Science

My recent bedtime reading is Kūsō Kagaku Dokuhon (空想科學讀本) by Yanagita Rikao (柳田理科雄). It discusses the problems and flaws (in physical science) of those robots and superman that we find in common Japanese comics and TV series.

Although the book is translated and published in Taiwan, and many of the names and terms are different from those in Hong Kong (so that the text is slightly difficult to follow), it is exceptionally enjoyable.

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On a second thought, we should not be to critical to the creators of Mazinger Z (鐵甲萬能俠) or Kamen Rider (幪面超人). To say the least, their authors never intend to use their imaginative heroes for the replacement of real ones in our life.

In contrast, I am horrified to know some authorities are proposing to evaluate alternative medicine by different standards than those of conventional science.

For example, placebo or non-specific effect should be considered as part of the treatment, and researchers should design studies which do not control for these effects; if the results of a controlled clinical trial turn out to be positive because of placebo effects, Hawthorn effects, or patient-therapist relationship, while the specific effects of the intervention are nil or negligible, this intervention would nevertheless be deemed effective.

Or, as Albert Einstein advised: If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.

Go read Ernst E. From alternative medicine to alternative science, in the October 2010 issue of Clinical Medicine.