Phactum - 2006 11 - November

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: November 2006
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Website: www.phact.org

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, features a variety of articles on science, skepticism, and current events. The cover includes a cartoon related to Thanksgiving and highlights an upcoming event with physicist Donald Simanek.

Featured Events and Speakers

PhACT Meeting with Donald Simanek

On Saturday, November 18, 2006, at 2:00 PM, the Physics Department of Philadelphia Community College hosted a PhACT meeting featuring physicist Donald Simanek. Dr. Simanek, Professor Emeritus at Lock Haven University, discussed "Science Askew," a topic drawn from his book of the same title. The discussion covered various aspects of science and pseudo-science, with potential topics including the age of the universe, the illustrated dictionary of physics, ideal scientific equipment, solar power, and a religion for the rest of us. The event was free and open to the public.

PhACT Winter Solstice Party

The PhACT Winter Solstice Party was scheduled for Friday, December 22, 2006. This event was free but exclusively for members and their guests. Eric Krieg was the contact for details.

Other PhACT Calendar Events

• The PhACT calendar listed several other upcoming events:
• January 20, 2007: ACLU chapter board member Bill Ewing speaking on free speech.
• February 17, 2007: Princeton University Professor Tom Delworth discussing Global Warming.

Lectures and Discussions in Philadelphia

• The newsletter highlighted several public lectures and discussions:
• November 14, 2006: "A Conversation on Darwin, Science, and Religion in the 21st Century" at the Academy of Natural Sciences, featuring William Grassie and Peter Dodson, with Colin Purrington joining the panel. This event was free.
• November 15, 2006: A lecture on "Discovering the Link Between Fish and Land Animals: The Story of Tiktaalik roseae" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, presented by Dr. Ted Daeschler.
• December 6, 2006 onwards: The Metanexus Lecture Series, featuring Georgetown theologian John Haught, began at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. These talks were free and open to the public.
• Ongoing: A special Darwin exhibit was available at The Franklin Institute of Science until December 31, 2006.
• Ongoing: The Philadelphia Paranormal Research & Investigative Group meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Essene Café & Market.
• Ongoing: The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia and the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia co-sponsor a monthly book discussion club, meeting on the third Saturday of each month at Willow Grove Barnes & Noble.
• Ongoing: Penn Science Café, hosted by PhACT member Greg Lester, features scientists and engineers from the University of Pennsylvania discussing their work on the last Monday of each month at MarBar.
• Ongoing: The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers various science lectures and courses, all free.

Submissions for the PhACT Calendar were accepted from members and non-members for events of general interest to the skeptical or scientific community within a reasonable radius of Philadelphia.

Book Review: Science Askew

Pages 4 and 5 feature a review of "Science Askew" by Donald Simanek and John Holden. The book is described as a hardcover of 352 pages, published by Institute of Physics Publishing in December 2001 (ISBN: 0750307145). The review notes that the book is a collection of nursery rhymes turned into scientific prose, filled with puns, stories, jokes, and quotes, intended to show that science is not always a serious business. It is recommended for mathematicians and physicists, and praised for its humor and clever cartoons by John Holden. Martin Gardner and James Randi are quoted positively.

Various Ruminations

Collected and written by Ray Haupt, this section covers several topics:

Ghosts in the attic

This segment discusses the appearance of spirits and mentions that PhACT vice-president Bob Glickman was a spokesman for sanity on Comcast broadcast and the Arthur Fennell Show on October 31, discussing ghosts. The interviewer, Jam Sardar, expressed skepticism but kept an open mind. The section also references theoretical physicist Costas Efthimiou and Dr. Robert Park, who use science to disprove ghostly contentions.

Michael Shermer on Darwin

On October 13, PhACT hosted a lecture by Michael Shermer, an international skeptic, on "Why Darwin is important." Shermer, on a book promotion tour for "Why Darwin Matters," discussed Darwin's work and the promotion of his ideas, noting Darwin's concern for religious sensitivities. Shermer explored how evolution is part of a larger emergent order and proposed a way for religionists to embrace evolution. He addressed the fear that without religion, human nature would lead to social destruction, arguing that the scientific community, being the least religious, does not exhibit such behavior. Shermer suggested offering "sound-bite friendly" statements rather than relying on books. He also discussed the concept of a "sinful nature" from an evolutionary psychology perspective and argued that science reveals a universe far more complex and wondrous than previously imagined.

Science and Evolution

A Conversation on Darwin, Science, and Religion

This event, held on November 14, 2006, at the Academy of Natural Sciences, featured panelists William Grassie, Peter Dodson, and Colin Purrington discussing the intersection of Darwinian evolution, science, and religion. The discussion aimed to explore how scientists reconcile evolutionary theory with religious objections and where common ground exists.

Discovering the Link Between Fish and Land Animals: The Story of Tiktaalik roseae

On November 15, 2006, Dr. Ted Daeschler presented a lecture at the Wagner Free Institute of Science about his fieldwork and studies on Late Devonian fossils. He discussed the discovery and description of *Tiktaalik roseae*, a species widely recognized as a transitional form between lobe-finned fishes and early limbed vertebrates.

Dolphin Fins and Evolutionary History

An article mentions a discovery by Japanese researchers of a bottlenose dolphin with an extra set of fins, potentially a remnant of back legs. This discovery is linked to the evolutionary history of dolphins and whales, which are believed to have transitioned from four-footed land animals to aquatic life, losing their hind limbs over time.

Dinosaur Extinction Questioned

The issue reports on Princeton University scientist Gerta Keller's theory, published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on October 25, 2006, challenging the Chicxulub meteor impact as the cause of dinosaur extinction 65 million years ago. Keller's evidence includes debris deposits that pre-date the extinction and the presence of microorganisms above and below the meteor debris, with no observed extinction or abundance change. She suggests other meteor and volcanic activity as more likely causes.

Quantum Theories and Randell Mills

Quantum Theories, Randell Mills and Willie Wong

Tom Napier writes about a talk given by Princeton graduate math student Willie Wong concerning mathematical aspects of a novel quantum theory developed by Randell Mills. The article contrasts standard quantum theory, which accurately predicts probabilities but not outcomes, with Mills' theory. Mills, an MD, has founded BlackLight Power, Inc., proposing a quantum theory based on classical physics that could supply low-cost energy by creating "hydrinos" from hydrogen atoms. While venture capitalists have invested in his company, it has yet to produce a working product. The article notes that Mills claims his theory is incompatible with relativity, which contradicts P. A. M. Dirac's work. Willie Wong analyzed Mills' equation, suggesting that while it might be understandable to a graduate math student, careful derivation is needed. The article also touches on the historical development of quantum theory, including the work of Max Planck and Niels Bohr, and the counter-intuitive nature of quantum mechanics, such as light behaving as both a particle and a wave.

Neutriyeses, n.

A humorous definition is provided for "neutriyeses" as affectionate particles produced when neutrinos are passed through an underground tank of beer, which have an indiscriminate attraction to almost any available atom.

Quantum Mechanics

This section provides background on quantum theory, mentioning Albert Einstein's work on Special Relativity and photoelectricity. It discusses Max Planck's hypothesis of energy quantization in 1900 and Niels Bohr's application of quantum theory to atomic structure. The article explains how electrons in atoms exist in quantized energy levels and emit light when jumping between them. It also touches on Heisenberg's view of electrons as fuzzy lumps rather than point objects and the paradox of light being both a particle and a wave. The section notes that while quantum theory is counter-intuitive, it accurately predicts phenomena, and experiments by John Bell and Alain Aspect have ruled out "hidden variables."

Randell Mills' Theory and Hydrinos

The article further explores Randell Mills' theory, stating that it predicts the observed spectrum of hydrogen but demands additional energy levels below the ground state. Mills' "BlackLight Process" aims to induce hydrogen atoms to emit UV radiation by falling into these lower states, thus releasing energy. The company's name, BlackLight Power, derives from this process. The article notes that no "BlackLight Process" can violate the laws of nature and that conventional quantum theory may hold surprises. It concludes that only experiment will reveal if Mills' theory is correct, and that quantum theory does not permit hydrinos.

Politics and Science

Scientists and Engineers for America (SEA)

The "New Scientist" Magazine reported that Scientists and Engineers for America (SEA) were actively promoting the election of a president receptive to science. The SEA's advisory board includes former science advisers to Clinton and Nobel laureates. An interview with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is quoted, where he states his appreciation for the importance of science to the country's future and notes the increase in UK government spending on science.

Erratta

An errata section corrects a previous report about Eric Krieg offering a $50,000 prize, stating it should have been $10,000. It also corrects the spelling of Eric Hamell's name from "Hamil."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly emphasizes critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and skepticism. The articles consistently promote a rational approach to understanding the world, questioning pseudoscience, and engaging with scientific concepts. The newsletter features events and discussions that encourage intellectual curiosity and the application of scientific principles to various fields, from evolution and physics to the nature of reality. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-superstition, advocating for evidence-based explanations and a thoughtful approach to complex issues, including the relationship between science and religion. The inclusion of book reviews, lecture summaries, and calendar listings indicates a commitment to informing and engaging the local skeptical and scientific community.

Title: Phactum
Issue: November 2006
Date: November 2006
Publisher: PhACT (Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking)
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Articles and Content

Down With Smoke, Up With Nudity!

This article, authored by Harriet Hall, MD, addresses the controversial subject of secondhand smoke (SHS), arguing against the claims made by Albert Conner in his article "Science Without Sense - The Case of Secondhand Smoke" published in the October 2006 issue of Phactum. Hall contends that Conner's analysis is biased and misleading, resembling propaganda from the tobacco industry.

Hall begins by referencing the EPA's 1989 risk assessment, which labeled SHS a Group A human carcinogen. She notes that while the tobacco industry challenged this, and a US District Court in North Carolina initially ruled against it, the judgment was later vacated by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in 2002. Crucially, Hall points out that even if the lower court's ruling had stood, it would not have invalidated the carcinogen classification or addressed other harms associated with SHS. She emphasizes that SHS remains classified as a known carcinogen by the EPA, with no evidence of a safe threshold.

Conner dismisses epidemiological studies as unscientific, yet Hall observes that he selectively uses them when they support his own arguments, without acknowledging their design flaws. Hall counters that while correlation does not equal causation, SHS studies demonstrate a dose-effect relationship and are supported by animal and laboratory research, providing plausible mechanisms for harm. She argues that the combined evidence is sufficient to establish SHS as harmful, likening the situation to the impossibility of conducting Koch's postulates on human subjects.

Regarding Conner's claim that SHS exposure estimates are subjective, Hall highlights studies that quantify exposure through urine cotinine levels, which can indicate the extent of a person's exposure.

The INTERHEART study, published in The Lancet in August 2006, is presented as further evidence. This study, involving 27,089 participants across 52 countries, showed a graded increase in heart attack risk associated with SHS exposure, with risk ratios increasing with higher exposure levels.

In June 2006, the Surgeon General released a comprehensive report consolidating scientific evidence, concluding that SHS can cause heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults, and is a known cause of SIDS, respiratory problems, ear infections, and asthma attacks in infants and children. Hall notes that even Philip Morris acknowledges the harm of SHS on their website.

Hall asserts that arguing SHS is harmless is delusional or perverse, drawing a parallel to people moving away from campfire smoke or trying to reduce air pollution. She questions what Conner would say if a new prescription drug had the same level of evidence against it, suspecting he would demand its removal from the market. She suggests that if the issue is so controversial, perhaps science should be set aside, and laws should be based on public offense, similar to laws against public nudity. Hall personally finds smoke unpleasant and prefers to dine in a restaurant with naked nonsmokers over clothed smokers.

Albert Z. Conner Responds

Albert Z. Conner, a retired analytical chemist with expertise in toxicology and epidemiology, responds to Dr. Hall's article, characterizing her as an "anti-smoking zealot" and a believer in "junkscience propaganda" from the anti-smoking lobby, pharmaceutical industry, and Public Health Police. Conner claims Hall has failed to address his article's main thesis and has merely repeated misinformation.

Conner reiterates his points regarding SHS:

1. The original EPA designation of SHS as a Class A human carcinogen was based solely on a "thoroughly discredited meta-analysis" of epidemiological studies that found an increased risk of cancer of less than 20 percent (Relative Risk factor=1.19). He states that legitimate epidemiologists and statisticians do not consider studies with relative risk factors below 2-3 to be significant, and the INTERHEART study fails this criterion.
2. He claims all subsequent epidemiological studies, regardless of quality, have failed to support the original EPA assessment.
3. Conner asserts that the recent Surgeon General's report introduces no new data but merely compiles existing studies. He quotes former Surgeon General Richard Carmona's statement about "no safe level of secondhand smoke" as displaying an "appalling lack of knowledge of basic toxicology," arguing that the amounts of potentially harmful compounds in SHS are orders of magnitude below levels that would pose a significant health threat.
4. He finds Hall's comparison of SHS testing to pharmaceutical drug testing "ludicrous," as new drugs undergo rigorous testing with controlled dosages in real epidemiological studies with animals and humans.

Conner dismisses Hall's question about leaving science out of controversial issues as a poor example of critical thinking, suggesting she believes no one should be permitted to smoke simply because she finds the smell offensive.

Finally, Conner addresses the statistics often cited for deaths due to direct smoking (400,000/year) and SHS (35,000/year), calling them "statistical fabrications" based on questionable risk factors and extrapolations, not actual deaths.

Other Content

The issue also includes a cartoon from REVERENDFUN.COM titled "GADZOOKS ... WE'RE NAKED!" (Genesis 3), depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with a warning sign on the Tree of Knowledge, and a Thanksgiving-themed cartoon with turkeys. There is also a quote attributed to John Greenleaf Whittier, inscribed on a monument marking the grave of Rebecca Nurse, one of the condemned "witches" of Salem, reflecting on truth and superstition. A membership form for PhACT is included, soliciting support and renewals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the scientific and public health debate surrounding secondhand smoke. The editorial stance, as represented by Dr. Harriet Hall's article, strongly supports the scientific consensus that SHS is harmful and a carcinogen, advocating for public health measures to mitigate its effects. The inclusion of Albert Conner's counter-argument highlights a skeptical perspective that challenges the established scientific findings, attributing them to bias and flawed methodology. The magazine, through its publication of both sides, appears to engage with controversial topics, allowing for critical examination of scientific claims and public health policies, while the inclusion of the Whittier quote and the Darwin illustration suggests an underlying theme of skepticism towards superstition and established dogma.