Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney have been attacked by the charity group Sense About Science.
Sense About Science warned: "A small group of people in the public eye promote pseudo-science without embarrassment and cannot be dissuaded from it."
However, the charity then names some tame examples of what it considers to be pseudo science. Attacking dietary claims or product endorsements.
It is indisputable that known celebrities are endorsing junk science. Those targeted by the group, however, are lame examples.
Better examples would be those who endorse Global Warming hysteria, or Scientology or those PETA activists who want to prevent zoo keepers from saving the life of Knut or farmers from preventing fly strike.
Thing is, alternative medicine endorses the Paltrow position on diet without evidence. But the religious claims made by Scientologists, Global Warming or PETA occultists threaten world prosperity.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Sense About Science Charity Attacks Easy Prey
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Celebrities slammed for scientific silliness
from news.com.au
WHEN your name's Nicole Kidman or Gwyneth Paltrow, everyone wants to hear what you have to say.
But before holding forth on their favourite remedy, celebrities should get their facts straight, experts say.
The two Hollywood actresses, along with fashion designer Stella McCartney, are singled out by a charity founded to increase the public's understanding of scientific issues.
Sense About Science warned: "A small group of people in the public eye promote pseudo-science without embarrassment and cannot be dissuaded from it."
Alice Tuff, who helped compile the list of celebrity pseudo-science, said: "Celebrity lifestyles and comments have a lot of social weight. Once in the public domain, it's almost impossible for, say, a toxicologist to eclipse a Stella McCartney or a Gwyneth Paltrow in order to give the public the facts. So the pressure must be there to get it right in the first place."
Kidman is criticised for promoting Nintendo's computer-based mental workout program Dr Kawashima's Brain Training.
"I've quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind feeling young," Kidman said, endorsing the game.
"There is no conclusive evidence showing that the continued use of these devices is linked to any measurable changes and general improvements in cognition,"
Dr Jason Braithwaite, from Birmingham University, said.
Gwyneth Paltrow was slated for her lack of knowledge of the genetics of cancer after claiming eating certain foods prevents tumours.
Scientists said there was little evidence to support her claims.
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