Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Texas & Kentucky- You Have A Problem
Creationists with influential science textbook review positions.
Not quite as bad in Kentucky perhaps.
The Naked Mole Rat's Anti-Cancer Secret
They've evolved a high molecular mass form of hyaluronan. This is hypothesized to prevent cells from forming tumors. In humans, hyaluronan and related molecules are thought to aid cancer metastasis:
Abbreviations:
HA - hyaluronic acid, a synonym for hyaluronan
HAS - hyaluronic acid synthase, makes HA
HAR - hyaluronic acid receptor
HAase/HYAL - hyaluronidase, enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix
Abbreviations:
HA - hyaluronic acid, a synonym for hyaluronan
HAS - hyaluronic acid synthase, makes HA
HAR - hyaluronic acid receptor
HAase/HYAL - hyaluronidase, enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix
From Darwinist To Climatist
These are denigrating terms used to mock science.
"The temperature on Mars is going up and we don't have any SUV's on Mars"
"The temperature on Mars is going up and we don't have any SUV's on Mars"
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
The Neuro-physiology Of Religious Belief
With psychiatrist Dr. Andy Thomson.
The talk is particularly interesting because it's sponsored by the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.
Facts don't seem to phase people with religious beliefs.
The talk is particularly interesting because it's sponsored by the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.
Facts don't seem to phase people with religious beliefs.
This Mann Is Good
Michael Mann, climatologist, discusses climate change and the propaganda war against the science.
Monday, July 29, 2013
I Wish I Had Access To This Article P2
Not too long ago I wrote Part 1 (not knowing there would be a Part 2), having stumbled upon what seemed to be an interesting paper.
Well, having looked up that last study on cell phones, I stumbled some more.
And found this.
I didn't realize Calabrese had retaliated against Shrader-Frechette.
That explains why she shines the light on him so frequently in her papers.
I wonder in what way(s) did Calabrese retaliate.
Well, having looked up that last study on cell phones, I stumbled some more.
And found this.
I didn't realize Calabrese had retaliated against Shrader-Frechette.
That explains why she shines the light on him so frequently in her papers.
I wonder in what way(s) did Calabrese retaliate.
Cell Phones & Cancer
A link between the two has been studied quite a bit usually with no causal link established.
This study suggests there may be a link, but it's far from conclusive.
The actual study goes back to January, I'm not sure why Medical Press just picked it up.
This study suggests there may be a link, but it's far from conclusive.
The actual study goes back to January, I'm not sure why Medical Press just picked it up.
Radiation "Test Run" Predictor Of Lymphoma Treatment
In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, seeing how much radiation is absorbed by cancer cells (especially above 200 cGy during screening, gives us insight into treatment outcomes.
Congrats Cumulus Media!
For dumping Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
Those morons have the biggest talk radio shows in the country.
What kinds of things do they say?
Those morons have the biggest talk radio shows in the country.
What kinds of things do they say?
New Jersey Radiation Underdose
It may seem odd that radiation underdoses (>20%) are reportable to the U.S. NRC. Here's a recent report:
"At 11:30 a.m. [EDT] on July 16, 2013, a patient was being treated for three lesions with an Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion unit, serial number 6016, at Cooper Health System in Camden, New Jersey. The prescribed total dose for all three lesions was 58 Gray.
"The first two lesions were treated as planned without incident.
"During treatment of the third lesion, treatment was interrupted because of mechanical failure. A 'Sensor Failure' error occurred, which caused the patient couch to retract and the shielding doors to close. An Elekta service engineer was called and no other treatments were attempted after the 'Sensor Failure'. Treatment of the third lesion was to be re-scheduled.
"It is estimated that only 44.8 Gray out of the prescribed dose of 58 Gray was actually delivered, which is an underdose of greater than 20%."
"At 11:30 a.m. [EDT] on July 16, 2013, a patient was being treated for three lesions with an Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion unit, serial number 6016, at Cooper Health System in Camden, New Jersey. The prescribed total dose for all three lesions was 58 Gray.
"The first two lesions were treated as planned without incident.
"During treatment of the third lesion, treatment was interrupted because of mechanical failure. A 'Sensor Failure' error occurred, which caused the patient couch to retract and the shielding doors to close. An Elekta service engineer was called and no other treatments were attempted after the 'Sensor Failure'. Treatment of the third lesion was to be re-scheduled.
"It is estimated that only 44.8 Gray out of the prescribed dose of 58 Gray was actually delivered, which is an underdose of greater than 20%."
Sunday, July 28, 2013
In Which I Share An Urge To Strangle
Biologist PZ Myers has a post on observational and historical science regarding biology and the silliness of creationists.
One entire field of science, cosmology, relies entirely on scientific inference. We observe some stuff and infer its central theory, the Big Bang theory. Nobody was there at the Big Bang. We can't replicate the Big Bang in a laboratory. Yet, the scientific consensus is that the origins of our Universe are explained by the Big Bang.
Apparently the Big Bang theory doesn't impact too many people's ideology. There aren't a bunch of op-eds, books, blogs, etc. denouncing the Big Bang. That's probably because it seems to coincide with various interpretations of religious texts.
Health physics, in the low dose radiation range, is also inferential. We can't see the radiation cause cancer. We have to use logical inference combining facts of epidemiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, etc. in order to develop the central theory of Linear, No-Threshold dose response (LNT).
Unlike the Big Bang, LNT does seem to impact some folks' ideology. And that leads to pseudo-science propaganda.
Which gives me an urge to strangle, which I suppress every time, though: I just tell myself it's not their fault their brains were poisoned by nuclear power deification or demonization.
One entire field of science, cosmology, relies entirely on scientific inference. We observe some stuff and infer its central theory, the Big Bang theory. Nobody was there at the Big Bang. We can't replicate the Big Bang in a laboratory. Yet, the scientific consensus is that the origins of our Universe are explained by the Big Bang.
Apparently the Big Bang theory doesn't impact too many people's ideology. There aren't a bunch of op-eds, books, blogs, etc. denouncing the Big Bang. That's probably because it seems to coincide with various interpretations of religious texts.
Health physics, in the low dose radiation range, is also inferential. We can't see the radiation cause cancer. We have to use logical inference combining facts of epidemiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, etc. in order to develop the central theory of Linear, No-Threshold dose response (LNT).
Unlike the Big Bang, LNT does seem to impact some folks' ideology. And that leads to pseudo-science propaganda.
Which gives me an urge to strangle, which I suppress every time, though: I just tell myself it's not their fault their brains were poisoned by nuclear power deification or demonization.
Nuclear Power Tidbits
Life without San Onofre is discussed here.
The Ginna plant shuts down.
Small fire at Callaway plant.
Safer fuel rods with silicon carbide cladding.
The Ginna plant shuts down.
Small fire at Callaway plant.
Safer fuel rods with silicon carbide cladding.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
"Fevered"
"Fevered - Why A Hotter Planet Will Ruin Our Health And How We Can Save Ourselves" is a book by Linda Marsa due out next month.
Legends, Hoaxes, Frauds and Frauds Of Science
With retiring National Center For Science Education Executive Director Genie Scott:
Atomic Ideologies Promotes Galen Winsor
Rod Adams's blog, Atomic Ideologies Insights is actually promoting the late Galen Winsor.
HA! HA! I mentioned Winsor last year as the first health physics denier I had encountered.
Oh, and did you know health physicists are rats?!?:
HA! HA! I mentioned Winsor last year as the first health physics denier I had encountered.
Oh, and did you know health physicists are rats?!?:
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Heartburn Institute Cherrypicks
Their climate change denier-in-chief picks a particular NOAA study that says that the 2012 U.S. heat wave was mostly natural.
That's true. He quoted from the study's abstract.
But here's what the study (starting at line 451) says:
"Overall, our results indicate that the extreme magnitude of the March 2012 temperature
anomalies can be largely explained by natural variability, with an additional contribution from a long-term warming trend of approximately 1C that is likely due mostly to human influences."
That's true. He quoted from the study's abstract.
But here's what the study (starting at line 451) says:
"Overall, our results indicate that the extreme magnitude of the March 2012 temperature
anomalies can be largely explained by natural variability, with an additional contribution from a long-term warming trend of approximately 1C that is likely due mostly to human influences."
I Wish I Had Access To This Article
It's from about a year ago, but I hadn't seen it until today:
Research Integrity and Conflicts of Interest: The Case of Unethical Research-Misconduct Charges Filed by Edward Calabrese
Abstract
Special-interest polluters often file research-misconduct (RM) charges against scientists whose research suggests needed pollutant regulation. This article argues that U.S. RM regulations are flawed in requiring RM assessors/experts/accused, but not accusers, to reveal possible conflicts of interest (COI) that could affect RM allegations. It (1) summarizes U.S. RM regulatory history; (2) uses a case study about 2011 RM allegations, filed by chemical-industry-funded toxicologist Edward Calabrese, to illustrate problems with RM regulations; and (3) offers 4 arguments in favor of revising RM regulations so as to require RM-accuser revelation of possible COI and who funded preparation of the RM allegations.
TEPCO Gets A Spanking
From the independent Nuclear Reform Monitoring Committee (that's Dale Klein, Chairman formerly Chairman of the U.S. NRC):
Thursday, July 25, 2013
You Go Mann!
DC Court affirms climatologist Michael Mann's right to proceed in defamation lawsuit against the Competitive Enterprise Institute & National Review Online.
Um, No
Radiation is not one of the biggest threats to the modern era.
What people will say to sell books, is scary, though.
What people will say to sell books, is scary, though.
Richard Dawkins & Herb Silverman
Dawkins is a biologist and Silverman is a mathematician and they discuss evolution, religion and such. An engaging conversation and I'm glad to see so many people in attendance. If you want to skip the intro go to 9:00:
Argillaceous
Is the word of the day and it means clay-like or clay-rich.
Do argillaceous formations make sense for high level radioactive waste disposal?
Do argillaceous formations make sense for high level radioactive waste disposal?
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Fracking & Radioactive Socks
Forbes blogger Jeff McMahon finds them strange, but it's really expected if you understand the processes.
P.S. I find this strange:
"North Dakota prohibits disposal of waste that emits more than 5 picocuries per gram of radiation. Filter socks tested by a Williston, ND landfill operator were found to emit up to 47 pico curies per gram, the Sun reported."
"emits" should be "contains". Waste doesn't emit pCi/g, it contains pCi/g and the pCi's emit radiation.
P.S. I find this strange:
"North Dakota prohibits disposal of waste that emits more than 5 picocuries per gram of radiation. Filter socks tested by a Williston, ND landfill operator were found to emit up to 47 pico curies per gram, the Sun reported."
"emits" should be "contains". Waste doesn't emit pCi/g, it contains pCi/g and the pCi's emit radiation.
Fukushima Cleanup Estimate $58B
Recall yesterday's post on Naked America which tried to lead people to believe the estimate was around $250B? Not quite.
James Hansen On Nuclear Power
From the pro-nuclear power documentary, Pandora's Promise.
Here's John McLaughry's op-ed in a Vermont newspaper with a similar opinion. McLaughry is with the Ethan Allen Institute, a state level free market group.
Here's John McLaughry's op-ed in a Vermont newspaper with a similar opinion. McLaughry is with the Ethan Allen Institute, a state level free market group.
Daniel Wilson Loved His Nuke Plant
And has been criminally charged for misconduct and making false statements.
Air Pollution LNT
Thanks to suspended particles from combustion and other sources.
The American Lung Association has more.
The American Lung Association has more.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Naked America: Paying For Nuclear Damage
Here's an anti-nuclear propaganda film dressed as a documentary:
Scientific Proof Of God
If you call psycho-babble proof of god, then here it is.
This is Gerald Schroeder, PhD (nuclear physics & earth & planetary sciences from MIT) who once worked for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission:
MIT should be cringing.
This is Gerald Schroeder, PhD (nuclear physics & earth & planetary sciences from MIT) who once worked for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission:
MIT should be cringing.
Unstoppable Idiot
Kirk Cameron's new movie, "Unstoppable", seems to only be showing one day in theaters and then it stops:
Nukey Poo
Was the nickname of the small Navy reactor located at Antarctica's McMurdo Sound.
Federal hearings begin today on the likelihood of leaks from the reactor causing excess cancers among people who served there.
Here's the agenda.
Federal hearings begin today on the likelihood of leaks from the reactor causing excess cancers among people who served there.
Here's the agenda.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Manhattan Institute "Expert" Isn't
On climate change. On climate change denial propaganda, not so bad.
Radiation = Jesus
According to one Connie Lewis and others like her (who equate medical treatment with deity intervention).
And her radiologist is also a Christian!
And her radiologist is also a Christian!
MelaFind Controversy
MelaFind is supposed to help physicians find melanomas. but it finds many false positives too.
P.S. In the UK, melanoma survival has skyrocketed to about 80% compared with about 50% in the 1970's.
P.S. In the UK, melanoma survival has skyrocketed to about 80% compared with about 50% in the 1970's.
Climate Change - These Nerds Are Paying Attention
All of the details behind climate change can get pretty scientifically nerdy.
But there are other nerds paying attention like the World Bank and the U.S. CIA.
It's much better to be a nerd of any stripe than to be a moron.
"Everything I know about the weather or climate I learned from you Steve":
But there are other nerds paying attention like the World Bank and the U.S. CIA.
It's much better to be a nerd of any stripe than to be a moron.
"Everything I know about the weather or climate I learned from you Steve":
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Fukushima Steam & Cecil Kelley
While thinking about Fukushima's baffling steam, I recalled the Cecil Kelley criticality accident and the tea leaf paradox. In that accident, a near critical mixture went critical upon mixing. Maybe some physical process like that happened at Fukushima to cause water to heat to steam.
Beyond that, the Kelley accident is its own interesting mystery....why was there so much plutonium in the mixing tank?
Makes for good reading on a slow weekend.
Beyond that, the Kelley accident is its own interesting mystery....why was there so much plutonium in the mixing tank?
Makes for good reading on a slow weekend.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Did Rad Exposure Cause Parkinson's?
We know that radiation results in brain degeneration. And Parkinson's is brain degeneration in a particular area called the substania nigra.
So could Dan Hott's Parkinson's disease have been caused by his 1970's radiation exposure?
His neurologist thinks so.
The VA doesn't.
-------------------------------
I wish the article had provided the actual radiation dose.
"....perhaps the greatest amount ever any American has received."
Does that mean received and survived? Or truly received whether the person survived or not?
His neurologist thinks so.
The VA doesn't.
-------------------------------
I wish the article had provided the actual radiation dose.
"....perhaps the greatest amount ever any American has received."
Does that mean received and survived? Or truly received whether the person survived or not?
A Couple Of Like-Minded Blogs
Creationists are wrong. But they can't hear you. Their bias causes a mental block.
How Creationists think about cancer. The blogger initially got it wrong, but corrected himself. Creationists typically do believe in genetic mutations and they typically believe in microevolution (canines can evolve into other canines, but not another species, which they call macroevolution).
In my webpage (see upper right hand side of this page) "Comparing The Creationist & Hormesis Cults", I pointed this out.
On the flip side are the radiation hormesis propagandists who believe in macrocarcinogenesis (I just made that up!) - that large radiation doses can mutate DNA. But they don't believe in microcarcinogenesis (I just made that up too!) - that a single photon can mutate DNA thereby increasing cancer risk.
Like Creationists, hormies (or hormesists?) are wrong.
How Creationists think about cancer. The blogger initially got it wrong, but corrected himself. Creationists typically do believe in genetic mutations and they typically believe in microevolution (canines can evolve into other canines, but not another species, which they call macroevolution).
In my webpage (see upper right hand side of this page) "Comparing The Creationist & Hormesis Cults", I pointed this out.
On the flip side are the radiation hormesis propagandists who believe in macrocarcinogenesis (I just made that up!) - that large radiation doses can mutate DNA. But they don't believe in microcarcinogenesis (I just made that up too!) - that a single photon can mutate DNA thereby increasing cancer risk.
Like Creationists, hormies (or hormesists?) are wrong.
I Missed Those "Scientific" Meetings
Last month's left wing Radiation & Public Health Project annual meeting with radiation experts Christie Brinkley and Alec Baldwin. The RPHP fear mongers radiation health effects.
This month's right wing Doctors For Disaster Preparedness annual meeting, which didn't address radiation health effects, though they normally do. The DFDP doubt mongers radiation health effects as well climate change.
This month's right wing Doctors For Disaster Preparedness annual meeting, which didn't address radiation health effects, though they normally do. The DFDP doubt mongers radiation health effects as well climate change.
Friday, July 19, 2013
This Led To That
This study in the July issue of Radiation Research Journal (which I don't have access to) led me to find this seemingly similar one.
Let me just tease out a bit from the conclusion:
"However at lower environmental levels of radiation exposure (1–5 mGy) one prompt DSB is induced on average per 20–100 cells. Based on the 4–8 times higher yields of non-DSB clustered DNA damage/Gy as compared with that of DSB/Gy it is postulated that one non-DSB clustered DNA damage is induced on average per 5–20 cells."
And that's why my previous post (on a possible threshold) leads me to conclude someone is ignoring the evidence.
Let me just tease out a bit from the conclusion:
"However at lower environmental levels of radiation exposure (1–5 mGy) one prompt DSB is induced on average per 20–100 cells. Based on the 4–8 times higher yields of non-DSB clustered DNA damage/Gy as compared with that of DSB/Gy it is postulated that one non-DSB clustered DNA damage is induced on average per 5–20 cells."
And that's why my previous post (on a possible threshold) leads me to conclude someone is ignoring the evidence.
Possible Threshold For Radiation Induced Cancer
According to "some doctors". HA! HA!
Obviously, the author doesn't understand Linear No Threshold Theory.
As in NO THRESHOLD!
The workers who received <100 mSv are still at risk, but the risk is low.
Obviously, the author doesn't understand Linear No Threshold Theory.
As in NO THRESHOLD!
The workers who received <100 mSv are still at risk, but the risk is low.
Chernobyl 2013
If you wanted a look (thanks to Bionerd23). Recall the accident occurred at reactor 4:
Don't Forget About O3
When it's hot, ozone also rises as plants reduce their uptake while fighting heat stress.
The Pale Blue Dot P2
The Pale Blue Dot refers to a photograph of Earth taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft as it orbited Saturn.
Today, the Cassini spacecraft will repeat the task. Celebrate it!
Here's the late Carl Sagan on the original photo:
Today, the Cassini spacecraft will repeat the task. Celebrate it!
Here's the late Carl Sagan on the original photo:
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Insurance Industry Smarter Than Climate Denier Caucus
They're the ones paying today from intensified storms.
"Senator David Vitter of Louisiana said the climate is always changing, and that solar flares, natural emissions of carbon dioxide or cosmic rays may be the cause of current weather patterns."
"Senator David Vitter of Louisiana said the climate is always changing, and that solar flares, natural emissions of carbon dioxide or cosmic rays may be the cause of current weather patterns."
A Bit More On Fukushima Steam
Radiation levels are steady, so it seems unlikely that criticality is the cause of the steam.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
U.S. Army's Fort Bliss Radioactivity P2
Here's a follow-up article. What...are there no health physicists in Texas?
Health Physics Aweigh!
Remember those U.S. Navy sailors who were going to sue TEPCO over Fukushima?
Their numbers have grown!
Their numbers have grown!
"McCarthy’s views constitute...a threat to public health"
That would be Jenny McCarthy, anti-vaxxer.
She promotes vaccines cause autism, which they don't.
To the extent any parent believes her and doesn't vaccinate their child, that is a threat to public health.
She promotes vaccines cause autism, which they don't.
To the extent any parent believes her and doesn't vaccinate their child, that is a threat to public health.
Merchants Of Doubt
Tobacco, ozone, global warming, radiation, etc....it's the same right wing hacks mongering doubt, so they prosper while others are harmed. (It's typically left wing hacks mongering fear.)
I recommend the book.
Psychology-Denier
John Rosemond was a psychologist, but now he's a columnist who gives out psychology-denial advice.
""I feel like psychology has created more problems for American children than we know how to count."
And of course he's anti-government (see a broad pattern among all science doubt-mongers and anti-government ideology?).
This is an interesting case of free speech versus medical malpractice.
I tend to think the public welfare trumps his free speech rights.
""I feel like psychology has created more problems for American children than we know how to count."
And of course he's anti-government (see a broad pattern among all science doubt-mongers and anti-government ideology?).
This is an interesting case of free speech versus medical malpractice.
I tend to think the public welfare trumps his free speech rights.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
IDiot Collection
From the same company that produced the Flight propaganda film (from earlier post today). Now you can see some of the fowl foul folks promoting this nonsense:
Flight: The Stupidity Of IDiots
Here's a trailer for an Intelligent Design (IDiots) propaganda film called, "Flight: The Genius Of Birds":
Looks like Clueless In Seattle is more appropriate than Sleepless In Seattle.
A New LNT-Denial Propaganda Book
You won't want to buy.
It looks like Parris regurgitates Calabrese's nonsense on Muller (no, I didn't buy the thing, I read what I could for free).
Parris is with the American Wood Preservers Institute so he's more "interested" in carcinogenic chemicals, not radiation.
Another member of the club!
It looks like Parris regurgitates Calabrese's nonsense on Muller (no, I didn't buy the thing, I read what I could for free).
Parris is with the American Wood Preservers Institute so he's more "interested" in carcinogenic chemicals, not radiation.
Another member of the club!
A Scientific Revolution Delusion
A climatology denier and a health physics denier walk into a bar.
Okay, not a bar, but a room.
A room at the Cato Institute (anti-government regulation ideologues) from last March with climate change denier Patrick Michaels introducing toxicology (& health physics) denier Edward Calabrese.
The topic is "A Looming Scientific Revolution In Environmental Regulation?"
Okay, not a bar, but a room.
A room at the Cato Institute (anti-government regulation ideologues) from last March with climate change denier Patrick Michaels introducing toxicology (& health physics) denier Edward Calabrese.
The topic is "A Looming Scientific Revolution In Environmental Regulation?"
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Power Of Large Numbers
Is demonstrated in this cohort study of Australians who received CT scans.
With more people in the exposed population, we get to discern excess cancers at lower and lower excess doses. Here people with one scan received an average of 4.5 mSv.
The exposed cohort was around 680,000 roughly 3 times the Japanese a-bomb survivor exposed cohort.
Thanks to Conrad Mayhew for the link.
With more people in the exposed population, we get to discern excess cancers at lower and lower excess doses. Here people with one scan received an average of 4.5 mSv.
The exposed cohort was around 680,000 roughly 3 times the Japanese a-bomb survivor exposed cohort.
Thanks to Conrad Mayhew for the link.
Heartburn Institute Spreading Climate Change Doubt
Based on a recent interview given by Hans von Storch.
von Storch is answering questions very straightforwardly.
But the Heartburn Institute's anti-sciencebullshit propaganda generator, James Taylor cherry picks the aspects of the interview which suit his agenda.
von Storch is answering questions very straightforwardly.
But the Heartburn Institute's anti-science
Reducing Radiation Damage Through Diet
Here's a good video (with sources hyperlinked) which provides evidence for the antioxidant properties of some foods. If you look to the right hand side, you'll see Previous Videos which include other radiation health related topics. Unfortunately, in the Fukushima video, he mentions the horrendous Mangano-Sherman propaganda "study".
Eat your veggies!
Eat your veggies!
Anti-U Mining
Here's a Q&A (reads like a setup to me) on uranium mining in the U.S. from Scientific American magazine.
Rare protest in China.
Rare protest in China.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Thousands Of Sv's To See Some Sort Of Radiation Syndrome
This video was uploaded last February, but I've just come across it. The expert says that it takes thousands of Sieverts (Sv) to see some sort of radiation syndrome. I think he confused Sv's with rem:
Don't Get Your Physics From The Bible
"Physicist" Bryan Fischer mangles the laws of thermodynamics:
It's the 1st Law that deals with matter and energy can't be destroyed.
It's the 2nd Law that deals with increasing entropy with thermal equilibrium.
Even Veterinarians Can Be Morons
Using acupuncture to treat "both the symptoms and causes of imbalances that occur within the pet's spirit, mind and body."
"Not Much Scientific Background" To LNT
So says physicist (and thorium reactor marketeer) David LeBlanc (starts at about 14:20 and goes to about 19:00) from a few months ago:
Climate Change LNT
"But the concept of a safe threshold is a myth and tends to distract attention from evidence that we are already seeing widespread and consequential impacts of climate change."
Chris Field
Canegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology
This is because each molecule of CO2 traps a small amount of infrared radiation. We can't measure the temperature increase from each molecule, we're not that good, but eventually we can. By then, the excess CO2 will affect other systems in observable ways, besides just our thermometers. That's where we are currently at.
Each molecule of CO2 absorbs a small amount of infrared radiation because of CO2's quantum vibrational energy absorption spectrum. The energy of infrared radiation absorbed by CO2 molecular vibrations is almost exactly at the peak of the Earth's black body spectrum (667/cm, where the units are in terms of wavenumber).
Chris Field
Canegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology
This is because each molecule of CO2 traps a small amount of infrared radiation. We can't measure the temperature increase from each molecule, we're not that good, but eventually we can. By then, the excess CO2 will affect other systems in observable ways, besides just our thermometers. That's where we are currently at.
Each molecule of CO2 absorbs a small amount of infrared radiation because of CO2's quantum vibrational energy absorption spectrum. The energy of infrared radiation absorbed by CO2 molecular vibrations is almost exactly at the peak of the Earth's black body spectrum (667/cm, where the units are in terms of wavenumber).
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Expert Who Isn't?
Here's an article about a judge who wouldn't allow a radiation health expert's testimony in a lawsuit from Apollo, PA. The suit alleges increased cancer and other illnesses from a nuclear fuel plant.
The article states:
"Judge Mitchell wrote: “At the hearing, Dr. Melius (called by Defendants as a hostile witness) testified that, although all Americans are exposed to hundreds of millirems of ionizing radiation every day, adding up to thousands of millirems over the years, he believes Plaintiffs received ‘substantially' more than background radiation, yet he could not quantify this amount.""
If the reporter and the judge are accurate, then Dr. Melius isn't.
All Americans are NOT exposed to hundreds of millirems everyday!
The article states:
"Judge Mitchell wrote: “At the hearing, Dr. Melius (called by Defendants as a hostile witness) testified that, although all Americans are exposed to hundreds of millirems of ionizing radiation every day, adding up to thousands of millirems over the years, he believes Plaintiffs received ‘substantially' more than background radiation, yet he could not quantify this amount.""
If the reporter and the judge are accurate, then Dr. Melius isn't.
All Americans are NOT exposed to hundreds of millirems everyday!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Thank You NCRP!
Last year, the National Council On Radiation Protection & Measurements published their Report 171, "Uncertainties in the Estimation of Radiation Risks and Probability of Disease Causation ".
If you're interested in the topic, but don't want to shell out $155 (I did), then you can view a free summary of the report.
What could make better weekend reading?
If you're interested in the topic, but don't want to shell out $155 (I did), then you can view a free summary of the report.
What could make better weekend reading?
Can CT Scans Give You Cancer?
Here's a doubt-mongering article which asks the question in Salon.
And contrary to the line under the headline, the benefits will outweigh the risks if the medical staff has made proper considerations. In other words, what a gross generalization that line is.
Let's ask these questions:
Do CT scans emit ionizing radiation? Answer: Yes.
Does ionizing radiation damage DNA? Answer: Yes.
Does increased DNA damage increase cancer risk? Answer: Yes.
Therefore, does it follow that getting CT scans increase one's risk of getting cancer? Answer: Yes.
Does that mean CT scans can give you cancer? Answer: Yes, they can. But the risks are low compared to the benefits.
And contrary to the line under the headline, the benefits will outweigh the risks if the medical staff has made proper considerations. In other words, what a gross generalization that line is.
Let's ask these questions:
Do CT scans emit ionizing radiation? Answer: Yes.
Does ionizing radiation damage DNA? Answer: Yes.
Does increased DNA damage increase cancer risk? Answer: Yes.
Therefore, does it follow that getting CT scans increase one's risk of getting cancer? Answer: Yes.
Does that mean CT scans can give you cancer? Answer: Yes, they can. But the risks are low compared to the benefits.
Nuclear Power - Be Scared, Be Very Scared
That's what these guys are trying to sell:
Kevin Kamps, the radioactive waste watchdog or chihuahua?
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Telomeres - p53 - Cancer
Loss of gene p53, can cause a cell to fail to arrest cell growth as the cell's telomeres (the ends of chromosomes) age. That will enhance genomic instability a hallmark of cancer.
Making A Mountain Out Of Dust
Arnie Gundersen and "leading scientist", civil engineer Marco Kaltofen get some dust from around Fukushima. It contained 153 Bq of cesium!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Deniers Won't Care
Evolution is too slow to keep up with expected rate of climate change.
A biology denier doesn't believe in evolution anyway.
A climatology denier doesn't believe the planet is warming anyway.
A biology denier doesn't believe in evolution anyway.
A climatology denier doesn't believe the planet is warming anyway.
The Heartburn Institute Attacks The UCS
This is hilarious. Global warming deniers in denial of their global warming denial.
You can't make this stuff up!
You can't make this stuff up!
The "Creating A Major Scientific Controversy" Delusion
It's Christian Frank Turek promoting the latest IDiot book, Darwin's Doubt.
He says " In fact, paleontologists now think that roughly 20 of the 28 animal phyla (representing distinct animal “body plans”) found in the fossil record appear abruptly without ancestors in a dramatic geological event called the Cambrian Explosion."
He says " In fact, paleontologists now think that roughly 20 of the 28 animal phyla (representing distinct animal “body plans”) found in the fossil record appear abruptly without ancestors in a dramatic geological event called the Cambrian Explosion."
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
It's not a scientific question.
How, not why.
I liked Krauss's comparison of quantum mechanics to the White House or corporate America (about 24:00):
"As long as you can't see it, anything goes"
How, not why.
I liked Krauss's comparison of quantum mechanics to the White House or corporate America (about 24:00):
"As long as you can't see it, anything goes"
And "Dump" Wasn't Used
It is very common to find the media refer to any engineered disposal site for radioactive material as a "dump".
This article on Hanford's Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility was a refreshing change.
This article on Hanford's Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility was a refreshing change.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tsk, Tsk Physicians
Overuse of CT scans for children with headaches.
“It’s ironic that providers sometimes use CT scans to rule out brain tumors or brain abnormalities because parents are concerned about this possibility — which is the cause of less than 1 percent of those with pediatric headache – when overuse of CT scans can increase the risk of brain tumors,” said co-author Dr. Paul Young, professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, who was one of the individuals designated by the American Academy of Pediatrics to participate in the research. “It’s possible that physicians underestimate the risks associated with CT scans.”
“It’s ironic that providers sometimes use CT scans to rule out brain tumors or brain abnormalities because parents are concerned about this possibility — which is the cause of less than 1 percent of those with pediatric headache – when overuse of CT scans can increase the risk of brain tumors,” said co-author Dr. Paul Young, professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, who was one of the individuals designated by the American Academy of Pediatrics to participate in the research. “It’s possible that physicians underestimate the risks associated with CT scans.”
BARC! BARC!
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) doesn't publicly reveal its radiological monitoring results for national security reasons.
Monday, July 8, 2013
49th NCRP Annual Meeting
That would be the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
I've watched a couple of the videos. The audio/video quality is poor, and the speakers are clearly not entertainers. But you may find one or two talks whose titles interest you.
I've watched a couple of the videos. The audio/video quality is poor, and the speakers are clearly not entertainers. But you may find one or two talks whose titles interest you.
Only 5 States?
Have accepted science education standards which teach evolution & climate change pre-high school.
What's up America?
What's up America?
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Calabrese Sells Hormesis Again
He's been doing it for decades and it appears to be all he does. I'm not sure where he's at or when the video was shot, but it was uploaded a couple of weeks ago.
His schtick is basically this...for any toxic substance there is a dose level below which there is No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL).
Since, by definition, there is no observed adverse effect, find an enhanced phenomenon associated with whatever is being studied.
Then call that phenomenon "low dose stimulation" and ignore that the substance is toxic, though its toxicity can't be OBSERVED (or measured) at some low level.
When the amount of the substance exceeds the NOAEL, the low dose stimulation magically disappears. At least he admits hormesis is very general. It sure is.
His schtick is basically this...for any toxic substance there is a dose level below which there is No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL).
Since, by definition, there is no observed adverse effect, find an enhanced phenomenon associated with whatever is being studied.
Then call that phenomenon "low dose stimulation" and ignore that the substance is toxic, though its toxicity can't be OBSERVED (or measured) at some low level.
When the amount of the substance exceeds the NOAEL, the low dose stimulation magically disappears. At least he admits hormesis is very general. It sure is.
Brachytherapy
Is a medical procedure where a radioactive source is positioned inside the body for treatment and then removed. The source can be manually implemented or a machine can be used to implant and remove the source (a remote afterloader). Here's an ad for one such machine.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Dissociative Electron Attachment
That's a mouthful! What's it mean?
Well, when thinking about ionizing radiation we usually think of a particle or photon (alpha, beta, gamma, etc.) traversing tissue and ionizing molecules in the tissue. Let's call that the core.
Ionization means that electrons have been stripped from those molecules. Those electrons are also particles and can cause ionization themselves (they are essentially beta particles). Let's call them the pnumbra, they are also known as delta rays.
Well, when thinking about ionizing radiation we usually think of a particle or photon (alpha, beta, gamma, etc.) traversing tissue and ionizing molecules in the tissue. Let's call that the core.
Ionization means that electrons have been stripped from those molecules. Those electrons are also particles and can cause ionization themselves (they are essentially beta particles). Let's call them the pnumbra, they are also known as delta rays.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Eric Hedin - IDiot
A professor at Ball State University in Indiana, who proselytizes Christianity in an honors "science" class.
Here's some history from biologist Jerry Coyne.
In response, theIDiot Forum Discovery Institute has petitioned to school to defend Herdin's academic freedom.
IDiots. All 7,000+ of them.
Music please, Maestro:
Here's some history from biologist Jerry Coyne.
In response, the
IDiots. All 7,000+ of them.
Music please, Maestro:
Leukemia Among A-bomb Survivors
A recently published study updated the leukemia (cancer of white blood cells) risks and found no or little evidence of excess risk of lymphoma (cancer of lymphocyte cells) or multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells) among the A-bomb survivors.
Who Was Leopold Freund?
The first person to use ionizing radiation for therapeutic purposes and the father of medical radiotherapy.
TEPCO Hires Foreign Safety Advocate
To ensure safety culture. She's been mentioned here before, just search this blog under "judge".
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Adaptive Response
Here's an interesting study that was published in the Calabrese's journal (fooled 'em).
It's interesting because it shows that microwave radiation can induce an adaptive response to lethality by gamma rays. In other words, with these rodents, giving them some microwave radiation helps them survive lethal doses of gamma radiation given later.
As the study points out, many adaptive response phenomena have been observed. But they only occur under unique conditions. The priming (initial) dose has to be high (higher than what most consider "low dose radiation", and the challenge dose is usually much higher.
Health physics deniers (of the doubt-mongering variety) usually present one or more examples of adaptive response as hormesis....ie, radiation is good for you (in line with Calabrese's propaganda).
But there is no evidence supporting that claim.
P.S. Poor rodents.
It's interesting because it shows that microwave radiation can induce an adaptive response to lethality by gamma rays. In other words, with these rodents, giving them some microwave radiation helps them survive lethal doses of gamma radiation given later.
As the study points out, many adaptive response phenomena have been observed. But they only occur under unique conditions. The priming (initial) dose has to be high (higher than what most consider "low dose radiation", and the challenge dose is usually much higher.
Health physics deniers (of the doubt-mongering variety) usually present one or more examples of adaptive response as hormesis....ie, radiation is good for you (in line with Calabrese's propaganda).
But there is no evidence supporting that claim.
P.S. Poor rodents.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Calabrese Does Italy
Well, at least one Italian. Spreading his health physics denial propaganda via Skype (or something similar). Pathetic, really.
Differential Gene Expression Following Irradiation
Here's a neat study from last year that examines which gene networks are expressed in human skin material in response to low (10 cGy) and high dose (100 cGy) x-ray irradiation.
There is some overlap and some differences between the differential gene expressions at the two doses.
As the authors point out, other studies (using other tissues, doses, radiation type, etc.) have shown similar results.
There is some overlap and some differences between the differential gene expressions at the two doses.
As the authors point out, other studies (using other tissues, doses, radiation type, etc.) have shown similar results.
A Cornucopia Of Global Warming Denial
The Heartland Institute uploaded a bunch of propaganda videos over the last day from their International Conference On Climate Change. Here's one gem with Pat Michaels (who also has a book for you to buy).
