North Texas Skeptic - Vol 25 No 08 - 2011

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 25, Number 8, published in August 2011, is a magazine dedicated to promoting scientific skepticism and critical evaluation of extraordinary claims. This issue features a significant victory for science education in Texas, critiques of pseudo-science promoted by public figures, and discussions on various skeptical topics.

Victory for evolution in Texas

This article reports on a major win for science education in Texas, where the State Board of Education unanimously approved scientifically accurate high school biology textbook supplements. In a 14-0 vote, the board rejected creationist-backed supplements from International Databases, LLC. Josh Rosenau of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) testified, urging the board to approve the supplements recommended by a review panel of scientists and educators. While a creationist member raised concerns about the Holt McDougal supplement, the board directed the Commissioner of Education, Robert Scott, to review these supposed errors and develop revisions that reflect current evolutionary biology. Dr. Eugenie Scott, NCSE's Executive Director, celebrated the decision, stating that the approved supplements align with the overwhelming scientific consensus on evolution.

Glenn Beck finally makes sense

This piece by John Blanton humorously critiques Glenn Beck, the Fox Network talk-show personality, for promoting a DVD titled 'The Lost Civilizations of North America.' Beck apparently used the documentary to affirm a Mormon claim that the Lost Tribes of Israel inhabited North America, citing artifacts and earthworks as evidence. Blanton likens this to Ben Stein's promotion of pseudo-science and revisionist history, noting that scholars involved in the documentary were allegedly misled about its true focus. The article points to the 'Book of Mormon Evidence' website for the producers' original intent and encourages readers to watch a broadcast of Glenn Beck referencing the documentary.

Archaeologist Bradley Lepper's critique

Further discussion on the 'Lost Civilizations of North America' DVD is presented, referencing an article from The Columbus Dispatch. Archaeologist Bradley Lepper voiced strong criticism, and six experts interviewed for the film released a letter stating that the documentary advanced unsubstantiated claims, misused their words, and highlighted fraudulent artifacts to support a fringe archaeological belief. The article recommends Roger Kennedy's 'Hidden Cities' and Kehoe's 'Controversies in Archaeology' as factual approaches to the subject. It also mentions the video 'NBC's The Mysterious Origins of Man' as another example of questionable archaeological claims.

Psychic detective hoax

This section details a Texas police investigation into a tip from a psychic about a mass grave containing dismembered bodies. After an intense search in Hardin, Texas, no bodies were found, leading authorities to suspect the tip was a hoax. The article quotes the sheriff's department captain expressing potential responsibility for the caller who created the 'havoc.' The residents of the property, who are long-haul truck drivers, expressed shock and disbelief at the police presence.

What's new

This column by Robert Park, featuring clippings from his 'What's New' newsletter, addresses two main topics:

Et tu Tara? "Piercing the fog around cellphones and cancer."

This section discusses a New York Times Health Section story by Tara Parker-Pope regarding cell phones and cancer. It references a WHO-invited expert panel in Lyon, France, that studied microwave radiation effects on the brain. The article explains that microwaves activate the brain by causing chemical bonds to vibrate, leading to a sensation of heat. While the human brain resists heating, the hypothalamus senses temperature increases and triggers responses like blood vessel expansion and increased heart rate. The panel's vote shifted from 'no effect' to 'possibly carcinogenic to humans.' The author criticizes the context, suggesting that science should focus on cause and effect rather than epidemiologic majorities, and notes the potential influence of the 'tort industry.'

What next? Should WN drop the cell phone/cancer issue?

Robert Park reflects on the long-standing criticism of media coverage of cell phones and cancer by his newsletter, WN. He questions whether the issue should be dropped, noting that despite 5 billion cell phones in use, the media often focuses on potential risks without adequately explaining why they may not be significant. He suggests that the fear of 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' could lead to a stampede of tort lawyers pushing class-action lawsuits, regardless of the actual scientific consensus.

Cell phones: the credibility of science is based on openness.

This article discusses the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' based on an increased risk for glioma. However, it points out that despite the widespread use of cell phones, brain cancer rates in the US have been declining for two decades. The author argues that epidemiology alone is an unreliable guide for policy-making due to 'noise' in the data and that a clear mechanism for harm, beyond multi-photon processes requiring millions of photons, has not been established. The article advocates for transparency and avoiding case-control epidemiology on a paranoid public.

Bad diagnosis: the high cost of ignorance.

This section draws a parallel between the fear surrounding electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and the controversy surrounding Andrew Wakefield's discredited claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism. The article highlights how Wakefield's warning led to a significant drop in MMR vaccinations, resulting in a resurgence of measles cases and deaths. It contrasts this with the lack of impact on autism rates, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of public ignorance and the rejection of scientific consensus.

WHO's on first? With apologies to Bud Abbot and Lou Costello.

This dialogue between a science reporter named Naif and the author (BP) explores the nuances of the IARC's classification of cell phone radiation. Naif questions the evidence and the source of information, leading to a clarification that IARC is part of WHO. The conversation highlights the importance of precise communication and understanding the scientific process.

Challenge activity

This section introduces a 'Challenge activity' related to a Buddha pendant described by Wieslaw Miernik from Poland. Miernik claims the pendant possesses psychic power and offers great benefit. The article mentions that David Price of NTS has taken photos of the pendant and a mysterious box associated with it. The author plans further investigation. A personal account from Miernik describes how the pendant allegedly stopped an 'extrasensory force' and cured him of psychotropic drug poisoning, leading him to believe he is a 'wizard.'

Applause for the Texas victory

This article, from the National Center for Science Education, compiles reactions from Texas newspapers to the State Board of Education's decision to approve scientifically accurate supplementary materials for biology textbooks. The Austin American-Statesman, Beaumont Enterprise, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, and San Antonio Express-News all expressed relief and approval, commending the board for prioritizing balanced policymaking and science education over religious rhetoric. The articles note that while battles over evolution may continue, Senate Bill 6, signed by Governor Rick Perry, will largely reduce the state board of education's authority over textbooks.

Skeptic Ink

This comic strip features a dialogue about teaching both sides of an issue in schools. One character suggests that students should decide which is correct, while another implies they will use this advice. A third character comments on the growing number of scientists who believe there is no scientific basis for life after death and that Jesus may be a mythical figure.

Creationist materials submitted in Texas

This report from the National Center for Science Education details the submission of materials 'laced with creationist arguments' to the Texas state board of education. The Texas Freedom Network and NCSE issued a joint press release highlighting that these materials, proposed by vendors like International Databases Inc., promote anti-evolution arguments aligned with intelligent design/creationism. The article quotes TFN President Kathy Miller expressing concern that the board might approve 'junk science' and 'dumbing down' education. It outlines the review process scheduled for June 2011 and the board's public hearing and vote in July 2011.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently advocates for scientific literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. The magazine actively promotes the teaching of evolution and challenges creationist arguments in education. It also scrutinizes claims of paranormal phenomena, pseudo-science, and the media's handling of scientific issues, particularly concerning public health and safety. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of established scientific consensus and transparency in scientific research and education, while being critical of unsubstantiated claims and the politicization of science.