From the Medical Tribune News Service, June 22, 1999: "Researcher On Power Line Effects Said To Have Faked Data"
Reports that a prominent national laboratory researcher falsified data in his studies on electric power lines should add to the debate over whether power lines play a role in causing cancer, according to federal investigators.
In 1992, Robert P. Liburdy committed scientific misconduct in two studies examining the effect of magnetic and electrical fields (EMF) on cells being studied in test tubes, according to the federal Office of Research Integrity (ORI). Prior to Liburdy's studies, which spurred other such efforts, no plausible mechanism for EMF causing cancer had been discovered.
o Investigators said in one case Liburdy discarded 93 percent of lab data that didn't agree with his hypothesis that EMF affected living cells.
o Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where Liburdy did his research, became suspicious, and began its own investigation in 1995.
o Even during the investigation, Liburdy continued to play a prominent role in the EMF controversy, speaking and appearing at conferences.
o ORI began its own investigation in 1998, after Lawrence Berkeley administrators told the federal government -- which paid for the questionable research -- that Liburdy had falsified his findings.
As part of his settlement with the government, Liburdy must withdraw parts of two studies and may not apply for federal research money or act as an adviser to the Public Health Service for three years.
However, his real punishment could last longer. All of his more than 20 EMF research papers must nowty of Pennsylvania, "His credibility is gone after this. Science is unforgiving, and rightly so, of those who break the rules."
Note from Shermer: We should, however, be cautious about the Office of Research Integrity given their track record in handling the Baltimore Case--see Vol. 7, #1 of Skeptic for Dan Kevles' article, as well as his book from W. W. Norton, THE BALTIMORE CASE.
Check out the latest issue of The Onion for a delightful piece on aliens demanding media equity. Go to:
http://www.theonion.com/onion3524/aliens_portrayl_media.html
Here are the first couple of paragraphs:
WASHINGTON, DC--A coalition of extraterrestrials representing some two trillion lifeforms across the five major planetary confederations descended on Earth Monday to speak out against "the demeaning, degrading and hurtful portrayals" of aliens in the planet's media.
"Attention! People of Earth!" said Gnortakk, Son Of K'Tzazzghn, spokesbeing for Extraterrestrials For Media Equity. "The preponderance of stereotypical and condemnatory images of non-Earth species in your films, TV programs, books and video games can no longer be tolerated." "For years, we have endured your planet's depiction of aliens as either ruthless, tyrannical conquerors or bumbling, ineffectual, 'comic relief' creatures," Aegon, Fifth Of The Five, said. "It's high time humanoids presented positive, realistic images of aliens going about their everyday lives."
Do you believe that prayer has a positive effect on overall health?
Yes 69.3%
No 24.6%
Not sure 6.1%
Total votes: 19,896
Do you pray?
Yes 34.9%
No 25.3%
I do not pray, but am spiritual in other ways 39.8%
Total votes: 8,407
Have you ever tried therapeutic touch to treat an illness?
Yes, and it worked 40.1%
Yes, but it did not work 50.9%
No, I've never tried it 9.0%
Total votes:19,876
You are
Female 1649 69.1%
Male 737 30.9%
Total votes: 2,386
I am trying to organize a monthly salon/discussion group of all interested SKEPTICS. If you would like to participate, please e-mail me with your name,phone number and e-mail address; alejandro@mindspring.com
Also needed is a comfortable place to meet that can accomodate a dozen or so people such as a good-sized house or a condo recreation room etc. Thanks.