Great sift.

That is fricken insane stuff... just insane! (Also quite interesting how you adjust to his sped up speaking quite quickly and stop noticing it)

It's quite clear our doctors are NOT LYING TO US ENOUGH!

If only politicians were doctors eh...

*quality

Ha, reminds me of the time when a large communication company set up a cell tower near my old place. Many of the folks were complaining about migranes caused by the emissions -- which was fucking brilliant, because they hadn't even connected the power lines yet, much less turned anything on.

Boosting this quality contribution up in the Hot Listing - declared quality by radx.

*promote

Promoting this video back to the front page; last published Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 4:25pm PST - promote requested by cybrbeast.

I love scientists who are able to engage the public in an articulate and entertaining way. And I love men like James Randi who are passionate about exposing and ridiculing frauds. So Ben Goldacre is right up my alley.

Is it just me or did that last paragraph sound more gay than intended? Oh well.

Go check out his website. Here's a roundup of interesting stories from 2010:

http://www.badscience.net/2010/12/the-year-in-nonsense-2/

I am currently doing research into expectancies/placebos etc, and I want you to know, if you don't already, that what he talks about here is just the tip of the iceberg. There is SO MUCH fascinating stuff, it is truly amazing.

If this stuff is true, it really brings validity to shamanism, witch doctors, and even — dare I say — christian exorcisms and evangelical healing rituals. And as far as the placebo effect goes, it's not science that makes a good placebo, but a good salesman.

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag.(show it anyway)

I really wish I could get a placebo prescribed for general well-being. But it's like quantum physics - the very act of knowing about the placebo negates its efficacy.

There must be some kind of mind-hack to fix this.

I've been reading Ben Goldacre's blog for quite a while, but didn't know what he looked like. In my mind, I had his face almost correct but I didn't realise he talked so fast.

>> ^dag:

I really wish I could get a placebo prescribed for general well-being. But it's like quantum physics - the very act of knowing about the placebo negates its efficacy.
There must be some kind of mind-hack to fix this.


Incredibly, a recent study showed that placebos can work even when you're completely aware that you're taking a placebo. So give it a shot.

http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/27/placebos-work-even-if-you-know-theyre-fake-but-how/

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag.(show it anyway)

I feel like it wouldn't work on me- because I'm such a cynical bastard.>> ^entr0py:

>> ^dag:
I really wish I could get a placebo prescribed for general well-being. But it's like quantum physics - the very act of knowing about the placebo negates its efficacy.
There must be some kind of mind-hack to fix this.

Incredibly, a recent study showed that placebos can work even when you're completely aware that you're taking a placebo. So give it a shot.
http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/27/placebos-work-e
ven-if-you-know-theyre-fake-but-how/