How wacky ideas become scientific

[Sheshonq]

By rigorous testing and experimentation. Creationists, take note: wacky ideas can make progress - but not without doing the hard work.

Graveyard shift linked to cancer risk

Scientists suspect flipping body's light-dark cycle leaves workers vulnerable


LONDON - It was once scientific heresy to suggest that smoking contributed to lung cancer. Now, another idea initially dismissed as nutty is gaining acceptance: the graveyard shift might increase your cancer risk.Next month, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization, will classify shift work as a "probable" carcinogen.
That will put shift work in the same category as cancer-causing agents like anabolic steroids, ultraviolet radiation, and diesel engine exhaust

[MooseOnTheLoose]

This idea doesn't seem nutty to me at all. I've known people who worked night shifts and I certainly didn't need any rigorous scientific testing to suggest it wasn't a particularly healthy way of life. Still, if the idea has now gained credence perhaps something positive can be done to address the issue.

Fascinating stuff - thanks for the post.

[SlapShot]

I'll print this off and hang it up at work tonight. Then I'll email it to all my fellow shift workers

Thanks for the link!

[wattsr1]

By rigorous testing and experimentation. Creationists, take note: wacky ideas can make progress - but not without doing the hard work.

The mainstream is notorious for accepting whacky ideas. Even if it has to be dragged into acceptance, it will - sooner or later, providing those with the wacky ideas can muster a good enough argument and stick to their guns.

However, "you will burn in hell if you do not accept my idea" is not counted among the good arguments - not in any natural science at least. And sticking to your guns is no guarantee of success - the idea may, in truth, be wacky. And in that case, "you will burn in hell if you do not accept my idea" only reinforces the notion that the idea really is wacky.


Regards, Roland

[Jorge]

I'll print this off and hang it up at work tonight. Then I'll email it to all my fellow shift workers

After which lawsuits should start appearing like a swarm of locusts. Remember asbestos? This'll be a tougher case, though.


Jorge