Phactum - 2012 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, presents its March 2012 issue. The cover features a quote from Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and highlights the lead article, "The New Alchemy," which delves into the potential of Cold Fusion.

Lead Article: "The New Alchemy"

The main article explores the concept of controlled fusion as a potential source of energy for mankind, noting that despite billions spent, it remains largely a dream. Physicist Tom Napier is set to discuss why physicists are skeptical of Cold Fusion and whether it could challenge the dominance of oil companies. Napier's background as a physicist from Scotland, his work with European research organizations, and his move to the USA in 1981 to develop equipment for scientific research and spacecraft communications are detailed. He has also been a freelance writer since 1996 and a founding member of PhACT, extensively writing on free energy schemes.

A short poem titled "Cold Fusion" by Peter Sheil is also included, reflecting on the allure and current unattainability of cold fusion.

PhACT Meeting Report

A report on a PhACT meeting held on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Community College of Philadelphia is presented. Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department, hosted physicist Tom Napier to discuss "The New Alchemy."

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various topics. Paul Schueter III from Dallas, PA, responds to a previous article on "The Importance of Belief," lamenting the lack of a school requirement for logic and critical thinking. He argues that teaching critical thinking should start earlier, citing examples from children's literature and cartoons that encourage debunking. He also criticizes the "preachiness" of some religious groups and the tendency for individuals to cling to "beliefs" without analysis. Schueter also notes that some homeopathic products are mislabeled.

Howard J. Wilk from Philadelphia, PA, comments on the use of the terms "complimentary" and "complementary," noting an error in a previous issue that was correctly reproduced. He also raises the issue of secularists lacking a "service" or "meeting" analogous to religious services, and the absence of a "priestly" or "pastoral" role. Wilk suggests that skeptics should engage in discussions on more serious societal topics beyond debunking paranormal claims.

Another letter from Wilk discusses the misrepresentation of colloidal silver as a health remedy. He cites a Quackwatch article and warns of the permanent condition of argyria caused by silver ingestion. He criticizes the promotion of such products as unethical.

Wilk also shares an excerpt from a letter by J. Robert Oppenheimer to Eleanor Roosevelt, recounting an incident at Los Alamos where scientists mistook Venus for an unidentified object, illustrating how even scientists can be prone to suggestion and hysteria.

Various Ruminations

Collected and written by Ray Haupt, this section includes several short pieces:

• "Is Skepticism in a Rut?": This piece acknowledges Paul Schueter's question about skepticism limiting itself to debunking paranormal phenomena and suggests that while skepticism as a movement might seem stale, it remains relevant.
• "Dengue Fever Outbreak Predicted in Brazil": This section reports on a predicted spike in dengue fever in Brazil for 2012, noting the disease's symptoms, transmission via the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the lack of specific treatment beyond supportive care. It also mentions ongoing vaccine development.
• "Information Overload": Eric Hamell is organizing a meetup group to discuss information overload and distorted reality in the modern age, referencing Clay Johnson's book "The Information Diet."
• Quote: A quote from Charles Dickens' "Hard Times" emphasizes the importance of facts.
• Anniversary: The year 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth, with a humorous note about Phactum staff's unsuccessful attempts to channel Dickens, Darwin, and Lincoln.

Anti-Science Kills

This section discusses the dangers of certain fringe beliefs and pursuits. It dismisses UFO and Bigfoot sightings as "harmless fluffy pursuits" but warns that some beliefs can have financial or physical dangers. The article criticizes professional Bigfoot hunters and Loch Ness Monster hunters, questioning the ethics of using university science departments for such "research" when funds could be directed to real science. Dowsing is highlighted as a potentially deadly "science" when applied to de-fusing landmines, citing a James Randi Education Foundation article that states "anti-science kills."

Institute for Religion and Science

Information is provided about the Institute for Religion and Science (IR&S), a new venture in Philadelphia focused on the "constructive engagement" of religion and science. It emphasizes an interfaith approach and announces its Spring 2012 lecture series, which includes topics like "Near-Death Experiences," "Reflections on Faith and Fossils," and "Heaven and the Heavens." Events are hosted at Chestnut Hill College and alternate venues, with opportunities for interaction with speakers. A reading circle on John Haught's "Making Sense of Evolution" is also announced.

Too Many Clinical Trials Going Unreported

This section criticizes the lack of reporting for clinical trial results, citing analyses that found most trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov did not have their results posted within a year of publication, and many were never posted. It references the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2007, which requires reporting. The article highlights that despite the law, fewer than one in eight completed studies of drugs and biologics are reported on time. The issue of "publication bias," where positive results are more likely to be reported than negative ones, is also discussed. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is specifically criticized for a lack of published results for its funded studies, including 10 NCCAM-funded Reiki studies with no available results. The authors of a Skeptical Inquirer article conclude that NCCAM's mandate is flawed, with $2 billion spent over 20 years yielding no discoveries in alternative medicine. The article calls for NCCAM to be defunded or abolished, with its responsibilities absorbed by other NIH institutes, and for the discontinuation of funding for ineffective CAM concepts.

Darwin Award Candidate?

This section reports on a news item from Sri Lanka where a man died attempting to set a world record for being buried alive in a trench for seven hours. The cause of death was undetermined, but the article suggests it was from being buried for an extended period.

Meeting Report(s) - February 2012: "Bioethics and the Evolution of Consciousness"

This report summarizes a PhACT meeting featuring Dr. Stacy Ake of Drexel University, who discussed "Bioethics and the Evolution of Consciousness." The discussion focused on deep-brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical treatment involving an electronic device implanted in the brain to treat disorders like chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression. The report highlights the ethical disputes surrounding DBS, particularly concerning the incentives for its exploration, the potential for corporations to prioritize profit over science, and the question of who qualifies to receive the treatment. It notes the high risks involved, the need for extensive consent forms, and how medical jargon can obscure the procedure's nature for patients. The report also touches on ethical debates regarding government vs. corporate interests in experimental procedures, the amount of animal data required for human trials, and potential conflicts of interest among legislators.

Dr. Ake's discussion also explored the idea of a "service" or "meeting" for secularists, analogous to religious services, and the role of a "priestly" or "pastoral" figure within such communities. The conversation touched upon the ethical implications of who pays for implants, the potential for patients to be unwilling to have electrodes turned off if they are effective, and the contractual obligations involved in experimental treatments.

Samuel Bejin's contribution to the report emphasizes the importance of considering patient safety over efficacy, especially when dealing with conditions like epilepsy. He questions the amount of animal data needed to justify human trials and suggests the potential use of death-row criminals for testing.

Philadelphia Science Festival

Announcements are made for the 2nd Annual Philadelphia Science Festival, running from April 20-29, 2012. Highlights include "Name That Beer!" with Yards brewery, "Science Day at the Ballpark" with the Phillies, and a "Science Carnival on the Parkway." Over 75 programs are promised, with a call for reservations for many events. Links to the festival's Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and YouTube pages are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around critical thinking, the scientific method, and the skepticism towards pseudoscience and unproven alternative medicine. The publication consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and questions claims that lack scientific rigor, as seen in its critiques of Cold Fusion, homeopathy, and government-funded alternative medicine research. The magazine also engages with ethical considerations in science and medicine, particularly concerning experimental treatments and the reporting of research data. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, rational inquiry, and a healthy skepticism towards claims that do not meet scientific standards.

Phactum, March 2012 issue. This magazine focuses on science, history, and cultural events, with a particular emphasis on topics relevant to Philadelphia.

Featured Articles

"Instructing Our Cells to Rebuild Our Bodies" - Lecture at Wagner Free Institute of Science

This section details an upcoming lecture by Dr. James Gearhart, Director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gearhart, who led the research team that first identified and isolated human embryonic stem cells, will discuss the groundbreaking research in Regenerative Medicine. The lecture, titled "Instructing Our Cells to Rebuild Our Bodies," is scheduled for Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 5:30 PM at the Wagner Free Institute of Science. The presentation will cover the unique properties of stem cells, their use in organ regeneration and drug development, the evolution of stem cell research, and the future of clinical applications. The event is free and open to the public, with the museum remaining open until 7 PM.

"Humanity's Bottleneck" by Paul Schlueter III

This article explores the theory that Homo sapiens once faced a severe population bottleneck, possibly dwindling to a mere handful of breeding individuals. The theory suggests that an adaptation to exploiting seafood resources, particularly along the coast of southern Africa, provided a crucial advantage during climate swings that led to the extinction of other hominid species. Evidence from sites like Pinnacle Point in South Africa, dating back 120-165 Kya, reveals early human artifact creation and potential use of lunar cycles for foraging. The article also touches on the migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa and the complex peopling of the Americas, with evidence suggesting early sea-faring capabilities.

"How We Know About Humanity's Bottleneck"

This section delves into the scientific methods used to understand human evolutionary history. Geneticists use the concept of an "Evolutionary Clock" based on DNA mutation rates to estimate divergence times. The presence of Neanderthal genes in all human groups except those that never left sub-Saharan Africa indicates interbreeding occurred as humans migrated out. The reduced genetic diversity of modern humans, compared to their estimated age, supports the theory of a small, non-diverse ancestral population in southern Africa. The article also briefly discusses "punctuated equilibrium" as an alternative evolutionary model to "phyletic gradualism."

"The Philadelphia Sea Serpent" by Don Nigroni

This article recounts a report from a December 6, 1831, Inquirer article about a sea serpent sighting in the Delaware River off Arch Street in Philadelphia. The creature was described as approximately thirty feet long. The article also references a 2005 Inquirer report about a beluga whale in the Delaware River and mentions a right whale that spent time in the river in 1994. It concludes that the 1831 sighting was likely a whale, possibly a beluga or an errant right whale.

Events and Calendar Listings

The magazine includes a comprehensive calendar of events, primarily in Philadelphia, for March 2012. These include:

• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Adult Education Course Schedule for Spring 2012, featuring courses on Pollination Biology and Agricultural Science and Policy. Also, a lecture by Dr. James Gearhart on stem cells.
• PhACT Events: Meetings and lectures hosted by PhACT (Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking), including discussions on "New Developments In Cold Fusion," "The Ethics of Using Prisoners as Sources of Cadaver Organs," and "Turing's Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe."
• Library Events: Talks at the Free Library of Philadelphia, such as Alain de Botton on "Religion for Atheists" and Elaine Pagels on "Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation."
• Science on Tap: A monthly gathering at National Mechanics featuring informal presentations by scientists.
• Laurel Hill Cemetery Events: Tours and programs, including "St. Patrick's Day Tour, Tastes and Toasts," "Classy Broads and Daring Dames," and "Designing for the Dead: Art and Architecture of Laurel Hill."
• Other Events: Lectures at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on topics like "Catastrophe and Survival: Yellow Fever and Philadelphia, 1793," and a "Brain Awareness Fair" at The Franklin Institute.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of human origins and evolution, advancements in scientific research (particularly stem cells and regenerative medicine), and the promotion of scientific literacy through public lectures and events. The magazine appears to have a neutral to positive stance on scientific inquiry and the dissemination of knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and informed discussion, as evidenced by the PhACT events and the editorial note about relying on verified expert conclusions.

Phactum, March 2012 issue, is a publication of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). It serves as a calendar of events, lectures, and meetings primarily focused on the Philadelphia metropolitan area, covering a diverse range of topics including science, history, medicine, astronomy, and critical thinking.

Events and Lectures

The magazine details numerous upcoming events throughout April, May, and June 2012. These include:

• Institute for Religion and Science: Several talks are scheduled, such as "Reflections on Fossils and Faith" with Peter Dodson (Dinosaur Paleontologist) at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and Chestnut Hill College. Another talk, "Heaven and the Heavens," will be given by Edward Devinney (Astronomer) at Pendle Hill Retreat & Conference Center and Chestnut Hill College.

• College of Physicians of Philadelphia: This institution hosts a variety of events, including a discussion on "Merger Games" with Judith P. Swazey, a talk on "Mongolian Fish Hunt" by Mark Sabaj Pérez from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, a viewing and discussion of the documentary "I Remember Better When I Paint" focusing on art and Alzheimer's patients, and an interactive event titled "Murder at the MütterTM: President Lincoln Is Shot!" exploring the forensics of Lincoln's assassination. Additionally, K.R. Sands will discuss her book "Boy of Bone: Twelve Stories Inspired by the Mütter Museum."

• Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers: They are hosting an event on "Rehab and Update of Franklin Institute's 10-Inch Zeiss" with Frederick Orthlieb.

• Science on Tap: This monthly event at National Mechanics features talks on various topics, with the April event focusing on "Mongolian Fish Hunt."

• Delaware Valley MENSA: General membership meetings are noted as occurring on the second Friday of the month.

• Annual Grand Army Museum Preservation Dinner: This event includes a presentation on "Lincoln and the Civil War" by historian Matthew Pinsker and the presentation of the 'Grand Army Award.'

• Thomas Massey House: A workshop on "cooking and food processing crafts using tools of the Philadelphia Colonial era" is scheduled, focusing on historical cheesemaking techniques.

• The Robert L. Sadoff, MD, FCPP Lecture: Honorable Lynne Abraham will discuss ethical issues for prosecutors.

• American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia (ARRTOP): Events include Bill Ochester appearing as Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Richard Borkow speaking on his book "George Washington's Westchester Gamble," and Christian McBurney discussing "The Rhode Island Campaign."

• PhACT Events: Several "PhACT Event" listings are present, with specific details TBA for some dates.

• Laurel Hill Cemetery Events: These include the placement of veterans' flags, an Annual Memorial Day Observed service recreating the 1868 G.A.R. Decoration Day Service, and the dedication of bronze veterans' markers.

• John Heintz National Wildlife Refuge: A "Weed Warrior Training Program" is offered to learn about invasive plant species.

• Academy of Natural Sciences: A screening of the movie "Sharktopus" is advertised as an "awesomely awful" movie event with expert commentary.

• Rittenhouse Astronomical Society: Monthly meetings are held at the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute.

PhACT and Membership

PhACT, the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, is highlighted as the organizer and host of many of these events. The magazine provides information on how to support PhACT through membership, which includes a subscription to Phactum. Membership tiers are offered for general members and students, with options for email or US Mail delivery. Donations for student prizes and other youth science education projects are also encouraged.

Policy for Article Use

Materials originating in Phactum may be reprinted by groups recognized in CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, provided proper credit is given to the author and PhACT. Permission from PhACT is required for other publications, and permission from the original publisher is needed for content originating from other sources.

PhACT Council 2011/12

The issue lists the members of the PhACT Council for 2011/12, including Eric Krieg (President), Wes Powers (Webmaster), Mike Caro, Dr. David Cragin, Dr. David Langdon, Becky Strickland, Bob Glickman (Secretary), Susan Glickman (Treasurer), Dr. David Cattell, and Ray Haupt (Phactum Editor).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, historical awareness, and intellectual engagement within the Philadelphia community. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging public participation in educational and thought-provoking events, fostering a skeptical yet open-minded approach to various subjects, and supporting science education through initiatives like the High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds.