Bad science

Lifted from the most excellent site....

http://www.badscience.net/

Ben Goldacre

Saturday March 4, 2006

The Guardian

 

If there’s one thing that irritates a scientist, it’s not knowing. This week, the Prescription Pricing Authority decided to authorise magnetic bandages for ulcer treatment on the NHS: and I have no idea why. They won’t tell me what the presented evidence was, because that’s not their policy. Shhh. It’s a secret.

 

And you thought science and medicine was about openness and evidence? So I trogged over to the Magnopulse site: when I could get through, that is, for hours all I got was: “This site is unavailable because it is too busy,” so business is good.

 

Sniffing around for data I found, to my immense delight, that they also have a special magnet for women to wear: “Wearing mn8 also boosts your body naturally, giving you softer skin, shiny hair and stronger nails.” It sounds a bit like the Winalot TV ads to me, but that pales into insignificance next to the Magnetic Pet Coaster that goes in your dog bowl.

 

Did the dog bowl magnet feature in the evidence they offered to the PPA? We will never know for sure, but the claims are equally grand. “They will love the taste.” Why?

 

Because “Magnetic treated water is more natural. Using a pet coaster ensures that your pet receives maximum benefit from their drinking water”.

 

I want one. Why do my dog and my girlfriend always get special treatment? “Given the choice,” they go on, “your pet will always choose to drink magnetic water, they can tell the difference.”