Mini-Science 2010 Pseudoscience: From Quirks to Quacks

Description:

Learn about: * ‘psychic surgeons’ and the paranormal * vaccination and autoimmune diseases * hypnosis and memory * the scientific validity of homeopathy * the perceived dangers of cell phones and wireless The Mini-Science 2010 series, presented by professors from the Faculty of Science, starts with ‘Dr. Joe’ from the Office for Science and Society, and proudly concludes with a presentation by our sponsor, Lorne Trottier. This public course takes place over seven consecutive Wednesday evenings, from April 7 to May 19.


RecordingDateRecordingNameInstructorDescriptionWebcast MP3 COOLCast MP3 WMV COOLCast WMV MP4 COOLCast MP4
07/04/2010 18:30Science and the paranormal Joe SchwarczHistory is peppered with accounts of psychics predicting the future, mediums conversing with the dead, and aliens abducting earthlings. Today, "psychic surgeons" claim to remove tumours without making incisions and "paranormalists" bend spoons with the power of their minds. What does science say about these claims?
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14/04/2010 18:25What is the role of climate scientists...Bruno TremblayWhy is climate change in doubt, even denied by some? While the scientific understanding of climate change is firm, public opinion concerning the impact of human activities on the observed changes is much less certain. This lecture focuses on the necessity of curbing the damage of climate change, as opposed to simply exposing the facts and letting people form their own conclusions.
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28/04/2010 18:25Vaccines: panaceas or poisons? Brian WardVaccines are among the crowning achievements of medical science yet many are convinced that vaccination can cause autism and autoimmune diseases – even death. The most virulent opponents believe that vaccines are the sharp end of a global conspiracy. How did we get to this polarized state?
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12/05/2010 18:14Homeopathy: dilution or delusion?Ariel FensterThe basis of homeopathy is that substances, diluted to such an extent that there is essentially nothing left in solution, can be used to treat a variety of medical problems. This lecture critically examines the principles, the history, and the reasons for the enduring popularity of homeopathy.
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19/05/2010 18:26Are cell phones and WiFi harmful to your health?Lorne M. TrottierThere is growing public alarm about the possible harmful health effects caused by cell phones, microwaves, WiFi, etc. This concern has been fed by a wide array of misleading information on the Internet as well as various reports in the media. What does the real scientific evidence show?
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