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American Institute for Technology
& Science Education Newsletter
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June, 2012
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Greetings!
 How is your summer going? Spending any lazy days by the beach or at the pool? If so, you will want to peruse our article on the benefits and hazards of suntans, sunscreen, and artificial tans. Are you thinking you might like to lose a few pounds before appearing in a bathing suit? If so, be sure to read our nutrition article where we assess whether a high fiber diet, vegetables or the new policies suggested by Mayor Bloomberg will help. Or is it just too hot for you outside? If so, be sure to see our update on the climate science debate and how it impacted one unfortunate professor. Then again, maybe you just plan on staying inside and surfing the 'net. If so, be sure to read up on the benefits and drawbacks of the new Macbook Pro and associated Applecare warranty.
Perhaps none of the above are part of your plans and you will find yourself with time on your hands. If so, AITSE can provide your summer entertainment needs, as well. If it is reading you prefer, Dr. Crocker has had an article, Pinocchio in College, accepted for publication by Teachers of Vision magazine. You can read it below. Alternatively, if you would like to hear a talk, Dr. Crocker will be presenting on the Bunk Detecting Principles at the American Scientific Affiliation meeting in San Diego on July 23 at 10:45 am and at McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia on August 12 (other VA venues will be posted in the July newsletter). She also plans to be in Dallas, TX at the end of August. Is this too far for you to travel? Request that Dr. Crocker comes to your area. Or maybe you prefer to listen to the radio. If so, watch this space for an announcement of when you can hear Dr. Crocker's recent and extensive radio interview.
We are so glad to be able to serve you by providing your summer entertainment and information needs with these monthly updates. But, that is not all we do! We also have an informative website with over 150 articles pertaining to integrity in science and medicine. In addition, if you "like" us on Facebook, you will receive daily science updates on your Facebook page. Or, if you would rather, you can get the same information on Twitter or Linked in. Have a happy, healthy, and informed summer! |
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 Baby Aspirin Benefits and Hazards
Did you know that nearly 50% of Americans over 65 years of age take a baby aspirin every day? These people or their physicians have bought into the belief that low dose aspirin can reduce a person's risk of a cardiovascular event, stroke, and/or cancer. But can it? And how would it work? Well, not by preventing pain!
Aspirin is the common name for acetylsalicylic acid, a substance modified from a chemical derived from Willow and Birch trees (salicin). The fever-reducing and pain-relieving properties of the extract were referenced by Hippocrates around about 5 B.C! Scientists figured out how it works in the 70's--aspirin irreversibly binds to the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, and prevents the synthesis of a group of chemical messengers or "words" (prostaglandins or PGs).
In the language of the body, the meaning of the word "PG" to a nerve fiber is "turn up the volume." The result is that, in the presence of PGs, pain is amplified. When aspirin prevents their synthesis, the pain is dulled.
The problem is that, in the chemical language of cells, the meaning of a word differs depending on its context. In human terms, "You are pretty," means something very different from, "You are pretty ugly." So it is with PGs. A benefit is that, in the context of the hypothalamus (our thermostat), PG means "turn up the temperature," and aspirin's inhibition of PG formation will prevent fever. In the context of a blood-clotting platelet, PG means "clot." Since aspirin hampers action of the enzyme that makes PGs, aspirin prevents clotting. And because the binding is irreversible, the effect should last--at least until the platelets or blood-clotting cells are replaced (5-10 days).
Therefore, logic suggests that aspirin should mitigate against heart attacks and strokes. And some studies suggest it does. However, other peer-reviewed papers show that aspirin is only beneficial in those who have had a previous cardiovascular event. Still others appear to say that the health risks engendered by taking a daily baby aspirin, certainly by people under 60 and without previous heart disease or diabetes, outweigh the benefits.
What about the claim that aspirin prevents cancer? A May 2012 meta-analysis of studies published over a period of 20 years showed that long-term use of aspirin may reduce "the long-term risk of several cancers and the risk of distant metastasis." Hopeful. The trouble is that this work came on the heels of a meta-analysis published in February 2012 that claimed aspirin reduces neither cardiovascular death in those without previous risk factors nor cancer mortality. This claim was confirmed in June 2012 by a study conducted in 1000 people that showed that aspirin does not reduce cancer mortality. So, should we pop our daily pill or not?
As always, it is important to balance the potential benefits of any drug against the risks. Time to consider those pesky side effects. After all, since we make PGs, it stands to reason that they do have beneficial functions and that inhibition of their synthesis might cause unwanted side effects. One such function of PGs is to keep the stomach lining thick--necessary because the contents are highly acidic. Therefore, lack of PGs causes a common side effect of aspirin--gastrointestinal upset. Similarly, inhibiting the beneficial function of PGs in mediating blood clotting is not so good if a person is hurt in some way. In fact, Berger et al. published that a daily low dose aspirin could increase one's chances of a major bleed by over 50%.
So, is aspirin a wonder drug? No. Remember the AITSE Bunk Detecting Principles. If it sounds like snake oil... Should everyone take their daily dose of baby aspirin? Probably not, especially not if they have not had a previous cardiovascular event. But remember, AITSE's purpose is to provide the public with information, not to give medical advice. Its goal is that you, in cooperation with your physician, will be empowered to make your own informed decisions. And if we have helped you do that, please consider helping us by clicking on the donate button below.
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 Pinocchio in College
preview of Teachers of Vision Magazine article
by Caroline Crocker, PhD
"Dr. Crocker, I know who complained about you to your boss-you reported her for cheating on her final exam." Only a week after publication of the story of my time as an educator at George Mason University (GMU), I was contacted by one of my former students. She had a shocking tale about her former friend, "Hiroko," who was caught cheating, then followed and intimidated another student whom Hiroko thought had blown her cover, and finally made false allegations about me. Since Hiroko was subsequently discovered to also be cheating in other classes, she was suspended from GMU, but is now in business contracting for the government.
This vignette points to a basic problem. Starting with the lower levels of education in high school, following through college, and finally in the professions, we are having a national crisis in integrity.
The problem begins in our educational system. Read more.
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Weight Control
 What Works? What Doesn't?Is your bathroom scale depressing you? How about your mirror? Are you one of the ~36% of all Americans considered obese and at increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, gall stones, gout, osteoarthritis, infertility, some cancers and, not surprisingly, depression?
If so, Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to help by forbidding sale of extra large size sugary drinks. This is an understandable response to the fact that 70% of his Bronx-dwelling constituents are obese, but the question is, "Will it help?" The answer an unsatisfying, "Maybe." After all, put simply, a spike in blood sugar causes insulin release and insulin causes the body to store fat, making drinking a soda while eating a hamburger and fries a very bad idea.
But, those of us who have tried to lose weight know that it is not as easy as just cutting down on sugary drinks. In fact, even substituting them with diet drinks does not seem to help. We also know that diet pills are dangerous and that bariatric surgery can lead to untold health problems. So, what is the answer?
Again, it is not the easy option. Rather, it is as we already know: to eat a diet majoring on as many vegetables and fruit as one may desire (5-10 servings per day), limited whole grain carbohydrates, small portions of beans and low fat meats, and probably no sugary drinks. There are no shortcuts, but there is hope--and our lives may depend on it.
For more good diet advice, see this site.  |
 Climate Dogma
and the Firing of a Skeptic
Dr. Nickolas Drapela used to work at Oregon State University, but no more. This well-loved senior instructor in the department of chemistry, author of textbooks, and award winning teacher was fired without explanation, apparently without reason.
But, a quick search soon reveals that Dr. Drapela was guilty of a science sin--he questioned the politically correct consensus on global climate change. The story is eerily similar to what is detailed in Free to Think, the book about what happened after AITSE president Dr. Crocker dared to give a lecture where she outlined the evidence for and, dare we say it, against evolution. Academic awards were overlooked. Administrators were evasive. Supportive students were ignored. There was no warning--both Dr. Drapela and Dr. Crocker were just shut down. But, like Dr. Crocker, they can't shut Dr. Drapela up. He will doubtless continue to give public talks, be heard on the radio, and write about the subject. So, what are the administrators at OSU so afraid of? Objective science? Academic freedom? Open minds? Or could it be loss of the income stream they receive for conducting research in climate science (~90 million/yr)? After all, alarmism brings in cash; realism might not. As Cambridge professor Michael Kelly said, "The interpretation of the observational science has been consistently over-egged to produce alarm." Perhaps the idea is that the best motivator for change is fear. Unfortunately, experience is showing it is more likely to produce skepticism. Especially now in the digital age when those who dare publicly doubt the politically correct consensus cannot be silenced by merely depriving them of their jobs.
Please note, AITSE does not take a position on climate change, only on the silencing of scientists. Next month we will feature an excellent essay contributed by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist who subscribes to the view that global warming is real and requires drastic action on our parts. Dr. Hayhoe is a scientist of integrity who has been at the receiving end of threats and intimidation as a result of her views. We look forward to her article.
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 Sunscreen, Sunburn, or Artificial Tans Which is Preferable?
Is enjoying the beach or pool part of your summer plans? If so, how will you protect yourself from the UV rays put out by our sun? Conversely, how will you protect others from being blinded by the radiant whiteness of your skin? It seems that just spending time outside requires a person to make a lot of science-based decisions. Fortunately, it is our job here at AITSE to provide you with the information you need to do this in an informed manner.
First, is exposure to the sun really as bad as we are told? Yes and no. According to the World Health Organization, UV light is now classed as a Group 1 carcinogen. It is worse in those with fair skin and under 18 years of age. Over-exposure to sunlight can cause basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The prior two types of skin cancer are common, but rarely fatal (only 0.1% of these cancers end in death). In comparison, even though only <5% of skin cancers are melanoma, it is responsible for almost all skin cancer deaths.
Other effects of UV exposure include "sagging cheeks, deeper facial wrinkles, and skin discoloration," damage to the eyes, and sun allergies, resulting in itchy red rashes and even blisters. Not so attractive and probably better avoided.
This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that one should avoid UV damage between 9 am and 3 pm by staying in the shade, wearing sunglasses, wearing UVA and UVB protective sunscreen, and wearing sun protective clothing.
Note that they are not recommending never going out or always wearing sunscreen. After all, there are some benefits to being out in the sun. Exposure to UV light causes our cells to make vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Sunshine is a great treatment for psoriasis. And there is even some clinical data indicating that UV exposure may cause endorphin release--in other words sunshine may help fight depression!
In fact, moderate amounts of sunshine early or late in the day are fine--and probably a good idea. But, extended tanning times on the beach or by the pool are definitely out, even if you "prepared" your skin by visiting a tanning salon. In fact, several peer-reviewed studies have shown that the claim that tanning beds are somehow safer than outdoor tanning because they are a controlled environment are definite scientific bunk.
But, what about suntan lotion? Won't that allow one to spend the day at the beach or by the pool? Doesn't faithful application reduce the risk of developing skin cancer? And, while we are asking questions, are the chemicals that block UVA and UVB safe? According to a review of the peer-reviewed literature, no, probably not and probably not.
Faithful and generous application of UVA and UVB-blocking sunscreen will reduce the chances of getting a sunburn, but does not appear to significantly reduce one's risk of dying from skin cancer. There has only been one peer-reviewed study showing that sunscreen protects from cancer--and that was from squamous cell carcinoma. In comparison, suntan lotion offered no protection at all from basal cell carcinoma and the more deadly melanoma. Astonishingly, some studies even indicated that use of these agents increased the cancer risk! For this reason the American College of Preventive Medicine sees no reason to recommend the daily use of sunscreen (p. 85).
Nonetheless, as epidemiological data shows steadily rising skin cancer incidence, sunscreens continue to sell. Some of these creams claim to be chemical-free because they only contain the chemicals zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). But, these ingredients have a definite drawback: they are usually visible as a white film. Therefore, Zno and TiO2 creams are now being manufactured as less visible nanoscale particles, concomitantly making it more likely that they will be absorbed through the skin, entering cells and the blood stream. There have not been any studies on the effect of ZnO and TiO2 in children and babies.
Other sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone, OMC and 4-MBC, all of which have repeatedly been shown to be present in the plasma and urine of those using the product (an indicator that they are absorbed). In fact, a study of nursing women showed that 78.8% of them regularly used products containing sunscreen and 76.5% of their human milk samples contained the chemical that they were using. This makes sense given that fat-containing substances (creams) are readily absorbed by cells--the chemicals in sunscreen (and any other chemicals on the skin, like DEET) are given a free ride into the body. What they do there is largely unknown.
It would seem that those who would like to sport a healthy-looking tan without the UV-associated wrinkling and skin cancer and sunscreen-associated toxicity have no alternative but to use a sunless tanner. These creams and sprays have an additive that offers no protection against sun damage, but can give the illusion of a tan for 5-7 days. The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) reacts with amino acids in dead cells to form orange-brown colored melanoidins. DHA is said to be safe, provided it is used in moderation and only applied to the skin, not the mucus membranes. But, this verdict may change in the near future. Apparently, DHA induces DNA breakage in bacteria and skin cells and of course DNA damage may lead to cancer. In addition, it appears that the chemical accelerates photo-aging by increasing free radical formation. Back to square one.
So, what is the answer? You decide. AITSE does not purport to replace the advice of your physician. Rather, our goal is to give you the balanced information that will enable you to make an informed decision. See you at the beach--I'll be the white one in the hat and long sleeves. |
Quote of the Month
"Part of what I love about science is the tradition of being fearlessly intrigued by...anomalies. When anomalies occur, they are often disruptive. They may be perceived as undermining other careful work, maybe even a career. Yet they may be golden. They may present an opportunity to understand better--which is, after all, the point."
This is why scientists need to be free to follow the evidence where it leads, not be restricted by having to make the evidence fit into a pre-existing theory. Unfortunately, change is not always welcome; certainly challenges to the current consensus are not. |
 AppleCare and the New Macbook
Scam or Intelligent Design?
When does watching the profit margin become taking advantage of the customer? When does one cross the line from environmental awareness into a lack of integrity in technology? What would you make of a company that replaces anything interior to the device with recycled parts, but parts on the outside with brand new?
There is no doubt that Apple products are intelligently designed. They are flexible, powerful and easy to use, even for a beginner. Since they are also expensive, it just makes sense to take out an extended warranty--or does it? Read the fine print. Applecare will replace defective parts with parts that they term "re-manufactured" or "refurbished." That replacement iPhone they gave you? Most probably it is not new. The repair on your computer? Accomplished with parts scavenged from a return. In fact, according to former "genius" Josh Carr, Apple replaces faulty logic boards, audio assemblies, LCD's and pretty much anything that is not visible from the outside with refurbished parts. Perhaps this is why the Apple Customer Service Scoreboard reports that ~83% of the comments are negative (it could also be because only dissatisfied customers go on line to write a review).
This situation caught AITSE's attention after an Apple customer sent us the following account along with documenting photographs. His experience was that after a problem with his USB port, the faulty logicboard in his Macbook Pro was replaced--with a visibly water stained board. When that one failed (within a few days), it was replaced with another recycled board, this one where the headphone jack did not work.
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Compare the dirty headphone jack (right) to the unused microphone input.
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Note the dirty firewire and dented minidisplay port.
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A quick look at the visible potions of the second refurbished part will give a hint as to why it did not work either. Looks like refurbished just means recycled or used. This story has a happy ending. Eventually, after many trips to various stores and a plethora of phone calls, the computer was replaced.
So, is the answer to decline the protection offered by Applecare? Since the new computers are becoming less and less user-serviceable, that may be difficult. Even though it is possible to change your own battery, add memory, and add a drive on the Macbook, the newest Macbook Pro has fused the battery to the case, the RAM to the logicboard and the display to the glass. In other words, mere mortals can no longer service or even upgrade their own machines--making an extended warranty almost essential. This is exacerbated by the fact that the battery has a lifespan that is limited by design. But, consumers vote with their wallets; the Retina Macbook Pro sold out within days of being released.
It appears that the public want a light weight, powerful machine, even if it has a limited lifespan, cannot be upgraded, and forces us to use an extended warranty that replaces broken parts with used, and often substandard, hardware. If this is a free choice where are the facts are known, there is nothing unethical here. The integrity factor only comes into play when the facts are hidden, put in fine print or disguised by using other words--and that is where AITSE comes in. AITSE makes sure you have the facts needed to make informed decisions.
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In closing, as always, thank you for your past gifts and support. It is a fact that AITSE cannot function in its efforts to educate to increase scientific understanding and integrity without contributions. Please consider helping us with a special donation or a commitment to give on a monthly basis. Please make checks payable to AITSE and send them to PO Box 15938, Newport Beach, CA 92659. Alternatively, you can donate on line through PayPal or credit card.
Sincerely, Caroline Crocker
American Institute for Technology and Science Education |
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