2009: NTS Board meeting and social dinner at Glorias.
• August 15, 2009: Presentation by Claudia Meek.
• September 19, 2009: John Brandt presents a talk on food and nutrition myths.

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, covers several topics:

Cold Fusion at 20

Robert Park discusses the 20th anniversary of the cold fusion claims by Fleischmann and Pons. He notes that while some scientists still believe in the possibility of cold fusion, he personally thinks it's "real science" but not "good science." He advises against using public funds for its research, citing the lack of scientific rigor and the association with pseudoscientific claims like those of Irving Dardik.

Cold fusion: Please, may I have a cup of tea?

This segment revisits the 60 Minutes program on cold fusion, mentioning Michael McKubre of SRI, who continued research for 20 years. It notes that the American Physical Society (APS) has stated that it does not endorse cold fusion claims and that an APS statement about an independent scientist examining Energetics Technology's claims was false. The segment also mentions the disappearance of a video clip from the 60 Minutes website concerning Rob Duncan and Energetics Technology.

Superwave: It explains everything but predicts nothing

This section introduces 'SuperWave,' a concept attributed to Irving Dardik, who previously practiced sports medicine. Dardik's idea, which posits that solid matter is waves and that wave interference is key, is linked to LifeWaves and Fourier's work on wave theory. However, the article criticizes Dardik for not using mathematical equations and for relying on a publicist, Roger Lewin, and Michael McKubre for support. The segment questions the scientific basis of SuperWave, noting that it is presented as a registered trademark.

Superwave: Impaled on the sharp stake of replication

Rob Duncan, vice chancellor of research at the University of Missouri, visited Energetics Technologies in Israel, which claims SuperWave Fusion can solve the energy problem. The article emphasizes the importance of independent replication of scientific claims, stating that without it, the claims are meaningless. It questions whether SuperWave Fusion is another scam, similar to claims made by Randy Mills of BlackLight Power.

Dateline: A new wrinkle on the hydrogen-fuel scam

NBC Dateline is reported to have exposed the 'Hydro Assist Fuel Cell,' sold by Dennis Lee, as a scam. The device claimed to improve mileage by decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen. The article notes that it takes more energy to decompose water than is gained from combustion, and that Dennis Lee has a history of scams. Eric Krieg of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking and Bob Park are mentioned as being involved in exposing this scam.

Dennis Lee: Top dog of the perpetual scam

This section details Dennis Lee's history of promoting perpetual motion machine scams, dating back to 1997. Lee allegedly sold dealerships for machines that did not work, including the Gamgee Zero- motor and machines using permanent magnets. The article notes that Lee's scams have been ongoing for at least 40 years, evolving in their presentation but remaining perpetual.

NCSE's Scott awarded Stephen Jay Gould Prize

Eugenie C. Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), is announced as the first recipient of the Stephen Jay Gould Prize. The award recognizes her efforts in promoting the teaching of evolutionary science and distinguishing science from non-science. The citation praises her leadership, communication skills, and her work in amplifying public understanding of science.

Fees going up

An announcement details an increase in NTS membership and newsletter subscription fees due to rising printing and mailing costs. The new fee structure, effective July 1, 2009, is outlined for members and non-members, with options for e-mail or postal delivery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critique of Intelligent Design and creationist arguments, the exposure of pseudoscientific claims and scams (such as cold fusion, SuperWave, and Dennis Lee's devices), and the promotion of scientific skepticism and critical thinking. The North Texas Skeptics positions itself as an organization dedicated to exploring paranormal and pseudoscientific claims from a responsible and scientific viewpoint, emphasizing the need for evidence and replication. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of established scientific principles and critical evaluation of extraordinary claims.