Five "scientific" articles that should not be trusted
Last reviewed: 30.05.2018
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This year, in the scientific edition of Nature published a material in which it is stated that the maximum possible age of a person is not more than 115 years. This information aroused excitement - and not only among ordinary readers, but also among scientists. The fact is that this magazine always had a good reputation for a quality scientific publication, so it was very strange to read on its pages a similar "fact", which most experts disagree with.
As it turned out, the article was not really based on any evidence, and was reviewed by chance. After this case, the issue of reviewing such information was put more rigidly, so as not to introduce readers in a frank delusion.
The editorial board selected five more resonant materials, the essence of which did not reflect the truth. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with them.
- Myth: genetically modified foods provoke the development of tumors.
About five years ago, in one respected publication, data were published that such a genetically modified product as corn could give an impetus to the development of the tumor process. The study was conducted on rodents fed corn with GMOs. After the publication, the author of the experiment came to the real glory, because the gene modification in most people initially caused a lot of negative emotions, and they had long been waiting for such confirmation of their conjectures. Nevertheless, the article was criticized, and this information was not truly scientifically confirmed.
- Myth: vaccination is the cause of autism.
An article on this topic appeared almost 10 years ago, but was withdrawn only after 2 years. The fact is that such a conclusion was made after the experiment with the participation of 12 volunteers - and this is very little for scientific research. In addition, the author was financially interested in disseminating such information.
- Myth: it is possible to obtain stem cells in a new way.
Scientists have long been studying the possibility of obtaining stem cells from other native cells of the patient. Not surprisingly, they were interested in a new scientific article, the authors of which claimed that they invented a new method of growing stem cells. Later it was proved that the facts were falsified for the delivery of the material: the main author of the article was hit by a lava of criticism, which subsequently led to his suicide.
- Myth: Dissemination of information about homosexuals reduces the severity of homophobia.
Three years ago, a study was allegedly carried out, during which representatives of the non-traditional orientation told the public about their lives and problems, after which they inquired whether people's opinions on them had changed. According to the article, people's attitude towards homosexuality changed for the better. However, after a while, it was proved that the experiment was carried out with a mass of gross violations, which allowed to withdraw the received unconfirmed information.
- Myth: water has memory.
20 years ago an article appeared that water can memorize contact with any substance and on the basis of this change its structure. The information caused a lot of feedback, and the study decided to repeat. What was the surprise of scientists when this information was not confirmed. The article was not withdrawn, but it was not taken seriously.