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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
 Posted - 12/29/2010 : 16:11:44
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Celebrities and Science 2010
Each year at Sense About Science we review the odd science claims people in the public eye have made - about diets, cancer, magnets, radiation and more - sent in to us by scientists and members of the public. Many of these claims promote theories, therapies and campaigns that make no scientific sense. We ask scientists to respond, to help the celebrities realise where they are going wrong and to help the public to make sense of celebrity claims.
What’s new in the 2010 review?
This year, we have seen the biggest rise in dubious theories about how the body works, such as singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, saying that she takes digestive enzymes and plant tonics to boost her immune system. Other unusual ideas about boosting our bodily functions have prompted strange diets, from Naomi Campbell’s maple syrup, lemon and pepper regime to Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding sprinkling charcoal over her meals.
In sport and fitness, cage fighter Alex Reid shared his tips for preparing for a fight (he ‘reabsorbs’ his sperm). David Beckham and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing a hologram-embedded silicone bracelet which claims to improve energy and fitness. And Cheryl Cole reputedly extolled a weight loss regime based on her blood group.
In health and disease, celebrity views about the causes of cancer retained the improvement seen in 2009, but actress Joanna Lumley and former Harrods owner Mohamed Fayed both get a mention this year.
And although we have noted far fewer claims about the benefits of ‘chemical free’ food this year, model Gisele Bundchen raised some old misconceptions as she joined the ‘breast is best’ baby feeding debate.
As always, the review notes people in the public eye who do make scientific sense. Reports of Jennifer Aniston’s ‘baby food diet’ caused some raised eyebrows, so dietitians were glad to see her deny rumours that she follows the puréed food regime. Jennifer said: “Sorry, but the last time I had baby food, I believe I was one. I’ve been on solids for about forty years now.” |
Here's the complete lowdown.
And really. What would we do if we didn't have celebrities out there guiding us to better health? Who would we turn to?
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Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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Ebone4rock
SFN Regular
USA
894 Posts |
Posted - 12/29/2010 : 16:36:53 [Permalink]
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| Yeah, I've been trying to sell the sperm absorbtion as a health benefit theory to my wife for years now. She must be a scientist because she ain't buyin' it! |
Haole with heart, thats all I'll ever be. I'm not a part of the North Shore society. Stuck on the shoulder, that's where you'll find me. Digging for scraps with the kooks in line. -Offspring |
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Hawks
SFN Regular
Canada
1383 Posts |
 Posted - 12/29/2010 : 17:14:53 [Permalink]
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Originally posted by Ebone4rock
Yeah, I've been trying to sell the sperm absorbtion as a health benefit theory to my wife for years now. She must be a scientist because she ain't buyin' it!
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Maybe she is just thinking about YOUR health? |
METHINKS IT IS LIKE A WEASEL
It's a small, off-duty czechoslovakian traffic warden! |
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podcat
Skeptic Friend
435 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2010 : 12:38:03 [Permalink]
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Originally posted by Kil
And really. What would we do if we didn't have celebrities out there guiding us to better health? Who would we turn to?
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People who have studied this, have experience, and actually know what they're talking about?
Oh, wait, that was a facetious question, wasn't it? I'm sorry... |
“In a modern...society, everybody has the absolute right to believe whatever they damn well please, but they don't have the same right to be taken seriously”.
-Barry Williams, co-founder, Australian Skeptics |
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H. Humbert
SFN Die Hard
USA
4574 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2011 : 11:18:03 [Permalink]
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Rebecca Watson comments on the tips.
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"A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true." --Demosthenes
"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself - and you are the easiest person to fool." --Richard P. Feynman
"Face facts with dignity." --found inside a fortune cookie |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
 Posted - 01/01/2011 : 11:34:15 [Permalink]
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| Nice. |
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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Robb
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2011 : 14:56:06 [Permalink]
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I liked this comment:
"I think they should let people buy the stupid bracelets. It's like#65279; marking the idiots so we know who to steer clear from." |
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. - George Washington |
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Steak and eggs? No! Just reabsorb your semen.
