EM radiation: credulity in the Guardian

[Araneus]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/mobile/art...992896,00.html

Some choice quotes:

Did you know that, right now, artificial electromagnetic (EM) waves could be tearing your skin cells apart and causing your face to age prematurely? Waves from televisions, mobile phones and radios are all around us. They pass through metres of concrete, so imagine what they're doing to your skin.

Um...precisely nothing, as far as we know.

This is such an important discovery that it is the subject of a new scientific research paper. Sadly, the Clarins press office couldn't tell us where or when the paper would be published.

Well there's a surprise.

Best of all:

"We exposed our cell cultures to a frequency of 900 MHz in the presence of these two plant extracts and found that their structures hardly changed!"

I wonder what happened when you exposed the cultures to 900 MHz WITHOUT the two plant extracts?

[Cuddles]

[

Did you know that, right now, artificial electromagnetic (EM) waves could be tearing your skin cells apart and causing your face to age prematurely?

It's a good job only artificial ones do this. Just imagine how bad it would be if we were constantly surrounded by natural EM waves.

[median]

Bah!

All this talk of EM radiation.
I mean it never seemed to do Peter Parker or the Fantastic Four any harm did it? :o

[Araneus]

Anyway, it could be worse. There could be NUKULAR RADIATION from OUTER SPACE!!111!!

[vbloke]

I'm gonna rush out and buy me some o' this EM protective face mist

http://uk.clarins.com/main.cfm?prodID=826

A worldwide first in skin protection.
An ultra-sheer screen mist containing a pioneering combination of plant extracts capable of protecting the skin from the accelerated-ageing effects of all indoor and outdoor air pollution but most significantly, the effects of Artificial Electromagnetic Waves. A brand new protective step in skin care – not just for Clarins but for the industry worldwide – which is suitable for all skin types, for men as well as women.

Beauty Benefits :
- Magnetic Defence Complex protects skin from the ageing effects of Artificial Electromagnetic Waves.
- Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex of White Tea and Succory Dock-Cress protects skin from indoor and outdoor urban pollution.
- Creates an imperceptible physical film on the skin to reinforce the skin’s own natural protective barrier.

Ingredients :
Magnetic Defense Complex (Rhodiola Rosea + Thermus Thermophillus) - Reinforces skin's resistance to the harmful effects of Artificial Electromagnetic Waves.

Anti-Pollution Complex (White Tea + Succory Dock-Cress + Glycofilm) - Protects against free radicals the harmful effects of urban pollution and reduces the skin's own natural protective barrier.

Method of Use :
You can spritz it over bare skin, over moisturiser and make-up, at any time and as often as you like. But if you’re going to apply it just once in the day, make it first thing. Remember Artificial Electromagnetic Waves are present 24 hours a day and effect men’s skin as well as women’s!

[Cuddles]

Bah!

All this talk of EM radiation.
I mean it never seemed to do Peter Parker or the Fantastic Four any harm did it? :o

I'm not so sure, Peter Parker was mugged by a radioactive spider and the Fantastic Four were hit by a big swirly space thingy that was quite possibly quantum. I think the only conclusion we can draw is that radioactivity is good, but plain boring EM radiation doesn't really do anything. Although if lasers are involved I might be more convinced. To the batmo-reactor, Robin!

[Mongrel]

Bah!

All this talk of EM radiation.
I mean it never seemed to do Peter Parker or the Fantastic Four any harm did it? :o

I'm not so sure, Peter Parker was mugged by a radioactive spider and the Fantastic Four were hit by a big swirly space thingy that was quite possibly quantum. I think the only conclusion we can draw is that radioactivity is good, but plain boring EM radiation doesn't really do anything. Although if lasers are involved I might be more convinced. To the batmo-reactor, Robin!

[geek] Fantastic Four were hit by COSMIC radiation, obviously much better than anything down on boring old Earth :P[\geek]

[median]

[geek] Fantastic Four were hit by COSMIC radiation, obviously much better than anything down on boring old Earth [\geek]

And Bruce Banner was altered via gamma radiation (determined not to be out-geeked)

[huw-l]

And Bruce Banner was altered via gamma radiation (determined not to be out-geeked)

which is, of course, a type of EM radiation.

I win

[Araneus]

Well that does it. Now they are officially running columns from 911-Troofers:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...011845,00.html

I am, as of this moment, no longer a Guardian reader. This descent into credulism combined with their repeated tolerance for bigots like Julie Bindel are more than I can stomach, quite frankly.

[kath23]

even though they still have Ben Goldacre, with his McKeith fixation? :D

[Admin]

It's because of tripe like that that I don't buy a newspaper.

It's ridiculous that a paper that has the Ben Goldacre column going for it should print such a dumb article.

even though they still have Ben Goldacre, with his McKeith fixation? :D

He's certainly poo-pooed her ideas. I'm not sure whether that will upset her though!!