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- Alternative Medicine
Therapy on tap: Thought Field Therapy offers superficial solutions to deep disturbances
Proponents claim remarkable results from Thought Field Therapy and Emotional Freedom Technique, but the evidence tells a different storOne small step at a time, the alternative medicine industry is radicalising people
The alternative medicine industry has built up an ecosystem that efficiently radicalises its devotees into extreme positionsOur manifesto against pseudoscience in health challenges alt-med at a global level
Pseudoscience is a global phenomenon - if we want to protect the public in our individual countries, it will take global action.From the outset, chiropractors have held anti-vax views – sadly, not much has changed
Despite overwhelming evidence vaccines work, many chiropractors focus unduly on the risks, and refuse to recommend them to patients
- Health
The COVID-19 Vaccines are a sign for cautious optimism – but it is still early days
Three COVID-19 Vaccines have shown some very promising results, and we should rightly feel optimistic, but we aren't at the finish line yetFrom scam product ads to conspiracy theories, misinformation always adapts to survive
The techniques developed by affiliate marketers to spread scam products mirrors the way in which conspiracy theories nimbly adapt to spread misinformationSo you’re stress eating during a global pandemic
During this intensely stressful time, it's important to remember that seeking comfort in food is not unusual, and it's not sign of moral failure.Plagues and Plots: Throughout history, epidemics and conspiracy theories have gone hand-in-hand
From the anti-Semitic Flagellants of the Black Death to modern day 5G-hating COVID deniers, epidemics have always driven conspiracy theories.
- Paranormal
Captured by Aliens? A History and Analysis of American Abduction Claims, by Nigel Watson
'Captured by Aliens?' is an excellent introduction to alleged alien contact, but misses the opportunity to update on previous editionsGhosts, curses and werewolves: archaeologists see human belief up close
Dealing with human remains teaches us we don't have to share somebody's belief to respect them - as long as those beliefs aren't causing harmThe Witch’s Itch: Possible explanations for the symptoms of the Salem ‘victims’
While much has been written about those accused of witchcraft in Salem, a modern understanding of psychology can shed light on the reports of their alleged 'victims'Has the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in ghostly encounters?
With pandemic-related anxiety and stress causing an increase in experience of sleep paralysis, we may well see an uptick in paranormal belief.
- Conspiracy
From scam product ads to conspiracy theories, misinformation always adapts to survive
The techniques developed by affiliate marketers to spread scam products mirrors the way in which conspiracy theories nimbly adapt to spread misinformationWhen you understand 5G technology, the conspiracy theories simply don’t add up
Sean Slater - 0Despite the scare stories, there is no evidence 5G technology causes Covid-19, cancers, or the myriad health scares attributed to it.GESARA: From 9/11 ‘truth’ to global economic conspiracy
The way in which the GESARA plot has changed over time shows us that conspiracy theories don't disappear, they merely evolve.Plagues and Plots: Throughout history, epidemics and conspiracy theories have gone hand-in-hand
From the anti-Semitic Flagellants of the Black Death to modern day 5G-hating COVID deniers, epidemics have always driven conspiracy theories.
- Society
Time Team’s archaeologists showed us how experts can ruthlessly unpick a hoax
Channel 4's archaeology show Time Team's quiet destruction of a would-be hoaxer was a glorious illustration of the power of calm, patient expertiseHow Religion Trumped Science in America’s Coronavirus Response
There's a lot of blame to be apportioned when it comes to America's Coronavirus response - and religion needs to take its shareReal in What Sense? Consensually torturing skeptics over the nature of ‘realness’
Even a skeptic's sense of what is real can be less black and white than we think - and can lead to some surprisingly uncomfortable analysisSean Ellis 1966 – 2020
Sean Ellis, skeptical activist, has passed-away after a short illness. The Skeptic remembers the life of a much-loved skeptic.
- Science
Four Perspectives On Peer Review: why it goes wrong, and why we need to fix it
The peer review process is vital, but it is riddled with errors and issues; the quality of future science depends on trying to improve itComedians can help us see the funny side of a world governed by blind chance
Scientists recognise that the world is governed by blind chance - a view embraced by comedians. Sean B. Carroll asks Eric Idle why that is.A new study suggests coronavirus antibodies fade over time – but how concerned should we be?
We shouldn't be overly worried by the data showing that coronavirus antibodies wane after infection, explains immunologist Professor Sheena CruickshankAre digital pregnancy tests simply taking the pee?
Digital pregnancy tests might look like another example of expensive e-waste, but we should look more carefully about their use and accessibility before we rush to condemn.(False) Memories of Childhood
On 5 October 2017, I, along with four other memory researchers, read out an essay on memory in front of an audience at the...
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Expert skeptical analysis of pseudoscience, conspiracy theory and claims of the paranormal.
editor@skeptic.org.uk