Effort Sisyphus

Bringin' it back

2011-09-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

This photo was deleted when I posted it on Facebook.

That sufficiently burned me up enough to cast me off of Facebook and switch to Google+.

FB is a time suck as it is. I don't really mind the privacy issues, I figure anything I post on the Internet is public. I can deal with stupid interface choices. But why would they remove that picture? It's their right I guess, I'm using their service for free and, in doing so, submit myself to their rules. So I'm just choosing to no longer use it.

I'm moving to a different slaughterhouse where I am more free to oink as I wish.

Been a long time

2011-04-16T18:44:00.001-07:00

Well, it has.

So many reasons i have left blogging: Work, kids, houses. but many bloggers have these things.

Really it was the skeptical community and last years NECSS that really took the wind out of my sails. I even started writing a long post detailing all the issues I found with NECSS, the recent "don't be a dick" meme, and the skeptic community as a whole.

Frankly even that bored me. I couldn't finish it. I think Tom has it right. Skepticism is something you do, not something you are. I just couldn't get into the community part of it. Frankly, I didn't care of most if the people I met there were going to be friends with me or not, and the "luminaries" were emotionally unavailable when I met them and made me feel like they really couldn't be bothered with me. I'll note that the exception was Bob Novella who talked with me for a while about a few things including my Skeptic's Bingo iPhone app.

While I'm on this theme of having no time, being put off by the skepticism community, and iPhone apps. I have another one brewing and I have redone Bingo to be easier to read and use. But I have finished neither and therefore have released neither. Again, no time, loss of enthusiasm, etc. I don't know if or when they will ever be released.

I hope I get my spark back. I've been trying to figure out how I might get reacquainted. First off, I am never at my computer. So I downloaded Blogsy for the iPad (this post was written on it). My iPad is always with me, perhaps I can get some thoughts down. I also have a couple of ideas for books I would like to write, and may use this blog to throw around ideas. Perhaps, if I can get my readership back, you folks would Iike to play with some of these ideas I have, beat them up a bit, smooth them out.

Well, that's it for today.

Sorry Bill, I'm not overly impressed

2010-08-05T14:06:00.001-07:00

This post take a very circumlocuitous route to get to my point. Sorry.

Interaction with many of my Facebook friends is often similar to the greater scope of debate. If economy is in the news, some of us talk about what is better to do. If illegal immigration comes up, we talk about that. Turns out I have a relatively diverse group of friends.

Economics needs a skeptical eye pointed at it
Anyway, I have one friend that posts article after article of doom and gloom about the economy. One of them even predicted that come October we wont even be able to recognize our country. I searched for 5 minutes and found another economic article that explained how things will be getting better, and perhaps the housing market will take longer.

Another recent one, a friend posted that the stimulus is killing us, and I found another article about how we actually didnt do enough spending and need to do more despite the debt and budget deficit (I'm sure his article was from a respected economist, and mine was from another, Paul Krugman who won a nobel prize).

When it comes to economics, I hereby proclaim I am as in the dark as most people when it comes to biology, medicine or quantum mechanics. Pointing a skeptical eye towards all these economic claims, on both sides will take a lot of time, and I hope to do a blog post on it one of these days. I can fully sympathize with people who are confused when Joe Mercola says Vaccines are bad, and then the CDC and other people say how good they are.

The key is to verify the claims and see which side does more lying and stretching to make their point. This is what I hope to do in my future post.

Do increased taxes mean economic or personal doom?
But until then, here is the way I see the economy and taxes. They are not as related as most people think. There are a number of times when taxes were higher than now and debt and deficit dropped (post WWII and Clinton years among others. In those very times the economy expanded very well. There are other times where the reverse happened.

So it is demonstrably wrong to say "the economy will shrink and people will leave if we raise taxes", that causation is not concluded. There are obviously more variables in that equation than that. For example, in 1999, 4-7 million people have left this country for countries with higher taxes (these are non-governmental Americans). Further, the US is the only country that still taxes you if you are living abroad. Some certainly left because work sent them there, but for the most part its because they prefer benefits of living abroad.

The point is the taxes-economy relationship is not as simple as free market people will have you believe. It's there to some degree, but it simply is not the whole story. It reminds me of a control system where we try to make changes on something we can adjust to create a response from a system we desire. I am suggesting that our controlled inputs (tax rate and spending) should be raised and lowered, respectively, until the economy is in a more comfortable position.

As I mentioned before, there are some who claim that spending should not be lowered right now. I'm am sure I don't have to link to the vociferous opposition to this view. I contend that there is spending reduction that could and should happen. The military is bloated, Health and Human Services and Education are both extremely expensive and a new effort to reign in costs on these should be tried. The spending Krugman is thinking of would go towards projects, research, business development. But for this, I want to focus on taxes.

Rich people whining about nothing
While I hear a lot of whining about how raising taxes on the richest 5% is going to doom the country, I simply don't see it. I have yet to see a compelling argument for that view, other than "its common sense" as if that closes the case. Some rich people agree with me. We aren't talking about raising them to oblivion, we are talking about raising them 4-5%. There is no argument against the that this would bring in extra revenues needed right now. Quite the reverse. Let's remember, after WWII when the economy was in sad shape,the rich were taxed at rates of 80-94% (and when I say rich, i mean incomes starting at 200-400K depending on the year). Wow! Somehow they survived, somehow the economy grow, somehow the country prospered. Lets not forget, this was in the 50's that the conservative relish with nostalgia.

Not impressed by the rich guys.
But then, I had pause (finally the topic of this post). Several months ago, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, the two richest people in America with a combined net worth of 100 billion dollars (Wow!) went on a campaign to get the other rich guys to donate 1/2 of their wealth to charity.

By "other rich guys" I mean the 400 other US billionaires. Maybe they could show us economic skeptics, that they can be trusted to use that vast wealth to stimulate the economy and reduce suffering on their own.

What was the result? A measly 10% of them signed up for this. Let's keep in mind, these are billionnairres. Most of them multibilionairres. The lowest end of these folks, if they pledged, would still have 500 million left after this program. At a small earning rate of 5%, they would still be making 25 million dollars/year by sitting on their thumbs.

They wouldn't even have to give the money to a charity, if they balk at efficiencies of them. They could do what they claim to do with that money anyway, they could invest in promising businesses, and not expect a return on that investment, they could take no shares. Any number of these things could be done, improving the economy, improving the jobless rate, reducing suffering. But they didn't do this when things are bad after they benefited more when times were good.

And at the end of that investment...they would still be stinking rich with a huge income.

This is not a very impressive group of people.

So when I hear that rich people (now I switched to those making 250K and above) are complaining about a 4% increase in their taxes, to a rate that they were at just 10 years ago, I just have to laugh.

I hope you laugh at them too.

Some reasons why I don’t buy into Libertarianism

2010-06-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

When some state assert their rights to modify education, education gets worse

When some state assert their rights to control abortion, women’s rights get limited

When some states assert their rights to limit free speech, human rights gets trampled on

This last one is what set me off to break a long spell of not writing anything due to real life stress and time limitations. This type of law is wrong on so many levels. Of course we should be able to record the activities of publically paid officials, especially when they are in public areas. If the video can misrepresent the situation, then we let a court sort it out. But people are being put in jail for recording officers who they think are abusing their power, and they should have every right to do so! I’m calling my congressmen and senators, this is fundamentally a bad law.

The funniest part, is that if you look at the comments to each of these articles, you will notice that there is a number of people who state something to the effect of how this is horrible government impinging on their rights. Often blame goes to Obama. It’s the state governments! It’s a peek into what sort of things we can expect from a libertarian country. No thanks! I’d like to know that whatever state I go into in our single country, some basic rules and rights and opportunities remain the same.

Draw Mohammed Day

2010-05-19T21:54:00.001-07:00

I fully endorse the mockery of religion, especially larger religions that expect people who do not share their beliefs to pay attention to their silly rules. Disallowing people to draw historical figures, like Mohammed, is an idiotic rule. If you like the rule, don't draw him. However I will:

This is my rendition of mohammed with his ceremonial blade, just after he hacked off one of his wife's head after giving a sermon of how peaceful Islam is.

P.S. I am fully aware that my rendition of Mohammed looks like an Amish serial killer. I never said my artistic skills weren't outdone by a 3rd grader.

Skepticism and the closed mind

2010-05-12T09:45:00.001-07:00

Tons of people have written on this, but as this blog is really for me, I wanted to get these thoughts down. Further, the focus elsewhere has mostly been on how skepticism is, in fact a more open minded position than the woo flavor of the day. This video sums up that position perfectly, so I won't go into that here.

What I wanted to discuss is why people think that. Recently, I have been encountering a lot of this "Don't be so closed minded" attitude from people around me. When I examine my own speech, and try to put myself in the other persons shoes, I can see why they might think such a thing.

These aren't stupid people, and they aren't making money by selling alternative medicine, nor are they chiropractors, astrologers, or anything like that where they have a financial advantage for promoting a particular brand of pseudoscience. They honestly believe that Joe Mercola is a good source for health information, or that vaccines cause autism, or that doctors have one single modality for improving health (a pill).

They didn't get there through blind faith, when they read something crappy or dangerous like Natural News, they think they are doing research. How can they know differently? They didn't go to school for science, they haven't done a PhD where you necessarily have to drill down deep to get a fully understanding of a concept, they have never had a need to understand multiple perspectives of a concept (especially perspectives that you don't already agree with)in order to wean out what claims are supported by evidence and what are not.

These are tasks that skeptics tend to do all on their own, without guidance. But without that tendency shared by skeptics, or without some sort of training to do it, or without the desire to even listen to perspective that go against their preconceived notions, how can those people (and let's not fool ourselves, we are talking about the majority of people) know that doing some reading, or listening to someone who looks like a doctor, or listening to a trusted friend, isn't the same thing as weaning out truth?

So when a person has a knowledgebase, that includes something like "there is energy in your body that can be manipulated by needles", and a skeptic says "that's not true", it's not really a surprise that they would call the skeptic closed minded. Further, the person, for the most part, will not know how many blog posts, how many journal articles, how many test results, and how much research the skeptic has gone through to actually get to the position he or she holds. Without that knowledge of how the skeptic has acquired their disdain for the woo, the skeptic does in fact just seem closed minded.

For the most part, I don't think skeptics enjoy dissecting claims without having the outlet to share. That is why some of us have blogs, some do podcasts, some simply get into conversations on topics. However, if we really want to teach, if we really want to make any sort of stride into the mind of a person who is wasting money or harming themselves with pseudoscience, it is important to get your thoughts compiled into the realm of their preconceived notions.

For example, when someone talks to me about a soul, I often ask what color it is. I haven't said, "souls don't exist". When they tell me its invisible, I ask the next question about weight, then the next about size, then location, etc etc. I'll sometimes ask about how it works with twins, or miscarriages. For the most part, I can enter into a conversation on an equal plane as the woo, and not appear closed minded. These sorts of questions don't say "you are wrong", they say, "tell me more about it".

That isn't to say I can bring people to the light each time I try. Hey, I can't even be sure it has ever turned someone totally off of woo. But it sure is better than having the conversation ending with "You are being closed minded".

From my experience, if someone tells you that you are being closed minded, you are probably coming off that way. Step back, ask some questions based on your knowledge, or delineate how you came to your conclusions.

Pokeberry? I hardly know him!

2010-05-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

Well that was my attempt at a pun.

I havent written for a while, real life has gotten in the way, kids, houses, work. On the bright side, we we will probably have our first industrial product shipped this year. On the bad side, less blogging, less time to point the skeptical eye at events and announcements. And less time to bring out the first update for Skeptic's Bingo. Sad.

So today we are talking about Pokeberries! Woohoo! Did you know that the dark dye that can be extracted from these berries can improve solar cells output by 2x? Did you know the pokeberries are from a weed that grows almost everywhere in the world and therefore are very cheap? Did you know that this method could " double the energy production of today’s flat cells at a fraction of the cost"? Does this sound familiar? Did you know that universities and companies like to hype up technologies long before they have even begun to be proven out?

If you were to read the many many websites that parroted the press release from Wake Forest, you would think a major breakthrough has occurred!

Perhaps it has, but none of the available information delineates this. Lets take a closer look. First the background.

The actual idea is as follows: There is a solar cell technology that is a bit different than what is commonly used. Most solar panels are made from silicon slices that have been doped in a way that lets them convert incident light into electrons. Alternatively, but similarly, some solar cells are made on a flexible substrate by laying down a thin film of material that can perform the same function. Other proposals for solar cells are wide and varied. One common theme is to create a three dimensional surface so that more light get absorbed.

So this new technology incorporates these same ideas, flexible substrate, larger surface area for incident light, and other features, but the places that actually trap the light are made from a polymer. I don't see a reason why this wouldn't work. Other incarnations of the same idea provide some improvement.

What are the key claims?

This solar cell is cheaper than other technologies, so much cheaper that is enables deployment in scenarios unavailable to normal solar cells.
This solar cell produces 2x the power than a "normal" solar cell.
This solar cell can collect more light at oblique angles than a "normal" solar cell.

I quoted "normal" because its hard to say what is normal these days. On houses, the most common type is the silicon based flat panels. But solar farms can use other technologies, like focused light with stirling engines, or even photovoltaics that are2x to 4x more efficient than a residential solar cell (these are known as full spectrum cells and are far more expensive, but you need less becuase you can concentrate the light).

So, the first question is, could these really be cheap enough to provide a boon to the solar industry? Well, when you have a panel installed, how much of the cost is associated with the cell and how much for the rest of the installation? Well let's do an example.

A typical solar installation is around 2000 watts. That means that you put enough panels up to make 2000 watts on on average on sunny days. During the day, you may get more than this depending on the sun, sky and time of year. But often you get less, like when its cloudy or night time. Most families don't use a full 2000 watts all the time, so the extra gets sold to the power company (or charges batteries), and then when power is needed but there is no sun, the power is returned from the power company.

Prices for silicon solar cells is as low as $1.75/watt. But when placed into modules for a large installation, when multiple cells are strung together and modules (generally 125 watts each) are electrically tied together, the price increases to about $4.23/watt. Then, in order to send the extra power to the power company you need an inverter which costs about $0.72/watt (or charge batteries which cost about 20 cents per watt, but you will require a charge controller also for extra cost).

So, then you have to get it installed which adds about 100% of the panel costs, so the cost of an installation is about $9.00/watt. The point of throwing all these numbers out there is that, even if the cost of the solar cell dropped to $0.00 the cost of an installation would still be quite expensive. The cells are a big part of the cost, but not even close to a majority of the cost.

The next claim is that it can create 2x the power of a normal cell. Can it? Well let's go to the source. The technology (which interestingly, does not seem to have US patent protection), was licensed to Fibercell inc (who really should buy a mac and use iweb to get just a basically decent website made). They have only one single performance graph on their website and it is shown to the right. This graph shows cumulative power over time (otherwise known as energy). It's true, there are times during the day where the slope of the Fibercell curve is 2x that of a normal silicon cell. But that hardly matters, what is important is how much energy it supplies over the whole day. If the 2x power could be sustained, then it would end up with 2x the energy over the whole day. Clearly this is not the case. The very graph they present to show how good it is, shows that in fact, it performs exactly as well as conventional solar cells.

One final question on that graph, for which I do not have an answer, why is the power maximized between 10:00AM and noon? Why does the power almost go to zero shortly after noon, and provide no extra energy after 3:00 PM?

The final claim is that this technology works better when the sun is at oblique angles. Well, the graph above shows that may be true at some angles and not other, but the problem is that it doesn't matter that much if it performs slightly better at oblique angles. There is something called the cosine problem for solar cells. If the sun hits the panel at an angle, there is less overall light on it than if it hits it straight on. It doesn't matter how cool the panel is, what cool features are on the panel, it simply can not get away from the fact that there is less light on the panel itself when the sun shines light on to the panel at an angle. The best/cheapest solution for this problem is to have a tracker, but in general people don't like these on their houses, plus it adds cost, but it can double the energy output from a panel. So, based on their own data and basic fundamental issues with non-tracking panels, this claim seems sketchy.

It's good to keep an open mind on this, perhaps this device can reduce the cost of panels by some amount, perhaps, as they show to some small degree, the performance is better than a normal solar cell. But there doesn't seem to be any actual data out there to support these claims in a way that is different than any other new solar technology.

Look for it for any new solar technology... If they hit these three things, then it is being promoted like every other new solar technology:

1) <$1/watt
2) reel-to-reel manufacturing
3) 2x-4x better than "normal" solar cells

Here is an example, can you see any relevant difference in the boasts between the Fibercell technology and say, this one? Solar technology is improving on many front. There has not been a breakthrough that will lead to the benefits that this PR extolls. There probably never will be because the costs of a solar implementation is multifaceted, its simply not just the cost of the cell itself.

But, where are the pokeberries?

Funny how most of the articles about this technology focuses on the pokeberry angle. I guess it makes good news. What do the pokeberries do? They used a dye from pokeberries that gets spread on top of the cells. It promotes the absorption of light, like it could do for any solar cell. Really, that's it. Silly, huh?

Seems appropriate

2010-04-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Saw this in the Make Magazine Facebook feed. Seemed like I should post it here.

TechBit: The iPad and the Electric Car

2010-03-14T21:54:00.001-07:00

I'm sure I don't have to link to the thousands of articles and blog posts about the iPad both praising it and bashing it. Just do a google or twitter search and you will find both rather easily. One thing I still remain a bit puzzled with is the continued reaction to the device about what it doesnt have and can't do. Primarily from techies who would never buy one. Neither would I, at least not yet. The thing that keeps coming across to me from these folks is a complete lack of understanding about what its for.

Consider the electric car for a moment. Pure electric, not hybridized. It only has a range of about 40 miles. It's small. Its does 0-60 mph in like a whole minute. I can totally imagine the exact same conversation about one of those happening:

Steve: I'm thinking about getting an electric car.
Bill: Why would you ever do that?!?
Steve: What do you mean?
Bill: An electric car has such a limited range, 40 miles or something, what if you need to really go somewhere!
Steve: for 75% of the population, myself included, have a daily commute, including shopping, less than 40 miles. So why is that a problem?
Bill: Well it goes so slow!
Steve: Its not like I'm going drag racing or expecting performance vehicle, I just need to get from here to work and back. When I want to have some fun driving , I'll use my Tesla. (snarfs)
Bill: But you have to plug it in every night and wait for it to charge. What if you need to drive when that is happening?
Steve: uh, Bill, I'll use my car with the, you know, gas engine in it. As I will do when I need to go on long trips.
Bill: Well then if you need two cars, how is it worth it?putzes
Steve: We need two cars anyway. During the week, I only drive to work and back. During that same time, my wife has to drive the kids to Timbuktu and back so she gets the Hummer. And on the weekend, we may go on a long trip, so I'll drive the Hummer then while she scoots around town in the electric car.

It's true, if you live in the burbs, or out in the country it make no sense at all to have an all electric vehicle as your only way to get around. The electric car, as it stands right now, would only be an efficient method to supplement your driving needs.

The same sort of gripes are being made about the iPad. It doesnt have USB. It doesnt have a camera, it's not upgradable. You can't add memory or replace the battery. You can't run more than one 3rd party app at the same time. You are stuck with Apple blessed software. Yes the limitations are large. But no one expects this thing to be your only computer.

It's a supplemental computing device. It performs 90% of the tasks that average Joe and Jane needs. Email, internet (web based porn I am sure for many customers), it holds contacts and provides a great information source for a variety of needs. One that wont crash, won't get slower as you use it, not prone to any viruses. Plus all the apps, many of which are actually useful. But yeah, if you need to build a website, you probably need a computer. Want to print to a USB printer, you probably have to transfer the file. etc etc. For those of you that do things the iPad can't do more than 10% of the time, know two things:

1) The iPad isnt for you.
2) You are in the great minority of people in the world

As I said, I wont be buying one for myself (although I like the iBook stuff), but its perfect for my wife (and mom and sister), all of whom hate computers and live a frustrated life with those evil machines. I have no doubt the next iPad will have a camera, and other goodies. Maybe I'll jump in then, maybe not.

Are Homeopaths freaking serious?

2010-03-02T22:07:00.001-08:00

I gotta say, I didn't expect the world of homeopathy to say "Alright, you caught us, we're full of shit", but I did perhaps expect some reflection, some semblance of introspection, some effort on their part to even try to understand why the scientific community thinks they are full of it.

Nope, in fact just the opposite. Check this out, from George Vithoulkas, Homeopath Extraordinaire: He issued a challenge to the sceptic's in response to the 1023 campaign.

I propose the remedy to be Alumina 200C ( a dilution far beyond the Avogadro number) and I promise them that in the end of 60 days a considerable number of them (up to 10% or more) will be suffering with slight to severe constipation.
.
.
.
You need to find 40 sceptics for this experiment.

So, what you are saying Georgie, is that after 2 month of drinking a little water, every day (doesnt mattere how much apparently according to him, 4 people will have anything from "slight" to "severe" constipation.

Why not claim "slight" to "severe" itching? Or "slight" to "severe" dry mouth?

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint that there is. 1.5% of people complain they are constipated "most" or "all of the time". So how many people have "slight" constipation?

Why just 10% Georgie? Why doesn't you magic water affect 50% or 100%? If I give a real drug, say morphine it has some effect on almost 100% of the people. Why does your magic water only affect people in the same percentage as your would expect anyway? How will you measure "slight" constipation?

More importantly George, if the skeptics did perform your clearly ridiculous test, and show that water performed exactly as you would expect water to perform, would you then come out and say "oops, looks like I was wrong"? What are the ramifications to you if your test was performed?

As far as I can tell, looks like you just want to waste people's time.

Skeptical Apps

2010-02-27T16:11:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to remark on the fact that there is quite a dearth of skeptical software as iphone apps (and therefore I presume a dearth of android and blackberry apps). I'll go over what is out there that I have found, the good and the bad (or perhaps not as good), and how you can make your own app, even if you dont know any programming at all!

Searching the iTunes store for things like "skeptic", "evolution", "vaccination" and so forth bring me to the following applications.

Skeptic's Bingo: Yeah that one is mine, I thought I'd plug it again, go buy it and leave a constructive comment. This is a bingo game, with tiles that cover about 30 common claims from various arenas, such as evolution, vaccines, CAM and so forth (although I have only completed evolution for now).

Skeptical Science: Wow, this guy John Cook, spent a great deal of time pulling apart common global warming dissident claims and presenting them in a clear, easy to navigate app. The graphic design is clean (apparently his wife did it, can she help me clean up my program?). All I can say is: Nice work John! He also has put in some interactivity that lets you mark down when you hear a certain claim. I'm presuming that he is collecting data on what the most common claims are, as these may change with time.

At this point i'd like to point out that PZ Myers posted about an iphone app, counter-creationism Handbook, that basically had the Talk Origins website in it. I was also going to make an app like that but I did know the copyright ramifications of doing that, and I didn't know who to get in touch with over there. However, this app, presently seems to have disappeared. I am not sure why.

I'll stop here for a moment because that is essentially it for skeptical iPhone apps, that are actually like, you know, applications. There are a couple of more apps from the skeptical community.

Skepticality: for $1.99 this app basically offers a conduit to the podcast.
Skeptoid: for $1.99 this app basically offers a conduit to the Skeptoid podcast. Its layout and functionality is identical to the one above (and made by the same folks).

Making your own app
These last two apps point out that, basically, if you have a blog (or a podcast) for a small amount of money you can have an app. This is exactly what Answers in Genesis did when they made their app. Turns out, there is a service out there who provides software to turn you blog into an app. For a couple of hundred dollars, the AppMakr folks will turn your blog into an app and submit it for you into iTunes. The software seems pretty robust, so if you have a popular blog, there is no reason not to follow Swoopy, Derek, and Brian's lead and make an app out of it. Maybe you can make a buck or two. Or you can follow the AIG model and make it free.

But what if you don't want to make a conduit or just transform your blog. What if you want to make a real app? Well, thats what I wanted to do, so I'l tell you the process.

Well, this is more difficult and/or more costly.

You could learn to program it yourself. You need to buy a mac (you can get a mini for about $550, I got a macbook for about a grand. Then you need to drop about 100 bucks to become a developer. Then you get all the programming tools (no extra cost), and Apple's developer website is filled with forums, sample code, and documentation to get you going. There is a lot there, so much that it is a little overwhelming.

You also need to learn objective C. That's the programming language that is used for iPhones (and Macs in general). There are a number of good books on the subject, plus Stanford has a podcast in itunesU that is their entire course on iPhone programming.

This is the path I started down. But man, I ended up not really having time (work, landlording, two kids, two dogs, you get the picture). So what do we do when we can't do a job ourselves? We pay someone.

There is an excellent, but rustic, website called rentacoder.com (there is another one, I think, called guru.com, but I didn't evaluate that one). On this website you can describe what you want to do, and have people bid on it. I used it for Skeptic's Bingo, but I also used it for having someone make Excel macros for me for work. It's an excellent service.

However, if you want to make a full application and put it up for bid at rentacoder.com, I STRONGLY suggest that you take the time and come up with a detailed software specification (you can google that to see an example) that fully describes the app, each screen and what each button does. This way, when people bid on it, they really know what they are getting into. Prices?

Well let's say, I had someone in Russia doing Excel macros that had to collate data and graph things in a flexible manner and that cost between 30 and 80 dollars. Skeptics Bingo cost about 3000 dollars for an american programmer, and the he didnt do ANY of the content or artwork. This is why I'm charging a buck, I hoping to recoup that cost, and be able to pay a graphic designer to clean up the app so it doesnt look like a left handed engineer made it.

My programmer did the bingo functionality, the flexibility for me to expand the program myself (so I can add new bingo games like vaccines and CAM), he did the zooming functionality and the in-app purchase.

One other difficulty in doing this yourself is that due to iTunes store security there is a lot of barely intelligible stuff you got to do to your program to get it on iTunes. I did this part myself because I want to update it in the future without the help of someone else, but you can get the programmer to get it in the app store himself. Someone who does it often probably will have an easier time. To do it yourself, you must have the dev kit, create things like Provisioning Profiles, set stuff up in the AppStore conduit (called Connect) and a number of other steps.

Then you have to get past their approval folks. Yak! This is where I stumbled a lot. Sometimes I screwed up, sometimes it was because they didn't understand how to use the software (even though the help button really spells it out).

That's a lot of work! Why bother?
It is a lot of work, time, and expense to design a game or utility. There is no doubt (unless you are just "Appifying" your blog). So why? Well my opinion is that I would really like to see more skeptical applications on iPhones, iTouches, androids, and iPads. It puts a vast array of information in your pocket, in a format that is better than using the internet. It's more concentrated, more accessible if done right.

Further, perhaps some of you creative skeptics can make something fun?

I also challenge you to look through the AppStore. Never mind the unending versions of bible apps. Never mind the Answers in Genesis app I mentioned above. Check these out:

There are 5 acupuncture apps.
There are 5 traditional chinese medicine apps.
There are 4 chiropractic apps.
There are at least 2 "Natural Cures" Apps.

Taking a look at the "health & fitness" category yields many, many apps filled with utter nonsense. Some of them claim to heal you by putting hte iPhone near you! It would be nice to see some more rationally based apps out there that have similar keywords so they show up in similar searches, are based on actual scientific information, and are 1 dollar or free.

What is Skeptical Software?
I've been thinking about this a lot recently. I hate to admit this, but I really don't know. I have not come to a good conclusion of what it might be. Skeptic's bingo is obviously software geared to the skeptical community. The Mad Scientist mentioned Aardvark (vark.com). Sometimes you get a good answer (like I asked what the 3 best arguments for creationism were, and all three answers was "There isn't any", but when I asked about vaccines schedules, I got a bunch of hocus pocus).

It would be great if you could focus your questions to particular groups of people with that. you can crete a circle of friends, but I would rather ask a cloud of christians a specific question, or ask a cloud of epidemologists a questions rather than just putting out to a general cloud.

So, I guess a source that lets you retrieve information efficiently could certainly reside within the bounds of whatever "Skeptical Software" is. But is that it? Any topic that includes scientific investigation? Consumer protection? What about new topics that arise? What about the podcast and blog conduits?

Further, as skeptics we like to analyze and take apart problems and situations looking for "reality" or how something really works. This same characteristic is embedded into RPG games like World of Warcraft when you take down boss monsters. It a puzzle, it takes trial and error, it takes observation. But would I say that WoW is skeptical software? No, while some of the skills may arise, I certainly wouldn't put it in that category.

Well, whatever Skeptical Software is, I have two or three more ideas that I would like to implement, some of them are iPhone apps, and some of them are web based information sources. I hope my app get bought enough that I can pursue these other avenues of developing skeptical software, I hope you come along for the ride.

Update:

Well now this is interesting.

this week Apple told Mobile Roadie, a company that provides templates for clients to build iPhone apps, that the App Store would no longer accept “cookie-cutter” apps — apps made with app-generating services that do little more than reproduce websites or pull RSS feeds from the internet.

Looks like apple feels similarly to Skeptico in the comments below. That is quite a blow to those companies making blog conversion software. There is another interesting comment in that article.

Skeptics Bingo! iPhone Style.

2010-02-27T03:01:00.001-08:00

If you are like me, you use your smartphone a lot. I use mine for engineering work, snapshots and photo editing, tweeting, reading pdfs while on the road, listening to podcasts....oh and its a phone too.

I am pretty enamored with the state of these devices, growing up in the 70's and 80's, the common iPhone, blackberry or Android phone really seem like a device from the future. As you probably know, there are well over 100 thousand apps for the iphone (and most of them are junk, really).

Well it's time to get some real skeptical software on these machines! One message I took away from the last NECSS conference, was from Rebecca Watson. A great time to help spread the skeptical viewpoint of various subjects is to go to presentations by creationists, antivaxxers, and so forth, and ask sharp questions. You aren't trying to convince the presenter, that person is probably already lost (you'd know this if you ever watched Jenny McCarthy flail around defending her ridiculous ideas about vaccinations). However the audience is generally a little more prone to being jarred if someone pointedly makes remarks that are logical or data driven refutations of items that were presented. If you are anything like me, you feel better having actual data in your hand, well here it is.

In this vein, I created a game for your iPhone. Skeptic's Bingo. Its not a brilliant game. Its pretty obvious. But I have at least made something that you can use to pass the time during one of these lecture. However more importantly, it presents information about common tripe that is usually put forward in various areas like creationism, anti-vaxers (well thats coming next), and other areas (which I will add as time goes on).

The website for the game is here.

Mark the things that you have heard so you can come back to them later. Use the information provided to formulate a good question that puts the presenter on the spot. get out there and get good information into the heads of the people listening there with you.

At least I hope you will download the game, pay the measly dollar for access to the functionality that flips over the tiles for the information (this money will go toward the improvement of this game and the skeptical community).

And please, rate the program before angry creationists "pharyngulate" my reviews. Have you seen how many bibles there are in the app store?

Coming soon as updates to this app:
Vaccine Bingo
Refined Layout
List view of claims (as opposed to bingo board)
Psychic Bingo
CAM Bingo

Basically if people show interest in this app, I'll get right on these items. Right now, I only have the evolution one.

Asshole

2010-01-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

I dont usually have a lot of crude language on this blog. But sometimes there is simply no other word that fits someone.

In case you haven't been following the Shorty Awards (I never even heard of this thing). Both Dr. (cough) Mercola and Mark Adams from Natural News were ahead in the health section. The skeptic community got together and moved Dr. Rachie ahead. She is now winning both from this push but also from the fact that a huge number of the votes for both Mercola and Adams were fraudulent, i.e. Twitter accounts created to vote for them.

So Adams, loses first place, in fact got disqualified for this, and start whining, threatening lawsuit (please do), and finally launching the most uninformed and just plain old stupid post about the skeptic community.

I was going to take apart his post, but I have to admit that not only did Tom Foss beat me to it, but he wrote essentially what I would have.

Well I guess I could alway shoot at second worst with his utterly whiny facebook entry.

This overweight non-physician has arrogantly bashed nearly every alternative therapy and encourages reliance on drugs

Really now. Its virtually the same thing as Adams Rant. The skeptic position is simple, it doesn't matter what you are claiming, chemotherapy or Aloe Vera:

Present evidence that it works

Shoveling Snow

2010-01-03T17:06:00.001-08:00

I like shoveling snow.

Well, I don't really like th actual act of shoveling, especially since the sidewalk in front of my building is so uneven. But I do like the opportunities shoveling snow affords me. Snow shoveling is a cheap, easy way to help out and maybe show you care.

For example, the building next to be is vacant. So no one really shovels there. When I am out there shoveling in front of my building I just look over to the next one and I imagine a little old lady or kid coming down the sidewalk there, slipping and falling and hurting themselves. I can't stand the idea, so, I shovel that building.

I don't get any extra credit. The owner isn't there to thank me. The little old lady who didn't fall down isn't going to thank me and leave me with her estate after she passes. Nope, I just like the feeling I get when I have done something nice.

Some days, if the storm is real bad, I'll go around and help two or three people dig out their cars. I get offered money, I get asked what I want. I tell them I don't want anything, I just want them to help someone else out some time. Yeah, I saw the movie "Pay It Forward". I think its a pretty good idea, even if the reality is that almost no one pays it forward.

Today, perhaps I went a little overboard. I shoveled my place, then I walked one block to the YWCA one block over and salted the icy patches. Then I walked another block over to clear out the sidewalk in front of a friend of mine who happens to be christian who is going through a tough time. I cleared out her sidewalk, salted it and built two snow heads (they sort of look like Sesame Street character heads) for the kids. I'm waiting to see if she claims that God gave her a gift.

The point is that you are already out there with a snow shovel. You are already bundled up. A little extra work goes a long way. It's a great feeling to help someone out who really needed it.

Go forth and shovel.

Latest Study on High Fructose Corn Syrup

2009-12-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

There's a couple of articles circling about (I like facebook for this, my friends post stuff they are concerned about and I get a little free pulse of the population) about high fructose corn syrup, which for the life of me, I can't figure out why people consider it to the the bane of their existence.

Of all the sweeteners to worry about, a sweetener made out of naturally occurring molecules like fructose and glucose, seems hardly a problem, it should be falling neatly in the "its natural" category since both sugars are found naturally. But apparently, if you dont serve the sugars in their natural form (much like table sugar BTW) it becomes the bane of humanity and is the cause all of our health problems.

This attitude is evidenced by the media's response to a recent study.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Proven to Cause Human Obesity! Proven! Proven I say!
Child diabetes blamed on food sweetener We have found the answer!
For the first time – Scientists Link Fructose to Obesity, Diabetes in HUMANS That right folks, for the first time ever, sugar has been linked to obesity. Who would have known?
Fructose: Cause Of Childhood Diabetes That's right folks it's THE cause
How Sweet It Isn’t: High Fructose Corn Syrup Proven to Cause Human Obesity Proven!

A little more reasoned approach came from Grist only after the author of the article got knocked in the head by one of the study's authors.

I make a little fun because its a rare instance in science when something is actually proven to be so. Usually what we get is evidence for or against a hypothesis. That very evidence is usually recorded in probabilities. As we will soon see, this is also the case here.

Every one of these headlines references a single study that recently came out. As a responsible consumer of media information, who wants ot have an informed opinion onm this topic, it is your job to go to the source rather than just imbibe the predigested conclusions thrown at you by the advertising hungry media outlets.

Here it is.
Go read.
Then lets discuss.

Stanhope et al, rounded up 16 people (this makes this study extremely small) in a first of its kind study (which means the results of this study have yet to be verified or validated by anyone) which took a crack at evaluating the effects of one kind of sweetener over another. Its basically trying to get rid of the concern that we heard so often from the smoking lobby that results based on animal testing don't necessarily apply to humans.

When you read the abstract, know that I am in the same position as you about all the sciency sounding multisyllabic words the get thrown around. I honestly have no idea what they mean, nor will I go get a medical degree to find out. More on this later.

Let's start with the basics. Skeptoid has already gone over a lot of the hullabaloo of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), so I wont repeat a lot of it here.

I found this list of sweeteners and their relative sweetness. I checked the numbers around the internet and found it to be accurate. Let me just put out some of the important ones here:

Sugar	Sweetness	Calories
Glucose	0.8	3.75
Sucrose	1	3.94
Fructose	1.75	4*
Aspartame (Nutrasweet)	180	N/A
Saccharine (Sweet n' Low)	300	N/A
Sucralose (Splenda)	600	N/A

In this chart, sucrose, which is table sugar is given a 'sweetness' of 1. You can see that glucose is less sweet than table sugar. Fructose is 1.75 times more sweet. The artificial sweeteners are amazingly sweet, which is why they are in low calorie drink, you need very very little of them to achieve the same sweetness (never mind that I think they taste like crap).

Glucose, fructose and sucrose are naturally occurring sugars. sucrose is a molecule that is simply a glucose molecule bonded weakly to a fructose molecule. When you eat table sugar, the first bond to go is the one holding these together, leaving your stomach with fructose and glucose separately, in about equal propostions.

Corn syrup is pure glucose, it is not as sweet as table sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is called that because it actually has fructose in it
Glucose is a chemical you body readily converts giving you a blast of energy (or conversion to fat)
Fructose is an atomically identical molecule that your body does not digest readily, giving you a more sustained flow of energy (or conversion to fat)
Fructose, in pure form, is not a sweetener that we use in any product.
High fructose corn syrup comes in a variety of blends of glucose and fructose. The most common blend HFCS-55 is about 55% fructose, matching the sweetness and calories of table sugar. It will deliver about the same amount of fructose to your body as table sugar does once you have ingested it.

OK, I think we have enough background to discuss this paper now.

Lets start witht he sugar intake: from the study

To assess the relative effects of these dietary sugars during sustained consumption in humans, overweight and obese subjects consumed glucose- or fructose-sweetened beverages providing 25% of energy requirements for 10 weeks

Since the caloric intake of glucose and fructose is about the same (4 kcal/gram - note kcal is what we call "calories"), these folks drank beverages with about the same amount of sweetener, in grams. That means that one group had drinks that were over twice as sweet as the other group.

The population of the study were all similar in size, weight, and other aspect. There is no contention there. All the participants were an average age of around 54. There were some slight differences between the males and females, but these were matched pretty well in both groups. One of the groups (male, fructose) had a significantly lower starting LDL level, but that may not matter with respect to the results, lets see.

We'll just accept the procedure, although if I really doubted the veracity of the study, which I don't, this would also be something to delve deeper into. The results after the 10 week period came in as follows:

No differences in blood pressure between the two groups
Both groups gained a similar amount of weight (slightly more for glucose)
Both groups gained a similar amount of body fat (again, the glucose groups scored higher)
Both groups gained a similar amount in waist circumference (Fructose winning here but by very little)

These facts are extremely important when trying to assess the veracity of a hypothesis like "fructose causes obesity).

The main differences, and they are significant, is in where the fat appeared. The fructose group showed significantly more abdominal fat. Plus the fructose group showed far higher amounts of LDL cholesterol (the bad one), and a variety of other things that are bad for you. Again most of this list is beyond my knowledge, but I accept the conclusion that most of the bad actors here are higher in the fructose group.

So lets be clear here: there is no doubt that pure fructose is not a good or healthy sweetener. It is well known that glucose and fructose are different molecule that are metabolized differently, by different mechanisms, with excess energy stored differently. This study neither contradicts this data, nor does it provide any evidence that sweeteners the combine both glucose and sucrose are any different from one another. This study is not the one that came to any of these conclusions first. There is a large body of evidence supporting this. This study weaned out some specific responses that the body has when overfed these sweeteners and proposed a metabolism model for them.

The authors themselves explain that they did not study sweeteners as they are used in our food:

Foods and beverages in the US are typically sweetened with sucrose (50% glucose and 50% fructose) or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is usually 45%–58% glucose and 42%–55% fructose, rather than pure glucose or fructose.

The authors have also previously reported that they have not found a difference in the response to the sweeteners that are actually consumed by the public.

We have reported in a short-term study that the 23-hour postprandial TG profiles in male subjects consuming 25% energy as HFCS (55% fructose) or sucrose were elevated to a degree similar to that observed when pure fructose–sweetened beverages were consumed.

So where is the evidence, as the media articles claimed, that this study has something to do with HFCS and childhood obesity?

This study says nothing about childhood obesity since all participants were an average of 54 years old.
This study says nothing about the use of HFCS since it only studied intake of pure glucose and pure fructose
This study says nothing about the superiority of table sugar or honey to high fructose corn syrup since none of these sweeteners were tested, alone or against each other.

Lets look at the TimesOnline article since that was the first one out:

Scientists have proved for the first time that a cheap form of sugar used in thousands of food products and soft drinks can damage human metabolism and is fuelling the obesity crisis

No, they did nothing of the sort. They showed that pure fructose, with the exact same caloric intake as pure glucose provide similar gain in weight. They showed that there are differences in metabolic response to sweeteners in a form that on one currently consumes.

It [fructose] has increasingly been used as a substitute for more expensive types of sugar in yoghurts, cakes, salad dressing and cereals. Even some fruit drinks that sound healthy contain fructose

Couldnt be more wrong. HFCS is substituting sucrose, which has the same amount of fructose in it. "Natural" fruit drinks (whatever that means) ought to have fructose in it, since fructose occurs naturally in fruit.

researchers at the University of California who conducted the trial, said the levels of weight gain among the fructose consumers would be greater over the long term

Unless the TimesOnline interviewed them and failed to provide quotation marks and source, this is simply a baseless claim and not in the study at all.

Fructose bypasses the digestive process that breaks down other forms of sugar. It arrives intact in the liver where it causes a variety of abnormal reactions, including the disruption of mechanisms that instruct the body whether to burn or store fat

This may be true, so what? No one eats pure fructose as a sweetener. Its completely irrelevant.

what is going on here? A huge logical fallacy called equivocation. Fructose is bad in high quantities, therefore high fructose corn syrup is bad in any quantity. They are simply not the same thing, and as I have pointed out, there is no reason to believe that HFCS would do anything different in your body than table sugar would.

Now let's check out the alternet article:

We finally have the smoking corn cob, as it were: the studyprocessed-food foes have been waiting for, indicating that highfructose corn syrup may be the cause of the huge upswing in childhood obesity and diabetes

I dont really know anything about alternet, but if this is how they put together their information, I think we can pretty much discount anything they say. This is a digestion of a predigested article. They dont link to the study, they link to the times article! the is no smoking gun here, there is no evidence to support the idea the HFCS alone, has anything more to do with obesity than sugar does.

The rise in childhood diabetes and obesity roughly corresponds to the period of time in which food processors started using high fructose corn syrup with such prevalence.

And here we have out second largest logical fallacy of the day: Correlation-causation fallacy. Know what? Obesity also corresponds to the increased used of smartphones, what is your point? It's not the HFCS, its the calories. Average caloric intake of american has increased year over year since the 70's. It doesnt matter where you get your calories from, its how many you have. It especially doesnt matter since, and I sound like a record here, HFCS has the same amounts of fructose and glucose and table sugar.

Further, this study says nothing about childhood anything.

But this new finding is the first involving humans, and its results point to a different truth: high fructose corn syrup can actually damage human metabolism.

Bzzt. Sorry, it specifically does not say that. It says nothing about high fructose corn syrup, this is what happens when you get your information predigested from someone else who is trying to make headlines.

The control group of volunteers on the same diet, but with glucose sugar replacing fructose, did not have these problems.

Fine, but both groups got equally fatter... which is what obesity is. In fact, the glucose folks scored higher there.

Here is the rub on the whole study, the part that gets me the worst with all this nonsense reporting. HFCS is sweeter than glucose. Twice as sweet. If we banned sweeteners with fructose in it, then all we would have left are artificial sweeteners, glucose, and some sweeteners that are even less sweet than glucose.

People don't care if its fructose or glucose in the cookies and soda. They crave the sweetness or the taste that the sweetness makes. If you get rid of the fructose, then you have to put in twice the calories to get the same sweetness with glucose. Even if we just used sucrose, you would still need 75% more sugar and calories to acheive the same sweetness.

Wanna see obesity? Lets try that experiment.

* I was unable to find an exact energy count for fructose, but most sources said 4 calories, virtually the same as glucose and sucrose

Secular Giving

2009-12-16T08:24:00.001-08:00

I find winter solstice to be an extremely uplifting day, so we celebrate it. To me, it feels like the weight of the long nights and short days and cold weather gets lifted off of me because we turn the corner towards spring. I like it a lot.

This mood gets me into the giving mood. So a couple of years ago I started listing secular charities and compiled a list. Sadly, for me, this year I was unable to refresh it. I kept putting it off and now I am pretty swamped with work (I have not been home for any decent amount of time for 3 weeks), and a skeptical project I am working on. So while I have intended to redesign the list to make it easier to read and navigate, I fear I must simply refer you to the old post, much like I did last year.

PLEASE add your favorite secular charities in the comments section! If any links are dead, please report them. I will get around to doing a real refresh before next year! I promise.

Here is the list of secular charities.

Vaccination Recall! Children are DOOOMED!

2009-12-15T15:55:00.001-08:00

I saw this headline today at Discovery News.

CHILDREN'S SWINE FLU VACCINE RECALLED

Uh oh. Is it an outbreak of the dreaded Guillain-Barre syndrome? Is it high levels of dreaded toxins in the vials? Is it that they killed too many fetus' to get the serum? Are children dropping off the table dead after they get the shot? Are there now masses of people who have to walk backwards to get anywhere from strong cases of dystonia?

No, this is why I like our system with all its warts. People check that stuff is working as they expect. In this case, Sinofi-Pasteur, the maker of the recalled live virus nasal sprays, recalled the vaccines because, for a reason not understood (yet), the strength of the vaccine drops after it leaves their facilities (since its a live virus, couldn't it just be that the virus is dying for some reason?). But, they actually checked. Any CAM people checking that their stuff meets their claims before and after the supplements or exotic berry juices leave the plant? Any homeopaths, checking the "strength" of their dilutions before and after the water leaves their facilities? (lol, I can see that, "Oh good, still looks like pure water!")

I have not seen anything from the fear mongerers yet over at Natural News or Age of Autism. I'll keep an eye out.

R&D Gets it wrong too

2009-12-14T07:09:00.001-08:00

I like R&D magazine. I get little technology blurbs from them every day. 9 times out of 10 I see some new cool nanoscale idea. Some new sensor, some new actuator. If you are a high tech junkie, beyond the latest car stereo or lego system I highly recommend the daily newsletter. Its a quick read, you mentally throw out most of it, and take in 1 or tow goodies for the day.

But alas, I found this article.

Here is an early paragraph:

In contrast to "every man for himself" interpretations of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychologist and author of "Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life," and his fellow social scientists are building the case that humans are successful as a species precisely because of our nurturing, altruistic and compassionate traits.

When I read that, I had so many thoughts at once my brain started vibrating.

Most often I hear about how darwinism leads to socialism. And yet here they claim that darwinism is pure free market.
Darwin never, ever claimed “every man for himself”, it was always about populations.
Never mind the fact that this is hardly a new understanding of evolution

However the rest of the article is an interesting read. Sadly I don’t have the resources (time mostly) to follow up on all the claims in the article. I realize tha thte first paragraph was probably just intended to light a fire for the rest of the article. But still I would have written something more like:

Contrary to the layman's interpretation of evolution, there are wide swaths of research that show that some of the success of the human race has sympathy and altruism to thank for it. But until recently, we have not understood much of the actual physiological mechanisms for it. Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychologist and author of "Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life," and his fellow social scientists have provided some new insight into these traits.

Or something like that…

Choose Your Destiny: 125 Skeptics Circle

2009-12-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Do you really think this is real?

How many times have you thought about what the result would be from a different set of choices? How do you know that there isn't another you somewhere thinking about what would have happened if he or she had made the choices that you actually did?

How do you know you are real and your experiences are real?

Take the red pill and start a journey that explores your current experiences and sets out new choices for you to make and relish and relive. At each new stage, feel your new experience flow within you, let your choices at each stage be honest and inquisitive. You will be given new pills at each stage.

Or you can claim that you are fine, that you have no need or desire to explore new experiences in detail. You simply want information handed to you in bulk, with no desire to fully experience the color and exposure to things that you may or may not already know. For this, the blue pill is for you.

CHOOSE

In case you didn't get it: take the Red Pill, look for comments by me for links to other posts for this skeptic circle. When there are no comments the circle is over

awesome woman, awesome commentor

2009-11-24T17:49:00.001-08:00

This video has been making the rounds.

so I have two quick comments then a present.

1) Dear awesome student. You are awesome and there are many people in the blogosphere who would have loved to have been you for those few minutes.
2) Dear fucking trumpet player. Fuck you, you fucking fuck

Anyway, on the pharyngula comments about this video, one man, DorkMan, transcribed the video to text. I beleive he is a masochist. Anyway, via Dorkman, I give you the transcription:

Female Student: [Unintelligible] saying, "Origin of the Species! Go evolution!" So, when somebody --
Kirk: [Unintelligible]
FS: Yeah, you did, I heard you. And I was like, "What? Kirk Cameron's believes in evolution?" Are you being ironic or --?
Kirk: No, I didn't say "go evolution," I took a picture and I said "Everyone say 'Darwin'!" And I said "Darwin!"
FS: Oh, okay.
Kirk: I did say that.
FS: Okay. I'm sorry. But that's not important. Anyways, so when a passerby is getting that book, and they don't know about you, they haven't seen your videos, and they don't know who you are, they think, "Oh, okay, this is the book," so when they read it, they're not aware that the information is coming from a group that has a special interest in dissuading people from evolution.
Kirk: Okay. Okay, fair enough.
FS: It's like hidden propaganda. Which you, like -- atheists groups would never, like, hand out the Bible saying, like, "This is not true and this is all the scientific information" --
Male Student 1: I think you could have been more honest if [unintelligible].
Kirk: (to Female Student) Can I respond to what you're saying?
Cameraman: (to MS1) Say it louder.
MS1: I think it would have been more honest you had just distributed the introduction by itself --
Kirk: I -- I heard you earlier. (to FS) So, here's my thought. I used to be -- used to be an atheist, and studied evolution, and the Darwinian, the Neo-Darwinian [unintelligible], to the point where I'm, I'm convinced that it is not science, that Darwinism is atheism masquerading as science. That's --
FS: Darwin wasn't an atheist, actually. He was really hesitant to publish his work because he knew that it would go against the beliefs of, you know, the church.
Cameraman: And I kind of feel that's undermining the faith of people who do accept evolution and who are Christian.
Kirk: (ignoring Cameraman, to FS) Well, why do you believe that?
FS: Because he has journals and because, like, you know, he took a long time -- it wasn't 'til Wallace said, like, "Hey, check this out!" and he's like "Oh, boy," you know, "I should probably publish what I'm doing."
Kirk: Okay, have you heard... Okay. Here's, here's, here's the other important...um...(lengthy pause) I believe that Darwin was absolutely...that the end game was to make God...was to remove God from...the, the worldview of... I think that that was his end game. Um. And if you read -- I don't know if you've read the introduction in here, yet.
FS: No, I have not yet. But I will.
Kirk: You'll find things you maybe haven't read before.
FS: I probably have never read what you wrote, no.
Kirk: In my, my... I think that it is...very, uh... dishonest, and extremely --
Trumpet: "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Kirk: -- for, for...for teachers, in the name of science, to push an atheistic worldview. Which -- and they use Darwin in order to do it.
FS: I don't understand how... you're combining atheism -- because not all scientists are atheists, like, I would not say I'm an atheist.
Kirk: Yes, alright, but --
FS: But I, I, I...
Male Student 2: Francis Collins.
FS: Yeah.
Cameraman: I bet he knows about that.
FS: I don' t understand [unintelligible]. Why is science an atheistic endeavor? I don't understand that.
Kirk: Okay, let me --
FS: I don't understand the problem.
Kirk: Why is science an atheistic endeavor?
FS: Yeah, and why is -- particularly, um --
Kirk: You have to ask [unintelligible] of atheism being taught in the science classes to answer that question. I mean, look at Dawkins, for instance, look at Dawkins --
FS: I love Dawkins.
Kirk: ...okay, so --
FS: But other science --
Kirk: But if you look at those who are the loudest proponents for, uh, Darwinism, and evolution, you'll find that they are absolutely on the mission to demonstrate that God is irrelevant and doesn't exist. And they're atheists.
FS: What Dawkins argues is that God and science should not be in the same argument, because science is based on evidence, whereas religion is based on faith. And so --
Kirk: So is Darw --
FS: They don't explain...
Kirk: But Darwinism is extremely based on faith, not on evidence.
FS: Not really, it's based on a lot of evidence. He made, he made assertions that were based on faith, he didn't have evidence for yet, but he had a lot of evidence. Later on now, scientists are, you know, doing research. And in fact, current scientific thought doesn't accept, uh, plain Darwinian evolution. In fact now, there's like a lot of different, uh...
Cameraman: It expanded over the years.
Kirk: Sure.
FS: It expanded, so --
Cameraman: Especially with genetics and that sort of thing.
FS: Yeah. So Darwin was the basis, but it is not, uh, what actual evolutionary biologists, you know, uh... go with. And in science, there's no like "Okay, this is the FINAL ABSOLUTE TRUTH," it's always changing because --
Kirk: Correct.
FS: You know, all the evidence either against it, or that should show different things.
Kirk: So, what... so, what -- I understand that -- so, so I'm pro-science, I love science.
FS: Why not this specific branch of it? Because --
Kirk: Which branch are you referring to?
FS: I'm referring to biology.
Kirk: I love biology.
FS: Except the part where it says that -- do you believe in micro-evolution?
Kirk: Are we talking about, um, adaptation?
FS: Yeah, that's why you get a different vaccine every year because --
Kirk: Yes.
FS: -- you know -- okay.
Kirk: Yes, but to extrapolate that into speciation and macro-evolution by saying it takes lots of time --
FS: No, not if you accept, not if you accept that it does take -- okay, so if you believe in micro-evolution, you believe that it continues happening, it just doesn't happen in like, two minutes and then it's done, it continues happening. The Earth is not six thousand years old, and even if it were six thousand years old, in that span of time, continuous micro-evolution would have added up to something, right? Even if you believe the literal Biblical, uh, idea that the Earth is not old, it would've still added up. Not to what we have here...
Kirk: Do, do you -- I understand what you're saying, [unintelligible] I think that they do change over time, but we don't, but we don't see speciation as a result of adaptation. We don't see --
FS: Because we don't have enough time. And in fact they are --
Kirk: Okay, but you have to, but you then have to concede, though, that that's a presupposition that you're assuming that it happened, even though we don't have enough time to observe it.
FS: Well, it's not -- it's because of geological evidence. What happens in science, is you bring different branches of knowledge together, and it's not, it's not isolated. You don't just say, like, "Okay, biology proves it." Because biology doesn't prove anything. There's evidence that there's a biological process, but combining that with geology, physics, and --
MS2: Astronomy.
FS: Other sciences -- astronomy, yeah.
MS2: They all agree.
FS: Then you, you combine that knowledge, right? And that's how you think, like, "Okay, if this is happening now, and if we know that the Earth has been, you know, this old and this, like, many changes have happened" -- all of this knowledge, then you -- it, it is a safe, logical assumption to make that conclusion. For instance say, like, "Micro-evolution has been happening for this long, and it's added up." Whereas with, uh, a belief in a certain faith, particularly in this case the, the Christian persuasion, all the evidence that you have is based on the Bible, and that would be circular logic, because you think, "I believe in the Bible because the Bible says it's written by God." (draws a circle in the air) It doesn't -- there's no outside body of evidence, there, there's no conjecture --
Kirk: That's not true.
FS: What other body --
Kirk; History, geology, cosmology, biology...
FS: So, okay, so history --
Cameraman: Do you mind if I ask you a question about geology, really quick?
Kirk: Hang on a second.
Cameraman: Okay, sure.
FS: How does history disprove evolution?
Kirk: How does history disprove evolution?
FS: Yes.
Kirk: Well, I didn't say history disproves evolution, I said that history --
FS: Okay. Then give me another line of evidence other than the Bible that disproves evolution.
Kirk: Um, I would say evolution disproves -- D, Dar -- I would -- (pauses) Evolution, talking about, we're talking about speciation, I would say that, that...that Darwin's theory, nor -- and ANY theory -- does not sufficiently, uh, account for speciation, apart from the existence of God. You don't find the fossil record, you don't find --
FS: Okay, what about the difference between bonobos and chimpanzees? Which are very similarly related, they just have --
Kirk: I'm not familiar with, what?
FS: Okay, bonobos are essentially chimpanzees, except they're smaller, and they're more, uh, friendly with each other. Whereas chimpanzees are, like, very aggressive --
[END OF VIDEO]

Thanks awesome woman, Thanks Awesome Dorkman.

I think the media is in a coma

2009-11-24T07:16:00.001-08:00

I saw these news blurbs about a man in Belgium who allegedly was awake for 23 years although the doctors thought he was in a coma. This story brought so many thoughts ot my head I though I would try to get them down.

I have a living will that tells my loved ones to pull the plug if I go in a vegetative state
I think we are going to see more and more stories about medicine going wrong in countries with socialized health care
This sort of thing give more inflated, uncouched ammunition to CAM practitioners
I'm not convinced that this guy is actually saying anything.

Living Wills and Vegetative states
I am an engineer, not only by trade but "by life". When I see things that are cool I want to know how they work. But more importantly, I get an large amount of joy when I build something, write something, or perform something. I love life, I love my abilities and to use them (even if I bitch and moan sometimes during the process). My biggest fear in life, is to come out of a long coma, which unlike in the movies, people do not come out of the same way they went into. It is crippling. You only need to look at the video above.

It's not like losing a hand, or an eye. I could probably deal with that (both hands would be extremely debilitating to me though). Its an all over muscular loss. I simply do not want to live like that. And no, hearing about the one or two people who not only come out of a long coma but also regain mobility and speech does not provide any comfort to me when that is the extreme exception.

Socialized Medicine
We've already seen it from Fox in some respect when they did some ridiculous reporting about how The Netherlands are in a state of anarchy, reveling in a mire of smut and drugs, implying that this is what we can expect if those damn liberals get in charge. I expect we will see more and more of isolated cases where medicine went wrong (as if that has anything to do with how the medicine is paid for) on the news as we move towards, you know, a new healthcare system that is also not socialized.

Strengthening CAM
I also bet we are going to see cases like this used to strengthen the canard of "Doctors don't know everything". You see, the "logic" goes like this, if doctors screw up somewhere on the planet, then homeopathy works. Isn't that clear as day? Take a look over at NaturalNews or HuffPo in the next few days, I have little doubt that this case will be made.

Is he really writing?
Before I actually read any of the articles about this case, I saw a few tweets from Michael Shermer.

So, I thought "What is Michael yammering on about?" So I saw the video above. What the hell? Is everyone credulous? Would it have been so offensive or so unethical to actually put some headphones on the woman moving that mans hand so we could determine if this is real or not.

I'm not saying that the guy is not awake, I'm not saying he didn't suffer for 23 years. I'm not a doctor, I didn't diagnose him, I haven't seen any of the data suggesting he is not in a coma. I'm saying that it's bullshit that he is typing out these words, that fast. Isn't it just as unethical to force words down his throat in the form of typing things he may not actually be saying?

I do wish some modicum of skepticism would enter the media the first time, and not at the end of weeks of hype.

Skeptic's Circle 124

2009-11-20T19:06:00.001-08:00

New Skeptics Circle is up at Beyond The Short Coat

Its simple but there is a lot of good reading in there! Include one from yours truly! Have a blast!

The next Skeptics Circle is right here at Effort Sisyphus!

UPDATE (December 1): I am afraid that I will be unavailable to work on this tomorrow. So I have to close this circle for submissions now. Sorry if you were trying to pop out one last entry, but have strength! The next circle is only 2 weeks away.

We vaccinated our daughter and have seen severe changes in her

2009-11-06T18:50:00.001-08:00

I’m writing this post because there is a lot of hoopla about vaccinations right now and I think one more anecdote to the pile of anecdotes out there about vaccinations is important.

My daughter, Bean (yeah, that's not her real name), is going to be three really soon and I need to go into her history a bit to really be able to delineate her vaccination story effectively.

Bean was born about three years ago to two of the most loving parents on the planet, if I don’t say so myself. To this day I’m amazed at the changes your body and brain go through when you have a kid. I was always the kind of guy that thought kids were something my sister should have, I now have completely reversed that position.

Its amazing to me how you can love someone so much that just cries, needs to be fed, burps, pukes, pisses and poops. But you do, and each week that passes, I love her more and more. Bean learned to walk a little later than average, but not much later, 13 months. But she learned some basic sign language at 8 months (“more” was her first signed word).

Our household has 2 languages in it, I’m an English speaker trying to learn French. My wife is French who speaks perfect English. We decided that I would talk to Bean in English and she would talk to her in French.

With the signing and the dual languages we expected her to start speaking late and she did. But in time we started to realize that she still wasn't speaking even after allowing for some extra time. There was a word here or there, but she was way behind in speaking. The inability to communicate lead to temperament issues and the all out tantrums were both common and severe. As new parents we had trouble differentiating between normal toddler tantrums and this. But looking at the pace of other kids, we slowly realized that Bean was behind the curve.

We further noted extreme discomfort in social situations. She did a little better with adults, but when it was other kids she would be very flustered and usually end up in a tantrum. Its so hard to see someone you love that much get so upset by normal social interactions that other kids are actually having fun with.

We also noticed that she was rarely smiling or happy. She didnt giggle like other little girls not near as often.

In time we got child therapists. New York State has a great program where therapists come to your house to help your child get up to speed. We have a speech therapist, an occupational therapist (not what it sounds like, the OC helps her negotiate new and different tactile senses), and a therapist to help with her social interactions. I really appreciate these programs available in my sate and now understand where some of the exorbitant tax money goes.

We also took Bean to a developmental psychologist. The autism word was thrown around, but it became clear that bean was probably not autistic. She was very ahead in some cognitive areas and very behind in others, but he didn't think it was a case of autism.

I want to fast forward to the beginning of October now. Bean got her flu vaccination. It had thimerisol and everything. She had absolutely no physical reactions to it whatsoever: no fever, no swelling, no pain. However since the shot there have been some huge changes in her.

Bean was able to start school since then. She can be in a group of 7 kids in good comfort. This is totally amazing. She has been really fun to be around, really explorative, points out lots of new things here at home, at school and at our weekend house. She can talk well enough that we generally understand what she wants to say although there is still some baby talk that comes out that is hard to understand. She laughs at funny stories or when we joke around. She still has tantrums when she doesn’t get her way, but they are rarely for random or unintelligible reasons anymore. Basically it feels like ever since we got the flu shot for her, she has become a normal child for her age.

Everything in this post is 100% true and accurate as far as I can remember it. I am also 100% sure that if I ask my wife, she will have a different chronology and describe the severity of different aspects of Beans personality differently, but not differently enough that we couldn’t ascribe her improvement to the flu vaccination. You’ll notice that I went ahead and gave credit to the vaccination for her improvement and not the months of work the therapists did.

But I know its not the flu vaccination, of course it isn’t, because there is no reason to think that it is, just like the other way. Just because something happens hours, days or weeks after a vaccination doesn't necessarily mean that it was because of the vaccination itself. The cause and effect must specifically be studied. To date there is simply no good reason to fear vaccines unless you have allergies to eggs, or some familial history of negative reactions.

I understand how vaccinations work with your immune system. I learned it in high school and relearned it to be able to understand this so called controversy. I have heard the claims by antivaxxers and have read the responses of medical professions on each and every one of those claims even as goalposts move. I then went and checked the claims of the medical professionals. You know what? the people who actually do science and medicine as a living are far better at explaining why they are right, backing up their claims with references that actually confirm what they are saying and have far, far larger datasets that they draw on to show the veracity of their claims. That is part of the years of training that went into their education to be a medical professional. Folks like Kevin Trudeau, Jenny McCarthy, and JB Handley have never had to deal with that rigor and are completely unequipped to back up anything they say without misrepresentation, conspiracy theories, and ad hominem attacks. Their delusions are no more probable, no more explainable, and no more real than the idea that my daughters extreme cognitive improvement came from the flu vaccine.

I love my daughter. I love her to the point that stepping in front of a moving train for her seems like a tiny inconvenience. Part of my love for her is to show her immune system what the bad guys look like, so it can fight them without causing suffering for her.

Oh, and by the way, I didn't start speaking until I was near three. No, I don't think any delays she had were from her vaccinations.

Slow Down

2009-11-02T17:44:00.001-08:00

Looks like things are slowing down a bit here at Effort Sisyphus. There are a number of reasons for this such as:

I have a big skeptical project I am working on, news to come
I have real life things that are interfering with my blogging time
I am preparing the Atheist Charities post to be a little more user friendly for release in December
I'm suffering writer's block, but have been tweeting on little things I see here and there, feel free to follow (techskeptik)

I have three posts jogging around in my head I'd like to find a few hours to attack, unfortunately it is currently impossible to schedule time for them that they require.

Well now you know. This place is not dead, I am in a temporarly slow down that should recover again soon.

Stay Tuned!

How Skepticism has improved my health and my life

2009-10-16T19:46:00.001-07:00

I've thought about writing this post for a while, but I keep bailing on it because I thought no one wants to hear about my health problems. And you may not. But this is a happy story, at least to me so I thought I would write it. A recent post by Tom Foss is what made me reconsider.

For as long as I can remember I've had stomach problems. Without getting too graphic, this is an intense pain in my gut, that stays there until I make two trips to the bathroom, with each trip lasting 10-25 minutes. Its gross, its embarrassing, and its a pain in the ass (lol a pun!).

There was a time, when I was very young and my parents were away for work and me and my sister were being taken care of by my grandfather, who was Danish and spoke no english. My stomach acted up, it hurt so bad and I couldn't make him understand me. I called 911 and got myself into a hospital where, no surprise here, they found nothing wrong.

Later that same week (this was 5th or 6th grade), a girl at school (Wow I still remember her name, Alex) was mentioning to someone else that her housekeeper was having stomach aches and then her teeth started falling out. I made a phone call to a dentist out of the yellow pages as soon as I got home that day.

These exact pains continues through high school, college, grad school, even now I get them. They happen when I am home alone, they happen when I go to parties, they have happened when I am stuck in the world most disgusting bar. It's truly inconvenient and as I said, often very embarrassing. One of the first dates with my current wife was accompanied by one of these attacks. It's good thing she is awesome.

My father also suffered from the same thing. He told me on many occasions that he can not eat garlic or onion because it gave him stomach aches. In time, I thought that not only do I have the same pains, but its likely that it was due to the same thing garlic and onions. So while I absolutely love garlic on and in my food, onions too, I avoided them. My sister has it too.

When I still got stomach aches, I would think "hmm, I must have had garlic by accident", or "hmm there must be something else that also causes the pain". I noticed I would get the pain often when in social situations (yeah that was really great). I was always nervous when in a situation where I don't know anyone (I now over compensate for that by being very loquacious), and it was these very times when my stomach would erupt in a frenzy of pain and cramps, with the end result with me claiming the bathroom as my temporary home no matter where I was.

There are drugs for the pain. The oldest and previously most common for it was a drug called Donnatal. It's a combination of a barbiturate (phenobarbital) and the herb belladonna (deadly nightshade). Yeah, thats a pretty ironic thing in retrospect. I thought it worked.

In time, I got sick and tired of it. I went to the doctor who diagnosed it as IBS. There are some recent treatments for it, like a drug called Protonex. I have no idea if it works. I was on it for a while, but since the pain doesn't come regularly, it felt like I was taking a pill for no reason. I was told to move to a high fiber diet. That too may work for all I know, but I already eat pretty decently. Then my wife noticed that I would be keeled over when I ate meat.

Hey! Perhaps I can't eat meat for some reason. So I swore it off for almost a year. No meat, steak of course being one of my favorite things to prepare and eat. But the pain returned.

Only in the last couple of years did I get into this skepticism stuff. I finally decided to point my skeptical beam at my own belly. I noticed that I had pain when I didn't eat garlic. I noticed that I had no pain when I ate cloves of garlic. I noticed that I had pain sometimes when I ate meat, and sometimes I didn't.

I also noticed that when I took a Donnatal, my stomach would feel better after two trips to the bathroom. I noticed that two trips to the bathroom would relieve the pain without the drugs.

Basically I noticed I had fallen into the same traps as people who think homeopathy works. I had decided something was the cause (garlic, meat), then ignored the times when I had pain without those foods, and only noticed the times that I did have pain when I ate those things. I thought I had a treatment (Donnatal), I ignored the fact that the fix happened in the bathroom whether I took the drug or not, but I would ascribe the relief to the drug, and not to the toilet.

Here is what is clear now: It doesn't matter what I eat. The pain comes and goes and there may be no trigger at all. If I am going through a time when I get pain, I can eat rice and it will still hurt (in fact, the other night I had 'harmless' crepes and I found myself keeled over). Also, Donnatal is likely to be placebo.

It's a great feeling to gain this knowledge. It's awesome to know that I don't have to deprive myself of foods that I love. It's freeing to know that I don't have to worry about taking a drug with me wherever I need to go, or stressing out if I forget it. IBS is not well understood, but skepticism let me gain control over it.

Healthcare Conflation

2009-10-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

This post is sort of a response to a post a Vjacks. For some reason my long comments there weren't getting through (perhaps he hates me?), but I thought perhaps they were good enough as an actual blog post anyway. I think the very largest problem with this so-called debate about healthcare is that a huge amount of conflation keeps happening...on both sides.

Health care technology is not the same thing as a health care system.

Its that simple. Seems obvious, so how come these morons can't keep the debate focused on the right thing? The debate should only be about the latter and should not include the former.

Health Care Technology
There is little doubt and little debate (at least amongst Americans) that America has the best health care technology in the world. Better than that, we export, and make tons of money on this very technology. This technology with respect not not only life saving procedures, but also effective drugs and treatments for non-life threatening issues like chronic stomach pain, restless leg syndrome, impotence, etc.

I don't want to ignore the contribution in many areas that come from other countries, I do recognize some amazing work that comes out of France and Japan that I am familiar with. I'm sure significant contributions come from other countries, I am just only familiar with these two (sorry if I left your country out). Even my vasectomy that I had, was done with a Thai procedure (but I got it here).

But in the end, I think we can safely say that America does in fact, provide the world with more of what we call "western medicine" than any other country. We also can say that we have studied the efficacy of this work (from USA and other countries), and found that we have made great strides in cancer treatment, prevention of transmissible diseases, and other health areas.

Even if the science was attained through completely unethical means, and the efficacy of the treatment is proven, it is still healthcare technology and not part of the system under debate. That is not an endorsement of unethical behavior, its simply a fact that if a treatment is verified to work, its simply a fact that it does, which is a different issue than the means by which this fact was attained.

One more fact about our medical technology that is almost universally considered unsurpassed. The great majority of it was developed through a so-called 'socialist' mechanism. Yes folks, I'm sorry to say you have this wonderful healthcare technology due to a giant wealth redistribution system that takes money from citizen and aims billions of dollars of it towards medical research to the tunes of tens of billions of dollars annually.

30 billion from the National Institute of Health.

More than 80% of the NIH's funding is awarded through almost 50,000 competitive grants to more than 325,000 researchers at over 3,000 universities, medical schools, and other research institutions in every state and around the world.

6 billion redistributed dollars from the CDC

The CDC awards nearly 85 percent of its budget through grants and contracts to help accomplish its mission to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

The Health and Human Services has a budget of 76 billion.

The HHS grant portfolio is the largest in the federal government with more than 300 grant programs operating under its annual grant budget that amounts to approximately 60% of the Federal government's grant dollars.

These tax dollars get doled on in a competitive peer reviewed process (as do grants for the DoD and DoE etc) in the form of phased grants. Sometimes the a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. Sometimes they are grand challenges, and sometimes they come in other forms.

Compare these values to the paltry 10 billion or so dollars that venture capitalists invest every year. Conservatives seem to think that venture capitalists can do this, but I have sad news for them. Basic research rarely pays off directly, but it forms a foundation for the items that do pay off. VC tend to invest after the preliminary work has already been done, when the product has been fleshed out, even when some early units have shipped. They have almost no tolerance for the very early work. There are exceptions: Drug companies do invest lots of money in a new drug for example, but they get their returns in getting a formula retweaked as long as possible rather than doing the basic research for something truly novel (Viagra was found by accident and will get tweaked as the patent's time limit arrives, much like you see Claritin coming in a new form).

To sum up this part... The healthcare technology in the USA is possibly the best in the world. It also got this way through largely socialist means (but not totally) while the money is being made through capitalist means.

Health care system
A health care system is the mechanism by which the technology gets distributed to the people. Most, if not all, countries with longer lifespans (we rank 50th or 35th depending on where you look) and greater healthcare satisfaction (17th) have a socialized healthcare system. The citizens are taxed, the money is pooled and healthcare is delivered to everyone in the nation.

Our healthcare system works by letting companies compete to provide better healthcare to their customers. At least that is the theory. In reality healthcare costs for customers of any of these companies average out to be far higher than in any other country, without the benefit of longer lifespans or better satisfaction.

Liberal like me can't see how we can expect a company, with an inherently smaller pool of customers than a socialized system would provide, can possibly deliver competitive costs with respect to other countries. Never mind the fact that the profit motive necessarily raises costs even if it as little as 3.3%. Never mind the anti-trust issues and unethical recision and all the other bad practices that they do, each company necessarily has a miniscule insurance pool by which to couch the payouts. Insurance works best when you have lots of healthy people paying into it. The whole country as an insurance pool is better than breaking it up into 50 smaller pools.

Anyway, regardless of my opinions of our system. The debate would go a lot easier if we stuck to discussion about a health care system rather than the state of our health care technology.

Here is a video going around. Both of these men perform the very conflation I am talking about.

Argument from Gravity

2009-10-01T18:58:00.001-07:00

I just joined an Atheist group. Its not something I really thought I would ever do, but I have to say I realy enjoyed meeting these folks. The good part was that it was a group of very intelligent people, each with different stories of how they dropped their religion or never had any. Its a good group of people, and to be honest I look forward to going to other gatherings. I rather happy about it.

However I did find, what I would consider a somewhat prevalent sense of spite toward religion that many of them had, almost a pettiness with regard to religion. I have to say I'm an atheism, but I'm not 'into' atheism. I didnt go to this to strengthen my lack of beleif, I went to it jsut to meet some like minded people. So there were a number of things that sort of put me off. For example, as we were paying, one of the member crossed off "in God we Trust" form each and every bill she was handing in. That just seems like a petty act that really doesnt do anything -even if it were legal. There were also few skeptics there. So we are talking about a group of people with a significant percentage of Bill Maher type atheists. But I think it as a relatively minor number of peopel.

That said, someone in the group posted on our discussion board the following Argument From Gravity. I kind of liked it an thought I would share. I modified it a bit to improve it some more. Give it a shot next time you have some Jehovah's Witnesses or mormons at your door.

Recently I was in a coffee shop web surfing on my notebook when I was approached by a godbot, who offered me a bible. I said I have one and politely declined his. He then asked if I was “saved” and I replied “No, I’m an Atheist” He then launched into a diatribe designed to convert me….which I politely interrupted and asked him what the most powerful and grand force in the universe is…..
He thought about it a few seconds and then said (predictably) that god is

I said OK, physics has defined 4 natural forces at work in the universe:
THE STRONG NUCLEAR FORCE
The strong nuclear force binds together the protons and neutrons that comprise an atomic nucleus.

THE WEAK NUCLEAR FORCE
The weak nuclear force causes the radioactive decay of certain particular atomic nuclei.

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCE
The electromagnetic force determines the ways in which electrically charged particles interact with each other and also with magnetic fields.

GRAVITY
Gravitation is a force of attraction that acts between each and every particle in the Universe and is the weakest of the 4 forces.

Gravity is so weak that a baby, picking up a toy, has overcome the gravitational pull of an 8000 mile diameter ball of nickel-iron.

I said there is a theory that states: An unsupported object, at rest, in a gravitational field will fall.

At this point I took a penny from my pocket, and dropped it several times in my outstretched hand.

I then said to him, for a total instrumentation cost of one red cent, I can, any time, anywhere, conclusively demonstrate the existence of weakest force in the universe, you theists have had thousands of years and trillions of present day dollars and they still haven't come up with a lick of convincing evidence that could show me this most powerful force “god” of yours….
And until you can, I suggest you go away and stop bothering me.

Nice. To the point and I would love to hear the theists response to it.

Coded without Intelligence

2009-09-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've recently seen a lot of references to the idea that codes are impossible without a codemaker, a designer, and ultimately referring to God's existence. I never really understood that. Sure you need intelligence to understand a code, but you certainly don't need intelligence to create a code.

This recently came up at Skeptico's, and again at ERV, and I am sure it has been brought up in 100 other places.

So, may I present to you a list of codes that do not require a codemaker.

Tree rings
Tree rings can be seen when a tree is cut down. No one designed those rings but they are a very accurate method by which to encode the age of the tree.

Ratio of Carbon-12 to Carbon-14
This ratio encodes how long ago something died (good to about 50K years, after that there are other methods that work on similar principles). No one controls this ratio, it is a natural process by which carbon-14 decays into carbon 12.

Color of Hydrengea
The color of this plant encodes the Ph of the soil and the presence of aluminum.

Fraunhofer Lines
Fraunhofer lines encode the presence (or absence) of a set of elements based on the spectra of the light source. These can be used to find elemental information about stars in distant solar systems.

X-Ray fluoroscopy
When an element is hit with an x-ray and a photon is energized and released. The individual component wavelength of this emissions encodes the elements that were present.

Lightning and Thunder
The time in seconds between seeing a flash of lightning and hearing the thunder, divided by five equates roughly encodes the distance, in miles, the flash was from the observer (divide by three for kilometers).

Bloodspatter
This is probably my favorite one because it looks so random. To the trained professional bloodspatter can encode a wide variety of things, including:

Type of damage (arterial or not)
Direction of Action
Height of wound
a number of other aspects of both the victim and the attacker

(big thanks to Big Al at Skeptico's for providing a couple of those)

This is but a small list, there are lots and lots of examples of things that are encoded, not because some great codemaker encoded something one way or another, but because we as humans understand the mechanisms behind the encoding.

Feel free to enter you ideas for Coding without Intelligence...

Apparently it's not required

2009-09-26T21:56:00.001-07:00

So I have been following somewhat closely these two terrorism suspects in the news recently. The most popular one is about Najibullah Zazi, the 24 year old shuttle driver and coffee server,who apparently is at the center of an Al Qaeda cell that tried to launch a domestic terror attack on sept 11. In brief:

An FBI affidavit says Zazi admitted under questioning to receiving weapons and training from al-Qaeda, and a series of searches in New York City turned up evidence that Zazi may have been looking to manufacture either truck or backpack bombs.

Apparently they found videos of how to make a make on his computer and he hit up hair supply distributors in order to get chemicals to make a liquid bomb. (ignore the dumb articles saying the bomb was made out of hydrogen peroxide - thats idiotic, H2O2 is not explosive, how it IS a reagent for making triacetone triperoxide).

Meanwhile another couple of kookoos had their goals set for blowing something up. Michael Finton and Hosam Maher Husein Smad, separately, and unrelatedly also wanted to blow some shit up on sept 11.

How were these guys caught?

Well Zazi had decided to go to Pakistan (ok, guess what, if you are born in Afghanistan and are going to travel to Pakistan for "pleasure", you are getting flagged). Then while under surveillance, he started hitting up places where you can get hydrochloric acid, pure hydrogen peroxide (consumer H2O2 is only about 30% pure), and acetone. After that he rented a car and headed for NYC where he was intercepted. I'm sure between wire taps and other surveillance methods they had plenty on this guy.

Finton had a different story. He got out of jail for robbery and aggravated assault. He had told the guards that he had converted to islam, then he received money from someone in Saudi Arabia for a plane ticket. Finton spent a month there.

Finton had been monitored by this time. At this point the feds seem to have a standard procedure that they keep using. You and I would call in entrapment, probably because we are not familiar with the intricacies of the law. they do this as a practice so i doubt its illegal. Nor do I care. I think this is OK.

Basically they passed themselves off as al Qaeda operatives and got him a bomb to blow up in a federal building. Finton went ahead and did it. The bomb was fake. When Finton called the number that was supposed to blow up the bomb, he just called the FBI.

Anyway, I didn't really intend on rehashing the news.I dont even want to jump to the conclusion that these three people are actually guilty. The FBI have made plenty of mistakes with regard to terrorism. I just wanted to point something out here. They were able to catch three terrorism suspect, who may have caused a lot of damage.

And they did it without any torture.

My weekend at NECSS

2009-09-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

First off, I am a tardy, tardy, lame blogger. I am sorry I have not gotten around to this for so long. Real life caught up with me in such a big way. A new kid is really getting in the way of maintaining my outlet for stress relief.

Second off, sorry I couldn't Tweet. The auditorium was underground and there was no cell service. However I have very few followers on Twitter, so I doubt it was really a big deal.

So lets get started... The North East Conference on Science and Skepticism!

The night before the conference there was a skeptic's in the Pub event at a place called Dewey's Flatiron in NYC (uh, because it was near the Flatiron building). I'm originally from NYC, it was not really a problem to find it.

Well, I showed up alone which is always a weird feeling. Upon enetering, I noticed it was relatively empty. Strange for a friday night at 9:00, but whatever. After asking a waitress, it turns out the skeptics had, for the most part, parked themselves upstairs. So, even after 500 years of college, its still weird to jump into a large group of people you don't know and start mingling. I'm afraid my method is to make scene and point at people who are going to be stuck with me for the short term. It works pretty much every time because people are generally nice and everyone is basically in the same boat.

At the bar I met a few skeptics, but of course the one guy I end up talking with was brought there by his skeptic friend. This guy, who I will call Sam because I have completely forgotten his name, was a proud Catholic and obvious (after a short amount of conversation) libertarian. Nothing wrong with that, except his unbelievable pomposity was abhorrent.

We started out with some small and somehow we got on to Joe Wilson, you know the "You Lie" guy. I simply mentioned that it was such a weird thing to risk your career on when he was easily demonstrably wrong.

Sam, was like "What do you mean?"
I pointed out that part of the bill (the house version at the time), that stated simply that benefits for paying for insurance was not to be given to unauthorized residents. The rest of the plan is what we have now, anyone can buy insurance if they wish.
Sam said that there was not enough teeth, no verification.
I said, that it's irrelevant how it is enforced as far as this bill goes, its illegal to give benefits to illegal immigrants under the bill and Wilson is demonstrably wrong.
Sam entered into a litany of how its so horrible that we don't enforce our laws, democrats want ACORN around to give them votes, etc etc. I pointed out that being illegal and enforcing the laws are two different issues, Obama would have won with or without any of the folks ACORN signed up, etc etc.

But then he got to the good part. Socialism is bad. His point was that, in theory, socialism simply can not financially work. I have no idea if that is right or wrong. So I said, "OK, which country is purely socialist?" My point obviously being that it doesn't matter if something doesn't work in its pure form if that isn't what anybody is actually doing and not something anyone is proposing.

Same thing happened later. He told me he was the head of something or other that represents 28 biotech firms and that America has the best healthcare system. I pointed out that he was conflating healthcare technology and healthcare system. And even at that, its quite disputable that we have the best healthcare when so many countries have longer lifespans than we do (and at half the cost for healthcare). But he was adamant...we have the best healthcare in the world. So fine, I asked him how his 28 biotech companies are primarily funded.

Lets just say he got quiet for a moment. I knew that they exist on government funding. It was an easy win. Regardless he was a true believer, it didn't really matter what I said. Socialism is bad in any form because in theory pure socialism is financially unsound.

It's pretty much par for the course for me to get hooked up with someone like that during an event that is supposed to be fun. I didn't see anyone else getting in a heated conversation.

Anyway Sam left, I spoke with a few other skeptics in a much more calm way on more interesting topics. I even met Rebecca Watson. From her tweets, Skeptic's in the Pub seems to be her element. She was very friendly and nice. Sadly I was too drunk by this time (3:00 AM) to be anything even close to witty. Oh well. I'm long past the age where I can do this more than one night in a long while.

I have no idea how I got up for the conference (felt I had to be there by 8AM since I had misplaced my ticket), but I did and I was pretty chipper too. It was at the French Institute which has a pretty good auditorium. However, as is typical for NYC theaters the freaking rows of seats are too close to each other which sucks for the long legged members of our society like me. after an hours my knees we killing me. For the second half I changed seats to a place where there was a little more space.

One more little note: Its such a strange feeling to see these people who I have been listening to for over a year every single week. I saw the Novella Clan on the street while they were arriving to the event. I couldn't help it but I made a crack about them being early (they were) as if I knew them. They must get this all the time, but still, I had a hard time not being an ass in that way. I'm glad the skeptical community is generally made up of truly nice people.

Bios for all the speakers can be found here.

Jamy Ian Swiss
Mr. Swiss was our host for the day. He was energetic, amiable, a little dorky like the whole audience, and a good choice for this event. He said he was a magician by trade and cofounder of the New York City Skeptics. He got the ball rolling with our first presenter.

Dr. Paul Offit
I didn't know what to expect from Dr. Offit. Would he be angry at his treatment by antivaxxers? Was he this evil character the nut jobs have made him out to be. No, he was a very eloquent speaker and really hammered home many of the issues of science in the media that we are all familiar with. It was during his presentation that I realized I didnt really learn anything. I got a dull pang of worry that this whole event would be worthless if I was not going to learn anything.

During his talk I couldn't help but think, "Why the hell are you preaching to the choir?". His presentation contained a lot of information that people who are on the fence need to hear. Happily he addressed that and pointed out that he is simply not invited to speak at events that pander to the woo. Further he doesn't get to go on shows like Oprah to provide a little sanity. They specifically said no to him. Its a pretty sorry state we are in. Anyway, it was a good talk, but not one in which anyone in this audience actually needed to hear.

I did learn one thing. He mentioned CAM and in particular about how the Gonzalez protocol for treating cancer was recently belatedly reported to be utter bullshit. Orac really covered the same thing afterwards and in much greater detail. But I heard about it first during this presentation.

We then got treated with a live presentation of Skeptics Guide to the universe.
After almost all of them coming out poorly timed, we were treated to Dr. Richard Wiseman as being part of their panel for the day.

I have to say this right now: if you ever get to see something with Dr. Wiseman in it, Go! He is very funny, charming, superlatively optimistic and enthusiastic and really adds to anything he is part of. I say this in light of the fact that while I also listen to his podcast, I am not that enamored with it.

OK, by the way, I found this picture of the event from Tim Farley's (of whatstheharm.net) Facebook page. There is me with my shiny head.

When Steve Novella came out he took a picture of the audience with the camera he has mentioned a lot in the podcast. But I don't see it posted anywhere. So you are stuck with this one. Sad, I was hoping to see it somewhere.

Anyway, the SGU talked about a number of topics as the always do. I gotta say, Rebecca was on a roll that night, Bob, not so much (was he hungover?). She was very charming and funny. Some jokes went on and on too long (like the overdone joke mentioning Dr. Wiseman's new book 59 seconds). It was far more juvenile than normal (lots of penis/sex jokes), but still funny for us geeks.

Their latest podcast is the one they did at NECSS, so I wont rehash it here. I just wanted to say that it went well but Bob novella was having an off day. It really appeared that he didn't do his homework. Steve had to step in to clear up his topic.

There were questions, some were good, but only one was memorable. Someone asked about dealing with a talk that Robert Kennedy was about to give and what they thought he should ask him. Steve rightly pointed out that there was not one question tht would ruin the day for him, that Kennedy would simply weasle out some lame answer and move on. Rebecca hit it on the head with an excellent suggestion, which I think is the only way we can deal with this sort of thing.

The goal is not to change the mind of the speaker, the goal is to put information into the heads of the audience. She suggested that the best thing to do would be to get a group of skeptics to go to the meeting and barrage him with a number of questions that include data (like your body makes more formaldehyde naturally than is being injected in a vaccine and why should it matter, or that there is a difference between ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol and so forth). That way, the audience would know that they were fed a bunch of bull.

I can't stress enough of how good I think this idea is. She was right on.

George Hrab
I finally got to see George. He just did songs, was totally cool about people leaving for lunch. I stuck around for "Skeptic" and left because my stomach was hurting from lack of sleep and hunger. Sorry George.

After lunch (which I had at some fancy schmancy place with the guy who sat next to me during the first part, but the food was very good), Mr Swiss came back out and showed us some weird optical illusions. I'm not going to describe them in detail, but apparently your brain is weird enough that if you stare at a spinning spiral for 30 seconds or so and then look at someone's head, it will puff up. If you look at the ame spiral spinning the other direction and do the same thing, the head shrinks. We are weird animals.

Panel: Rachel Dunlop, Howard Schneider, John Snyder - moderated by John Rennie.
I had never heard of Schneider or Snyder, but it was neat to see Dr. Rachie and listen to John Rennie. Mr. Rennie wrote "15 answers to creationist nonsense", one of many sources which I used to create my Creationist Bingo.

It was a good panel discussion. Dr. Rachie and John Snyder both took the side that "balance" in the media is truly hurting the advancement of science and the proliferation of knowledge. They also pointed out that the media never distinguishes between scientifically controversial and socially controversial.

Dr. Schneider took the side that presenting balance is in fact a responsibility of the media. However, I couldn't help thinking that he was presenting some No True Scotman fallacy there as he was obviously distinguishing between news, and newslike programs like Bill O'Reilly. I don't think a lot of america actually makes that distinction and that to me is a big part of the problem.

I wanted to ask about this, but here is a tip: If you are going to a conference and are the type of person who would like to ask a question, dont sit in the center of the row. The effort to get out far out weighs the desire to ask a question.

I really thought this panel was going to be a bore. I found it pretty interesting in the end.

I was really looking towards the next panel.

Panel: Why is it so difficult to be a skeptic?
Richard Wiseman, Massimo Pigliucci, Kaja Perina and moderated by Michel De Dora

First off it was nice to see such a young dude being a moderator. Mr. De Dora is currently involved with the Center for Inquiry. While there was some nervousness, he did a really good job.

Its too bad the panelists were such a bore. uh, except Dr. Wiseman. Maybe I misunderstood the title, but I really was hoping for some insight to quandries like I have written about before. But Alas it was not to be found. I think the academics don't really find being a skeptic in a normal life to be very difficult. I don't think these guys truly encounter poor critical thinking on a day to day basis. At least it didnt seem that way.

Massimo read notes off his iPhone. I could swear he wrote them on his trip down from wherever he lives. I didn't glean anything valuable from Ms. Perina.

Only Dr. Wiseman really got the topic. He mentioned some stuff that I have directly experienced, like when I told someone about the conference. Dr. Wiseman asked "What do you say, when asked what this is?". And he went on to explain that while its hard, and while its frustrating, its working. I dont know how we measure this (for another post one day - are we doing anything?), but he is really able to delineate true enthusiasm and honest optimism on what we are getting done. I really want to believe him, but I'd really like to know how we measure progress. As you can tell by the name of my blog, I am not as optimistic as he is (although I am a very optimistic person).

Finally we came to Carl Zimmer.
Dr. zimmer gave a great presentation on skepticism in general. He pointed out a lot fo the good work bloggers are doing and covered a lot of typical skepticla issues. He is a clear speaker and a great asset to the skeptical movement.

I finally asked a question. Here is what I wanted to ask:

"What things would you suggest that we, as fellow technology literate bloggers, can do to help the non technically oriented to discern the scientifically supported subject matter we present from the nonsense dressed up like science?"

What came out was something far longer, mentioned my PhD, mentioned my Techskeptic pseudonym, mentioned Skeptico and Skeptiko, mentioned my wife, mentioned a host of other things and I'm guessing, from his response, I was completely unintelligible. In my head at the time it sounded great, as I was saying it my head is going "What the fuck are you trying to ask, moron?"

He pointed out that this is not a new issue. James Randi has been dealing with it for years. Yeah, duh, thats why we are all here. Are non professional bloggers helping or not? So to Dr. Zimmer, I'm sorry I was a rambling moron.

I have left out tons of funny and interesting stuff from this event. While the anti-vax issue dominated the entire event, it was still widely varied and I enjoyed it. I will most certainly go again next year. Especially if Dr. Wiseman chooses to participate again.

My upcoming weekend

2009-09-08T19:45:00.001-07:00

Well I was not one of the lucky thousand who had time and opportunity to go to TAM. However, the upcoming NECSS is actually within reach for me both financially (I grew up in NYC, mom still lives there) and timing-wise (Lady Tech has agreed to watch the homefront and corral the kiddies). So I am off to the North East Conference on Science and Skepticism!

Looks like a good gamut of speakers. Here is the schedule:

09:30 AM - Doors open

10:00 AM - Welcome

10:10 AM - Speaker: Paul Offit - Communicating Science to the Public

11:00 AM - Live SGU Podcast taping (w/guest Richard Wiseman)

01:00 PM - Break for lunch

01:10 PM - 01:40 - George Hrab lunchtime musical performance

02:15 PM - Panel: Skepticism & Media - Rachael Dunlop, Howard Schneider, John Snyder, John Rennie (moderator)

03:40 PM - Panel: Why is it So Difficult to Be a Skeptic? - Richard Wiseman, Massimo Pigliucci, Kaja Perina, Michael De Dora (moderator)

05:00 PM - Speaker: Carl Zimmer

06:00 PM - Exit

Looks like fun. James Randi was supposed to be there, but looks like he is going to have to take a pass on this one until his health gets better. To add to the grooviness there is a Drinking Skeptically event at Dewey Flatiron on friday at 8, which I will also be attending. I want to see how this is done, so I can start a Skeptic's in the pub in my area (albany area in NY).

Anyway, if there any questions or things you might be interested in at this event, leave a comment and I'll be sure to follow up for you.

I'll also twitter anything useful I see from this event. You can follow me if you wish at TechSkeptik (yeah careful of that last letter, i'm pissed someone took my normal handle).

Religion and Crime

2009-09-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

Lets just be clear....

Garrido was religious BEFORE he kidnapped, raped and held Jaycee Durgard captive for 18 years.

I know, I know...not a REAL Christian. But can we please just get this part set down: Religion has nothing to do with morality. Its doesnt encourage moral behavior and it doesnt prevent immoral behavior.

Skeptical Blog Anthology 2009

2009-09-02T19:12:00.001-07:00

I love the idea of taking the best skeptical posts of the year and committing them to ink and paper. I dont have the readership of even some of the more moderate blogs, but I would enjoy knowing that you do in fact enjoy my writing and feel some of it may be up to snuff for such an endeavor.

In this vein I'd like to run my own version of a skeptic's circle right here and review some of the posts I've enjoyed writing this year. I hope you will read them and nominate them. I'll put one of the nomination badges on each of the posts to make it a little easier for you. So without further adieu...

The first one may not qualify because it was actually written in December of 2008, but it continues to be a well read post. It covers the dangers of radiation and the lack of danger associated with wireless devices, in particular DECT devices.

Another recent post of mine discussed celebrating vaccinations. Now I wrote this tongue in cheek, but I am sort of warmed by the idea of actually following through with something like this.

A post I rather like was about abortion. It questioned wether pro-lifers actually act in a way that follows from their claims of the start of life.

I spent a lot of time on a post that discusses the historical nature of government funded programs, but mostly with respect to alternative energy. I contrasted new energy research utilizing government funds with how throughout the history of man, poop was mostly dealt with in a "socialist" fashion.

I had seen some advertising and news on "electrolyzed water", and its amazing antiseptic and cleaning abilities. I didn't really believe it mostly because they didn't actually measure antiseptic and cleaning abilities of the "water".
Discussing energy is one of my specialties. This year I examined the claims of scientists (or worse, science journalists) who were talking about the possibilities of converting CO2 to fuel.

I discussed some of the hardships we have as skeptics in a non-skeptical world. As skeptics we tend to qualify our claims, this ends up appearing to most people as being noncommittal or wishy washy on a subject.

I did a quick post contrasting skepticism to denialism and where the differences really are.

I analyzed the claims of a calcium removal device. This one claimed to be ridiculously easy to install, used almost no power and no chemicals, was cheap and worked great. I showed how using their own literature, all was true but the last claim about working great.

Well I have more posts of course, but these are the ones that don't rehash the same stuff on tons of other sites (like homeopathy, acupuncture, bigfoot and so on), plus I enjoyed researching them and putting them up. I hope you liked them too. I'll put a nomination badge on each of the posts mentioned, if you like em, please nominate them.

Are Skeptics Immune?

2009-09-02T18:02:00.001-07:00

No, this is not a vaccination post. Today I was reading about yet another Ponzi scheme that took some people for a ride and wiped many of them out. But this one had its own unique flavor to it.

Tri Energy’s investors had something in common. Many were Mormons and born-again Christians who shared dreams and prayers on nightly conference calls.

Like the Madoff scam, which started out swindling Jews, this one pointed its cannons at another religious group. It occured to me that these groups all have faith in common. They not only use faith in something to guide them, but for the most part are proud of the fact that they have faith in the unknowable, unprovable, and as far as I can tell, the non-existent.

So, some guy comes into their group, claiming to share the same faith, have the same values, and builds trust that way.... only to swindle this group of people out of millions of dollars, 50 million to be exact, from over 700 faithful rubes.

But it occurred to me, are skeptics immune? We as a group tend to distrust everything that sounds too good to be true (we call those extraordinary claims). Here, lets look at this scam in particular.

...they said they were using [the $50 million] to broker the sale to Arab buyers of 20,000 tons of gold owned by a group of Israelis.

If I was told this, my alarms would have gone off. Would yours?

I would have asked questions about why that much gold was being sold
I would have asked what the gold was being used for.
I would have asked about how the money is getting used to "broker the deal".
I would have asked exactly who the "Arabs" were.
I would have asked how Henry Jones became involved in the exchange and what his relationship was to both parties.

And even if there were decent answers to each of those questions, I still would have been skeptical of the opportunity. 20,000 tons of gold (40 million pounds) is a LOT of gold! All the gold mined in the whole world last year only comes to just over 3 million pounds. So we are talking about an amount of gold that represent hoarding all the gold produced everywhere in the world for 12 years. I guess not impossible (the Arabs could have been hoarding it for centuries), but truly far fetched...no? And yes, I would have questioned that immediately.

So, I'm wondering, if someone was promoting a get rich quick scheme, would skeptics (as opposed to the larger groups of atheists, who I do not consider to be automatically skeptical thinkers), be immune to fast talking sales pitches with promises of an easy life? What if this guy displayed good critical thinking skills? What if he had verifiable answers to the questions I posed above? What if he actively participated in skeptical blogs and events like TAM?

I honestly think it still wouldn't work. Taking a quick look at any skeptical blog, you can see skeptics challenging each other on claims they make in posts and in the comments. We constantly challenge ourselves to back up our claims and not use fallacy laden thinking. It more than herding cats with us, we cats need good reasons to move in certain directions and I like to think that those very same eccentricities we display would prevent us, for a large part, from falling into this sort of trap.

Nice thing happened today

2009-08-27T17:39:00.001-07:00

A really nice thing happened to me today and I wanted to share. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you'll know that I kinda started getting into this skeptical thinking stuff due to the nonsense that a particular company was putting out. Some time later this year, I'll have a wrap up post on Medis. The full story is here, here and here.

For the last three years, along with blogging, I have been a presences on the yahoo board for Medis. Poking fun at Medis lemmings who were so married to the hype, they watched their money drop from $35/share down to below $0.35/share. What a nose dive. Totally predictable.

Anyway, I recently got a letter from someone who was given a "tip", to invest in Medis and spent some time on the Yahoo boards. He introduced himself and asked about medis. But then followed up with a general letter about nonsense. It went as follows:

I sometimes despair at the current state of our citizens ability to think for themselves.

Just consider Scientology, a belief that states that aliens live inside us. And the "E" meter, they use, nothing but the ohm meter you can buy at radio shack.

I blame it mostly on our educational system.

Obviously I am quite familiar with the claims of Scientology and this blog arose directly out of the sentiment of the first sentence. But I have come to really love the skeptical movement. I find most of the blogs smart, uplifting, funny. The podcasts I listen too do not delineate a bunch of cranky curmudgeons whining into a microphone. And I do not blame everything on our educational system. I wish it were just that easy. So I wrote back:

If you arent already familiar with the skepticism movement let me be the first to introduce you to it.

When I started blogging it was in response to needing a place to organize and present my thoughts on one single issue: Medis. When first heard about it it seemed like it could be OK. Another power source...great! But having a lot of experience with the battery market, it soon became obvious to me that things were not adding up. Whenever a quantifiable metric regarding the 24/7 was presented, li+ always clearly bettered it. Then I became aware of rationalizations that were being used to justify it. At the time I could not identify the problems, I just knew that it didnt make sense.

So I started a blog, pointing out the inconsistencies. But I didnt work on that blog for months after that first couple of posts. Then, while researching "The Secret" because of something my sister said, I came across this site. That then lead me to other sites. The author of that site personally encouraged me to write. And write I did.

Soon I came to realize that there is a whole segment of the population who were doing what I was trying to do: exposing fraud and nonsense. With utter nonsense like homeopathy, the secret, antivaxxers, and so on and so forth, you'd think this group of people would become disheartened like you are describing. Nothing could be further form the truth.

For the most part (but certainly not all the time) these are the smart geeks you knew in high school. Right now there have been millions of man-hours dedicated to the very same activities like I was doing exposing medis on a scientific level.

If you havent become part of the movement, even in its most passive form, I would recommend it. Here are some good places to start:

Blogs /sites
(you'll have to search, I dont wanna waste time by forming links for all these)

bad astronomy
New England skeptical society
Skeptico
jref
pharyngula
bad science
respectful insolence (who organizes the skeptics circle of blogs)
James Randi Educational Foundation

Pod casts
Skeptics guide to the universe
Digital Bits skeptic
Skeptoid

Conventions:
The Amazing Meeting (TAM)

This list is barely comprehensive and doesn't even come close to covering even the biggest resources. In this group you'll find thoughtful, respectful (and not very respectful), people who are scientists, musicians, comedians, and average joes like me.

In it you'll see that scientology is but a small portion of the nonsense out there. But you'll also find that it doesn't need to get you down. This movement is growing every year and that alone makes me feel great. Importantly, its not just education, its lazy thinking instilled by religion, parents, greed and well, laziness that contribute to this state of things. Most people simply are missing the motivation to ask "What if?" or "how?" and don't enjoy pointing out sloppy thinking from politicians, clergy, and purveyors of a whole realm of nonsense.

If this is new stuff to you, I hope you spend a little time becoming familiar with these resources. There is so much to learn, not just on one topic or another, but about people in general and the universe around us.

Good luck.

What do you think? Would you have written something different to get people involved?

Yes, Tort reform is needed…

2009-08-19T16:15:00.001-07:00

But can we please stop pretending that it has anything at all to do with the cost of healthcare in this country?

Lets be clear. Yes there is a lot of suing going on in this country. Yes, sometimes an employer is negligent and sometimes the claim is fraudulent. A report by two southern republicans, big name conservatives in fact, have previously laid it out. Mitch McConnell and Dick Armey, both republicans, had put this report together in 1998. Let’s just use it as true, since these two in particular are generally against healthcare reform.

Now, how much is tort law costing you? Well there is an estimate that Tort law is costing each person, on average, an extra 880 dollars or so per year in extra costs of the products and services you buy from companies that have to pay these legal expenses. But this is the total cost of all torts, fraudulent or not. That means that medical malpractice tort costs you an extra 88 cents per year, again, fraudulent or not.

How much does healthcare cost? The Kaiser Family Foundation put that number at $5700 in 2003. There are reports of it reaching 8000 dollars per person later this year. Its really hard to understand how those 88 cents in 1998 (OK, lets say it has quadruples since then) has anything to do with our current ridiculous costs of healthcare.

So when someone writes an article suggesting as a means to lower healthcare costs:

Enact tort reform to end the ruinous lawsuits that force doctors to pay insurance costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. These costs are passed back to us through much higher prices for health care.

You gotta put on your skeptical hat for the rest of the proposals. This is a simple flat out lie. Although, to be fair, some of the suggestions in that article are just fine.

Here’s a radical idea (sarcasm): Providing national healthcare allows significant tort reform. This is the model in Australia and other countries. Since most of tort law is centered around health related injuries (you can be injured in other ways), if future expenses of healthcare were no longer an issue, because healthcare is covered, then the cost of losing a tort case would drop dramatically. You could even put a ceiling on it as long as healthcare was provided.

Guess what this is

2009-08-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

A-alphalipoprotein Neuropathy (see Tangier Disease),Abdominal Cramps (see Colic),Abdominal Delivery (see Cesarean Section),Abdominal Injuries,Abdominal Pain,Abortion, Induced,Abortion,,Spontaneous,Abscess,Abscess, Amebic (see Amebiasis),Abscess, Pulmonary (see Lung Abscess),Abscess, Retropharyngeal (see Retropharyngeal Abscess), Acantholysis Bullosa (see Epidermolysis Bullosa),Acariasis (see Mite Infestations),Achalasia, Esophageal (see Esophageal Achalasia),Achondroplasia,Achromatopsia (see Color Vision Defects),Acid,Base Imbalance,Acidosis,Acidosis, Diabetic (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis),Acne (see Acne Vulgaris),Acne Vulgaris,Acoustic Neuroma (see Neuroma, Acoustic),Acquired Childhoood,Aphasia with Convulsive Disorder (see Landau-Kleffner Syndrome),Acquired Facial Neuropathy (see Facial Nerve Diseases),Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome,Acquired,Immunodeficiency Syndrome,Acrocephalosyndactylia,Acrocephaly (see Craniosynostoses),Acrodysplasia V (see Langer-Giedion Syndrome),Acromegaly,Actinic Reticuloid Syndrome (see Photosensitivity Disorders),Actinomyces Infections (see Actinomycosis),Actinomycosis,Action Tremor (see Tremor),Acupuncture Therapy,Acute Autoimmune Neuropathy (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome),Acute Confusional Migraine (see Migraine Disorders),Acute Confusional Senile Dementia (see Alzheimer Disease),Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome),Acute Inflammatory Polyneuropathy (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome),Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy (not on MeSH),Addison Disease,Addison's Anemia (see Anemia, Pernicious),Adenitis (see Lymphadenitis),Adenohypophyseal Diseases (see Pituitary Diseases),Adenohypophyseal Hyposecretion (see Hypopituitarism),Adenoma,Adenoma, Basal Cell (see Adenoma),Adenoma, beta-Cell (see Insulinoma)Adenoma, Follicular (see Adenoma),Adenoma, Microcystic (see Adenoma),Adenoma, Monomorphic (see Adenoma),Adenoma, Papillary (see Adenoma),Adenoma, Trabecular (see Adenoma),Adenomatous Polyposis Coli,Adenomyosis (see Endometriosis (Adenomyosis)),Adenoviridae Infections,Adenovirus Infections (see Adenoviridae Infections),Adhesions, Pelvic (not on MeSH),Adhesive Capsulitis (see Bursitis),Adiadochokinesis (see Cerebellar Ataxia),Adie Syndrome,Adiposis Dolorosa,Adnexitis (see Pelvic Inflammatory Disease),Adrenal Gland Diseases,Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital,Adrenoleukodystrophy,Adrenoleukodystrophy, Neonatal (see Peroxisomal Disorders),Adrenomyeloneuropathy (see Adrenoleukodystrophy),Affective Psychosis, Bipolar (see Bipolar Disorder),Afferent Pupillary Defect (see PUPIL DISORDERS),Afibrinogenemia,African Lymphoma (see Burkitt Lymphoma), African Sleeping Sickness (see Trypanosomiasis, African),Agammaglobulinemia,Aganglionosis, Colonic (see Hirschsprung Disease),Age-Related Osteoporosis (see Osteoporosis),Aggression,Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia (see Myeloid Metaplasia),Agnosia,Agnosia for Faces (see Prosopagnosia),Agyria (see Lissencephaly),Aicardi Syndrome (not on MeSH),AIDP (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome),AIDS (see Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome),Airflow Obstruction, Chronic (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Airsickness (see Motion Sickness),Airway Obstruction,Alagille Syndrome,Alastrim (see Smallpox),Albers-Schoenberg Disease (see Osteopetrosis),Albinism,Albinism, Ocular,Albright's Syndrome (see Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic),Aldosteronism (see Hyperaldosteronism)Aldrich Syndrome (see Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome),Alexander Disease,Alexia (see Dyslexia),Algodystrophy (see Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)),Alkalosis,Alkaptonuria,Allergic Angiitis (see Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Allergic Granulomatosis)),Allergic Granulomatous Angiitis (see Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Allergic Granulomatosis)),Allergic Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch),Allergy (see HYPERSENSITIVITY),Allergy, Latex (see Latex Hypersensitivity),Alobar Holoprosencephaly (see Holoprosencephaly),Alopecia,Alopecia, Androgenetic (see Alopecia),Alpers Syndrome (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder),alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency,alpha-Mannosidosis,Alphavirus Infections,Alport's Syndrome (see Nephritis, Hereditary (Alport's Syndrome)),ALS (see Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis),Alstrom Syndrome (see Nystagmus, Pathologic),Alternative Medicine (see Complementary Therapies),Altitude Sickness,Alveolitis, Fibrosing (see Pulmonary Fibrosis),Alzheimer Disease,Amaurosis (see Blindness),Amaurosis Fugax,Amblyopia,Ambulation Disorders, Neurologic (see Gait Disorders, Neurologic),Amebiasis,Ameboma (see Amebiasis),Ametropia (see REFRACTIVE ERRORS),Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors,Amino Acid Transport Disorder, Neutral (see Hartnup Disease),Amino Acidopathies, Congenital (see Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors),Amnesia,Amniotic Band Syndrome,Amniotic Bands (see Amniotic Band Syndrome),Amoebiasis (see Amebiasis),Amphibian Diseases (not on MeSH),Amputation, Intrauterine (see Amniotic Band Syndrome),Amyloidosis,Amyoplasia Congenita (see Arthrogryposis),Amyotonia Congenita (see Neuromuscular Diseases),Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,Amyotrophy, Neuralgic (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)),Anal Sex (see Sexual Behavior),Analgesia,Analphalipoproteinemia (see Tangier Disease),Anaphylactic Reaction (see Anaphylaxis),Anaphylactoid Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch),Anaphylaxis,Anaplasmosis,Anatomy and Orthopedics,Anderson-Fabry Disease (see Fabry Disease),Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome,Anemia,Anemia, Addison's (see Anemia, Pernicious),Anemia, Aplastic,Anemia, Fanconi (see Fanconi Anemia),Anemia, Hemolytic,Anemia, Hemolytic, Acquired (see Anemia, Hemolytic),Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic,Anemia, Hypoplastic (see Anemia, Aplastic),Anemia, Iron-Deficiency,Anemia, Megaloblastic,Anemia, Microangiopathic (see Anemia, Hemolytic),Anemia, Pernicious,Anemia, Sickle Cell,Anencephaly,Anesthesia,Anesthesia and Analgesia,Aneurysm,Aneurysm, Cerebral (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Aneurysm, Intracranial (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Angelman Syndrome,Angiitis (see Vasculitis),Angiitis, Allergic Granulomatous (see Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Allergic Granulomatosis)),Angina Pectoris,Angina Pectoris with Normal Coronary Arteriogram (see Microvascular Angina),Angina, Microvascular (see Microvascular Angina),Angioedema,Angiofibroma,Angiofollicular Lymphoid Hyperplasia (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia),Angiohemophilia (see von Willebrand Disease),Angiokeratoma Corporis Diffusum (see Fabry Disease),Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia,Angioma (see Hemangioma),Angiomyxoma (see Myxoma),Angiospasm, Intracranial (see Vasospasm, Intracranial),Angor Pectoris (see Angina Pectoris),Anguilluliasis (see Strongyloidiasis),Anhidrosis (see Hypohidrosis),Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (see Ectodermal Dysplasia),Animal Diseases,Aniridia,Anisakiasis,Anisocoria,Physiologic (see Anisocoria),Anisometropic Amblyopia (see Amblyopia),Ankyloglossia (not on MeSH),Ankylosing Spondylitis (see Spondylitis, Ankylosing),Annular Grooves (see Amniotic Band Syndrome),Anomia,Anophthalmos,Anosmia (see Olfaction Disorders),Anoxia,Anoxia, Brain (see Hypoxia, Brain),Anoxic Encephalopathy (see Hypoxia, Brain),Anterior Horn Cell Disease (see Motor Neuron Disease),Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (see Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic)Anterior Pituitary Hyposecretion Syndrome (see Hypopituitarism),Anthrax,Anthropology, Forensic (see Forensic Anthropology),Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (see Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous),Antibody Deficiency Syndrome (see IMMUNOLOGIC DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES),Anti-GBM Disease (see Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease),Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease,Antiphospholipid Syndrome,Antithrombin III Deficiency,Anus Diseases,Anus Prolapse (see Rectal Prolapse),Anxiety Disorders,Anxiety Neuroses (see ANXIETY DISORDERS),Anxiety States, Neurotic (see ANXIETY DISORDERS),Aortic Arteritis, Giant Cell (see Giant Cell Arteritis),Aortic Stenosis (see Aortic Valve Stenosis),Aortic Valve Stenosis,Aortitis Syndrome (see Takayasu Arteritis),Aortitis, Giant Cell (see Giant Cell Arteritis),Apert Syndrome (see Acrocephalosyndactylia),Aphakia,Aphasia,Acquired (see Aphasia), Acquired Epileptic (see Landau-Kleffner Syndrome),Amnesic (see Anomia),Anomic (see Anomia),Nominal (see Anomia),Aphthae (see Stomatitis, Aphthous),Aplasia Cutis Congenita (see Ectodermal Dysplasia),Apnea,Sleep, Central (see Sleep Apnea, Central),Apoplexy (see Stroke),Appendicitis,Appetite Disorders (see EATING DISORDERS),Apraxias,Aprosencephaly (see Anencephaly),Aprosodia (see Speech Disorders),Arachnoid Cysts,Arachnoid Diverticula (see Arachnoid Cysts),Arachnoidal Cerebellar Sarcoma, Circumscribed (see Medulloblastoma),Arachnoiditis,Arbovirus Infections,Argentaffinoma (see Carcinoid Tumor),Arhinencephaly (see Holoprosencephaly),Arm Injuries,Arnold-Chiari Malformation,Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (see Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia),Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia,Arsenic Poisoning,Arson (see Firesetting Behavior),Arteriohepatic Dysplasia (see Alagille Syndrome),Arteriosclerosis,Arteriosclerotic Dementia (see Dementia, Vascular),Arteriovenous Malformations,Arteritis, Takayasu's (see Takayasu Arteritis),Arteritis, Temporal (see Giant Cell Arteritis),Arthritis,Arthritis, Degenerative (see Osteoarthritis),Arthritis, Juvenile Chronic (see Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid),Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic (see Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid),Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid,Arthritis, Postinfectious (see Arthritis, Reactive),Arthritis, Reactive,Arthritis, Rheumatic, Acute (see Rheumatic Fever),Arthritis, Rheumatoid,Arthrogryposis,Arthromyodysplasia, Congenital (see Arthrogryposis),Arthropathy, Neurogenic,Arthropod Diseases (not on MeSH),Arthropod-Borne Encephalitis (see Encephalitis, Arbovirus),Arylsulfatase A Deficiency Disease (see Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic),Asbestosis,Ascariasis,Ascites,Ascites, Gelatinous (see Pseudomyxoma Peritonei),Ascorbic Acid Deficiency,Aseptic Necrosis of Bone (see Osteonecrosis),Asialia (see Xerostomia),Asperger Syndrome,Aspergillosis,Asphyxia,Assaultive Behavior (see Violence),Asthma,Asthma, Bronchial (see Asthma),Astigmatism,Astrocytoma,Astrocytoma, Grade IV (see Glioblastoma),Astrocytoma, Subependymal Giant Cell (see Astrocytoma),Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy (see Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic),Ataxia Telangiectasia,Ataxia, Cerebellar (see Cerebellar Ataxia),Atelectasis,Atheroembolism (see Embolism, Cholesterol),Athlet's Foot (see Dermatomycoses),Atopic Hypersensitivity (see Hypersensitivity, Immediate),Atresia, Biliary (see Biliary Atresia),Atresia, Esophageal (see Esophageal Atresia),Atresia, Pulmonary (see Pulmonary Atresia),Atresia, Tricuspid (see Tricuspid Atresia),Atrial Fibrillation,Atrocities (see Violence),Atrophy, Muscular, Peroneal (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II),Attention Deficit Disorder (see Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity),Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity,Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (see Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity),Attitude to Death,Auditory Agnosia (see Agnosia),Auditory Hyperesthesia (see Hyperacusis),Aura (see Epilepsy),Auricular Cancer (see Ear Neoplasms),Auricular Fibrillation (see Atrial Fibrillation),Auricular Neoplasms (see Ear Neoplasms),Auriculo-Ventricular Dissociation (see Heart Block),Autism, Infantile (see Autistic Disorder),Autism-Dementia-Ataxia-Loss of Purposeful Hand Use Syndrome (see Rett Syndrome),Autistic Disorder,Autoimmune Diseases,Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal-Dystrophy (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune),Autoimmune Syndrome Type I, Polyglandular (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune),Autoimmune Syndrome Type II, Polyglandular (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune),Autoimmune Thyroiditis (see Thyroiditis, Autoimmune),Autonomic Failure, Progressive (see Shy-Drager Syndrome),Autonomic Nervous System Diseases,Autosomal Chromosome Disorders (see Chromosome Disorders),Awakening Epilepsy (see Epilepsy),Avascular Necrosis of Bone (see Osteonecrosis),Avian Flu (see Influenza in Birds),Avian Influenza (see Influenza in Birds),Avitaminosis,Ayerza's Syndrome (see Hypertension, Pulmonary),Azorean Disease (see Machado-Joseph Disease),Babesiasis (see Babesiosis),Babesiosis,Back Pain,Backache (see Back Pain),Bacteremia,Bacterial Infections and Mycoses,Bacterial Infections and Mycoses,Bacterial Infections, Gram-Negative (see GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS),Bacterial Infections, Gram-Positive (see GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS),Bacterial Meningitis (see Meningitis, Bacterial),Baker's Cyst (see Popliteal Cyst),Balanitis,Baldness (see Alopecia),Balo Concentric Sclerosis (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder),Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)),Bannayan-Zonana Syndrome (not on MeSH),Bardet-Biedel Syndrome (see Laurence-Moon Syndrome),Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome (see Severe Combined Immunodeficiency),Barotrauma,Barre-Lieou Syndrome (see Spinal Osteophytosis),Barrett Esophagus,Barrett Syndrome (see Barrett Esophagus),Barth Syndrome (not on MeSH),Bartonella Infections,Bartonellosis (see Bartonella Infections),Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome,Basedow's Disease (see Graves Disease),Basilar Artery Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Batten Disease (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses),Beaver Fever (see Giardiasis),Bechterew Disease (see Spondylitis, Ankylosing),Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome,Bedsore (see Pressure Ulcer),Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms,Behavior, Assaultive (see Violence),Behavioral Symptoms,Behcet Disease (see Behcet Syndrome (Silk-Road Disease)),Behcet Syndrome,Behcet's Syndrome (see Behcet Syndrome (Silk-Road Disease)),Bell Palsy,Bell's Palsy (see Bell Palsy),Benign Essential Tremor (see Essential Tremor),Benign Intracranial Hypertension (see Pseudotumor Cerebri),Benign Meningioma (see Meningioma),Berger's Disease (see Glomerulonephritis),Beriberi,Beriberi, Cerebral (see Wernicke Encephalopathy),Bernard Syndrome (see Horner Syndrome),Bernard-Soulier Syndrome,Berry Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Bertielliasis (see Cestode Infections),Berylliosis,Beryllium Disease (see Berylliosis),Besnier-Boeck Disease (see Sarcoidosis),Best Disease (see Macular Degeneration),beta-Cell Tumor (see Insulinoma),Bilharziasis (see Schistosomiasis),Biliary Atresia,Biliary Tract Diseases,Bilirubin Encephalopathy (see Kernicterus),Binswanger Disease (see Dementia, Vascular),Bioethical Issues,Biological Therapy,Biopsy,Biotinidase Deficiency,Bipolar Disorder,Bird Diseases,Birth Control (see Contraception),Birth Defects (see Congenital Abnormalities),Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome (not on MeSH),Bites and Stings,Bites and Stings,Blackwater Fever (see Malaria),Bladder Cancer (see Urinary Bladder Neoplasms),Bladder Diseases (see Urinary Bladder Diseases),Bladder Exstrophy,Bladder Neoplasms (see Urinary Bladder Neoplasms),Blastocystis hominis infections (not on MeSH),Blepharitis,Blepharoptosis,Blepharospasm,Blepharospasm-Oromandibular Dystonia (see Meige Syndrome),Blindness,Blindness, Legal (see Blindness),Blindness, Monocular (see Blindness),Blindness, Monocular, Transient (see Amaurosis Fugax),Blister,Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome (see Incontinentia Pigmenti),Blood Coagulation Disorders,Blood Diseases (see HEMATOLOGIC DISEASES),Blood Platelet Disorders,Blood Pressure, High (see Hypertension),Blood Pressure, Low (see Hypotension),Blood Transfusion,Bloom Syndrome,Bloom-Torre-Machacek Syndrome (see Bloom Syndrome),Blount's Disease (see Osteochondritis),Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (not on MeSH),Boeck's Sarcoid (see Sarcoidosis),Boils (see Furunculosis),Bone Cancer (see Bone Neoplasms),Bone Diseases,Bone Diseases, Metabolic,Bone Fractures (see Fractures, Bone),Bone Hypertrophy (see Hyperostosis),Bone Loss, Age-Related (see Osteoporosis),Bone Marrow Fibrosis (see Myelofibrosis),Bone Neoplasms,Bonnevie-Ullrich Syndrome (see Turner Syndrome),BOOP (see Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia),BOR Syndrome (see Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome),Borderline Personality Disorder,Borna Disease,Botulism,Botulism, Infantile (see Botulism),Bouchard's Node (see Osteoarthritis),Bourneville Disease (see Tuberous Sclerosis (Bourneville's Disease),Bowen's Disease,Brachial Plexopathy (see Brachial Plexus Neuropathies (Erb's Palsy),Brachial Plexus Neuritis,Brachial Plexus Neuropathies,Brachmann-De Lange Syndrome (see de Lange Syndrome),Bradyarrhythmia (see Bradycardia),Bradycardia,Brain Abscess,Brain Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Brain Concussion,Brain Diseases,Brain Dysfunction, Minimal (see Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity),Brain Hemorrhage, Cerebral (see Cerebral Hemorrhage),Brain Hypoxia (see Hypoxia, Brain),Brain Ischemia,Brain Pathology (see BRAIN DISEASES),Brain Stem Ischemia, Transient (see Ischemic Attack, Transient),Brain Vascular Disorders (see Cerebrovascular Disorders),Branched-Chain Ketoaciduria (see Maple Syrup Urine Disease),Branchio-Oculo-Facial Syndrome (see Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome),Branchio-Otorenal Dysplasia (see Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome),Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome,Breast Cancer (see Breast Neoplasms),Breast Cyst,Breast Cysts (see Breast Cyst),Breast Diseases,Breast Dysplasia (see Fibrocystic Breast Disease),Breast Neoplasms,Breast Neoplasms, Male,Breast Tumors (see Breast Neoplasms),Bright Disease (see Glomerulonephritis),Brill's Disease (see Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne),Brill-Zinsser Disease (see Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne),Briquet Syndrome (see SOMATOFORM DISORDERS),Broad Thumb-Hallux Syndrome (see Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome),Bronchial Asthma (see Asthma),Bronchial Diseases,Bronchiectasis,Bronchiolitis,Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia,Bronchitis,Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia,Brown Tendon Sheath Syndrome (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS),Brown-Sequard Syndrome,Brown-Sequard Syndrome,Brucellosis,Brueghel Syndrome (see Meige Syndrome),Bruxism,Bubonic Plague (see Plague),Budd-Chiari Syndrome,Buerger Disease (see Thromboangiitis Obliterans),Bug Bite (not on MeSH),Bulbar Palsy, Progressive,Bulbospinal Neuronopathy (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal),Bulla (see Blister),Bullying (see Social Behavior),Bunion (see Hallux Valgus),Bunostomiasis (see Hookworm Infections),Bunyaviridae Infections,Bunyavirus Infections (see Bunyaviridae Infections),Burkholderia Infections,Burkitt Cell Leukemia (see Burkitt Lymphoma),Burkitt Lymphoma,Burkitt Tumor (see Burkitt Lymphoma),Burning Mouth Syndrome,Burns,Bursitis,Buruli Ulcer (see Mycobacterium Infections),Butterfly Children (see Epidermolysis Bullosa) ,Cadmium Poisoning,Cafe-au-Lait Spots,Caffey-De Toni-Silvermann Syndrome (see Hyperostosis, Cortical, Congenital),Caliciviridae Infections,Calicivirus Infections (see Caliciviridae Infections ('Winter Vomiting Disease')),Campylobacter Infections,Canavan Disease,Canavan-van Bogaert-Bertrand Disease (see Canavan Disease),Cancer (see Neoplasms),Cancer (see Neoplasms),Cancer of Bladder (see Urinary Bladder Neoplasms),Cancer of Bone (see Bone Neoplasms),Cancer of Breast (see Breast Neoplasms),Cancer of Digestive System (see Digestive System Neoplasms),Cancer of Ear (see Ear Neoplasms),Cancer of Endocrine Gland (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Cancer of Endocrine Gland (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Cancer of Endometrium (see Endometrial Neoplasms),Cancer of Eye (see EYE NEOPLASMS),Cancer of Head and Neck (see Head and Neck Neoplasms),Cancer of Intestines (see Intestinal Neoplasms),Cancer of Larynx (see Laryngeal Neoplasms),Cancer of Lung (see Lung Neoplasms),Cancer of Mouth (see Mouth Neoplasms),Cancer of Ovary (see Ovarian Neoplasms),Cancer of Pancreas (see Pancreatic Neoplasms),Cancer of Penis (see Penile Neoplasms),Cancer of Prostate (see Prostatic Neoplasms),Cancer of Rectum (see Rectal Neoplasms),Cancer of Skin (see Skin Neoplasms),Cancer of Thyroid (see Thyroid Neoplasms),Cancer of Tonsil (see Tonsillar Neoplasms),Cancer of Urinary Tract (see Urologic Neoplasms),Cancer of Vulva (see Vulvar Neoplasms),Candidiasis,Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal,Canker Sore (see Stomatitis, Aphthous),Cannulation (see Catheterization),Capgras Syndrome,Capsulitis, Adhesive (see Bursitis),Carbohydrate-Deficient Glycoprotein Syndrome,Carboxylase Deficiency, Multiple, Late-Onset (see Biotinidase Deficiency),Carcinoid (see Carcinoid Tumor),Carcinoid Tumor,Carcinoid, Goblet Cell (see Carcinoid Tumor),Carcinoma,Carcinoma, Anaplastic (see Carcinoma),Carcinoma, Merkel Cell,Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung,Carcinoma, Oat Cell (see Carcinoma, Small Cell (Carcinoma, Oat Cell)),Carcinoma, Reserve Cell (see Carcinoma, Small Cell (Carcinoma, Oat Cell)),Carcinoma, Round Cell (see Carcinoma, Small Cell (Carcinoma, Oat Cell)),Carcinoma, Small Cell,Carcinoma, Small Cell Lung (see Carcinoma, Small Cell (Carcinoma, Oat Cell),Carcinoma, Spindle-Cell (see Carcinoma),Carcinoma, Thymic (see Thymoma),Carcinoma, Undifferentiated (see Carcinoma),Carcinomatosis (see Carcinoma),Cardiac Failure (see Heart Failure),Cardiac Hypertrophy (see Cardiomegaly),Cardiac Syndrome X (see Microvascular Angina),Cardiac Tamponade,Cardiomegaly,Cardiomyopathy, Congestive (see Cardiomyopathy, Dilated),Cardiomyopathy, Dilated,Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic,Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Obstructive (see Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic),Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive,Cardiospasm (see Esophageal Achalasia),Cardiovascular Diseases,Cardiovascular Diseases,Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures,Cardiovascular System ,Carditis (see Myocarditis),Caregiver Issues,Carnitine Disorders (not on MeSH),Caroli Disease,Caroli's Disease (see Caroli Disease),Carotid Artery Narrowing (see Carotid Stenosis),Carotid Stenosis,Carotid Ulcer (see Carotid Stenosis),Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,Carrion's Disease (see Bartonella Infections),Carsickness (see Motion Sickness),Cartilage Diseases ,Castleman Disease (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia),Castleman's Tumor (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia),Cat Diseases,Cat Eye Syndrome (not on MeSH),Cataract,Cataract, Membranous (see Cataract),Catheterization,Catheterization, Cardiac (see Heart Catheterization),Catheterization, Heart (see Heart Catheterization),Cat-Scratch Disease,Cattle Diseases,Cauda Equina Syndrome (see Polyradiculopathy),Causalgia,Cavernitis, Fibrous (see Penile Induration),Cavus Deformity (see FOOT DEFORMITIES),Celiac Disease,Celioscopy (see Laparoscopy),Cellulitis,Cellulitis, Orbital (see Orbital Cellulitis),Cementoma,Central Autonomic Nervous System Diseases (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases),Central Cord Syndrome,Central Core Disease (see Myopathies, Structural, Congenital),Central Nervous System Cysticercosis (see Neurocysticercosis),Central Nervous System Diseases,Central Nervous System Infections,Central Pain Syndrome (see Thalamic Diseases),Central Sleep Apnea (see Sleep Apnea, Central),Centronuclear Myopathy (see Myopathies, Structural, Congenital),Cenuriasis (see Cestode Infections),Cephalgia (see Headache),Cerclage of Cervix (see Cerclage, Cervical),Cerclage of Uterine Cervix (see Cerclage, Cervical),Cerclage, Cervical,Cerebellar Ataxia,Cerebellar Dysmetria (see Cerebellar Ataxia),Cerebelloretinal Angiomatosis, Familial (see von Hippel-Lindau Disease),Cerebral Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm),Cerebral Anoxia (see Hypoxia, Brain),Cerebral Concussion (see Brain Concussion),Cerebral Gigantism (not on MeSH),Cerebral Hemorrhage,Cerebral Ischemia (see Brain Ischemia),Cerebral Ischemia, Transient (see Ischemic Attack, Transient),Cerebral Palsy,Cerebral Parenchymal Hemorrhage (see Cerebral Hemorrhage),Cerebral Pseudosclerosis (see Hepatolenticular Degeneration),Cerebral Sclerosis, Diffuse (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder),Cerebral Stroke (see Stroke),Cerebral Vasospasm (see Vasospasm, Intracranial),Cerebroatrophic Hyperammonemia (see Rett Syndrome),Cerebrohepatorenal Syndrome (see Zellweger Syndrome),Cerebrooculorenal Syndrome (see Oculocerebrorenal Syndrome (Lowe Syndrome)),Cerebroside Lipidosis Syndrome (see Gaucher Disease),Cerebroside Sulphatase Deficiency Disease (see Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic),Cerebrovascular Accident (see Stroke),Cerebrovascular Apoplexy (see Stroke),Cerebrovascular Disorders,Cerebrovascular Moyamoya Disease (see Moyamoya Disease),Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis, Neuronal (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses),Cervical Dystonia (see Torticollis),Cervical Pain (see Neck Pain),Cervico-Brachial Neuralgia (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome),Cervix Dysplasia (see Uterine Cervical Dysplasia),Cesarean Section,Cestode Infections,Chagas Disease,Chalazion,Chancroid,Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease,Charcot's Joint (see Arthropathy, Neurogenic),CHARGE Syndrome (not on MeSH),Charles Bonnet Syndrome (see Hallucinations),Chediak-Higashi Syndrome,Cheilitis,Cheilitis Granulomatosa, Facial Neuropathy, Orofacial Edema (see Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (Cheilitis Granulomatosa)),Chemotherapy (see Drug Therapy),Cherry Red Spot Myoclonus Syndrome (see Mucolipidoses),Cherubism,Chest Pain,Chiari's Syndrome (see Budd-Chiari Syndrome),Chickenpox,Chilblains,Child Behavior Disorders,Child Mental Disorders (see MENTAL DISORDERS DIAGNOSED IN CHILDHOOD),Chiropractic Adjustment (see Manipulation, Chiropractic),Chlamydia Infections,Chlamydophila Infections,Chloasma (see Melanosis),Choked Disk (see Papilledema),Choking (see Airway Obstruction),Cholangitis,Cholecystitis,Choledochal Cyst,Choledochal Cyst, Type I (see Choledochal Cyst),Cholelithiasis,Cholera,Cholera Infantum (see GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES),Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear,Cholesterol Embolism (see Embolism, Cholesterol),Chondritis, Costal (see Tietze's Syndrome),Chondroectodermal Dysplasia (see Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome),Chondroma,Chondromalacia (see Cartilage Diseases),Chondromalacia (see CARTILAGE DISEASES),Chondrosarcoma,Chordoma,Chorea,Choreatic Disorders (see Chorea),Choreiform Movement (see Chorea),Choreoathetosis Self-Mutilation Hyperuricemia Syndrome (see Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome),Chorioangioma (see Hemangioma),Chorioretinitis,Choroideremia,Christmas Disease (see Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency, Christmas Disease),Chromium Poisoning (not on MeSH),Chromosome 16 Abnormalities (not on MeSH),Chromosome 18 Abnormalities (not on MeSH),Chromosome 20 Abnormalities (not on MeSH),Chromosome 22 Abnormalities (not on MeSH),Chromosome 5p- Syndrome (see Cri-du-Chat Syndrome),Chromosome Abnormality Disorders (see Chromosome Disorders),Chromosome Disorders,Chronic Airflow Obstruction (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Chronic Disease,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (see Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic),Chronic Hepatitis (see Hepatitis, Chronic),Chronic Illness (see Chronic Disease),Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Chronotherapy,Churg-Strauss Syndrome,Chylopericardium (see Pericardial Effusion),Ciliary Dyskinesia, Primary (see Kartagener Syndrome),Circulatory Collapse (see Shock),Cirrhosis (see Fibrosis),Cirrhosis, Liver (see Liver Cirrhosis),CJD Variant (V-CJD) (see Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome),Clasp-Knife Spasticity (see Muscle Spasticity),Clasp-Knife Spasticity (see Muscle Spasticity),Claustrophobia (see Phobic Disorders),Cleft Lip,Cleidocranial Dysostosis (see Cleidocranial Dysplasia),Cleidocranial Dysplasia,Clostridium Enterocolitis (see Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous),Clostridium Infections,Clouston's Syndrome (see Ectodermal Dysplasia),Clubfoot,COAD (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive)Coccidioidomycosis,Codependency (Psychology),Coenuriasis (see Cestode Infections),Cold Sore (see Herpes Labialis),Cold, Common (see Common Cold),Colic,Colitis, Granulomatous (see Crohn Disease),Colitis, Mucous (see Irritable Bowel Syndrome),Colitis, Pseudomembranous (see Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous),Colitis, Ulcerative,Coloboma,Colon, Irritable (see Irritable Bowel Syndrome),Colonic Aganglionosis (see Hirschsprung Disease),Color Anomia (see Anomia),Color Blindness (see Color Vision Defects),Color Vision Defects,Coma (see Unconsciousness),Coma, Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic (see Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma),Combat Disorders,Common Bile Duct Cyst (see Choledochal Cyst),Common Cold,Common Variable Immunodeficiency,Communicating Hydrocephalus (see Hydrocephalus),Communication Disorders,Compartment Syndromes,Complementary Medicine (see Complementary Therapies),Complementary Therapies,Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (see Causalgia),Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Type I (see Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome),Compression Neuropathy, Carpal Tunnel (see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome),Computer-Assisted Diagnosis (see Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted),Computer-Assisted Therapy (see Therapy, Computer-Assisted),Condyloma Acuminata,Condylomata Acuminata (see Warts),Confusion,Confusional State (see Confusion),Congenital Abnormalities,Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (see Sleep Apnea, Central),Congenital Defects (see Congenital Abnormalities),Congenital Disorders (see Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities),Congenital Disorders (see Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities),Congenital Fiber Type Disproportion (see Myopathies, Structural, Congenital),Congenital Hydrocephalus (see Hydrocephalus),Congenital Hypothyroidism,Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities,Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities,Congestive Cardiomyopathy (see Cardiomyopathy, Dilated),Conjunctival Diseases,Conjunctivitis,Connective Tissue Disease, Mixed (see Mixed Connective Tissue Disease),Connective Tissue Diseases,Consciousness, Loss of (see Unconsciousness),Constipation,Consumption Coagulopathy (see Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation),Consumption Coagulopathy (see Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation),Contagious Pustular Dermatitis (see Ecthyma, Contagious (Orf)),Contiguous Gene Syndrome, Williams (see Williams Syndrome),Contraception,Contractural Arachnodactyly, Congenital (Beal's Syndrome) (not on MeSH),Convergence Insufficiency (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS),Convergence Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic),Convulsions (see Seizures),Convulsive Seizures (see Seizures),Cooley's Anemia (see Thalassemia),COPD (see Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive),Corneal Diseases,Corneal Dystrophies (not on MeSH),Corneal Edema,Corneal Ulcer,Cornelia De Lange Syndrome (see de Lange Syndrome),Coronaviridae Infections,Corpus Luteum Cyst (see Ovarian Cysts),Corpus Luteum Cyst (see Ovarian Cysts),Cortical Hyperostosis, Congenital (see Hyperostosis, Cortical, Congenital),Corticobasal Ganglionic Degeneration (CBGD) (not on MeSH),Coryza, Acute (see Common Cold),Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgical Procedures (see Reconstructive Surgical Procedures),Costal Chondritis (see Tietze's Syndrome),Costello Syndrome (not on MeSH),Costochondritis (see Tietze's Syndrome),Costoclavicular Syndrome (see Thoracic Outlet Syndrome),Cot Death (see Sudden Infant Death),Cough,Cowden Disease (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)),Cowden's Disease (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)),Coxa Plana (see Legg-Perthes Disease),Coxsackievirus Infections,Cramp (see Muscle Cramp),Cranial Arteritis (see Giant Cell Arteritis),Cranial Epidural Hematoma (see Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial),Cranial Nerve Diseases,Cranial Nerve II Diseases (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES),Cranial Nerve III Diseases (see Oculomotor Nerve Diseases),Cranial Nerve IX Diseases (see Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases),Cranial Nerve VII Diseases (see Facial Nerve Diseases),Cranial Neuropathies (see Cranial Nerve Diseases),Cranial Neuropathies, Multiple (see Cranial Nerve Diseases),Craniocerebral Trauma,Craniofacial Dysostosis,Craniopharyngioma,Craniopharyngioma, Adamantinous (see Craniopharyngioma),Craniopharyngioma, Papillary (see Craniopharyngioma),Craniosynostoses,Creeping Eruption (see Larva Migrans),Crescendo Transient Ischemic Attacks (see Ischemic Attack, Transient),Cretinism (see Congenital Hypothyroidism),Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome,Crib Death (see Sudden Infant Death),Cri-du-Chat Syndrome,Crohn Disease,Cross Infection,Cross-Transfusion, Intrauterine (see Fetofetal Transfusion),Croup,Crouzon's Disease (see Craniofacial Dysostosis),Crow-Fukase Syndrome (see POEMS Syndrome),Cruveilhier-Baumgarten Syndrome (see Hypertension, Portal),Cryoablation (see Cryosurgery),Cryoglobulinemia,Cryosurgery,Cryptococcosis,Cryptogenic Chronic Hepatitis (see Hepatitis, Chronic),Cryptogenic Infantile Spasms (see Spasms, Infantile),Cryptorchidism,Cryptosporidiosis,Cuada Equina Syndrome (see Polyradiculopathy),Cubital Tunnel Syndrome,Curling's Ulcer (see Duodenal Ulcer),Currarino Syndrome (not on MeSH),Cushing Syndrome,Cutaneous Larva Migrans (see Larva Migrans),Cutis Elastica (see Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome),Cutis Laxa,Cyanosis,Cyclosporiasis,Cyclothymic Disorder,Cyclothymic Personality (see Cyclothymic Disorder),Cystathionine beta-Synthase Deficiency Disease (see Homocystinuria),Cystic Fibrosis,Cysticercosis,Cysticercosis, Brain (see Neurocysticercosis),Cysticercosis, Central Nervous System (see Neurocysticercosis),Cystinosis,Cystinuria, Cystitis, Chronic Interstitial (see Cystitis, Interstitial),Cystitis, Interstitial,Cysts,Cysts, Hydatid (see Echinococcosis),Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease (see Cytomegalovirus Infections),Cytomegalovirus Infections, Dandy-Walker Malformation (see Dandy-Walker Syndrome),Dandy-Walker Syndrome,Dangerous Substances (not on MeSH),Darier's Disease (see Keratosis Follicularis),De Lange Syndrome,De Quervain Thyroiditis (see Thyroiditis, Subacute),de Quervain's Tendinitis (see Tenosynovitis),Deafness,Deafness, Sudden (see Hearing Loss, Sudden),Death,Decubitus Ulcer (see Pressure Ulcer),Deep Vein Thrombosis (see Thrombosis),Deformities (see Congenital Abnormalities),Deglutition Disorders,Dehydration,Dejerine-Roussy Syndrome (see Thalamic Diseases),Dejerine-Sottas Disease (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies),Dejerine-Thomas Syndrome (see Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies),Delivery, Abdominal (see Cesarean Section),Delusionary Parasitosis (see SKIN DISEASES, PARASITIC),Dementia,Dementia Praecox (see Schizophrenia),Dementia, Alzheimer Type (see Alzheimer Disease),Dementia, Lewy Body (see Lewy Body Disease),Dementia, Senile (see Alzheimer Disease),Dementia, Vascular,Dementias, Transmissible (see Prion Diseases),Demyelinating Diseases,Dengue,Dengue Fever (see Dengue ('Breakbone Fever')),Dental Care,Dental Diseases (see Stomatognathic Diseases),Dental Implantation,Dental Prosthesis Implantation (see Dental Implantation),Dentigerous Cyst,Dentistry,Dentistry,Dentistry and Oral Health ,Dentistry, Operative,Dependent Personality Disorder,Depression, Bipolar (see Bipolar Disorder),Depression, Endogenous (see Depressive Disorder),Depression, Neurotic (see Depressive Disorder),Depression, Postpartum,Depression, Unipolar (see Depressive Disorder),Depressive Disorder,Depressive Syndrome (see Depressive Disorder),Dercum's Disease (see Adiposis Dolorosa),Dermal Sinus (see Spina Bifida Occulta),Dermatitis,Dermatitis Herpetiformis,Dermatitis, Actinic (see Photosensitivity Disorders),Dermatitis, Contagious Pustular (see Ecthyma, Contagious (Orf)),Dermatitis, Eczematous (see Eczema),Dermatitis, Exfoliative,Dermatofibroma (see Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous),Dermatology ,Dermatolysis (see Cutis Laxa),Dermatomegaly (see Cutis Laxa),Dermatomycoses,Dermatomyositis,Dermatophytoses (see Dermatomycoses),Dermatoses (see SKIN DISEASES),Dermatosis, Neutrophilic, Febrile, Acute (see Sweet's Syndrome),Dermoid (see Dermoid Cyst),Dermoid Cyst,Desmoid (see Fibromatosis, Aggressive),Devic Disease (see Neuromyelitis Optica),Diabetes Insipidus,Diabetes Insipidus, Nephrogenic,Diabetes Mellitus,Diabetes Mellitus, Adult-Onset (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Brittle (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational (see Diabetes, Gestational)Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin-Dependent (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes Mellitus, Juvenile-Onset (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Prone (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Resistant (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Maturity-Onset (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin-Dependent (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Slow-Onset (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Stable (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2),Diabetes Mellitus, Sudden-Onset (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2,Diabetes, Autoimmune (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1),Diabetes, Bronze (see Hemochromatosis (Diabetes, Bronze)),Diabetes, Gestational,Diabetes, Pregnancy-Induced (see Diabetes, Gestational),Diabetic Acidosis (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis),Diabetic Amyotrophy (see Diabetic Neuropathies),Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (see Diabetic Neuropathies),Diabetic Ketoacidosis,Diabetic Ketosis (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis),Diabetic Neuralgia (see Diabetic Neuropathies),Diabetic Neuropathies,Diabetic Polyneuropathy (see Diabetic Neuropathies),Diabetic Retinopathy,Diagnosis ,Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted,Diagnosis, Differential,Diagnosis, Laboratory (see Laboratory Techniques and Procedures),Diagnosis, Oral,Diagnostic Imaging,Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular,Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System,Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine,Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological,Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological,Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmology (not on MeSH),Diagnostic Techniques, Oral (not on MeSH),Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System,Diagnostic Techniques, Urological,Dialysis, Extracorporeal (see Renal Dialysis),Dialysis, Renal (see Renal Dialysis),Diaper Rash (see Dermatitis),Diaphragmatic Hernia (see Hernia, Diaphragmatic),DIDMOAD (see Wolfram Syndrome),Dientamoebiasis,Diet Therapy,Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder,Diffuse Globoid Body Sclerosis (see Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell),Diffuse Lewy Body Disease (see Lewy Body Disease),Diffuse Myofascial Pain Syndrome (see Fibromyalgia),DiGeorge Syndrome,Digestive System Cancer (see Digestive System Neoplasms),Digestive System Diseases,Digestive System Diseases,Digestive System Neoplasms,Digestive System Surgical Procedures,Dihydropteridine Reductase Deficiency Disease (see Phenylketonurias),Dilated Cardiomyopathy (see Cardiomyopathy, Dilated),Diphtheria,Diphyllobothriasis,Diplegic Infantile Cerebral Palsy (see Cerebral Palsy),Diplopia,Dipylidiasis (see Cestode Infections),Disease,Diseases of Camels and Camelids (not on MeSH),Diseases of Insectivores (not on MeSH),Diseases of Invertebrates (not on MeSH),Diseases of Leporidae and Rodents (not on MeSH),Diseases of Marine Mammals (not on MeSH),Disk, Herniated (see Intervertebral Disk Displacement),Disorders of Environmental Origin,Disorders of Environmental Origin,Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases),Disorders Usually Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood or Adolescence (see MENTAL DISORDERS DIAGNOSED IN CHILDHOOD),Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation,Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation,Dissociation (see DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS),Dissociative Disorders,Dissociative Identity Disorder (see Multiple Personality Disorder),Distal Trisomy 10q (not on MeSH),Distichiasis (not on MeSH),Diverticulitis,Dizziness,DNA Virus Infections,Dog Diseases,Domestic Violence,Donovanosis (see Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis)),Double Vision (see Diplopia),Down Syndrome,Dracunculiasis,Dracunculosis (see Dracunculiasis),Dressing Apraxia (see Apraxias),Drooling (see Sialorrhea),Dropsy (see Edema),Drug Abuse (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS),Drug Addiction (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS),Drug Dependence (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS),Drug Habituation (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS),Drug Therapy,Drug Toxicity,Drug Use Disorders (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS),Drug Withdrawal Symptoms (see Substance Withdrawal Syndrome),Dry Eye Syndromes,Dry Mouth (see Xerostomia),Dual Personality (see Multiple Personality Disorder),Duane Retraction Syndrome,Duane Syndrome (see Duane Retraction Syndrome),Dubin-Johnson Syndrome (see Jaundice, Chronic Idiopathic),Duhring's Disease (see Dermatitis Herpetiformis),Duncan's Syndrome (see LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS),Duodenal Ulcer,Dupuytren's Contracture,Dwarfism,Dwarfism, Thanatophoric (see Thanatophoric Dysplasia),Dysautonomia (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases),Dysautonomia, Familial,Dyscalculia (see Communication Disorders),Dysembryoma (see Teratoma),Dysentery,Dyshidrosis (see Eczema),Dyskinesia Syndromes (see MOVEMENT DISORDERS),Dyslexia,Dyslexia, Developmental (see Dyslexia),Dyslipidemias,Dyslipoproteinemias (see Dyslipidemias),Dysmetria (see Cerebellar Ataxia),Dysmorphophobia (see SOMATOFORM DISORDERS),Dysmyelopoietic Syndromes (see Myelodysplastic Syndromes),Dysnomia (see Anomia),Dysostosis, Cleidocranial (see Cleidocranial Dysplasia),Dysostosis, Craniofacial (see Craniofacial Dysostosis),Dyspareunia,Dyspepsia,Dysphagia (see Deglutition Disorders),Dysphasia (see Aphasia),Dysphonia (see Voice Disorders),Dysplasia, Arteriohepatic (see Alagille Syndrome),Dyspraxia (see Apraxias),Dysthymic Disorder,Dystocia,Dystonia,Dystrophia Brevicollis Congenita (see Klippel-Feil Syndrome), Ear Cancer (see Ear Neoplasms),Ear Diseases,Ear Neoplasms,Eardrum Perforation (see Tympanic Membrane Perforation),Eating Disorders,Eaton-Lambert Syndrome (see Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome),Ebola Virus Infections (see Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral),Ebstein Anomaly,EBV Infections (see Epstein-Barr Virus Infections),Ecchymosis,Echinococcosis,Eclampsia,Ecthyma, Contagious,Ectodermal Defect, Congenital (see Ectodermal Dysplasia),Ectodermal Dysplasia,Ectoparasitic Infestations,Ectopic Pregnancy (see Pregnancy, Ectopic),Ectropion,Eczema,Edema,Efferent Pupillary Defect (see PUPIL DISORDERS),Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,Ehrlichiosis,Eisenmenger Complex,Eisenmenger Syndrome (see Eisenmenger Complex),Ekbom Syndrome (see Restless Legs Syndrome),Elaeophoriasis (see Filariasis),Electric Injuries,Electrocution, Accidental (see Electric Injuries),Electrodiagnosis,Electron Transport Chain Deficiencies, Mitochondrial (see Mitochondrial Diseases),Electrosensitivity (not on MeSH),Elephant Man Disease (see Proteus Syndrome),Elephantiasis (see Filariasis),Elfin Facies Syndrome (see Williams Syndrome),Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome,Embolism, Cholesterol,Embryopathies (see FETAL DISEASES),Embryotomy (see Abortion, Induced),Emergency Medicine,Emergency Treatment,Emesis (see Vomiting),Emetophobia (see ANXIETY DISORDERS),Emphysema, Pulmonary (see Pulmonary Emphysema),Empty Sella Syndrome,Empty Sella Syndrome, Primary (see Empty Sella Syndrome),Empty Sella Syndrome, Secondary (see Empty Sella Syndrome),Empyema, Gallbladder (see Cholecystitis),Empyema, Pleural,Empyema, Thoracic (see Empyema, Pleural),Encephalitis,Encephalitis Periaxialis (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder),Encephalitis, Arbovirus,Encephalitis, Epidemic (see Encephalitis, Arbovirus),Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex,Encephalitis, Japanese (see Encephalitis, Arbovirus),Encephalitis, St. Louis (see Encephalitis, Arbovirus),Encephalocele,Encephalomyelitis,Encephalomyelitis, Myalgic (see Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic),Encephalomyelitis, Subacute Necrotizing (see Leigh Disease (Subacute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)),Encephalopathy, Binswanger (see Dementia, Vascular),Encephalopathy, Hypoxic (see Hypoxia, Brain),Encephalopathy, Subacute Necrotizing (see Leigh Disease (Subacute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)),Encephalopathy, Wernicke (see Wernicke Encephalopathy),Enchondroma (see Chondroma),Enchondroma, Multiple (see Enchondromatosis),Enchondromatosis,Enchondrosis, Multiple (see Enchondromatosis),Encopresis,Endocarditis, Bacterial,Endocrine Cancer (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Endocrine Cancer (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Endocrine Diseases (see Endocrine System Diseases),Endocrine Diseases (see Endocrine System Diseases),Endocrine Gland Cancer (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Endocrine Gland Cancer (see Endocrine Gland Neoplasms),Endocrine Gland Neoplasms,Endocrine Gland Neoplasms,Endocrine Surgical Procedures,Endocrine System Diseases,Endocrine System Diseases,Endocrinology ,Endocrinology and Metabolism (Specialty) (see Endocrinology),Endocrinology and Metabolism (Specialty) (see Endocrinology),Endodontics,Endometrial Cancer (see Endometrial Neoplasms),Endometrial Carcinoma (see Endometrial Neoplasms),Endometrial Neoplasms,Endometrioma (see Endometriosis (Adenomyosis)),Endometriosis,Endophthalmitis,Endoscopic Surgical Procedures (see Endoscopy),Endoscopy,End-Stage Renal Disease (see Kidney Failure, Chronic (End Stage Renal Disease),Enlarged Heart (see Cardiomegaly),Enlarged Liver (see Hepatomegaly),Enteric Fever (see Typhoid Fever),Enteritis, Granulomatous (see Crohn Disease),Enteritis, Pseudomembranous (see Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous),Enteritis, Regional (see Crohn Disease),Enterocele (see Hernia),Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous,Enthesopathy (see RHEUMATIC DISEASES),Entomophthoramycosis (see Zygomycosis),Entrapment Neuropathies (see Nerve Compression Syndromes),Entrapment Neuropathy, Carpal Tunnel (see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome),Entropion,Enuresis (see Urination Disorders),Eosinophilia,Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome,Ependymoma,Ependymoma, Myxopapillary (see Ependymoma),Ependymoma, Papillary (see Ependymoma),Eperythrozoonosis (see Mycoplasma Infections),Epicondylitis, Lateral Humeral (see TENNIS ELBOW),Epidemic Neurolabyrinthitis (see Vestibular Neuronitis),Epidermal Cyst,Epidermoid Cyst (see Epidermal Cyst),Epidermolysis Bullosa,Epidermophytosis (see Tinea),Epididymitis,Epiglottitis,Epilepsy,Epileptic Seizures (see Epilepsy),Epiloia (see Tuberous Sclerosis (Bourneville's Disease)),Epiphora (see LACRIMAL APPARATUS DISEASES),Episcleritis (see Scleritis),Epistaxis,Epithelial Neoplasms, Malignant (see Carcinoma),Epithelioma (see Carcinoma),Epstein-Barr Virus Infections,Equinovarus (see Clubfoot),Erb Paralysis (see Brachial Plexus Neuropathies (Erb's Palsy),Erdheim-Chester Disease,Erectile Dysfunction, Ergot Poisoning (see Ergotism), Ergotism, Erysipelas, Erythema, Erythema Infectiosum, Erythremia (see Polycythemia Vera), Erythroblastosis, Fetal, Erythroderma (see Dermatitis, Exfoliative (Erythroderma)), Erythroderma, Maculopapular (see Parapsoriasis), Erythroderma, Sezary (see Sezary Syndrome), Erythropoietic Porphyria (see Porphyria, Erythropoietic), Escherichia coli Infections, Esophageal Achalasia, Esophageal Atresia, Esophageal Diseases, Esophageal Reflux (see Gastroesophageal Reflux), Esophagitis, Esophagopharyngeal Diverticulum (see Zenker Diverticulum), Esophagotracheal Fistula (see Tracheoesophageal Fistula), Esophagus, Barrett (see Barrett Esophagus), Esophoria (see Esotropia), Esotropia, ESRD (see Kidney Failure, Chronic (End Stage Renal Disease)), Essential Polyarteritis (see Polyarteritis Nodosa), Essential Tremor, Etat Marbre (see MOVEMENT DISORDERS), Ethics, Ethics, Ethics, Ethics, Ethics, Ethics, Health Facility (see Ethics, Institutional), Ethics, Hospital (see Ethics, Institutional), Ethics, Institutional, Ethics, Organizational (see Ethics, Institutional), Ethics, Professional, Ethnomedicine (see Medicine, Traditional), Evans Syndrome (not on MeSH), Ewing's Tumor (see Sarcoma, Ewing's), Exanthema Subitum, Exfoliation Syndrome, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, Exodontics (see Surgery, Oral), Exomphalos (see Hernia, Umbilical (Omphalocele)), Exomphalos-Macroglossia-Gigantism Syndrome (see Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome), Exophoria (see Exotropia), Exophthalmic Goiter (see Graves Disease), Exostoses, Exotropia, Experimental Lung Inflammation (see Pneumonia), Extracorporeal Dialysis (see Renal Dialysis), Eye Abnormalities, Eye Cancer (see EYE NEOPLASMS), Eye Diseases, Eye Diseases, Eye Hemorrhage, Eye Movement Disorders (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Eye Neoplasms, Eye, ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) and Respiratory System, Eye, ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) and Respiratory System, Eye, ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) and Respiratory System, Eye, ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) and Respiratory System, Eyelid Diseases, Fabry Disease, Facial Asymmetry, Facial Hemiatrophy, Facial Myokymia (see Facial Nerve Diseases), Facial Nerve Diseases, Facial Neuralgia, Facial Neuropathy (see Facial Nerve Diseases), Facial Neuropathy, Inflammatory, Acute (see Bell Palsy), Facial Pain Syndromes (see Facial Neuralgia), Facial Palsy (see Facial Paralysis), Facial Paralysis, Facial Paralysis, Idiopathic (see Bell Palsy), Facial Recognition Agnosia (see Prosopagnosia), Factor IX Deficiency (see Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency, Christmas Disease)), Factor V Deficiency, Factor V Leiden (see Blood Coagulation Disorders), Factor VII Deficiency, Factor VIII Deficiency (see Hemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency)), Factor X Deficiency, Factor XI Deficiency, Factor XII Deficiency, Fallot's Tetralogy (see Tetralogy of Fallot), Familial Benign Chronic Pemphigus (see Pemphigus, Benign Familial), Familial Juvenile Parkinsonism (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Familial Mediterranean Fever, Familial Motor Neuron Disease (see Motor Neuron Disease), Familial Tremor (see Essential Tremor), Family Violence (see Domestic Violence), Fanconi Anemia, Farsightedness (see Hyperopia), Fasciculation, Fasciitis, Fasciitis, Necrotizing, Fascioliasis, Fatal Familial Insomnia (see Insomnia, Fatal Familial), Fatigue, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic, Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders (not on MeSH), Fatty Liver, Fatty Tumor (see Lipoma), Favism (see Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency), Fazio-Londe Syndrome (see Bulbar Palsy, Progressive), Fecal Incontinence, Feeding Methods, Felty Syndrome (see Arthritis, Rheumatoid), Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications, Feminization, Ferret Diseases (not on MeSH), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Death, Fetal Diseases, Fetal Distress, Fetal Growth Retardation, Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture, Fetofetal Transfusion, Fever, Fever Blister (see Herpes Labialis), Fibrinogen Deficiency (see Afibrinogenemia (Factor I Deficiency, Fibrinogen Deficiency)), Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Fibrocystic Mastopathy (see Fibrocystic Breast Disease), Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (see Myositis Ossificans), Fibroid (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibroid Tumor (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibroid Uterus (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibroids, Uterine (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibroma, Shope (see TUMOR VIRUS INFECTIONS), Fibroma, Uterine (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibromatosis, Aggressive, Fibromatosis, Juvenile Hyaline (not on MeSH), Fibromuscular Dysplasia, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyoma (see Leiomyoma (Fibroid Tumor)), Fibrosis, Fibrosis, Bone Marrow (see Myelofibrosis), Fibrosis, Liver (see Liver Cirrhosis), Fibrositis (see Fibromyalgia), Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone, Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic, Fifth Disease (see Erythema Infectiosum), Filariasis, Filarioidea Infections (see Filariasis), Finger Agnosia (see Agnosia), Firesetting Behavior, Fish Diseases, Fisher Syndrome (see Miller Fisher Syndrome), Fissure in Ano (see Anus Diseases), Fistula, Flatfoot, Flatulence, Flatus (see Flatulence), Floaters (not on MeSH), Floppy Mitral Valve (see Mitral Valve Prolapse), Flushing, Folk Medicine (see Medicine, Traditional), Folk Remedies (see Medicine, Traditional), Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Inappropriate Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Food Poisoning, Foot and Mouth Disease (see Cattle Diseases), Foot and Mouth Disease (see Swine Diseases), Foot and Mouth Disease (see Cattle Diseases), Foot and Mouth Disease (see Swine Diseases), Foot Deformities, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Forestier-Certonciny Syndrome (see Polymyalgia Rheumatica), Foster-Kennedy Syndrome (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES), Fournier Disease (see Fournier Gangrene), Fournier Gangrene, Fournier's Gangrene (see Fournier Gangrene), Fowl Plague (see Influenza in Birds), Fractures, Bone, Fragile X Syndrome, Fragilitas Ossium (see Osteogenesis Imperfecta), Frambesia (see Yaws), FRAXA Syndrome (see Fragile X Syndrome (Martin-Bell syndrome)), FRAXE Syndrome (see Fragile X Syndrome (Martin-Bell syndrome)), Freckle, Melanotic (see Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle), Freckles (see Melanosis), Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome (not on MeSH), Freiberg's Disease (not on MeSH), Friedreich Ataxia, Friedreich Disease (see Friedreich Ataxia), Frigidity (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Frontal Encephalocele (see Encephalocele), Frontal Region Trauma (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (see Dementia), Frostbite, Fucosidase Deficiency Disease (see Fucosidosis), Fucosidosis, Fugue (see DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS), Fumarylacetoacetase Deficiency Disease (see Tyrosinemias), Fungus Diseases (see MYCOSES), Funnel Chest, Furunculosis, Fusobacterium Infections, G(M2) Gangliosidosis, Type I (see Tay-Sachs Disease), G(M2) Gangliosidosis, Type II (see Sandhoff Disease), Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Galactokinase Deficiency Disease (see Galactosemias), Galactorrhea (see Lactation Disorders), Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyl-Transferase Deficiency Disease (see Galactosemias), Galactosemias, Galactosylceramidase Deficiency Disease (see Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell), Gallbladder Inflammation (see Cholecystitis), Gammapathy, Monoclonal (see Paraproteinemias), Gammopathy, Monoclonal (see Paraproteinemias), Ganglioside Sialidase Deficiency Disease (see Mucolipidoses), Gangliosidosis G(M2), Type I (see Tay-Sachs Disease), Gangliosidosis G(M2), Type II (see Sandhoff Disease), Gangliosidosis GM2, B Variant (see Tay-Sachs Disease), Gangrene, Gardner Syndrome (see Intestinal Polyps), Gas Gangrene, Gas Poisoning, Gasser's Syndrome (see Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome), Gastric Stasis (see Gastroparesis), Gastritis, Gastritis, Hypertrophic, Gastroduodenal Ulcer (see Peptic Ulcer), Gastroenteritis, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastrointestinal Cancer (see Gastrointestinal Neoplasms), Gastrointestinal Diseases, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, Gastrointestinal Surgical Procedures (see Digestive System Surgical Procedures), Gastroparesis, Gastroschisis, Gaucher Disease, Gelineau Syndrome (see Narcolepsy), General, GENERAL, GENERAL, General, GENERAL, GENERAL, General, GENERAL, GENERAL, General Fibrosis Syndrome (not on MeSH), Genetic Diseases, Inborn, Geniculate Ganglionitis (see Facial Nerve Diseases), Geniculate Herpes Zoster (see Herpes Zoster Oticus), Genital Diseases, Female, Genital Diseases, Male, Genital Neoplasms, Female, Genital Neoplasms, Female, Genital Neoplasms, Male, Geographic Tongue (see Glossitis, Benign Migratory), Geriatrics and Gerontology, German Measles (see Rubella), Germinoblastoma (see LYMPHOMA), Gerstmann-Straussler Syndrome (see Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease), Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease, Gestational Diabetes (see Diabetes, Gestational), Giant Cell Arteritis, Giant Cell Glioblastoma (see Glioblastoma), Giant Intracranial Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm), Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia, Giant Platelet Syndrome (see Bernard-Soulier Syndrome (Giant Platelet Syndrome)), Giardiasis, Giedion-Langer Syndrome (see Langer-Giedion Syndrome), Gigantism, Gilbert Disease, Gilles de la Tourette's Disease (see Tourette Syndrome), Gingivitis, GIST (see Digestive System Neoplasms), Glanders (see Burkholderia Infections), Glandular Fever (see Infectious Mononucleosis), Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (see Thrombasthenia), Glaucoma, Glaucoma Capsulare (see Exfoliation Syndrome), Glial Cell Tumors (see Glioma), Glioblastoma, Glioblastoma Multiforme (see Glioblastoma), Glioblastoma, Retinal (see Retinoblastoma), Glioma, Glioma, Astrocytic (see Astrocytoma), Glioma, Retinal (see Retinoblastoma), GLNH (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia), Glomerulonephritis, Glossitis Areata Exfoliativa (see Glossitis, Benign Migratory), Glossitis, Benign Migratory, Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia (see Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases), Glucocerebrosidase Deficiency Disease (see Gaucher Disease), Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Glucosylceramide Beta-Glucosidase Deficiency Disease (see Gaucher Disease), Glue Sniffing (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS), Glutaric Acidemia (not on MeSH), Gluten Enteropathy (see Celiac Disease), Glycogen Storage Disease, Glycogenosis (see Glycogen Storage Disease), Glycoprotein Syndrome, Carbohydrate-Deficient (see Carbohydrate-Deficient Glycoprotein Syndrome), Goiter, Exophthalmic (see Graves Disease), Goldenhar Syndrome, Gonadal Disorders, Gonadal Dysgenesis, 45,X (see Turner Syndrome), Gonadal Dysgenesis, XO (see Turner Syndrome), Gonorrhea, Goodpasture Syndrome (see Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease), Gorlin Syndrome (see Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin/Goltz Syndrome)), Gout, Graft vs Host Disease, Graft-Versus-Host Disease (see GRAFT VS HOST DISEASE), Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections, Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections, Granuloma, Granuloma Annulare, Granuloma Inguinale, Granuloma Venereum (see Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis)), Granuloma, Hodgkin (see Hodgkin Disease), Granuloma, Malignant (see Hodgkin Disease), Granuloma, Pseudopyogenic (see Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia), Granulomatosis, Lipid (see Erdheim-Chester Disease), Granulomatosis, Wegener's (see Wegener Granulomatosis), Granulomatous Cheilitis (see Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (Cheilitis Granulomatosa)), Granulomatous Disease, Chronic, Graves Disease, Graves' Disease (see Graves Disease), Great Pox (see Syphilis (Lues)), Grippe (see Influenza, Human), Gronblad-Strandberg Syndrome (see Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum), Growth Retardation, Intrauterine (see Fetal Growth Retardation), Guerin-Stern Syndrome (see Arthrogryposis), Guillain Barre Syndrome, Miller Fisher Variant (see Miller Fisher Syndrome), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Guinea Worm Infection (see Dracunculiasis), Gunther's Disease (see Porphyria, Erythropoietic), Guyon Syndrome (see Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes), Gynecologic Diseases (see GENITAL DISEASES, FEMALE), Gynecologic Neoplasms (see Genital Neoplasms, Female), Gynecologic Neoplasms (see Genital Neoplasms, Female), Gynecology & Obstetrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Gynecomastia, Gyrate Atrophy, Habilitation (see Rehabilitation), Hageman Trait (see Factor XII Deficiency (Hageman Factor Deficiency)), Hailey-Hailey Disease (see Pemphigus, Benign Familial), Hair Diseases, Hakim Syndrome (see Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure), Halitosis, Hallucinations, Hallux Abductovalgus (see Hallux Valgus), Hallux Valgus, Hamartoma, Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple, Hamman-Rich Syndrome (see Pulmonary Fibrosis), Hammertoes (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Hand-Schuller-Christian Syndrome (see Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell), Hansen's Disease (see Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)), Hantavirus Infections, Happy Puppet Syndrome (see Angelman Syndrome), Harassment, Nonsexual (see Social Behavior), Harelip (see Cleft Lip), Hartnup Disease, Head and Neck Cancer (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Head and Neck Neoplasms, Head Cancer (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Head Injuries (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Head Lice (see Lice Infestations), Head Trauma (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Headache, Headache, Migraine (see Migraine Disorders), Hearing Disorders, Hearing Loss, Sudden, Heart Abnormalities (see Heart Defects, Congenital), Heart Block, Heart Catheterization, Heart Decompensation (see Heart Failure), Heart Defects, Congenital, Heart Disease, Ischemic (see Myocardial Ischemia), Heart Diseases, Heart Failure, Heart Hypertrophy (see Cardiomegaly), Heart Septal Defects, Heart Valve Diseases, Heat Cramps (see Heat Stress Disorders), Heat Stress Disorders, Heat Stress Syndromes (see Heat Stress Disorders), Heberden's Node (see Osteoarthritis), HELLP Syndrome (see Eclampsia), Helminthiasis, Hemangioma, Hemangioma, Histiocytoid (see Hemangioma), Hemangioma, Intramuscular (see Hemangioma), Hemangioma, Sclerosing (see Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous), Hematochezia (see Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage), Hematologic Diseases, Hematology, Hematology, Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial, Hematoma, Subdural, Hematospermia (not on MeSH), Hematuria, Hemeralopia (see VISION DISORDERS), Hemianopsia, Hemianopsia, Binasal (see Hemianopsia), Hemianopsia, Bitemporal (see Hemianopsia), Hemianopsia, Homonymous (see Hemianopsia), Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases, Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases, Hemicrania (see Headache), Hemifacial Atrophy (see Facial Hemiatrophy (Romberg Disease)), Hemifacial Microsomia (see Facial Asymmetry), Hemifacial Paralysis (see Facial Paralysis), Hemiplegia, Hemispinal Cord Syndrome (see Brown-Sequard Syndrome), Hemochromatosis, Hemodialysis (see Renal Dialysis), Hemoglobin S Disease (see Anemia, Sickle Cell), Hemoglobinopathies, Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal, Hemolytic Anemia (see Anemia, Hemolytic), Hemolytic Disease of Newborn (see Erythroblastosis, Fetal), Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome, Hemopericardium (see Pericardial Effusion), Hemophilia (see Hemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency)), Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, Hemophilia C (see Factor XI Deficiency (Rosenthal Syndrome)), Hemophilia, Vascular (see von Willebrand Disease), Hemophthalmos (see EYE HEMORRHAGE), Hemoptysis, Hemorrhage, Cerebral (see Cerebral Hemorrhage), Hemorrhage, Cranial Epidural (see Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial), Hemorrhage, Eye (see EYE HEMORRHAGE), Hemorrhage, Gastrointestinal (see Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage), Hemorrhage, Postpartum (see Postpartum Hemorrhage), Hemorrhage, Subdural (see Hematoma, Subdural), Hemorrhagic Disease of Newborn, Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral, Hemorrhagic Shock (see Shock, Hemorrhagic), Hemorrhoids, Hemosiderosis, Hendra Virus Disease (see Paramyxoviridae Infections), Henoch Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Hepatic Cirrhosis (see Liver Cirrhosis), Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction (see Budd-Chiari Syndrome), Hepatitis, Hepatitis, Chronic, Hepatitis, Chronic, Cryptogenic (see Hepatitis, Chronic), Hepatitis, Viral, Human, Hepatolenticular Degeneration, Hepatology (see Gastroenterology), Hepatology (see Gastroenterology), Hepatomegaly, Hereditary Diseases (see GENETIC DISEASES, INBORN), Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies, Hereditary Motor and Sensory-Neuropathy Type II (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), Hereditary Motor, and Sensory Neuropathy Type I (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), Hereditary Optic Atrophy (see Optic Atrophies, Hereditary), Hereditary Periodic Fever Syndromes (see Familial Mediterranean Fever (Yerevanian Disease)), Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies, Hereditary Spinal Sclerosis (see Friedreich Ataxia), Hereditary, Type III, Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), Hereditary, Type VII, Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), Hereditary-Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type III (see Dysautonomia, Familial), Heredopathia Atactica Polyneuritiformis (see Refsum Disease), Heredopathia Atactica Polyneuritiformis (see Refsum Disease), Hermanski-Pudlak Syndrome, Hermaphroditism, Hernia, Hernia, Cerebral (see Encephalocele), Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Hernia, Esophageal (see Hernia, Hiatal), Hernia, Hiatal, Hernia, Paraesophageal (see Hernia, Hiatal), Hernia, Umbilical, Herpes Genitalis (see Herpes Simplex), Herpes Labialis, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (see Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex), Herpes Simplex, Labial (see Herpes Labialis), Herpes Zoster, Herpes Zoster Oticus, Herpesviridae Infections, Herpesvirus Infections (see Herpesviridae Infections), Herpetic Acute Necrotizing Encephalitis (see Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex), Herpetic Facial Paralysis (see Bell Palsy), Hexosaminidase A and B Deficiency Disease (see Sandhoff Disease), Hexosaminidase A Deficiency Disease (see Tay-Sachs Disease), Hiatal Hernia (see Hernia, Hiatal), Hibernoma (see Lipoma), Hiccup, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (see Ectodermal Dysplasia), Hip Dislocation, Congenital, Hip Dysplasia, Congenital (see Hip Dislocation, Congenital), Hirschsprung Disease, Hirsutism, Histidinemia (not on MeSH), Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous, Histiocytoma, Cutaneous (see Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous), Histiocytoma, Fibrous (see Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous), Histiocytoma, Malignat Fibrous, Histiocytosis, Histiocytosis X (see Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell), Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell, Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell, Histology, Histomoniasis (see PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS), Histoplasmosis, HIV Infections, Hives (see Urticaria (Hives)), HMN Proximal Type I (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), HMSN (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), HMSN Type I (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), HMSN Type II (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), HMSN Type III (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), HMSN Type IV (see Refsum Disease), HMSN Type IV (see Refsum Disease), HMSN Type VII (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), Hodgkin Disease, Hodgkin Lymphoma (see Hodgkin Disease), Holmes-Adie Syndrome (see Adie Syndrome), Holoprosencephaly, Holt-Oram Syndrome (see Heart Defects, Congenital), Home Remedies (see Medicine, Traditional), Homocystinuria, Homologous Wasting Disease (see GRAFT VS HOST DISEASE), Hookworm Infections, Hordeolum, Horizontal Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Horner Syndrome, Horner's Syndrome (see Horner Syndrome), Horse Diseases, Horton Disease (see Giant Cell Arteritis), Horton Giant Cell Arteritis (see Giant Cell Arteritis), Hospital Infections (see Cross Infection), Hospital-Addiction Syndrome (see Munchausen Syndrome), HSAN (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSAN Type I (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSAN Type II (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSAN Type III (see Dysautonomia, Familial), HSAN Type IV (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSAN Type V (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSN Type I (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HSN Type II (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), HTLV-III Infections (see HIV Infections), HTLV-III-LAV Infections (see HIV Infections), Hughe's Syndrome (see Antiphospholipid Syndrome), Human Flu (see Influenza, Human), Human Identification (see Forensic Anthropology), Human Influenza (see Influenza, Human), Human Retrovirus (see RNA VIRUS INFECTIONS), Humanism, Huntington Chorea (see Huntington Disease), Huntington Disease, Hurler's Syndrome (see Mucopolysaccharidoses), Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome (see Progeria), Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle, Hutchinson's Teeth (see Syphilis, Congenital), Hydatid Cyst (see Echinococcosis), Hydatidiform Mole, Hydatidosis (see Echinococcosis), Hydramnios (see Polyhydramnios), Hydrocephalus, Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure, Hydronephrosis, Hydrophobia (see Rabies), Hydrops (see Edema), Hydrosyringomyelia (see Syringomyelia), Hyperacusis, Hyperaldosteronism, Hyperbilirubinemia, Hereditary, Hyperbilirubinemic Encephalopathy (see Kernicterus), Hypercalcemia, Hypercapnia, Hypercholesteremia (see Hypercholesterolemia), Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Hyperemia, Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma, Hyperhidrosis, Hyperimmunoglobulin E-Recurrent Infection Syndrome (see Job's Syndrome), Hyperinsulinism, Hyperkalemia, Hyperkinetic Syndrome (see Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity), Hyperlipidemia, Familial Combined, Hyperlipidemia, Multiple Lipoprotein-Type (see Hyperlipidemia, Familial Combined), Hypermetropia (see Hyperopia), Hyperopia, Hyperostosis, Hyperostosis, Cortical, Congenital, Hyperoxaluria, Hyperphenylalaninemia, Non-Phenylketonuric (see Phenylketonurias), Hyperpipecolic Acidemia (see Peroxisomal Disorders), Hyperpituitarism, Hyperplasia, Giant Lymph Node (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia), Hyperpotassemia (see Hyperkalemia), Hyperprolactinemia, Hyperpyrexia, Malignant (see Malignant Hyperthermia), Hypersalivation (see Sialorrhea), Hypersensitivity, Hypersensitivity, Atopic (see Hypersensitivity, Immediate), Hypersensitivity, Immediate, Hypersensitivity, Latex (see Latex Hypersensitivity), Hypersensitivity, Respiratory (see RESPIRATORY HYPERSENSITIVITY), Hypersensitivity, Type I (see Hypersensitivity, Immediate), Hypersensitivity, Type III (see Immune Complex Diseases), Hypersomnia, Periodic (see Kleine-Levin Syndrome), Hypertension, Hypertension, Malignant, Hypertension, Portal, Hypertension, Pulmonary, Hyperthermia (see Fever), Hyperthermia, Malignant (see Malignant Hyperthermia), Hyperthyroidism, Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular, Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular, Hypertropia (see Strabismus (Squint)), Hyperventilation, Hypervitaminosis A, Hyphema, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Hypocalcemia, Hypochondriasis, Hypocupremia, Congenital (see Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome), Hypogalactia (see Lactation Disorders), Hypogammaglobulinemia (see Agammaglobulinemia), Hypoglycemia, Hypogonadism, Hypohidrosis, Hypokalemia, Hypomenorrhea (see Menstruation Disturbances), Hyponatremia, Hypophosphatasia, Hypophyseal Disorders (see Pituitary Diseases), Hypopituitarism, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Hypopotassemia (see Hypokalemia), Hypoproconvertinemia (see Factor VII Deficiency), Hyposalivation (see Xerostomia), Hypospadias, Hypotension, Hypothermia, Hypothyroidism, Hypoventilation, Central Alveolar (see Sleep Apnea, Central), Hypovolemic Shock (see Shock), Hypoxanthine-Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency Disease (see Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome), Hypoxia (see Anoxia), Hypoxia, Brain, Hypoxic Encephalopathy (see Hypoxia, Brain), Hypsarrhythmia (see Spasms, Infantile), Hysteria, Dissociative (see DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS), I-Cell Disease (see Mucolipidoses), Ichthyosis, Icterus (see Jaundice), IDDM (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1), Ideational Apraxia (see Apraxias), Idiocy (see Mental Retardation), Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (see Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis (see Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic), Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subvalvular Stenosis (see Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic), Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (see Pseudotumor Cerebri), Idiopathic Orofacial Dyskinesia (see Meige Syndrome), Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension, Shy-Drager Type (see Shy-Drager Syndrome), Idiopathic Parkinson Disease (see Parkinson Disease), Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis (not on MeSH), IgA Deficiency, IgA Neuropathy (see Glomerulonephritis), IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity (see Hypersensitivity, Immediate), Ileitis, Regional (see Crohn Disease), Ileitis, Terminal (see Crohn Disease), Ileocolitis (see Crohn Disease), Imaging, Diagnostic (see Diagnostic Imaging), Imaging, Medical (see Diagnostic Imaging), Immersion Foot, Immune Complex Diseases, Immune Disorders (see Immune System Diseases), Immune Disorders (see Immune System Diseases), Immune System Diseases, Immune System Diseases, Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired (see Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), Immunodeficiency, Common Variable (see Common Variable Immunodeficiency), Immunodeficiency, Severe Combined (see Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), Immunologic Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired (see Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes, Immunologic Diseases (see Immune System Diseases), Immunologic Diseases (see Immune System Diseases), Immunology, Impetigo, Impetigo Contagiosa (see Impetigo), Impotence (see Erectile Dysfunction), Impulse Control Disorders, Inappropriate Follicle Stimulating Hormone Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Inappropriate FSH Secretion Syndrome (see Hyperpituitarism), Inappropriate Growth Hormone Secretion Syndrome (Acromegaly) (see Acromegaly), Inappropriate LH Secretion Syndrome (see Hyperpituitarism), Inappropriate Luteinizing Hormone Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Inappropriate Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Inappropriate TSH Secretion Syndrome (see Hyperpituitarism), Inborn Errors of Metabolism (see Metabolism, Inborn Errors), Inclusion Disease (see Cytomegalovirus Infections), Incontinentia Pigmenti, Incontinentia Pigmenti Achromians (see Pigmentation Disorders), Indigestion (see Dyspepsia), Infant, Newborn, Diseases, Infantile Cortical Hyperostosis (see Hyperostosis, Cortical, Congenital), Infantile Paralysis (see Poliomyelitis), Infantile Spasms (see Spasms, Infantile), Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Infectious Mononucleosis, Infectious Mononucleosis-Like Syndrome, Chronic (see Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic), Infertility, Infertility, Infertility, Female (see Infertility), Infertility, Female (see Infertility), Infertility, Male (see Infertility), Infertility, Male (see Infertility), Inflammation, Inflammation, Brain (see Encephalitis), Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Inflammatory Myopathy (see Myositis), Inflammatory Response Syndrome, Systemic (see Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), Influenza in Birds, Influenza in Humans (see Influenza, Human), Influenza, Avian (see Influenza in Birds), Influenza, Human, Inhalation Therapy (see Respiratory Therapy), Injuries (see WOUNDS AND INJURIES), Injuries, Poisonings, and Occupational Diseases (see Disorders of Environmental Origin), Injuries, Poisonings, and Occupational Diseases (see Disorders of Environmental Origin), Inner Ear Disease (see Labyrinth Diseases), Inoculation Lymphoreticulosis (see Cat-scratch Disease), Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis, Congenital (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), Insomnia, Fatal Familial, Insulin Resistance, Insulin Resistance Syndrome X (see Metabolic Syndrome X), Insulinoma, Insuloma (see Insulinoma), Intention Tremor (see Tremor), Intermittent Claudication, Intermittent Explosive Disorder (see IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS), Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Intersexuality (see Hermaphroditism), Interstitial Cystitis (see Cystitis, Interstitial), Interstitial Lung Diseases (see Lung Diseases, Interstitial), Intervertebral Disk Displacement, Intestinal Cancer (see Intestinal Neoplasms), Intestinal Diseases, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic, Intestinal Neoplasms, Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia (not on MeSH), Intestinal Obstruction, Intestinal Polyps, Intoxication (see Poisoning), Intoxication (see Poisoning), Intracerebral Hemorrhage (see Cerebral Hemorrhage), Intracranial Aneurysm, Intracranial Central Nervous System Disorders (see BRAIN DISEASES), Intracranial Vascular Disorders (see Cerebrovascular Disorders), Intracranial Vasospasm (see Vasospasm, Intracranial), Intrauterine Cross-Transfusion (see Fetofetal Transfusion), Intrauterine Growth Retardation (see Fetal Growth Retardation), Iodamoebiasis (see Amebiasis), Iodine Deficiency (not on MeSH), Iritis, Iron Overload, Iron Poisoning (not on MeSH), Iron-Deficiency Anemia (see Anemia, Iron-Deficiency), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Isaac's Syndrome (see Fasciculation), Ischemia, Myocardial (see Myocardial Ischemia), Ischemic Attack, Transient, Ischemic Encephalopathy (see Brain Ischemia), Ischemic Heart Disease (see Myocardial Ischemia), Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (see Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic), Isoimmunization, Rhesus (see Rh Isoimmunization), Itai-Itai (see Cadmium Poisoning), Itching (see Pruritus), Ito Syndrome (see Pigmentation Disorders), IUGR (see Fetal Growth Retardation), Ivemark Syndrome (not on MeSH), ,J,Jackknife Seizures (see Spasms, Infantile), Jacksonian Seizure (see Seizures), Jacobsen Syndrome (not on MeSH), Jansky-Bielschowsky Disease (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses), Jaundice, Jaundice, Chronic Idiopathic, Jaundice, Hemolytic (see Anemia, Hemolytic), Jaundice, Neonatal, Jaw Diseases, Jerk Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Job's Syndrome, Jock Itch (see Dermatomycoses), Joint Diseases, Joseph Disease (see Machado-Joseph Disease), Juvenile Huntington Disease (see Huntington Disease), Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Juvenile Temporal Arteritis (see Giant Cell Arteritis), Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome (not on MeSH), Kallmann Syndrome, Kanner's Syndrome (see Autistic Disorder), Kaposi Disease (see Xeroderma Pigmentosum), Kartagener Syndrome, Kartagener Triad (see Kartagener Syndrome), Kawasaki Disease (see Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome), Kearns Syndrome (see Kearns-Sayer Syndrome), Kearns-Sayer Syndrome, Keloid, Kennedy Syndrome (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal), Keratitis, Keratitis, Ulcerative (see Corneal Ulcer), Keratoconus, Keratosis Follicularis, Keratosis, Actinic (not on MeSH), Keratosis, Seborrheic, Kernicterus, Ketoacidosis, Diabetic (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis), Ketosis, Diabetic (see Diabetic Ketoacidosis), Kidney Calculi, Kidney Diseases, Kidney Diseases, Cystic, Kidney Failure, Acute, Kidney Failure, Chronic, Kidney Stones (see Kidney Calculi), Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute, Kienbock Disease (see Osteonecrosis), Kimura Disease (see Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia), Kinky Hair Syndrome (see Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome), Kissing Disease (see Infectious Mononucleosis), Klebsiella Infections, Kleine-Levin Syndrome, Klein-Waardenburg Syndrome (see Waardenburg's Syndrome), Kleptomania (see IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS), Klinefelter Syndrome, Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Klippel-Trenaunay Disease (see Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome), Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome, Klumpke Paralysis (see Brachial Plexus Neuropathies (Erb's Palsy)), Kniest Dysplasia (see Dwarfism), Koehler Disease (see Osteochondritis), Konzo (see Plant Poisoning), Krabbe Disease (see Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell), Krukenberg Tumor, Kufs Disease (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses), Kugelberg-Welander Disease (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Kuru, Kuru Encephalopathy (see Kuru), Kussmaul Aphasia (see Mutism), Kwashiorkor (see Starvation), Labhart-Willi Syndrome (see Prader-Willi Syndrome), Laboratory Diagnosis (see Laboratory Techniques and Procedures), Laboratory Techniques and Procedures, Labyrinth Diseases, Labyrinthitis, Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases, Lacrimal Duct Obstruction, Lactation Disorders, Lactose Intolerance, Lactose Malabsorption (see Lactose Intolerance), Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, Lambliasis (see Giardiasis), Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, Landry-Guillain-Barre Syndrome (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome), Langer-Giedion Syndrome, Langerhans-Cell Granulomatosis (see Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell), Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures (see Laparoscopy), Laparoscopy, Larsen Syndrome (not on MeSH), Larva Migrans, Larva Migrans, Cutaneous (see Larva Migrans), Larva Migrans, Ocular (see Larva Migrans), Laryngeal Cancer (see Laryngeal Neoplasms), Laryngeal Diseases, Laryngeal Neoplasms, Laryngeal Nerve Palsy, Recurrent (see Vocal Cord Paralysis), Laryngeal Paralysis (see Vocal Cord Paralysis), Laryngeal Perichondritis (see LARYNGEAL DISEASES), Laryngeal Stenosis (see Laryngostenosis), Laryngitis, Laryngomalacia (not on MeSH), Laryngostenosis, Larynx Neoplasms (see Laryngeal Neoplasms), Laser Knife (see Laser Therapy), Laser Scalpel (see Laser Therapy), Laser Therapy, Lassa Fever, Lassitude (see Fatigue), Lateral Bulbar Syndrome (see Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome)), Lateral Medullary Syndrome, Lateral Sclerosis (see Motor Neuron Disease), Latex Allergy (see Latex Hypersensitivity), Latex Hypersensitivity, Laurence-Moon Syndrome, Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome (see Laurence-Moon Syndrome), Lazy Eye (see Amblyopia), Lead Poisoning, Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (see Blindness), Leeching, Left Heart Syndrome, Hypoplastic (see Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome), Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (see Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular), Leg Ulcer, Legal Medicine (see Forensic Medicine), Legal Medicine (see Forensic Medicine), Legg-Perthes Disease, Legionellosis, Leigh Disease, Leiomyoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Epithelioid (see Leiomyosarcoma), Leiomyosarcoma, Myxoid (see Leiomyosarcoma), Leishmaniasis, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (see Epilepsy), Lens Diseases, Lens Opacities (see Cataract), Lentiginosis (see Lentigo), Lentiginosis, Perioral (see Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome), Lentigo, Lentigo, Malignant (see Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle), Leprosy, Leptomeningeal Cysts (see Arachnoid Cysts), Leptospirosis, Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, Leucine Metabolism Disorders (not on MeSH), Leukemia, Leukemia, B-Cell, Acute (see Burkitt Lymphoma), Leukocytopenia (see Leukopenia), Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell, Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic, Leukodystrophy, Spongiform (see Canavan Disease), Leukoencephalitis, Subacute Sclerosing (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), Leukoencephalopathy, Subcortical (see Dementia, Vascular), Leukopenia, Lewy Body Disease, Lewy Body Parkinson Disease (see Parkinson Disease), Lhermitte-Duclos Disease (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)), Libman-Sacks Disease (see Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic), Lice Infestations, Lichen Planus, Lichen Ruber Planus (see Lichen Planus), Lichen Sclerosus (see Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus (White Spot Disease)), Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus, Lightheadedness (see Dizziness), Limb Cramp (see Muscle Cramp), Lindau Disease (see von Hippel-Lindau Disease), Lingual-Facial-Buccal Dyskinesia (see MOVEMENT DISORDERS), Lipodystrophy, Lipodystrophy, Intestinal (see Whipple Disease), Lipoma, Lipoma, Pleomorphic (see Lipoma), Lipomatosis, Lipomatosis, Lipomucopolysaccharidosis (see Mucolipidoses), Lissencephaly, Listeria Infections, Little Disease (see Cerebral Palsy), Livedo Reticularis, Systemic Involvement (see Sneddon Syndrome), Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Diseases, Liver Fibrosis (see Liver Cirrhosis), Loaiasis (see Loiasis (African Eye Worm)), Lobar Holoprosencephaly (see Holoprosencephaly), Lobstein Disease (see Osteogenesis Imperfecta), Locked-In Syndrome (see Quadriplegia), Lockjaw (see Trismus), Loiasis, Long QT Syndrome, Lordosis, Lou Gehrig Disease (see Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Loudness Recruitment (see Hyperacusis), Louis-Bar Syndrome (see Ataxia Telangiectasia (Louis-Bar Syndrome)), Lowe Syndrome (see Oculocerebrorenal Syndrome (Lowe Syndrome)), Lower Nephron Nephrosis (see Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute), Ludwig's Angina, Lung Abscess, Lung Cancer (see Lung Neoplasms), Lung Diseases, Lung Diseases, Interstitial, Lung Inflammation (see Pneumonia), Lung Neoplasms, Lupus Erythematosus Disseminatus (see Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic), Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous, Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous, Subacute (see Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous), Lupus Erythematosus, Subacute Cutaneous (see Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous), Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Luteinizing Hormone, Inappropriate Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Lyme Borreliosis (see Lyme Disease), Lyme Disease, Lymph Node Hyperplasia, Giant (see Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia), Lymph Node Syndrome, Mucocutaneous (see Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome), Lymphadenitis, Lymphadenopathy (see LYMPHATIC DISEASES), Lymphangioendothelioma (see Lymphangioma), Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Lymphangioma, Lymphangioma, Cavernous (see Lymphangioma), Lymphatic Diseases, Lymphatism (see LYMPHATIC DISEASES), Lymphedema, Lymphogranuloma Inguinale (see Lymphogranuloma Venereum), Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Lymphogranuloma, Malignant (see Hodgkin Disease), Lymphoma, Lymphoma, Burkitt (see Burkitt Lymphoma), Lymphoma, Lymphoplasmacytoid (see Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia), Lymphoma, Malignant (see LYMPHOMA), Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Lysosomal Enzyme Disorders (see Lysosomal Storage Diseases), Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Machado-Joseph Disease, Macroglobulinemia (see Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia), Macroglossia, Macropsia (see VISION DISORDERS), Macular Degeneration, Maculopathy, Age-Related (see Macular Degeneration), Madura Foot (see Maduromycosis (Mycetoma)), Maduromycosis, Maffucci Syndrome (see Enchondromatosis), Maggot Infestations (see Myiasis), Magnesium Deficiency, Mal de Debarquement (see Motion Sickness), Malaria, Male Breast Neoplasms (see Breast Neoplasms, Male), Male Genital Diseases (see Genital Diseases, Male), Male Genital Neoplasms (see Genital Neoplasms, Male), Male Pattern Baldness (see Alopecia), Male Urogenital Diseases, Male Urogenital Diseases, Malignant Hyperpyrexia (see Malignant Hyperthermia), Malignant Hyperthermia, Malignant Melanoma (see Melanoma), Malignant Meningioma (see Meningioma), Malta Fever (see Brucellosis), Mammary Dysplasia (see Fibrocystic Breast Disease), Mandibulofacial Dysostosis, Manganese Poisoning, Mange (see Mite Infestations), Mange, Sarcoptic (see Scabies), Manic Disorder (see Bipolar Disorder), Manic-Depressive Psychosis (see Bipolar Disorder), Manipulation, Chiropractic, Mannosidosis, alpha B, Lysosomal (see alpha-Mannosidosis), Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Marasmus (see Starvation), Marble Bone Disease (see Osteopetrosis), Marcus-Gunn Pupil (see PUPIL DISORDERS), Marfan Syndrome, Marginal Ulcer (see Peptic Ulcer), Marie-Struempell Disease (see Spondylitis, Ankylosing), Marsh Fever (see Malaria), Martin-Bell Syndrome (see Fragile X Syndrome (Martin-Bell syndrome)), Masseter Muscle Spasm (see Trismus), Mastalgia (see Breast Diseases), Mast-Cell Disease (see Mastocytosis), Mastectomy, Mastocytosis, Mastoiditis, Maturity-Onset Diabetes Mellitus (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2), Maxillofacial Procedures (see Oral Surgical Procedures), McArdle Disease (see Glycogen Storage Disease), McCune-Albright Syndrome (see Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic), MCLS (see Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome), Measles, Measles Inclusion Body Encephalitis (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), Measles, German (see Rubella), Meckel Diverticulum, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Mediastinal Cyst, Medical Imaging (see Diagnostic Imaging), Medicine, Alternative (see Complementary Therapies), Medicine, Complementary (see Complementary Therapies), Medicine, Folk (see Medicine, Traditional), Medicine, Indigenous (see Medicine, Traditional), Medicine, Primitive (see Medicine, Traditional), Medicine, Traditional, Mediterranean Fever, Familial (see Familial Mediterranean Fever (Yerevanian Disease)), Medullary Sponge Kidney, Medulloblastoma, Medulloblastoma, Desmoplastic (see Medulloblastoma), Medullomyoblastoma (see Medulloblastoma), Megacolon, Congenital (see Hirschsprung Disease), Megaesophagus (see Esophageal Achalasia), Meibomian Cyst (see Chalazion), Meige Syndrome, Meigs Syndrome (see Ovarian Neoplasms), Melancholia (see Depressive Disorder), Melanism (see Melanosis), Melanocytic Vestibular Schwannoma (see Neuroma, Acoustic), Melanoma, Melanoma, Amelanotic, Melanosis, Melanotic Freckle (see Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle), MELAS Syndrome, Melasma (see Melanosis), Melena (see Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage), Melioidosis, Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome, Melorheostosis, Memory Disorders, Memory Loss (see Memory Disorders), Menetrier Disease (see Gastritis, Hypertrophic), Meniere Disease, Meniere's Disease (see Meniere Disease), Meniere's Syndrome (see Meniere Disease), Meningeal Plague (see Plague), Meningioma, Meningiomas, Multiple (see Meningioma), Meningiomatosis (see Meningioma), Meningitis, Bacterial, Meningitis, Viral, Meningoencephalitis, Herpes Simplex Virus (see Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex), Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome, Menkes Syndrome (see Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome), Menstruation Disorders (see Menstruation Disturbances), Menstruation Disturbances, Menstruation, Retrograde (see Menstruation Disturbances), Mental Disorders, Mental Disorders, Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood, Mental Retardation, Mercury Poisoning, Merkel Cell Tumor (see Carcinoma, Merkel Cell), Mesothelioma, Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome X, Metabolism and Endocrinology (Specialty) (see Endocrinology), Metabolism and Endocrinology (Specialty) (see Endocrinology), Metabolism, Inborn Errors, Metastasis (see Neoplasm Metastasis), Metatarsal Deformity (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Metatarsus Primus Varus (see Hallux Valgus), Methemoglobinemia, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Microcephaly, Microlissencephaly (see Microcephaly), Microphthalmos, Micropsia (see VISION DISORDERS), Micropunctures (see Punctures), Microvascular Angina, Middle Ear Cholesteatoma (see Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear), Migraine Disorders, Miliaria (see Sweat Gland Diseases), Milk-Alkali Syndrome (see Hypercalcemia), Miller Fisher Syndrome, Milroy's Disease (see Lymphedema), Minimal Access Surgical Procedures (see Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive), Minimal Brain Dysfunction (see Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity), Minimal Change Disease (see Nephrosis), Minimal Residual Disease (see Neoplasm, Residual), Minimal Surgical Procedures (see Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive), Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures (see Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive), Miosis, Innervational Defect (see Horner Syndrome), Miscarriage (see Abortion, Spontaneous), Misconduct, Professional (see Professional Misconduct), Mite Infestations, Mitochondrial Diseases, Mitochondrial Myopathies, Mitochondrial Myopathy, Lactic Acidosis, Stroke-Like Episode (see Melas Syndrome), Mitral Click-Murmur Syndrome (see Mitral Valve Prolapse), Mitral Valve Prolapse, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, MODY (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2), Moebius Syndrome (see Paralysis), Moebius Syndrome, Moersch-Woltmann Syndrome (see Stiff-Person Syndrome (Stiff Man Syndrome)), Molar Pregnancy (see Hydatidiform Mole), Mole, Skin (see Nevus), Molluscum Contagiosum, Mongolism (see Down Syndrome), Moniliasis (see Candidiasis), Moniliasis, Vulvovaginal (see Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal), Monkeypox, Monochromatopsia (see Color Vision Defects), Monoclonal Gammopathies (see Paraproteinemias), Monocular Blindness, Transient (see Amaurosis Fugax), Monoplegia (see Hemiplegia), Monoplegic Cerebral Palsy (see Cerebral Palsy), Monosomy 9p- (not on MeSH), Morals, Morton's Neuroma (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Morvan Disease (see Syringomyelia), Moschkowitz Disease (see Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic), Mosquito-Borne Encephalitis (see Encephalitis, Arbovirus), Motion Sickness, Motor Neuron Disease, Motor Neuron Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (see Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Motor Neuron Disease, Lower (see Motor Neuron Disease), Motor Neuron Disease, Upper (see Motor Neuron Disease), Mountain Sickness (see Altitude Sickness), Mouth Cancer (see Mouth Neoplasms), Mouth Dryness (see Xerostomia), Mouth Neoplasms, Movement Disorders, Moyamoya Disease, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) (see Multiple Sclerosis), Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome, Mucolipidoses, Mucolipidosis (see Mucolipidoses), Mucopolysaccharidoses, Mucoviscidosis (see Cystic Fibrosis), Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney, Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency, Late-Onset (see Biotinidase Deficiency), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Hamartoma Syndrome (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)), Multiple Myeloma, Multiple Personality Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating (see Multiple Sclerosis), Multiple System Atrophy, Mumps, Munchausen Syndrome, Munchausen Syndrome, by Proxy (see Aggression), Munchhausen Syndrome, Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy, Muscle Cramp, Muscle Disorders (see MUSCULAR DISEASES), Muscle Dystonia (see Dystonia), Muscle Spasm (see Spasm), Muscle Spasticity, Muscle Spasticity, Muscular Atrophy, Peroneal (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), Muscular Atrophy, Postpoliomyelitis (see Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome), Muscular Atrophy, Spinal, Muscular Atrophy, Spinal, Infantile (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Muscular Diseases, Muscular Dystrophies, Muscular Dystrophy (see Muscular Dystrophies), Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Mutism, Myasthenia Gravis, Myasthenic Syndrome, Lambert-Eaton (see Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome), Mycetoma (see Maduromycosis (Mycetoma)), Mycobacterium Infections, Mycoplasma Infections, Mycoses, Mycotic Aneurysm, Intracranial (see Intracranial Aneurysm), Myelinoclastic Diffuse Sclerosis (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder), Myelitis, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myeloencephalitis (see ENCEPHALOMYELITIS), Myelofibrosis, Myeloid Metaplasia, Myeloma, Plasma-Cell (see Multiple Myeloma), Myelopathy (see SPINAL CORD DISEASES), Myelopathy, Inflammatory (see Myelitis), Myelopathy, Traumatic (see Spinal Cord Injuries), Myeloproliferative Disorders, Myelosclerosis (see Myelofibrosis), Myelosis, Nonleukemic (see Myeloid Metaplasia), Myiasis, Myocardial Infarction, Myocardial Ischemia, Myocarditis, Myoclonus, Myoclonus Cherry Red Spot Syndrome (see Mucolipidoses), Myoclonus, Action (see Myoclonus), Myoclonus, Nocturnal (see Myoclonus), Myoclonus, Palatal (see Myoclonus), Myodystrophia Fetalis Deformans (see Arthrogryposis), Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint (see Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome), Myoma, Myopathies (see MUSCULAR DISEASES), Myopathies, Mitochondrial (see Mitochondrial Myopathies), Myopathies, Structural, Congenital, Myopathy, Myotubular (see Myopathies, Structural, Congenital), Myopia, Myositis, Myositis Ossificans, Myositis, Focal (see Myositis), Myositis, Infectious (see Myositis), Myositis, Multiple (see Polymyositis), Myotonic Dystrophy (see Muscular Dystrophies), Myotubular Myopathy (not on MeSH), Myxedema, Congenital (see Congenital Hypothyroidism), Myxoma, ,Nagana (see Trypanosomiasis, African), Nail Diseases, Nail Fungus (see Onychomycosis), Nail-Patella Syndrome, Nails, Ingrown, Nanism (see Dwarfism), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (not on MeSH), Narcolepsy, Narcolepsy-Cataplexy Syndrome (see Narcolepsy), Nasal Obstruction, Nasal Polyps, Nausea, Near-Death Experience (see Death), Nearsightedness (see Myopia), Neck Cancer (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Neck Neoplasms (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Neck Pain, Neckache (see Neck Pain), Necrobacillosis (see Fusobacterium Infections), Necrosis, Aseptic, of Bone (see Osteonecrosis), Necrosis, Avascular, of Bone (see Osteonecrosis), Necrotizing Arteritis (see Polyarteritis Nodosa), Necrotizing Pyelonephritis (see Pyelonephritis), Necrotizing Scleritis (see Scleritis), Nelson Syndrome, Nematomorpha Infections (see HELMINTHIASIS), Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities (see Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities), Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities (see Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities), Neoplasm Metastasis, Neoplasm, Residual, Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Breast, Male (see Breast Neoplasms, Male), Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue, Neoplasms, Dental Tissue (see Odontogenic Tumors), Neoplasms, Nervous System (see Nervous System Neoplasms), Neoplasms, Upper Aerodigestive Tract (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Nephritis, Familial (see Nephritis, Hereditary (Alport's Syndrome)), Nephritis, Hereditary, Nephroblastoma (see Wilms Tumor), Nephrosis, Nephrotic Syndrome, Nerve Compression Syndromes, Nerve Entrapments (see Nerve Compression Syndromes), Nerve Pain (see Neuralgia), Nervous System Diseases, Nervous System Diseases, Nervous System Diseases, Autonomic (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Nervous System Diseases, Manganese-Induced (see Manganese Poisoning (not on MeSH)), Nervous System Diseases, Parasympathetic (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Nervous System Diseases, Sympathetic (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Nervous System Neoplasms, Nervous System Poisoning, Manganese (see Manganese Poisoning (not on MeSH)), Netherton Syndrome (see Ichthyosis), Neuralgia, Neuralgia, Amyotrophic (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)), Neuralgia, Diabetic (see Diabetic Neuropathies), Neuralgia, Geniculate (see Herpes Zoster Oticus), Neuralgia, Sciatic (see Sciatica), Neuralgic Amyotrophy (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)), Neurilemmoma, Neurilemmosarcoma (see Neurilemmoma (Neurinoma)), Neurinoma (see Neurilemmoma (Neurinoma)), Neuritis, Brachial Plexus (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)), Neuritis, Vestibular (see Vestibular Neuronitis), Neuroblastoma, Neuroblastoma, Retinal (see Retinoblastoma), Neurocysticercosis, Neurocysticercosis, Neurodynia (see Neuralgia), Neuroendocrine Tumors, Neurofibromatoses, Neurofibromatosis (see Neurofibromatoses), Neurohepatic Degeneration (see Hepatolenticular Degeneration), Neurohypophyseal Diseases (see Pituitary Diseases), Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (see Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome), Neuroleptic-Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic Induced (see Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome), Neurologic Disorders (see Nervous System Diseases), Neurologic Disorders (see Nervous System Diseases), Neurology, Neurology, Neuroma, Acoustic, Neuroma, Morton's (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Neuromuscular Diseases, Neuromyelitis Optica, Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses, Neuronitis, Vestibular (see Vestibular Neuronitis), Neuronopathic Gaucher Disease (see Gaucher Disease), Neuropapillitis (see Optic Neuritis), Neuropathies, Cranial (see Cranial Nerve Diseases), Neuropathies, Hereditary Motor and Sensory (see Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies), Neuropathies, Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), Neuropathy, Hereditary and Autonomic, Type III (see Dysautonomia, Familial), Neuropathy, Hereditary Motor and Sensory, Type IV (see Refsum Disease), Neuropathy, Hereditary Motor and Sensory, Type IV (see Refsum Disease), Neuroretinoangiomatosis (see Sturge-Weber Syndrome), Neuroses, Anxiety (see ANXIETY DISORDERS), Neuroses, Phobic (see Phobic Disorders), Neuroses, Post-Traumatic (see Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic), Neuroses, War (see Combat Disorders), Neurosis, Depressive (see Depressive Disorder), Neurosis, Hypochondriacal (see Hypochondriasis), Neurosis, Obsessive-Compulsive (see Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), Neurosurgical Procedures, Neurotoxicity Syndrome, Manganese (see Manganese Poisoning (not on MeSH)), Neurovascular Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet (see Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), Neutral Amino Acid Transport Disorder (see Hartnup Disease), Neutropenia, Neutrophilic Dermatosis, Acute Febrile (see Sweet's Syndrome), New Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (see Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome), Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (see Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin/Goltz Syndrome)), Nevus, Nevus Flammeus (see Port-Wine Stain), Nevus Syndrome, Basal Cell (see Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin/Goltz Syndrome)), Nickel Poisoning (not on MeSH), NIDDM (see Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2), Niemann-Pick Disease (see Niemann-Pick Diseases), Niemann-Pick Diseases, Night Terror (see SLEEP DISORDERS), Ninth Cranial Nerve Diseases (see Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases), Nipah Virus Encephalitis (see Paramyxoviridae Infections), Nocardia Infections, Nocturia, Nodding Spasm (see Spasms, Infantile), Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (see Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin), Nonreassuring Fetal Status (see Fetal Distress), Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma (see Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (not on MeSH), Noonan Syndrome, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (see Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure), Normokalemic Periodic Paralysis (see Paralyses, Familial Periodic), Nose Bleed (see Epistaxis), Nose Diseases, Nosebleed (see Epistaxis), Nosocomial Infections (see Cross Infection), Nutrition Disorders, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases, Nycturia (see Nocturia), Nystagmus, Pathologic, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Obstructive Hydrocephalus (see Hydrocephalus), Occipital Encephalocele (see Encephalocele), Occipital Region Trauma (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Occupational Diseases, Ochoa Syndrome (Urofacial Syndrome, Hydronephrosis with Peculiar Facial Expression; not on MeSH), Ocular Larva Migrans (see Larva Migrans), Ocular Motility Disorders, Ocular Retraction Syndrome (see Duane Retraction Syndrome), Ocular Torticollis (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Oculoauriculovertebral Syndrome (see Goldenhar Syndrome), Oculocerebrorenal Syndrome, Oculomotor Nerve Diseases, Oculomotor Paralysis (see Ophthalmoplegia), Oculopharyngeal Spinal Muscular Atrophy (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal), Oculosympathetic Syndrome (see Horner Syndrome), Odontogenic Tumors, Olfaction Disorders, Oligoastrocytoma, Mixed (see Astrocytoma), Oliguria, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, Idiopathic (see Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies), Ollier's Disease (see Enchondromatosis), Omphalocele (see Hernia, Umbilical (Omphalocele)), Onchocerciasis, Oncology, Oncology, Oncology, Oncology, Ondine Curse (see Sleep Apnea, Central), Ondine Syndrome (see Sleep Apnea, Central), Onychomycosis, Ophthalmia (see Endophthalmitis), Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures, Ophthalmoplegia, Ophthalmoplegia, Ataxia and Areflexia Syndrome (see Miller Fisher Syndrome), Ophthalmoplegia, Progressive Supranuclear (see Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive), Oppenheim Disease (see Neuromuscular Diseases), Opsoclonus (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Optic Atrophies, Hereditary, Optic Disk Disorders (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES), Optic Disk Edema (see Papilledema), Optic Nerve Diseases, Optic Nerve Ischemia (see Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic), Optic Neuritis, Optic Neuropathy (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES), Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic, Optic Papilla Edema (see Papilledema), Oral Cancer (see Mouth Neoplasms), Oral Examination (see Diagnosis, Oral), Oral Neoplasms (see Mouth Neoplasms), Oral Sex (see Sexual Behavior), Oral Surgical Procedures, Orbital Cellulitis, Orf (see Ecthyma, Contagious (Orf)), Organic Mental Disorders, Substance-Induced (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS), Organizational Ethics (see Ethics, Institutional), Orgasmic Disorder (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Ormond Disease (see Retroperitoneal Fibrosis), Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase Deficiency Disease, Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency Disease (see Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase Deficiency Disease), Ornithosis (see Psittacosis), Orofacial Dyskinesia (see MOVEMENT DISORDERS), Oroya Fever (see Bartonella Infections), Orthodontics, Orthopedic Procedures, Orthopedic Surgery (see Orthopedics), Orthopedics, Orthostasis (see Dizziness), Orthostatic Hypotension, Dysautonomic (see Shy-Drager Syndrome), Osgood-Schlatter Disease (see Osteochondritis), Osler-Rendu Disease (see Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic), Osler-Vaquez Disease (see Polycythemia Vera), Osteitis Deformans, Osteitis Fibrosa Disseminata (see Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone), Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthrosis (see Osteoarthritis), Osteoarthrosis Deformans (see Osteoarthritis), Osteochondritis, Osteochondrosis (see Osteochondritis), Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Osteomalacia, Osteomyelitis, Osteonecrosis, Osteo-Onychodysplasia, Hereditary (see Nail-Patella Syndrome), Osteopenia (see Bone Diseases, Metabolic), Osteopetrosis, Osteophytosis, Spinal (see Spinal Osteophytosis), Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis, Age-Related (see Osteoporosis), Osteoporosis, Post-Traumatic (see Osteoporosis), Osteoporosis, Senile (see Osteoporosis), Osteosarcoma, Osteosclerosis Fragilis (see Osteopetrosis), Osterreicher Syndrome (see Nail-Patella Syndrome), Ostomy, Otitis, Otitis Interna (see Labyrinthitis), Otolaryngologic Diseases (see Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases), Otolaryngologic Diseases (see Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases), Otologic Diseases (see EAR DISEASES), Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms, Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures, Otosclerosis, Otospongiosis (see Otosclerosis), Ovarian Cancer (see Ovarian Neoplasms), Ovarian Cysts, Ovarian Cysts, Ovarian Neoplasms, Ovarian Pregnancy (see Pregnancy, Ectopic), Ovarian Torsion (not on MeSH), Owren Disease (see Factor V Deficiency (Owren's Disease, Parahemophilia)), Oxaluria (see Hyperoxaluria), Oxidative Phosphorylation Deficiencies (see Mitochondrial Diseases), Oxycephaly (see Craniosynostoses), Oxygen Deficiency (see Anoxia), Pachygyria (see Lissencephaly), Paget's Disease of Bone (see Osteitis Deformans (Paget's Disease)), Paget's Disease of Breast (see Paget's Disease, Mammary), Paget's Disease, Mammary, Pain, Pain Disorder (see SOMATOFORM DISORDERS), Pain Insensitivity with Anhidrosis, Congenital (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), Pain Syndrome Type I, Regional, Complex (see Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)), Pallister-Killian Syndrome (not on MeSH), Palmoplantaris Pustulosis (see Psoriasis), Palsy (see Paralysis), Pancreatic Cancer (see Pancreatic Neoplasms), Pancreatic Diseases, Pancreatic Insufficiency (see Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), Pancreatic Neoplasms, Pancreatitis, Panencephalitis, Subacute Sclerosing (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), Panhypopituitarism (see Hypopituitarism), Panniculitis, Panniculitis, Subacute Nodular Migratory (see Panniculitis), Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration, Papilledema, Papillitis, Optic (see Papilledema), Papilloma, Papilloma, Shope (see TUMOR VIRUS INFECTIONS), Papilloma, Squamous Cell (see Papilloma), Papillomatosis (see Papilloma), Pappataci Fever (see Phlebotomus Fever (Sandfly Fever, Pappataci Fever)), Paraganglioma, Paraganglioma, Gangliocytic (see Paraganglioma), Parahemophilia (see Factor V Deficiency (Owren's Disease, Parahemophilia)), Paraimmunoglobulinemias (see Paraproteinemias), Parainfluenza (see Paramyxoviridae Infections), Parainfluenza Virus Infections (see Paramyxoviridae Infections), Parakeratosis Variegata (see Parapsoriasis), Paralyses, Familial Periodic, Paralysis, Paralysis Agitans (see Parkinson Disease), Paralysis, Bulbar (see Bulbar Palsy, Progressive), Paramyxoviridae Infections, Paraneoplastic Autonomic Dysfunction (see Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System), Paraneoplastic Encephalomyelitis (see Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System), Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System, Paraosmia (see Olfaction Disorders), Paraphilias, Paraplegia (see Paralysis), Paraproteinemias, Parapsoriasis, Parapsoriasis en Plaques (see Parapsoriasis), Parasitic Diseases, Parasitic Diseases, Parasitic Intestinal Diseases (see INTESTINAL DISEASES, PARASITIC), Parasitic Skin Diseases (see SKIN DISEASES, PARASITIC), Parasuicide (see Self-Injurious Behavior), Parasympathetic Nervous System Diseases (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Parathyroid Diseases, Parietal Region Trauma (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Parinaud Syndrome (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Parkinson Disease, Parkinsonian Disorders, Parkinsonian Syndrome (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Parkinsonism (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Parkinsonism, Experimental (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Parkinsonism, Juvenile (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Parodontosis (see Periodontal Diseases), Paronychia, Parotitis, Epidemic (see Mumps (Infectious Parotitis)), Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (see Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal), Paroxysmal Nerve Pain (see Neuralgia), Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (see Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal), Paroxysmal Sleep (see Narcolepsy), Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)), Passive-Dependent Personality (see Dependent Personality Disorder), Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms, Pathology, Pathology, Pathology & Histopathology, Patient Care, Pearson's Syndrome (see PANCREATIC DISEASES), Pectus Excavatum (see Funnel Chest), Pediatrics, Pediatrics, Pediatrics, Pediculosis (see Lice Infestations), Pellagra, Pelvic Horn Syndrome (see Nail-Patella Syndrome), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Pemphigoid (see Pemphigoid, Bullous), Pemphigoid, Bullous, Pemphigus, Pemphigus Vulgaris (see Pemphigus), Pemphigus, Benign Familial, Pendular Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Penile Cancer (see Penile Neoplasms), Penile Diseases, Penile Induration, Penile Neoplasms, Peptic Ulcer, Periadenitis Mucosa Necrotica Recurrens (see Stomatitis, Aphthous), Perianeurysmal Fibrosis, Inflammatory (see Retroperitoneal Fibrosis), Periaortitis, Chronic (see Retroperitoneal Fibrosis), Periarteritis Nodosa (see Polyarteritis Nodosa), Pericardial Cyst (see Mediastinal Cyst), Pericardial Effusion, Pericardial Tamponade (see Cardiac Tamponade), Pericarditis, Periodic Alternating Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Periodic Disease (see Familial Mediterranean Fever (Yerevanian Disease)), Periodic Paralysis, Familial (see Paralyses, Familial Periodic), Periodontal Diseases, Periodontics, Perioperative Care, Peripheral Angiopathies (see Peripheral Vascular Diseases), Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System Diseases (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Peripheral Nerve Diseases (see Peripheral Nervous System Diseases), Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Peripheral Neuropathies (see Peripheral Nervous System Diseases), Peripheral Vascular Diseases, Periphlebitis (see Phlebitis), Peritoneoscopy (see Laparoscopy), Pernicious Vomiting of Pregnancy (see Hyperemesis Gravidarum), Peroneal Muscular Atrophy (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), Peroxisomal Disorders, Personality Disorder, Borderline (see Borderline Personality Disorder), Personality Disorder, Dependent (see Dependent Personality Disorder), Perthes Disease (see Legg-Perthes Disease), Pertussis (see Whooping Cough), Pes Cavus (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Pes Planus (see Flatfoot), Petechiae (see Purpura), Peter's Anomaly (not on MeSH), Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Peyronie's Disease (see Penile Induration), Pfeiffer Syndrome (see Acrocephalosyndactylia), Phakomatosis, Bourneville (see Tuberous Sclerosis (Bourneville's Disease)), Phakomatosis, Sturge-Weber (see Sturge-Weber Syndrome), Phantom Limb, Pharmacotherapy (see Drug Therapy), Pharyngeal Diseases, Pharyngeal Diverticulum (see Zenker Diverticulum), Pharyngitis, Pharyngoesophageal Diverticulum (see Zenker Diverticulum), Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency Disease (see Phenylketonurias), Phenylketonurias, Pheochromocytoma, Pheochromocytoma, Extra-Adrenal (see Pheochromocytoma), Phimosis, Phlebitis, Phlebotomus Fever, Phlegmasia Alba Dolens (see Thrombophlebitis), Phlegmon (see Cellulitis), Phobia, School (see Phobic Disorders), Phobia, Social (see Phobic Disorders), Phobias (see Phobic Disorders), Phobic Disorders, Phobic Neuroses (see Phobic Disorders), Phonation Disorders (see Voice Disorders), Phorias (see Strabismus (Squint)), Photochemotherapy, Photodermatitis (see Photosensitivity Disorders), Photodynamic Therapy (see Photochemotherapy), Photosensitivity Disorders, Phycomycosis (see Zygomycosis), Physical Examination, Physical Therapy Modalities, Physiotherapy (Techniques) (see Physical Therapy Modalities), Phytanic Acid Storage Disease (see Refsum Disease), Phytanic Acid Storage Disease (see Refsum Disease), Pica Syndrome (see EATING DISORDERS), Pick's Disease (see Dementia), Pierre Robin Syndrome, Pigmentary Pallidal Degeneration (see Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration), Pigmentary Retinopathy (see Retinitis Pigmentosa), Pigmentation Disorders, Pilar Cyst (see Epidermal Cyst), Pilonidal Cyst (see Pilonidal Sinus), Pilonidal Sinus, Pin Worms (see INTESTINAL DISEASES, PARASITIC), Piriformin Syndrome (see Nerve Compression Syndromes), Piroplasmosis (see Babesiosis), Pituitary Diseases, Pityriasis, Pityriasis Versicolor (see Tinea Versicolor), Placenta Diseases, Placental Insufficiency, Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic, Plague, Plant Poisoning, Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (see Paraproteinemias), Plasmodium Infections (see Malaria), Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency, Plegia (see Paralysis), Pleural Diseases, Pleural Effusion, Pleurisy, Pneumococcal Infections, Pneumonia, Pneumonia, Interstitial (see Lung Diseases, Interstitial), Pneumonic Plague (see Plague), Pneumonitis (see Pneumonia), Pneumonitis, Interstitial (see Lung Diseases, Interstitial), Pneumothorax, POEMS Syndrome, Poikiloderma of Civatte (not on MeSH), Poisoning, Poisoning, Poland Syndrome, Polio (see Poliomyelitis), Poliodystrophia Cerebri (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder), Poliomyelitis, Poliomyelitis, Nonpoliovirus (see Poliomyelitis), Poliomyelitis, Preparalytic (see Poliomyelitis), Polyarteritis Nodosa, Polyarthritis (see Arthritis), Polychondritis, Chronic Atrophic (see Polychondritis, Relapsing), Polychondritis, Relapsing, Polycystic Kidney Diseases, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Polycythemia Vera, Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune, Polyglandular Type I Autoimmune Syndrome (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune), Polyglandular Type II Autoimmune Syndrome (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune), Polyhydramnios, Polymenorrhea (see Menstruation Disturbances), Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Polymyoclonus (see Myoclonus), Polymyositis, Polymyositis-Dermatomyositis (see Dermatomyositis), Polyneuropathies, Polyneuropathy, Acquired (see Polyneuropathies), Polyomavirus Infections, Polyopsia (see Diplopia), Polyposis Coli, Familial (see Adenomatous Polyposis Coli), Polyposis Syndrome, Familial (see Adenomatous Polyposis Coli), Polyradiculitis (see Polyradiculopathy), Polyradiculoneuropathy, Acute Inflammatory (see Guillain-Barre Syndrome), Polyradiculopathy, Polyradiculopathy, Abdominal (see Polyradiculopathy), Pompe's Disease (see Glycogen Storage Disease), Popliteal Cyst, Porphyria, Erythropoietic, Porphyria, Erythropoietic, Congenital (see Porphyria, Erythropoietic), Porphyrias, Port-Wine Stain, Postcommissurotomy Syndrome (see Postpericardiotomy Syndrome), Posterior Cervical Sympathetic Syndrome (see Spinal Osteophytosis), Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Syndrome (see Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome)), Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (see Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic), Postnatal Depression (see Depression, Postpartum), Postpartum Depression (see Depression, Postpartum), Postpartum Hemorrhage, Postpericardiotomy Syndrome, Post-Polio Syndrome (see Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome), Postpoliomyelitis Muscular Atrophy (see Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome), Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome, Post-Poliomyelitis Syndrome (see Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome), Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus (see Hydrocephalus), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (see Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic), Post-Traumatic Tic Disorder (see Tic Disorders), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (see Tachycardia), Postviral Fatigue Syndrome (see Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic), Pott Disease (see Tuberculosis, Spinal), Prader-Willi Syndrome, Precancerous Conditions, Pre-Eclampsia (see Eclampsia), Pregnancy Complications, Pregnancy, Ectopic, Pregnancy, Molar (see Hydatidiform Mole), Prelingual Deafness (see Deafness), Premature Rupture of Membrane (Pregnancy) (see Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture (PROM)), Preneoplastic Conditions (see Precancerous Conditions), Presbycusis, Presbyopia, Presenile Alzheimer Dementia (see Alzheimer Disease), Pressure Sore (see Pressure Ulcer), Pressure Ulcer, Priapism, Primary Lateral Sclerosis (see Motor Neuron Disease), Primary Parkinsonism (see Parkinson Disease), Primate Diseases, Prion Diseases, Proctitis, Proctocolitis, Proctocolitis, Hemorrhagic (see Proctocolitis), Proctocolitis, Ulcerative (see Proctocolitis), Proctosigmoiditis (see Proctocolitis), Professional Misconduct, Progeria, Progeria, Adult (see Werner Syndrome), Prognathism, Progressive Intracranial Occlusive Arteropathy (Moyamoya) (see Moyamoya Disease), Progressive Muscular Atrophy (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal), Progressive Supranuclear Ophthalmoplegia (see Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive), Prolactin Hypersecretion Syndrome (see Hyperprolactinemia), Prolactin, Inappropriate Secretion (see Hyperprolactinemia), Prolapsed Disk (see Intervertebral Disk Displacement), Prosopagnosia, Prostate Cancer (see Prostatic Neoplasms), Prostatic Diseases, Prostatic Neoplasms, Prosthesis Implantation, Prosthodontics, Protein C Deficiency, Protein S Deficiency, Proteinuria, Proteus Syndrome, Protocol-Directed Therapy, Computer-Assisted (see Therapy, Computer-Assisted), Protozoan Infections, Prune Belly Syndrome, Pruritus, Pruritus Vulvae, Pseudoaphakia (see Cataract), Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome (see Exfoliation Syndrome), Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (see Hair Diseases), Pseudo-Gaucher Disease (not on MeSH), Pseudo-Hurler Polydystrophy (see Mucolipidoses), Pseudomelia (see Phantom Limb), Pseudomonas Infections, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Pseudopelade (see Alopecia), Pseudopolyarthritis, Rhizomelic (see Polymyalgia Rheumatica), Pseudosclerosis (see Hepatolenticular Degeneration), Pseudotumor Cerebri, Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, Psittacosis, Psoriasis, Psudogout (see Gout), Psychoses (see Psychotic Disorders), Psychosexual Disorders (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Psychosexual Dysfunctions (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Psychosis, Brief Reactive (see Psychotic Disorders), Psychosis, Manic-Depressive (see Bipolar Disorder), Psychotherapy, Psychotic Disorders, PTA Deficiency (see Factor XI Deficiency (Rosenthal Syndrome)), PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (see Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple (Cowden's Disease)), Pterygium, Ptosis, Eyelid (see Blepharoptosis), PTSD (see Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic), Puberty, Delayed, Puberty, Precocious, Puerperal Disorders, Puerperal Infection, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Pulmonary Atresia, Pulmonary Cancer (see Lung Neoplasms), Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Pulmonary Diseases (see LUNG DISEASES), Pulmonary Edema, Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Emphysema, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension (see Hypertension, Pulmonary), Pulmonary Inflammation (see Pneumonia), Pulmonary Neoplasms (see Lung Neoplasms), Pulmonary Sarcoidosis (see Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary), Pulmonary Thromboembolism (see Pulmonary Embolism), Pulmonary Valve Atresia (see Pulmonary Atresia), Pulmonic Plague (see Plague), Pulsatile Tinnitus (see Tinnitus), Pulseless Disease (see Takayasu Arteritis), Punctures, Pupil Disorders, Pupil Reaction Absent (see PUPIL DISORDERS), Pupillary Functions, Abnormal (see PUPIL DISORDERS), Puppet Children (see Angelman Syndrome), Purpura, Purpura Fulminans (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Purpura Hemorrhagica (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Purpura, Nonthrombocytopenic (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch, Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Purpura, Thrombopenic (see Purpura, Thrombocytopenic), Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic, Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombopenic (see Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic), Pustular Psoriasis of Palms and Soles (see Psoriasis), Pustulosis of Palms and Soles (see Psoriasis), Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris (see Psoriasis), Pyelonephritis, Pyelonephritis, Acute Necrotizing (see Pyelonephritis), Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Pyorrhea Alveolaris (see Periodontal Diseases), Pyothorax (see Empyema, Pleural), Pyrexia (see Fever), Pyromania (see Firesetting Behavior), Q Fever, Quadrantanopsia (see Hemianopsia), Quadriparesis (see Quadriplegia), Quadriplegia, Quadriplegic Infantile Cerebral Palsy (see Cerebral Palsy), Quincke's Edema (see Angioedema), Rabies, Raccoon Diseases (not on MeSH), Rachischisis (see Spinal Dysraphism), Rachitis (see Rickets), Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Imaging & Ultrasonography, Radiology/-graphy, Nuclear Medicine & Ultrasonography, Radiotherapy, Radiotherapy, Targeted (see Radiotherapy), Raillietiniasis (see Cestode Infections), Ramsay Hunt Auricular Syndrome (see Herpes Zoster Oticus), Ramsay Hunt Paralysis Syndrome (see Parkinsonian Disorders), Ranula, Rape, Rasmussen Syndrome (see Encephalitis), Rat-Bite Fever, Rathke Pouch Tumor (see Craniopharyngioma), Raynaud Disease, Reading Disability, Developmental (see Dyslexia), Reading Disorder (see Dyslexia), Reading Disorder, Developmental (see Dyslexia), Reaven Syndrome X (see Metabolic Syndrome X), Reconstructive Surgical Procedures, Reconstructive Surgical Procedures, Cosmetic (see Reconstructive Surgical Procedures), Recruitment, Loudness (see Hyperacusis), Rectal Cancer (see Rectal Neoplasms), Rectal Diseases, Rectal Neoplasms, Rectal Prolapse, Rectal Tumors (see Rectal Neoplasms), Rectocolitis (see Proctocolitis), Rectocolitis, Hemorrhagic (see Proctocolitis), Rectocolitis, Ulcerative (see Proctocolitis), Rectosigmoiditis (see Proctocolitis), Refetoff Syndrome (see Thyroid Hormone Resistance Syndrome), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Refractive Errors, Refsum Disease, Refsum Disease, Regurgitation, Gastric (see Gastroesophageal Reflux), Rehabilitation, Reinke's Edema (see Voice Disorders), Relapsing Fever, Remittent Fever (see Malaria), Renal Artery Obstruction, Renal Artery Stenosis (see Renal Artery Obstruction), Renal Calculi (see Kidney Calculi), Renal Dialysis, Renal Disease, End-Stage (see Kidney Failure, Chronic (End Stage Renal Disease)), Renal Failure, Acute (see Kidney Failure, Acute), Renal Failure, Chronic (see Kidney Failure, Chronic (End Stage Renal Disease)), Renal Failure, End-Stage (see Kidney Failure, Chronic (End Stage Renal Disease)), Renal Osteodystrophy, Renal Rickets (see Renal Osteodystrophy), Reptile Diseases (not on MeSH), Residual Cancer (see Neoplasm, Residual), Residual Tumor (see Neoplasm, Residual), Respiratory Chain Deficiencies, Mitochondrial (see Mitochondrial Diseases), Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn, Respiratory Hypersensitivity, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute (see Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Respiratory Therapy, Respiratory Tract Diseases, Respiratory Tract Diseases, Respiratory Tract Infections, Respiratory Tract Neoplasms, Resting Tremor (see Tremor), Restless Legs Syndrome, Retardation, Mental (see Mental Retardation), Reticulohistiocytoma (see Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell), Reticulolymphosarcoma (see LYMPHOMA), Retinal Detachment, Retinal Diseases, Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment (see Retinal Detachment), Retinal Vein Occlusion, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinoblastoma, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Retinoschisis, Retinoschisis, Degenerative (see Retinoschisis), Retinoschisis, Juvenile, X-Linked (see Retinoschisis), Retrobulbar Neuritis (see Optic Neuritis), Retrolental Fibroplasia (see Retinopathy of Prematurity), Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, Retropharyngeal Abscess, Rett Syndrome, Reye Syndrome, Rh Isoimmunization, Rhabdoid Tumor, Rhabdomyolysis, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Rheumatic Diseases, Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatism (see RHEUMATIC DISEASES), Rheumatism, Articular, Acute (see Rheumatic Fever), Rheumatism, Muscular (see Fibromyalgia), Rheumatism, Peri-Extra-Articular (see Polymyalgia Rheumatica), Rheumatoid Arthritis (see Arthritis, Rheumatoid), Rheumatoid Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Rheumatoid Spondylitis (see Spondylitis, Ankylosing), Rhinitis, Rhinoscleroma, Rickets, Rickets, Renal (see Renal Osteodystrophy), Rickettsia Infections, Rift Valley Fever, Right Ventricular Dysplasia, Arrhythmogenic (see Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia), Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (see Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular), Riley-Day Syndrome (see Dysautonomia, Familial), Ring Constrictions, Intrauterine (see Amniotic Band Syndrome), Ringworm (see Tinea), RNA Virus Infections, Robinow Syndrome (not on MeSH), Rochalimaea Infections (see Bartonella Infections), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Rod-Cone Dystrophy (see Retinitis Pigmentosa), Romano-Ward Syndrome (see Long QT Syndrome), Romberg Disease (see Facial Hemiatrophy (Romberg Disease)), Root Canal Therapy, Rosacea, Rosai-Dorfman Disease (see Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell), Rosenthal Syndrome (see Factor XI Deficiency (Rosenthal Syndrome)), Roseola Infantum (see Exanthema Subitum (Roseola Infantum, Sixth Disease)), Ross River Virus Infections (see Alphavirus Infections), Rotary Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Rotor Syndrome (see Hyperbilirubinemia, Hereditary), Roussy-Levy Syndrome (see Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (HMSN I, II)), Royer Syndrome (see Prader-Willi Syndrome), RSH Syndrome (see Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome), Rubber Allergy (see Latex Hypersensitivity), Rubella, Rubeola (see Measles), Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, Runt Disease (see GRAFT VS HOST DISEASE), Russell Silver Syndrome (not on MeSH), Saccular Aneurysm (see Intracranial Aneurysm), Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome (see Acrocephalosyndactylia), Saint Anthonys Fire (see Ergotism), Salaam Seizures (see Spasms, Infantile), Salivary Gland Diseases, Salivary Gland Virus Disease (see Cytomegalovirus Infections), Salmonella Infections, Salmonellosis (see Salmonella Infections), Salpingitis, Samter's Syndrome (not on MeSH), Sandfly Fever (see Phlebotomus Fever (Sandfly Fever, Pappataci Fever)), Sandhoff Disease, Sanfilippo Syndrome (see Mucopolysaccharidoses), Santavuori-Haltia Disease (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses), Sao Paulo Typhus (see Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), SAPHO Syndrome (see Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome (SAPHO Syndrome)), Sarcoidosis, Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary, Sarcoma, Sarcoma, Cerebellar, Circumscribed Arachnoidal (see Medulloblastoma), Sarcoma, Epithelioid (see Sarcoma), Sarcoma, Ewing's, Sarcoma, Germinoblastic (see LYMPHOMA), Sarcoma, Osteogenic (see Osteosarcoma), Sarcoma, Soft Tissue (see Sarcoma), Sarcoma, Spindle Cell (see Sarcoma), SARS (see Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Scabies, Scalenus Anticus Syndrome (see Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), Scapuloperoneal Form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal), Scarlet Fever, Schamberg's Disease (see Pigmentation Disorders), Schaumann's Disease (see Sarcoidosis), Scheie Syndrome (see Mucopolysaccharidoses), Scheuermann's Disease, Schilder Disease (see Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder), Schilder-Addison Complex (see Adrenoleukodystrophy), Schistosomiasis, Schizencephaly (not on MeSH), Schizoaffective Disorder (see Psychotic Disorders), Schizophrenia, Schizophrenic Disorders (see Schizophrenia), Schizophreniform Disorders (see Psychotic Disorders), Schmidt's Syndrome (see Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune), Schoenlein-Henoch Purpura (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Schwannoma (see Neurilemmoma (Neurinoma)), Schwannoma, Acoustic (see Neuroma, Acoustic), Schwannoma, Vestibular (see Neuroma, Acoustic), Schwannomatosis, Plexiform (see Neurilemmoma (Neurinoma)), Sciatic Neuralgia (see Sciatica), Sciatica, SCID (see Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), Scimitar Syndrome, Scleritis, Scleroderma, Systemic, Scleroma, Nasal (see Rhinoscleroma), Sclerosis, Disseminated (see Multiple Sclerosis), Sclerosis, Hereditary Spinal (see Friedreich Ataxia), Sclerosis, Systemic (see Scleroderma, Systemic), Scoliosis, Scotoma, Scotoma, Arcuate (see Scotoma), Scotoma, Bjerrum (see Scotoma), Scotoma, Central (see Scotoma), Scotoma, Centrocecal (see Scotoma), Scrub Typhus, Seasickness (see Motion Sickness), Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Mood Disorder (see Seasonal Affective Disorder), Sebaceous Cyst (see Epidermal Cyst), Seborrheic Keratosis (see Keratosis, Seborrheic), Second Cranial Nerve Diseases (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES), See-Saw Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Seizure Disorder (see Epilepsy), Seizures, Seizures, Convulsive (see Seizures), Seizures, Focal (see Seizures), Seizures, Generalized (see Seizures), Seizures, Motor (see Seizures), Seizures, Sensory (see Seizures), Selective Mutism (see Mutism), Self Care, Self-Destructive Behavior (see Self-Injurious Behavior), Self-Injurious Behavior, Semilobar Holoprosencephaly (see Holoprosencephaly), Senile Dementia, Alzheimer Type (see Alzheimer Disease), Senile Osteoporosis (see Osteoporosis), Senile Paranoid Dementia (see Dementia), Senior Health Issues, Sensory Agnosia (see Agnosia), Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies, Hereditary (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), Sensory Neuropathy, Hereditary (see Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies), Sepsis, Sepsis Syndrome (see Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), Septic Shock (see Shock, Septic), Septo-Optic Dysplasia, Serotonin Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Sever's Disease / Calceneal Apophysitis (not on MeSH), Sex Chromosome Aberrations, Sex Chromosome Abnormalities (see Sex Chromosome Aberrations), Sex Deviations (see Paraphilias), Sexual Activity (see Sexual Behavior), Sexual and Gender Disorders, Sexual Arousal Disorder (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Sexual Aversion Disorder (see Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological), Sexual Behavior, Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological, Sexual Orientation (see Sexual Behavior), Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial, Sezary Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sharp Syndrome (see Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), Sheehan Syndrome (see Hypopituitarism), Sheep and Goat Diseases (not on MeSH), Shingles (see Herpes Zoster (Shingles)), Shock, Shock, Anaphylactic (see Anaphylaxis), Shock, Endotoxic (see Shock, Septic), Shock, Hemorrhagic, Shock, Septic, Shock, Toxic (see Shock, Septic), Short Bowel Syndrome, Shoulder Injuries (not on MeSH), Shoulder-Girdle Neuropathy (see Brachial Plexus Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)), Shoulder-Hand Syndrome (see Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)), Shy-Drager Syndrome, Sialidosis (see Mucolipidoses), Sialorrhea, Siamese Twins (see Twins, Conjoined), Sicca Syndrome (see Sjogren's Syndrome), Sick Building Syndrome, SIDS (see Sudden Infant Death), Signs and Symptoms, Silicosis, Simmonds Disease (see Hypopituitarism), Sinusitis, Situs Inversus, Sixth Disease (see Exanthema Subitum (Roseola Infantum, Sixth Disease)), Sjogren's Syndrome, Skew Deviation (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases, Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases, Skin Cancer (see Skin Neoplasms), Skin Diseases, Skin Diseases, Bacterial, Skin Diseases, Fungal (see Dermatomycoses), Skin Diseases, Infectious, Skin Diseases, Parasitic, Skin Mole (see Nevus), Skin Neoplasms, Skin Ulcer, Sleep Apnea, Central, Sleep Disorders, Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Central (see Sleep Apnea, Central), Slipped Disk (see Intervertebral Disk Displacement), Slow Virus Diseases, Smallpox, Smell Disorders (see Olfaction Disorders), Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, Smith-Magenis Syndrome (not on MeSH), Smooth Pursuit Deficiency (see OCULAR MOTILITY DISORDERS), Sneddon Syndrome, Sneddon-Champion Syndrome (see Sneddon Syndrome), Snoring, Social Behavior, Sociology, Sodoku (see Rat-Bite Fever (Haverhill Fever)), Somatization Disorder (see SOMATOFORM DISORDERS), Somatoform Disorders, Somatotropin Hypersecretion Syndrome (Acromegaly) (see Acromegaly), Sore Throat (see Pharyngitis), Space Adaptation Syndrome (see Space Motion Sickness), Space Motion Sickness, Spasm, Spasmodic Torticollis (see Torticollis), Spasms, Infantile, Spasmus Nutans (see Spasms, Infantile), Spastic Diplegia (see Cerebral Palsy), Spastic Dysphonia (see Voice Disorders), Spastic Quadriplegia (see Quadriplegia), Spastic Spinal Monoplegia Syndrome (see Brown-Sequard Syndrome), Speech Disorders, Spermatic Cord Torsion, Sphaerophorus Infections (see Fusobacterium Infections), Sphenopalatine Neuralgia (see Facial Neuralgia), Spherocytosis, Hereditary, Spider Veins (see Telangiectasis), Spielmeyer-Vogt Disease (see Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses), Spina Bifida (see Spinal Dysraphism), Spina Bifida Occulta, Spinal Adjustment, Chiropractic (see Manipulation, Chiropractic), Spinal Bifida, Closed (see Spina Bifida Occulta), Spinal Cord Diseases, Spinal Cord Inflammation (see Myelitis), Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal Diseases, Spinal Dysraphism, Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (see Muscular Atrophy, Spinal), Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Infantile (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Juvenile (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Spinal Osteophytosis, Spinal Stenosis, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (see Machado-Joseph Disease), Splenic Diseases, Splenic Rupture, Spondylarthritis Ankylopoietica (see Spondylitis, Ankylosing), Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Spondylolisthesis, Spondylosis (see Spinal Osteophytosis), Spondylosis Deformans (see Spinal Osteophytosis), Spongiform Encephalopathies, Transmissible (see Prion Diseases), Spongiform Encephalopathy, Subacute (see Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome), Spongy Disease of White Matter (see Canavan Disease), Sprengel's Deformity (not on MeSH), Sprue, Celiac (see Celiac Disease), Sprue, Nontropical (see Celiac Disease), Squint (see Strabismus (Squint)), SSPE (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), St. Anthonys Fire (see Ergotism), Staphylococcal Infections, Stargardt Disease (see Macular Degeneration), Starvation, Status Dysraphicus (see Spinal Dysraphism), Status Lymphaticus (see LYMPHATIC DISEASES), Status Marmoratus (see MOVEMENT DISORDERS), Status Migrainosus (see Migraine Disorders), Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome (see Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive), Steely Hair Syndrome (see Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome), Stein-Leventhal Syndrome (see Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Stenocardia (see Angina Pectoris), Sterility (see Infertility), Sterility (see Infertility), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Stickler Syndrome (not on MeSH), Stiff-Man Syndrome (see Stiff-Person Syndrome (Stiff Man Syndrome)), Stiff-Person Syndrome, Still's Disease, Juvenile-Onset (see Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid), Stings (see Bites and Stings), Stings (see Bites and Stings), Stomatitis, Aphthous, Stomatognathic Diseases, Storage Pool Deficiency (see Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency), Strabismus, Strabismus, Comitant (see Strabismus (Squint)), Strabismus, Convergent (see Esotropia), Strabismus, Divergent (see Exotropia), Strabismus, Internal (see Esotropia), Strabismus, Noncomitant (see Strabismus (Squint)), Streeter Syndrome (see Amniotic Band Syndrome), Streptococcal Infections, Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections (see Pneumococcal Infections), Stress, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Striatonigral Degeneration, Autosomal Dominant (see Machado-Joseph Disease), Stridor (not on MeSH), Stroke, Stroke, Strongyloidiasis, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Stuttering (see Speech Disorders), Stye (see Hordeolum), Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, Subcortical Arteriosclerotic Encephalopathy (see Dementia, Vascular), Subdural Hematoma (see Hematoma, Subdural), Subglottic Stenosis (see Laryngostenosis), Substance Abuse (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS), Substance Dependence (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS), Substance Use Disorders (see SUBSTANCE-RELATED DISORDERS), Substance Withdrawal Syndrome, Substance-Related Disorders, Subvalvular Stenosis, Idiopathic Hypertrophic (see Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic), Sudden Deafness (see Hearing Loss, Sudden), Sudden Infant Death, Sudek Atrophy (see Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)), Suffering, Physical (see Pain), Suffocation (see Asphyxia), Suicidal Behavior (not on MeSH), Superior Vena Cava Obstruction (see Superior Vena Cava Syndrome), Superior Vena Cava Syndrome, Superior Vena Cava Thrombosis (see Superior Vena Cava Syndrome), Supraglottitis (see Epiglottitis), Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive, Surgery, Laser (see Laser Therapy), Surgery, Maxillofacial (see Surgery, Oral), Surgery, Oral, Surgery, Orthopedic (see Orthopedics), Surgery/Anesthesiology, Surgery/Anesthesiology, Surgery/Anesthesiology, Surgery/Anesthesiology, Surgical Procedures, Endoscopic (see Endoscopy), Surgical Procedures, Laparoscopic (see Laparoscopy), Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive, Surgical Procedures, Operative, Surgical Procedures, Operative, Suture Techniques, Swallowing Disorders (see Deglutition Disorders), Sweat Gland Diseases, Sweet's Syndrome, Swimmer's Itch (see Dermatitis), Swine Diseases, Sympathetic Nervous System Diseases (see Autonomic Nervous System Diseases), Symptomatic Infantile Spasms (see Spasms, Infantile), Symptoms and General Pathology (see Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms), Syncope (see Unconsciousness), Syndrome X, Angina (see Microvascular Angina), Syndrome X, Cardiac (see Microvascular Angina), Synesthesia (not on MeSH), Synovitis, Syphilis, Syphilis, Congenital, Syringomyelia, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (see Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic), Systolic Click-Murmur Syndrome (see Mitral Valve Prolapse), Tachyarrhythmia (see Tachycardia), Tachycardia, Tactile Agnosia (see Agnosia), Taenia Infections (see Taeniasis), Taeniasis, Takatsuki's Syndrome (see POEMS Syndrome), Takayasu Arteritis, Talipes Cavus (see FOOT DEFORMITIES), Talipes Equinovarus (see Clubfoot), Tangier Disease, Tangier Disease Neuropathy (see Tangier Disease), Tapetoretinal Degeneration (see Retinitis Pigmentosa), Tapeworm Infection (see Cestode Infections), Tardive Dyskinesia (not on MeSH), Targeted Radiotherapy (see Radiotherapy), Taste Disorder, Primary (see Taste Disorders), Taste Disorder, Primary (see Taste Disorders), Taste Disorder, Secondary (see Taste Disorders), Taste Disorder, Secondary (see Taste Disorders), Taste Disorders, Taste Disorders, Taste, Metallic (see Taste Disorders), Taste, Metallic (see Taste Disorders), Tay-Sachs Disease, Tay-Sachs Disease, B Variant (see Tay-Sachs Disease), Technology, Dental, Teeth Grinding Disorder (see Bruxism), Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic, Telangiectasis, Temporal Arteritis (see Giant Cell Arteritis), Temporal Region Trauma (see Craniocerebral Trauma), Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (see Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome), Tendinitis (see Tendinopathy), Tendinopathy, Tendinosis (see Tendinopathy), Tennis Elbow, Tenosynovitis, Teratoid Tumor (see Teratoma), Teratoma, Teratoma, Cystic (see Teratoma), Teratoma, Mature (see Teratoma), Testicular Cancer (see Testicular Diseases), Testicular Diseases, Testicular Feminization (see Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome), Testicular Torsion (see Spermatic Cord Torsion), Testis, Undescended (see Cryptorchidism), Tetanus, Tethered Cord Syndrome (see Spina Bifida Occulta), Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency (not on MeSH), Tetralogy of Fallot, Tetraplegia (see Quadriplegia), Thalamic Diseases, Thalassemia, Thallium Poisoning (not on MeSH), Thanatophoric Dwarfism (see Thanatophoric Dysplasia), Thanatophoric Dysplasia, The Aging Cell, The Visible Human Project, Therapeutics, Therapeutics, Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Thesaurismosis (see METABOLIC DISEASES), Thiamine Responsive Maple Syrup Urine Disease (see Maple Syrup Urine Disease), Third-Nerve Palsy (see Oculomotor Nerve Diseases), Thoracic Cyst (see Mediastinal Cyst), Thoracic Outlet Nerve Compression Syndrome (see Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Thoracic Surgical Procedures, Thrombasthenia, Thromboangiitis Obliterans, Thrombocytopathy (see Blood Platelet Disorders), Thrombocytopenia, Thromboembolism, Pulmonary (see Pulmonary Embolism), Thrombopenia (see Thrombocytopenia), Thrombophlebitis, Thrombosis, Thrombosis, Retinal Vein (see Retinal Vein Occlusion), Thrombus (see Thrombosis), Thrush (see Candidiasis), Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis (not on MeSH), Thymic Cyst (see Mediastinal Cyst), Thymoma, Thyroid Cancer (see Thyroid Neoplasms), Thyroid Diseases, Thyroid Hormone Resistance Syndrome, Thyroid Neoplasms, Thyroid Nodule, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Inappropriate Secretion (see Hyperpituitarism), Thyroiditis, Thyroiditis, Autoimmune, Thyroiditis, Lymphocytic (see Thyroiditis, Autoimmune), Thyroiditis, Lymphomatous (see Thyroiditis, Autoimmune), Thyroiditis, Subacute, Tic Disorder, Chronic Motor or Vocal (see Tic Disorders), Tic Disorder, Combined Vocal and Multiple Motor (see Tourette Syndrome), Tic Disorder, Post-Traumatic (see Tic Disorders), Tic Disorder, Transient (see Tic Disorders), Tic Disorders, Tic Disorders, Vocal (see Tic Disorders), Tic Douloureux (see Trigeminal Neuralgia), Tick Paralysis, Tick-Borne Diseases, Tietze's Syndrome, Tinea, Tinea Pedis (see Dermatomycoses), Tinea Unguium (see Onychomycosis), Tinea Versicolor, Tinnitus, T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III Infections, Human (see HIV Infections), TMJ Disorders (see TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS), TMJ Syndrome (see Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome), Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (see Ophthalmoplegia), Tongue, Geographic (see Glossitis, Benign Migratory), Tonsillar Cancer (see Tonsillar Neoplasms), Tonsillar Neoplasms, Tonsillitis, Torticollis, Torture, Torulosis (see Cryptococcosis), Tourette Syndrome, Toxic Shock Syndrome (see Shock, Septic), Toxic Shock Syndrome (see Shock, Septic), Toxocariasis, Toxoplasma gondii Infection (see Toxoplasmosis), Toxoplasmosis, Tracheal Cyst (see Mediastinal Cyst), Tracheal Stenosis, Tracheoesophageal Fistula, Trachoma, Transient Ischemic Attack (see Ischemic Attack, Transient), Transmissible Dementias (see Prion Diseases), Transplantation, Transport Disorder, Neutral Amino Acid (see Hartnup Disease), Trauma (see WOUNDS AND INJURIES), Treacher Collins Syndrome (see Mandibulofacial Dysostosis), Tremor, Trench Foot (see Immersion Foot), Trichinelliasis (see Trichinosis), Trichinosis, Trichomonas Infections, Trichophytosis (see Tinea), Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type II (see Langer-Giedion Syndrome), Trichothiodystrophy (not on MeSH), Trichotillomania, Tricuspid Atresia, Tricuspid Valve Atresia (see Tricuspid Atresia), Trigeminal Neuralgia, Trimethylaminuria (Fish Odor Syndrome ; not on MeSH), Triosephosphate Isomerase Deficiency (see Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic), Triple-Symptom Complex (see Behcet Syndrome (Silk-Road Disease)), Triple-X Females (not on MeSH), Trismus, Trismus, Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome; not on MeSH), Trisomy 21 (see Down Syndrome), Trisomy 9 (not on MeSH), Trophoblastic Cancer (see Trophoblastic Neoplasms), Trophoblastic Neoplasms, Trophoblastic Tumor (see Trophoblastic Neoplasms), Trypanosomiasis, Trypanosomiasis, African, Trypanosomiasis, South American (see Chagas Disease), Tsutsugamushi Disease (see Scrub Typhus), Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis, Spinal, Tuberous Sclerosis, Tubular Aggregate Myopathy (see Myopathies, Structural, Congenital), Tularemia, Tumor Virus Infections, Tumors (see Neoplasms), Tumors (see Neoplasms), Turner Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Male (see Noonan Syndrome), Turner-Kieser Syndrome (see Nail-Patella Syndrome), Twin Transfusion (see Fetofetal Transfusion), Twin Transfusion Syndrome (see Fetofetal Transfusion), Twins, Conjoined, Twins, Siamese (see Twins, Conjoined), Tympanic Membrane Perforation, Tympanic Membrane Rupture (see Tympanic Membrane Perforation), Type I Hypersensitivity (see Hypersensitivity, Immediate), Type III Hypersensitivity (see Immune Complex Diseases), Typhoid Fever, Typhus (see Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne), Typhus, Abdominal (see Typhoid Fever), Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne, Typhus, Sao Paulo (see Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Typhus, Scrub (see Scrub Typhus), Tyrosine Transaminase Deficiency Disease (see Tyrosinemias), Tyrosinemias, UDPglucose 4-Epimerase Deficiency Disease (see Galactosemias), UDPglucose-Hexose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase Deficiency (see Galactosemias), Ulcer, Aphthous (see Stomatitis, Aphthous), Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes, Umbilical Hernia (see Hernia, Umbilical (Omphalocele)), Unconscious State (see Unconsciousness), Unconsciousness, Undulant Fever (see Brucellosis), Unipolar Depression (see Depressive Disorder), Upper Aerodigestive Tract Neoplasms (see Head and Neck Neoplasms), Upper Respiratory Infections (see RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS), Urea Cycle Disorders (not on MeSH), Urethral Stenosis (see Urethral Stricture), Urethral Stricture, Urethritis, Urinary Bladder Diseases, Urinary Bladder Neoplasms, Urinary Retention, Urinary Tract Cancer (see Urologic Neoplasms), Urinary Tract Diseases (see UROLOGIC DISEASES), Urinary Tract Infections, Urination Disorders, Urogenital, Urogenital, Urogenital, Urogenital, Urogenital Surgical Procedures, Urologic Cancer (see Urologic Neoplasms), Urologic Diseases, Urologic Neoplasms, Urticaria, Urticaria, Giant (see Angioedema), Usher Syndrome (not on MeSH), Uterine Cervical Dysplasia, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Uterine Cervix Incompetence, Uterine Inversion, Uterine Prolapse, Uveitis, Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome, Uveomeningoencephalitis (see Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome), Waardenburg's Syndrome, Vaginal Diseases, Vaginal Prolapse (see Uterine Prolapse), Vaginitis, Monilial (see Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal), Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Wallenberg Syndrome (see Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome)), Valvular Heart Diseases (see Heart Valve Diseases), Van Bogaert's Leukoencephalitis (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), Vaporization, Laser (see Laser Therapy), War Crimes, War Neuroses (see Combat Disorders), Varicella (see Chickenpox), Varices (see Varicose Veins), Varicocele, Varicose Veins, Variola (see Smallpox), Variola Minor (see Smallpox), Warthin's Tumor (see Salivary Gland Diseases), Warts, Vascular Accident, Brain (see Stroke), Vascular Dementia (see Dementia, Vascular), Vascular Diseases, Vascular Diseases, Intracranial (see Cerebrovascular Disorders), Vascular Diseases, Peripheral (see Peripheral Vascular Diseases), Vasculitis, Vasculitis, Churg-Strauss (see Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Allergic Granulomatosis)), Vasculitis, Hemorrhagic (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Vasospasm, Intracranial, Water Stress (see Dehydration), Water-Electrolyte Imbalance, Weber-Christian Disease (see Panniculitis), Wegener Granulomatosis, Velocardiofacial Syndrome (see DiGeorge Syndrome (Thymic Dysplasia)), Venereal Diseases, Bacterial (see Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial), Venereal Diseases, Bacterial (see Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial), Ventricular Dysplasia, Right, Arrhythmogenic (see Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia), Ventricular Fibrillation, Ventricular Hypertrophy, Left (see Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular), Ventricular Hypertrophy, Right (see Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular), Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Werner Syndrome, Wernicke Encephalopathy, Verruca (see Warts), Verruga Peruana (see Bartonella Infections), Vertical Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Vertigo, Vertigo, Aural (see Meniere Disease), Vesication (see Blister), Vesico-Ureteral Reflux, West Nile Fever, West Syndrome (see Spasms, Infantile), Vestibular Neuronitis, Wet Lung (see Pulmonary Edema), Whiplash Injuries, Whipple Disease, Whipple's Disease (see Whipple Disease), Whipworm Infections (not on MeSH), White Dot Syndrome (not on MeSH), Whitmore's Disease (see Melioidosis), Whooping Cough, Vibrio Infections, William-Beuren Syndrome (see Williams Syndrome), Williams Syndrome, Wilms Tumor, Wilson Disease (see Hepatolenticular Degeneration), Violence, Viral Meningitis (see Meningitis, Viral), Virus Diseases, Virus Diseases, Vision Disorders, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, Visual Agnosia (see Agnosia), Vitamin A Deficiency, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency, Vitamin B Deficiency, Vitamin C Deficiency (see Ascorbic Acid Deficiency), Vitamin Deficiency (see Avitaminosis), Withdrawal Symptoms (see Substance Withdrawal Syndrome), Vitiligo, VITREOUS DISORDERS (not on MeSH), Vocal Cord Paralysis, Vocal Tic Disorders (see Tic Disorders), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (see Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome), Voice Disorders, Wolff Periodic Disease (see Familial Mediterranean Fever (Yerevanian Disease)), Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, Wolfram Syndrome, Wolman Disease, Vomiting, von Hippel-Lindau Disease, von Recklinghausen Disease (see Neurofibromatoses), von Willebrand Disease, Wounds and Injuries, Wounds, Penetrating & Nonpenetrating (not on MeSH), WPW Syndrome (see Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome), Wryneck (see Torticollis), Vulvar Cancer (see Vulvar Neoplasms), Vulvar Diseases, Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, Vulvar Neoplasms, Waardenburg's Syndrome, Vaginal Diseases, Vaginal Prolapse (see Uterine Prolapse), Vaginitis, Monilial (see Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal), Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Wallenberg Syndrome (see Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome)), Valvular Heart Diseases (see Heart Valve Diseases), Van Bogaert's Leukoencephalitis (see Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis), Vaporization, Laser (see Laser Therapy), War Crimes, War Neuroses (see Combat Disorders), Varicella (see Chickenpox), Varices (see Varicose Veins), Varicocele, Varicose Veins, Variola (see Smallpox), Variola Minor (see Smallpox), Warthin's Tumor (see Salivary Gland Diseases), Warts, Vascular Accident, Brain (see Stroke), Vascular Dementia (see Dementia, Vascular), Vascular Diseases, Vascular Diseases, Intracranial (see Cerebrovascular Disorders), Vascular Diseases, Peripheral (see Peripheral Vascular Diseases), Vasculitis, Vasculitis, Churg-Strauss (see Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Allergic Granulomatosis)), Vasculitis, Hemorrhagic (see Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch), Vasospasm, Intracranial, Water Stress (see Dehydration), Water-Electrolyte Imbalance, Weber-Christian Disease (see Panniculitis), Wegener Granulomatosis, Velocardiofacial Syndrome (see DiGeorge Syndrome (Thymic Dysplasia)), Venereal Diseases, Bacterial (see Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial), Venereal Diseases, Bacterial (see Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial), Ventricular Dysplasia, Right, Arrhythmogenic (see Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia), Ventricular Fibrillation, Ventricular Hypertrophy, Left (see Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular), Ventricular Hypertrophy, Right (see Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular), Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease (see Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood), Werner Syndrome, Wernicke Encephalopathy, Verruca (see Warts), Verruga Peruana (see Bartonella Infections), Vertical Nystagmus (see Nystagmus, Pathologic), Vertigo, Vertigo, Aural (see Meniere Disease), Vesication (see Blister), Vesico-Ureteral Reflux, West Nile Fever, West Syndrome (see Spasms, Infantile), Vestibular Neuronitis, Wet Lung (see Pulmonary Edema), Whiplash Injuries, Whipple Disease, Whipple's Disease (see Whipple Disease), Whipworm Infections (not on MeSH), White Dot Syndrome (not on MeSH), Whitmore's Disease (see Melioidosis), Whooping Cough, Vibrio Infections, William-Beuren Syndrome (see Williams Syndrome), Williams Syndrome, Wilms Tumor, Wilson Disease (see Hepatolenticular Degeneration), Violence, Viral Meningitis (see Meningitis, Viral), Virus Diseases, Virus Diseases, Vision Disorders, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, Visual Agnosia (see Agnosia), Vitamin A Deficiency, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency, Vitamin B Deficiency, Vitamin C Deficiency (see Ascorbic Acid Deficiency), Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin Deficiency (see Avitaminosis), Withdrawal Symptoms (see Substance Withdrawal Syndrome), Vitiligo, VITREOUS DISORDERS (not on MeSH), Vocal Cord Paralysis, Vocal Tic Disorders (see Tic Disorders), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (see Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome), Voice Disorders, Wolff Periodic Disease (see Familial Mediterranean Fever (Yerevanian Disease)), Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, Wolfram Syndrome, Wolman Disease, Vomiting, von Hippel-Lindau Disease, von Recklinghausen Disease (see Neurofibromatoses), von Willebrand Disease, Wounds and Injuries, Wounds, Penetrating Nonpenetrating (not on MeSH), WPW Syndrome (see Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome), Wryneck (see Torticollis), Vulvar Cancer (see Vulvar Neoplasms), Vulvar Diseases, Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, Vulvar Neoplasms, Xanthoma (see Xanthomatosis), Xanthoma Disseminatum (see Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell), Xanthomatosis, Xanthomatosis, Familial (see Wolman Disease), Xanthomatosis, Wolman's (see Wolman Disease), Xeroderma (see Ichthyosis), Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Xerostomia, X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (see Adrenoleukodystrophy), X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (see LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS), X-Linked Retinoschisis (see Retinoschisis), XXY Males (see Klinefelter Syndrome), XYY Karyotype, XYY Karyotype, Yaws, Yellow Fever, Yersinia Infections, Yersinosis (see Yersinia Infections), Zellweger Syndrome, Zellweger-Like Syndrome (see Zellweger Syndrome), Zenker Diverticulum, Zenker's Diverticulum (see Zenker Diverticulum), Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Zona (see Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Zoonoses, Zoster (see Herpes Zoster (Shingles)), Zygomycosis

A few weeks ago, Skeptico made a funny post about this site. One of the commenters on his site thought to check out the metatags on that page and found this list. Basically metatags are used to help search engines catagorize web pages better. you place some metatags that describe what your page is about and that give webcrawlers and search engines some help in catagorizing your page.

This list, which includes genetic disorders, abortions, physical wounds along with hundreds of other diseases some curable some incurable, is the list provided in the metatags from that homeopathy site.

The clear implication is that when you are searching for a disease, the hope is that this homeopathy site will come up to answer all of your dreams with plain old water curing deep wounds, mental retardation, and abortions (how do you 'cure' an abortion?).

The lengths of deception that these people go to will never cease to amaze me.

Rights of Passage

2009-08-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Every religion has a number of rites of passage. These, for the most part, seem to be an important part of each society. They bring together the family and friends to celebrate various stages of ones life. They are a mechanism by which we can confer our status from one to another. And there are both secular and religious rites of passage. some of these include:

Baptism
Circumcision
Communion
First haircut (first poop, first shoes, etc. babies get tons)
Birthdays
Sweet sixteen
Graduations (there are even preschool graduations now)
Bar Mitzvah
Thesis defense
Military rank advancements

I could go forever, Wikipedia has a much larger list. The point is that we seem to crave these points of recognition. And why not? Other than physical mutilation, and accepting that people are religious, I don't think there is much controversy about any of these milestones of life. I was very proud the receive my PhD and celebrating it was a nice way to do so. I enjoy my birthdays too!

There is a very uncelebrated milestone that 95% of us go through (78% of you english folk). Vaccinations.

Why don't we celebrate this? This is an awesome achievement over disease and death. Vaccinations has provided a completely new level of longevity. The diseases that use to plague humankind barely come into our daily conversation. Diphtheria, tuberculosis, measles, flu. While people in industrialized nations still die from these diseases, usually due to a lack of vaccination, we as a society hardly think of these diseases as one of our ills anymore. We should be celebrating this achievement!

I propose a series of celebrations that align with the vaccination schedule your country uses. Perhaps in America we would celebrate the following events:

First Immunion: This is a small family affair that happens at two months old. The traditional Immunion ceremony is some well wish for strong health of the baby. It starts with the ceremonial washing of hands of all participants. It continues in dim light and silence with the mother holding the baby while the first round of injections are provided. While the child is usually crying at this time, a ceremonial bottle with one or two ounces of breast milk or formula is plied to the baby.

Second Immunion: This ceremony may be shared by close family, but also friends may come to this. This ceremony is held at around 4 months old. While it may be held at the doctors office, it may be more prudent to invite the doctor to the second Immunion so it can be done at home or other facilities that provide enough space for everyone. The Healthy, Happy and strong song is sung by all. This time the father holds the baby while the vaccinations are injected. Once again the baby might not be happy, but the ceremonial 2 ounce bottle of breast milk or forumula is given to the child again.

Third Immunion: This ceremony is often skipped, but may be celebrated. Usually it is done in the morning before the first nap. This is to symbolize the refreshing confidence of long term health that is so refreshing.

Grand Immunion: This ceremony happens just after the first birthday, although it may be combined with the first birthday if desired. At the grand immunion we are celebrating the largest barrage of disease fighting antibodies. The Grand Immunion is usually celebrated amongst family and friends. Although it is also encouraged to put a small ad in the paper that can be saved when the child is older as a keepsake of this wonderful celebration. Often, for the GI, presents are given to the child that are associated with strong heath, like books with pictures of people being strong in the face of adversity, sailors eating spinach, and other stories. Further, the needle of the vaccination is broken off and the syringe is saved as a memento. For this event they make purple syringes.

Terminduction: At the age of 5, the child is Terminducted. This is celebration of the end of the childhood vaccinations and lets the child know that he has entered a new and exciting time in his or her life. It is explained to the child how strong and robust he or she is with respect to some pretty nasty diseases. There is some training that goes into this ceremony before the actual event. The child must be able to recite all the diseases he is vaccinated against. He or she also explains why it is so good to vaccinate to increase the immunity of his whole community, a force everyone associated with the child can share in. The doctor administers the final immunizations with a gold plated syringe, the child recites the diseases he is immunized for from memory. A large bell, canon, or gong is sounded and the all the guests cheer: "Chigee Chigge Chee! Hize Hize Hize! [child's name] is now immunized!"

A good time is had by all.

The last and final celebration is usually just for girls, but it may be used for boys also.

Pappiloo: Papiloo is a time of education and reflection. Usually its a bonding time between one or both parents and the child preparing for Pappiloo. The parent tells their 12-14 year old about how disease works, what viruses and bacteria are. They then go through the Pappiloo Book. This is a book that details various diseases like AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia, and others. It has pictures of the symptoms (they are pretty gross), and discusses how these diseases can be avoided. This book is shared with only the teenager and one or both parents. After the book is finished, goals and dreams of the teenager are discussed. Each desire and outcome that the teenager describes is jotted down and put into a Pappiloo box. The box is stored safely somewhere for the son or daughter to open in times of confusion about what to do with themselves scholastically or in their future careers. Most often Papiloo is celebrated by going on a trip to someplace that the teenager has never been before.

Well, it was a thought anyway. :)

Whoa. A building that didn't need to come down

2009-08-07T15:14:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I cant help thinking this is funny.

I hope no one was hurt

"Shoved down our throats"???

2009-07-29T22:32:00.001-07:00

Healthcare. OK big debate. My stance:

You shouldn't have to think about going bankrupt when in a medical emergency
We spend the most, of the industrialized world, on medical care
We rank 50th in terms of longevity
49 countries have longer lives, good healthcare and spend less on it per person
Our personal experience with medicine, i.e. doctors and hospitals, is virtually the same as countries with socialized medicine

Again I'm not usually the biggest fan of New Scientist, but this a pretty straightforward explanation.

Its not that hard, medicine is one thing we can learn from our planetary neighbors. We can teach how to keep, say, energy and food prices low, but when it comes to healthcare we are the students not the teachers.

So, we get a president and congress who can finally do something about a rotten system. They have been talking about it for literally years. What do I hear over and over again?

"Why are the politicians trying to shove "Universal Health Care" down out throats?"
"Shoving Government Health Care Down Your Throat"
"Democrats are "shoving" Kennedy's bill down Republicans' throats without considering their ideas. "
" no bipartisan debate"
"There is no debate. Congress & the Senate pass whatever laws they want, even if they have never read the bill"
"they are enacting this leftist agenda, without reading the bills!"
Two shadowy back-room deals are being struck right now inCongress as part of the Obama-Reid-Pelosi push to advance socialized healthcare before the August “recess.”

Bullshit.
Ok, I could obviously go on forever here. The rallying cry here for the paranoid right is that this bill is just running through congress and will be signed without anyone reading it and americans will suffer from lower healthcare costs and longer lifespans...Oh wait.. That's not quite what they are saying is it?

What do you mean there is no debate?
Formal debate started back in the middle of June (yeah over a month ago). Immediately it focused around costs and including republicans views:

"A bipartisan bill takes far more time than not," said Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which had been expected to unveil a package of reforms by tomorrow and hold a committee vote next week. Amid concerns about cost from Republicans and some Democrats, Baucus said he has agreed "to slow things down" and that committee action could be delayed until after the Fourth of July recess.

More recently "Blue Dog" democrats (some of whom are hardly democrat) had the ball. Again it came to fiscal responsibility, which I am all for. Guess what? After more discussion and negotiation, even they have come on board for the most part.

So there was a deadline. What happened?

"We did give them a deadline, and sort of we missed that deadline. But that's OK," Obama said. "We don't want to just do it quickly, we want to do it right.

This bill has gone through committee (13 dems 10 reps) after committee (13 dems, 10 reps) after committee (36 dems, 23 reps). If no one is actually reading the bill, what is it they are debating for weeks on end with both republicans and democrats in these various committees? Really, does this sound like a bill being shoved down Americans throats?

Closed door? Really, why is it that you can download and read the very bills being debated?
At the committee for energy and commerce
At kaiser for side by side summaries (there are 11 proposals on the table)
Policy options at the senate finance committee

One complaint is that many of these versions are making it though committee with votes along party lines. Sorry but that is what you expect when you have a status quo loving, party of "no". They certainly yap that costs need to be controlled. But what is the plan?

Camp said that the House Republican proposal calls for refundable tax credits for lower-income Americans

Brilliant. Really, thats it. The rest of it is more of the same thing that has been tried in the last 12 years. Healthcare accounts which promote more of the same system we already have. If they were so great, why haven't people already taken advantage of it. Policy: failure.

Transfer medicaid benefits to private insurance. So, boosting more money into the current failed system. Policy: failure.

Pooling of groups to lower insurance rates. Already implemented. more of the same broken system. Policy failure.

Basically republicans offer more of the same system that is clearly broken and still don't know how to pay for that.

But what is this?

This Republican alternative bill also contains several ideas that are increasingly championed by both parties.
·~Longer coverage for youths. It would allow dependent children to stay on their parents' policies until they are 25.
·~Promotion of wellness at the workplace. It would encourage employers to reward employees for improved health.
·~Expansion of community health centers.
·~Mobile health care. It would allow Americans to maintain their specific health insurance policies when they lose or leave jobs.
·~In-home care. It would provide financial help and encourage more in-home care over institutions.
·~Limitations on malpractice lawsuits. There is general agreement over limiting such lawsuits, but a deep divide exists over exactly how much.

But but but, i thought you said that no one is listening to republican ideas? Even Obama said it himself:

“Medical liability issues — I think all those things have to be on the table,” Mr. Obama said. “And I won’t lie to you that everybody agrees on this theoretically until you start getting into the specifics.

Know what? Yeah if you have a national health care system (which is NOT what is being proposed) you can have significant tort reform. This is the model Australia uses (Who by the way is also far ahead of us in longevity)

Need for reform: cost reduction, economy boost, longevity gains
Closed door meetings: All bills and summaries of bills available online
No reading of bills: What is being debated then?
Shoved down our throats: Policy outlines started over a year ago, specifics over a month and a half ago, deadline for voting on it, late october.

Party of "No" Republicans and right wingnut blow hards? Utter and complete fail.

Balancing act

2009-07-28T19:32:00.001-07:00

Phil Plait and others have debunked the idea that you can balance an egg on end only on the vernal equinox. He then shows that a little patience can lead to egg balancing on any day. Wanna see patience?

A local artist, Justin Zaremski balances lots of things like rocks and tools. He makes some of the most amazing balancing sculptures. He just sent me a new one which I thought was pretty amazing.

Wow.

I guarantee that this is not a photoshopped image, there is no glue involved, there are no tricks of any kind. Just patience and perseverance.

John Fleming

2009-07-28T19:19:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure that I have made clear that most of my values and goals are liberal in nature. However I am just as adamant that we know how we are going to pay for things that we do. I also strongly desire that we remove programs that do not work. I don't care who came up with what, legislation should be pretty easy (I know it isn't). All legislation should address 5 important points:

Specifically, what problem is going to be fixed?
Specifically, how will this be paid for?
Specifically, what quantifiable metric will be used to measure success?
Specifically, what values do these metric have to be to attain success?
What date will the law expire if success has not been attained?

Why is that so hard? It doesn't matter if the law is simple or huge. The stimulus should have had this, the bank bailouts should have had this, and the on going talks about health care should have these points addressed.

It's probably naive to think that this will happen.

Let's be clear about one thing. I want a healthcare overhaul. I spend 800 dollars a month on health care, and my employer spends 500 dollars. Thats 1300 dollars a month being spent on my health care. We just had a baby, that cost another 1000 dollars. On top of all that, I just got an ulcer which would have cost me another 1000 dollars if I went to the hospital (I almost did). This comes to about 17,600 dollars for me and my family (which is now made of 4 people). That comes to 4400 per capita for me. This is still less than the average 6000 per capita (or 7900 depending on where and when you get your facts)for americans.

This is a totally crappy system. A system that only give me the choice of whoever my company chooses to use. My company may or may not make a choice that is in my best interest. But regardless of that, its too much damn money for the same services and short lifespan than in other countries.

Some proposals are saying my taxes will go up 13,000 dollars for a nationalized healthcare program. So I would do better than break even but I wouldn't have to think about extra expenses from my trip to the hospital? Sign me up!

We have the most expensive healthcare in the world, but our longevity ranks 50th with respect to other countries. How do those other countries do it? Nationalized healthcare is overwhelmingly the answer. How much does it cost each taxpayer? Between 2500 and 4000 dollars/year in taxes*. If they can achieve costs like that in France or Macao (where the lifespans are longer)...why can't we?

What could be clearer?

OK so clearly I want us to try something new.

But guess what. I am sick of government leaders getting stuff that we don't get. If they are going to design a healthcare system it should be good enough for them to use themselves. I completely realize this is a stunt, ~~but I support~~ ~~this resolution~~ ~~by House Republican John Fleming.~~ Oops... I did support it until I read it.

Flemings website is bereft of any real information about issues. He is for education and for energy independence. Who isn't? No specifics. Nothing about social issues to be found. But I don't really care about that, I don't vote for him. I was supportive of this resolution until I realized that he was essentially calling for himself to keep his cushy nice healthcare plan that everyone in the entire US would like to have and is only calling for people who actually want to implement change to use the public option.

Here is what I say: remove the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) all together. Get rid of it. Make government branches supply healthcare just like everyone else gets it, through their employers. If the public option is better than private, then fine, use that. If private insurance is used to fill in gaps (like supplying nonsense therapies) then government officials can have the same choices we all have. But this idea that if you don't vote to improve a system you get to keep unbelievable healthcare is just plain greed.

I was originally happy to see someone trying to make sure the congress has to live by the same rules as everyone else. Too bad he had to be so damn stereotypical for his party.

Three Questions

2009-07-21T21:37:00.001-07:00

I'd been thinking about this for a while. Basically my thought was something along the lines of "For cripes sake, hasn't this horse been beat to death yet?". What was I thinking about? Arguments for God of course.

Over the millennia there have been lots of ~~excuses~~ arguments that try to justify a belief in god. Some of these include:

Cosmological/First Cause
Cosmological/Fine Tuning
Ontological
Anthropological
Teleological
Moral
Existential
Pascals Wager

And a variety of others. These tired and boring defenses have been brought out time and time again as if they are new or confounding in any way. They aren't because they have been answered and the conversation never goes beyond it.

For example, first cause. We have heard it. Science has brought you a concept about conservation of energy, cause and effect, and so on. Now you wish to turn that around and make it an excuse for a god existence. But we witness lots of uncaused things. For example radioactive decay. Given a chunk of Uranium 238, which decays to thorium 234, there is no way to predict which atom will be the next one to change. When an atom does change, through alpha emission, there is no cause (that we know of), it was just the next random one to go.

We find uncaused events in quantum mechanics when proper conditions are set up, where particles appear out of nowhere, uncaused (I am greatly simplifying). But its true, these seem like nit picks when compared to the creation of the universe and all the energy that is present.

Fine, lets look at our experience with classical physics versus relativity versus quantum mechanics. Newtonian physics "seems" right because it models the universe within our human experiences. Only when we start studying huge speeds, gigantic masses or tiny particles that are outside of our normal experience does it fail to model observations very well.

So once we move outside of our human experience with respect to such large energies, far larger masses, enormous distances and measures of time that make no sense to us puny humans, why shouldn't we think that something came from nothing with respect to our perception, and even if it did, so what? That means we are simply unable to define what was before, if there even was a before.

But alas, no, for some reason "I don't know" is not good enough, so God must step in. Never mind all the "I don't knows" that go along with that idea.

So, in fact I'm pretty tired of these arguments. They are boring, they always end up with theists pretending they understand physics (or biology). They have already been debated by people far more qualified than me and where as it gotten us (or the theists)? If you want an example of a typical conversation like this check out a recent one at Skeptico's place.

So I have only 3 questions for them. I have been thinking about these questions for some time but never really had a chance to use them. I may not be brilliant, perhaps these have been used before. I've never seen them. Here they are:

Is God all powerful and currently using that power in this universe?

The first question is to assure myself that the theist is sure that miracle can and do happen now. If we are talking about a watchmaker god that sits back and laughs at us, then that's a different conversation, and one basically useless. If God isn't acting in this universe now, what good is he? How is that different than no god? I want to be sure that the person I am speaking with assures me that God can do anything. Recently when I posed this question I was given these verses to back up the positive answer:

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens...When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and a the son of man that you care for him?" Psalm 8

"He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:15-17

"He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power." Hebrews 1:3

Does God know me?

The second question is to be sure that the person I am speaking with thinks that God knows everything about me. More than I may even know myself. I know that the answer to this is invariably yes, it has to be God is omniscient right? As a response to this question I was given these phrases:

"You (God) are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breast. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God." Psalm 22: 9-10

Honestly, I read that and I have no idea how this says anything about God being omniscient. The person I was having the conversation with was quick to point out that just because God knows me, doesn't mean he is going to perform some parlor tricks to get me to believe. But that brings me to my third question.

Does God love me and want me to be saved?
If god really loves me and wants me to be saved and go to heaven, why wouldn't he perform a simple trick. It would not take much. My example was to hold out my hand and look up. If they could see this, they may ask what I am doing. I respond, "I am waiting for a frog to appear in my hands". This sort of thing could happen to atheists all over the world and we no longer would be talking about existence proof, we would be talking about which religion is the right one. We would all be deists pretty quickly.

Of course when I present the frog conclusion, I was responded to with the following:

U embarrass urself w/ ur lack of comprehension. What do you think...God is some jack-n-the-box in the sky just waiting to perform for u and ur silly mindless friends? LOL
Get a clue dood...He's no more going to do anything for you, than you are going to do anything for Him.
If you get saved, it will be the product of his grace, not his tricks.
Should i slow down, or are u tracking w/ me...I know it takes away to sink in...

Does he want me to be saved or not? Why do biblical skeptics get burning talking bushes, water turned into wine, and walking on water and 40 day floods and I can't get a single little frog. I'd take a coqui.

Either god is not omnipotent, or he is not omniscient or he doesn't in fact love everyone and want everyone to go to heaven.

But I have a far more obvious answer.

He doesn't exist.

A Skeptical Journey Through the Universe!

2009-07-16T23:13:00.001-07:00

Welcome Aboard!

You are now seated on the faster touring cruiser in the known universe. This vessel is known as The Skeptica, a Sagan class vessel that can hold thousands of passengers as we take our trip through the known universe.

First we would like to apologize for a number of things. The captain has had a very full schedule and it appears that since this is the only vessel that makes this particular trip, he has needed to limit the number of planets to be the best and most interesting. Unfortunately, when he conferred this issue to the home worlds, it appears that only a few have opened their ports to us. So we will visit those, and hopefully next time things will be a bit more varied.

But enough excuses, Lets go on our journey!

Our first stop is to the Planet Stollznowskiserpakiak. This planet hosted a society vibrant with technology, science, and wondrous works of art for centuries. The humorous and happy denizens of this planet have long been our ally in our quest for understanding reality as it is. Unfortunately, they recently have been invaded by the Rectohaunts. creatures invading orifices where they most certainly don’t belong. We have dispatched some help, but it looks like for the most part they are getting a good handle on the problem themselves.

We certainly don’t want to get caught up in that, so lets move on to our next destination… Slooeyscepsoc!

There is simply no denying that this is a gorgeous world! While the surface is quite barren the seas are teeming with life! There are over 4 million species of creatures here, not including one celled varieties! Much like our own planet, even with so many species, only one of them has developed a consciousness that is advanced enough to communicate with us. These beings are known as the Jurists. This is the best translation we get from their mode of communication, which is a series of bubbles that are read in size of bubble, duration of bubble stream, and velocity of bubbles. It took us about 100 years before we realized that these interesting creatures were sentient. For all that time we just thought they tasted good.

The jurists have an interesting society. Its a pure democracy where everything is decided upon by majority. And when I say everything, I mean everything from the sea crops that they will be pursuing, to the time when they evacuate their Goord bladders. What is more amazing is that for the most part, voting is unanimous! If you look at your personal viewscreeen, you can read what happens when one member of this society questions the biases of the rest of the members.

As we leave you can hear the committee saying “bloob blurg ptblaaaaaP”, which is simply their way of asking us to return soon.

Off to our next destination… LV246!

We are visiting this green and lush world filled with mystic and ancient knowledge. But don’t let the history of this planet fool you. All their mysticism is based around fundamental principles that can be measured and verified for yourself. We are lucky to have access to this planet. The PodBlackians are currently helping the little sweet green creatures, the Bweedles, a childlike race. They have been transported here from their home planet where they have been harmed emotionally and physically, by forces outside of their control. Our visit will be short so that we do not interrupt the transfer of tools and knowledge from the PodBlackians to the Bweedles. They have to do this in secret. The PodBlackians are currently hiding from those very same forces that caused so much damage to the creatures they are helping.

The Skeptica is now coming about and heading to over to the Delta quadrant of the universe. Here we are going to visit an interesting world, Auditant. The coolest thing about Auditant is that despite the fact they have developed tremendously complex and intricate buildings, startling advanced electronics and computer systems, and have pushed science to the limit beyond most other civilizations, they don’t have any written language. Everything they do is perfectly recorded and played back at a later date.

However the Auditants are prolific! Lets stop by one of their auditory arenas. These arenas are shaped like football fields where they lob verbal assaults on their targets. For example in this first match we can see the team HJHOP launch a barrage of searing verbal battering rams on a variety of topics such as a secret society, and some hauntings in one of their provinces. Then you can see the HJHOP team swing around and dive down the format line to score a point by utterly destroying one of the opposing teams biggest windbags who resembles a large pig.

After the match, the winning team has assembled a nice evening with some good music for our pleasure. They are hoping their selection will bring us back on every trip.

The auditants have also asked us to take a look in news feeders (there are only 400,000 of them!). But in particular, they thought we might be interested in seeing how they found out how cultural myths spread and how they get busted up! We are going to move on, be we have downloaded the audio images you your viewscreens so you can hear them at your leisure as we move on to the next stop!

Vitelli, is a barren planet but the only surface species left are quite amazing. They come to the surface to socialize and do nothing else. Eating, caring for children, society building and the general advancement of their civilization all happens underground where there are huge fungal gardens and many varieties of game to catch in the many many miles of caverns available to the inhabitants.

What happened you ask? Its a long story, and the Vitellians are not quick to discuss it, and for all for formidable stature and dexterity, you can watch as the slouch in shame on this topic. Apparently the Vittelians were not always the quick witted creatures you see before you today. There was a time where they assigned the cause of random negative events to members of their own society. So if something bad happened, they would pursue one of their own, and perform any number of horrendous things to them until they were dead. They have sent us a brief history of these events, going over the why, the how and the when. But they have also included data about how some of their early ancestors noticed that perhaps this was not the right course of action.

Leaving planet Vitelli, in a rare fluke of nature, there is another planet in the very same star system with another sentient species. The Mikes live on the rocky planet Jaqsone. These helmeted creatures do everything in pairs. Everything they build, everything that write, everything they destroy, they do it in couples. Recently however, a visitor from another planet came. A great majority of the population of Jaqsone revered this ghost like visitor who taught them new ways of communicating and moving their double jointed bodies.

Unfortunately, the visitor from another planet could not live long in the Jaqsonian atmosphere and he came to an early demise. At this news more aliens came to Jaqsone and tried to cash in on his death. The Mikes would have none of this. They loved their visitor, and didn’t want his memory tarnished by buzzards and swindlers who came later. So they wrote two manifestos on it, you know, because they do everything in twos.

Honestly I don’t know who is in charge of naming planets, but you would think that they didn’t have to repeat things. We have arrived to the planet Jupiter. No, not our Jupiter. This Jupiter is just as large, but its in the Centaurus A galaxy, near the OneBrow Star.

The inhabitants of Jupiter live underwater. They are not large creatures, they are only about 2 meters tall, but they are amazingly dense! If they were on our planet they would each weigh in at 4 metric tons! They are aware that their species is one of the only sentient bottom dwellers in the universe, and therefore, in a half joking manner, refer to themselves as People-from-the-Floor-of-the-Ocean. We just refer to them as Floorians. Its appropriate since they call us Walkers.

This species is incredibly advanced. Our guide is just a slightly-smarter-than-standard working guy there, advising architects and building homes, but look at some of his daily correspondence with his beer drinking colleagues as they discuss they latest philosophical arguments! Note: Floorian beer tastes very similar to urine, I'm sure you wouldn’t want to try either.

You may have thought that after 600 years of reality and game shows on earth we would have pretty much covered everything. But you would be wrong. We are arriving at the planet Cubik. This planet is an enigma all unto itself.

The inhabitants look like spider, but they are quite humorous and friendly. They have been at gaming in various forms for thousands of years. Games are used as demonstrations of love, they are use as acts of war, they are used in political processes. There is no aspect of life that does not involve one form or another of gaming whether it be solitary games or massively multiplayer games. While they have certainly has a couple of centuries of of electronic dabbling, mostly they have stuck to games that require physical interaction. They have built entire societies around games. If you look out your window, you will see the ruins of the old Age of Knights, which involved bigger than life pieces that were played across entire states between mutple opponents. Alas, the age of knights faded away, soon to be replaced by the Age of Colorful board games, The Age of Electronic games, The Video game age and for the last two thousand year they have been in the Game Show Age. Lets try to get a feed…

Ah yes, here we go. Here is a game show where a small band of nonbelievers are pitted against believers of the local religion. In one hour we should be seeing some conversions. I wonder if they have a similar game show where they can get converted back?

Now have a nice surprise for you. We will be visiting Caliban. This planet just opened itself up to us very recently, however its inhabitants have been seen on many other planets for the last few years. That is why we knew they existed. After much encouragement, we are finally able to visit their homeworld.

While they are ferocious warriors they are also adroit thinkers. Most of their written text whether found in the libraries on Caliban or in texts on other planets you will find strong words, sharp tongue and a warlike stance on many subjects. For example, take a look at how they recently shredded some ancient texts that are no longer useful to the society. It comes in six scathing chapters and it is not even done yet! But perhaps you would like to delve into some of their military history? I wouldn’t want these pesky bastards opposing me!

We are wrapping up our journey here, I hope you have been enjoying your travels. Lets stop at a couple of more planets. First lets jaunt over to Bernardin, this planet is home to one and a half evolving minds. I say one and a half because it is clear that there is one at least a brightly colored tentacled soft spoken creatures, the Drewniads. And while there are certainly a multitude of intelligent creatures on this lush planet there is one in particular that resembles our dogs. We are still trying to determine if these creatures are as sentient and intelligent as the Drewniads, and while there is some evidence of it were are still trying to ascertain the range of emotions these creatures feel.

On our last other worldy stop we are going to Sirius the Dog Star. Around it is a small planet discovered quite some time ago. Again, the alert planet namers decided to call this planet Sirius also. Further… the inhabitants? Yeah they are the Sirians. The largest Ocean? Sirius. The largest landmass? Sirius. It goes on and on. Someone really was slacking at their job.

The planet itself is the height of beauty and wonder however. The gorgeous landscapes are so striking they just make you want to get down on your knees and thank the universe for being so wonderful. In fact, the Sirians do exactly that every evening. Its a good break from their daily routine where they are far more serious about what else the universe brings them!

Anyway, the Sirians are a rambling lot. They often have sessions just telling each other what they think the other person doesn’t know. In fact, they’ve got long lists of things that should not be mention because they are bad form. but when they get away from their loquacious vomit, they sometimes write about softer, happier things. Let me give you a recent submission on the Sirian soul.

OK, we are heading back to Earth. We, the crew of the Skeptica have truly enjoyed touring the universe with you and we hope you will return soon and often. Before you leave the vessel, make sure you avoid the drinking the water at the starport. We have new water treatment facilities but we are unsure if they are working properly. Also, as you leave the port, there may be people from a completely different dimension handing you flyers about how to get to their homes. We do not recommend it. As you leave feel free to take one of the touring guides with you.

Touring Guide

The SkepBitch

St. Louis Skeptical Society

PodBlack Cat

Happy Jihads House of Pancakes

Providentia

Skeptical Teacher

Life, The Universe and One Brow

Cubik’s Rube

Terrible Truth, Beautiful Lie

Evolving Mind

The Bronze Blog

Effort Sisyphus

Captain’s Note: I realize that some of the material presented here may be owned by the artist. If you own any of the pictures or Spore Creatures I have used, please tell me and I will happily apply proper credit or remove them if you wish. I hope you liked how they were used, its for a good cause.

The Next Skeptic’s Circle will be hosted by Beyond the Short Coat on July 30th. Check it out!

Circle Submissions

2009-07-13T16:02:00.001-07:00

Its the 13th today. I’m going to put out the next circle in the next couple days. As I mentioned before, I still have an imminent baby arrival and I had asked everyone the proof read themselves and perform a self check if you think you wrote a quality post for it because I wasn’t sure of my time allotment between babyTech’s arrival and writing a good circle.

So, what happened? Well I only have 4 entries. Please submit, I’m time challenged right now, but not THAT challenged. I’ll post the circle when I get at least 10 entries.

Bad Business Practice

2009-07-09T18:38:00.001-07:00

I’m an engineer. When I work I use my dozen years of engineering education and dozen or so years of engineering experience and creativity to assess a problem, develop strategies for a solution, and then implement that solution.

In assessing a problem, I look at the physical symptoms of a problem, I collect tangible data about whatever I am studying, I push systems to they boundary conditions and examine performance.

When determining one more more possible solutions for a problem I look at what other people have done and specifically what their results were. I may try a few things to see if parts of one solution or another might work.

When I implement a solution I check to see if it worked under normal conditions, I check to see if operating conditions change that my solution is superior to the original implementation, or at least the same.

Then I learn from my mistakes. If I designed something poorly the first time, I want to be sure I understood why it was poor so that I can avoid doing it again.

All of these efforts require strong attention to physical, measurable results. It all requires that I don’t pretend something will just work because I want it to. It requires that I check to see if my assumptions are correct.

Why am I telling you this? Because I am continually amazed when I hear about superstitious engineers, particularly religious ones, and of those, particularly young earth, bible thumping ones.

The other day, I was looking for a simple relay board that would switch 1 amp load when signaled from my tiny digital signals from my microcontroller. Pretty straight forward. I had a bunch of other requirements also. Well I found what I was looking for from Winford Engineering. They make a bunch of boards that are good for prototyping designs, so I got a few of their relay boards.

They work fine.

But I got a little present with my boards. A little pamphlet, entitled “Facts to Face”. Hmm. I wonder what facts are so important that they would send it along with my order? What am I missing or so unknowledgeable about that someone at Winford felt that they must pass along this vital information. Global Warming? Crime Prevention? Suicide?

Well apparently the first fact is that I need to be saved. This fact is quoted from some where called Romans. These guys, without knowing one thing about me presume I have sinned by some standard known only to them. Apparently I’m gonna die from this sin disease. Why can’t they just write in readable English?

The second fact is that I can’t save myself! What? I can help myself, and when I can’t I have friends and profressionsals that can… but not from this mysterious sin that they tell me about. Oh Noes!

God’s Son died to save me? Wait, I thought he was resurrected. So he didn’t really die did he? So this dude has been alive floating around for two thousand years and I am supposed to feel bad that he spent a few days strung up. Hey, tell you what, show me modern evidence that I can live forever and I will also happily be strung up to a cross for 3 measly days. Not really much of a sacrifice is it?

The next fact is that God apparently shows me how to be saved. Looks like if I want eternal life, then all I have to do is…you know.. be gods son. I mean really, has anyone actually visited this heaven place? How do we know there isn’t just one person there. Someone send me a photo!

The next fact that I need to hear about is that if I believe in god, he will forgive my nonexistent sins. Whew! that is good to know! But look at that! I can do all things through Christ! That's weird, I don;t even know what that means. Can I do some things through horse? Seems to me that I can do all things through work and learning.

Fact #6 tells me that Christian should be working for God. I would like to know how much God pays per hour. I mean with no actual guarantee that he is there, seems to me that I’d like something tangible now. Good thing I am not a Christian, I guess I am free form this work paid by IOUs.

I got a giggle that they sent this to me. I was at a loss to understand why they would send this out. So I asked.

Is it a company policy to send along religious paraphernalia with
shipments or is someone in your shipping department doing this for you?

I got a response pretty quickly

Yes, this is our company policy. The three owners of the company
(myself being one) all believe the Bible is true, and God's Word, and we
hope our customers will take a minute to evaluate the claims of the
Bible. So, it is our policy to include this in the first order we send
to each of our customers.

I will never order from them again.

Its not that they are religious. I don’t care what they do on their own time. Who am I to comment on their shared delusion? No, I won’t order from them for two reasons: I find it insulting for them to tell me, by way of a dumb pamphlet, that they think I am one way or another without knowing me. The presumption! But more importantly, I won’t order from them because they have clearly demonstrated that they are willing to make extremely important decisions about themselves, about their lives and about other people based on nothing other than some dumb book and the cultish blathering of those who follow it. If I need to return something will they tell me that God told them not to take it? If I need them to fix something will they pray for it to get better?

I don’t really care that they sent this pamphlet. I just think its a dumb business practice. It won’t convert anyone, and people who already believe that nonsense already have a bible. They are just wasting money, and doing nothing. Its not like relay boards are that hard to find (or make).

Depressing Article

2009-07-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

While I have for the most part sworn off reading Discovery News because of its tendency, like New Scientist, to hype and misreport, I did see this.

A new Pew Research Center poll indicates that 27 percent of Americans say the nation's greatest achievements are in science, medicine and technology, more than any category other than don't know.

But that's down from 47 percent in a similar study a decade ago, the center reported Thursday.

How depressing. The Europeans publish more science than we do, and continue to excel in a number of areas over the US (except military size which is what we have excelled in for decades).

But you know what? Considering that

87 percent of AAAS scientists believed that humans and other living things evolved naturally, compared with 32 percent of the general public

I’ll take this as a win:

And 69 percent of Americans say all parents should be required to vaccinate their children, compared with 82 percent of scientists.

Note, that says required. That is different than what we have now, where parents are just encouraged.

Calcium Woomover

2009-07-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today at work I was looking for electrochemical methods to move specific ions. Turns out that there are both electrochemical methods to do it and electrodialysis methods (I'd call electrodialisys a subset of electrochemistry). But this is not a post on that.

This is a post on an amazing product called the Hardness Master. Look at the amazing things this thing can do!

▪ Provides an effective and healthy alternative to Water Softeners and De-scalers
▪ Utilizes latest MaxConditioning™ technology to effectively address a broader range of scale and hard water problems
▪ Handles up to 50 grains per gallon (or 50 gpg or 855 mg/L or 855 ppm) of water hardness
Note: The Total # of grains per gallon (gpg) is equal to the Total # of mg/L value ÷ 17.1 (i.e., Total gpg = Total mg/L ÷ 17.1)
▪ Easy to install (do-it-yourself installation requires no plumber and no cutting of pipes)
▪ Accommodates up to 1 1/2" plumbing, or even greater (call for details)
▪ NO salt or chemicals needed (healthier & wiser choice)
▪ "Green" and eco-friendly technology
▪ No Maintenance (just "set it and forget it" operation)
▪ Extends the life of your water heater and plumbing fixtures
▪ Works with Copper, PVC and Steel pipes
▪ Soap and shampoo lather much better
▪ Changes the Hard Water Molecules to Soft Crystals
▪ Treated Water Feels Silky Smooth
▪ Prevents new Scale forming
▪ Removes old Scale layers

It's that MaxConditioning Technology that I am admiring so much! Really, who knew that running current in a coil could provide me with such an amazing list of properties as mentioned above! I mean really it changes Hard Water Molecules to Soft Crystals! Is that a molecule of hard water, or a water molecule that is hard? Calcium carbonate is a rock, a crystal of it is soft? Oh look! Customer testimonials!

Clearly this product has all the markings of being woo. But is it?

OK, lets discuss the core technology here. There are so many things wrong with the description it is hard to know where to start. So, I'll go in bits and pieces and I hope you'll bear with me. Lets start with the field it creates . Electric fields and magnetic fields are in fact related but to simplify, an electric field is defined by the voltage potential between two objects (think Van Der Graf generator, or lightning) while an magnetic field is defined by the current traveling through a conductor (think electromagnet). MaxConditioning Technology is the latter, current runs through a wire, it is not an "electric field" as claimed. So which is it? Does an electric field make this process work? That would mean that this device doesn't do what it says because it created a magnetic field, not an electric one. So what about this magnetic field?

The HardnessMaster™ advanced MaxConditioning™ technology produces an oscillating electric field in the water pipe (refer to pictures above and below) which changes continuously in frequency and amplitude. This changes the property of the hardness minerals so they stay in solution and not form scale in pipes, water heater, on fixtures and bath walls, etc.

What exactly is a "hardness mineral"? Shall we presume that they meant a magnetic field and that this performs the magic for them? OK, fine, but by what mechanism? Magnets mostly affect metals, in particular ferrous metals. If used in MRI strengths and frequencies, can be used to energize water. But there really isn't much of a case to be made that calcium carbonate is affects by magnets in any way. OK, so they oscillate the magnetic field at varying frequencies, but how does that change the solubility of the calcium?

Here is an article that studied the solubility of calcium carbonate in water in a magnetic field (a static, unchanging one). The result?

It was found that magnetic treatment increases the total amount of precipitate...

Uh, that's the opposite of what you want! They claimed the magnetic field decreased solubility, not precipitation! However, it appears that even with precipitation, there is a little more to the story. If you have precipitation of CaCO3 (calcium carbonate), you want it to come out in the water and not on the surfaces of things. So even with precipitation, if it only comes out in the flowing water, a case could be made that it is better than scaling up on and in small orifices.

I think we can say that this is probably the definitive summary report on using magnetic fields to clean up water. They looked at 108 articles on magnetic water treatment and took the 34 best, based on procedural quality, measurement quality, hypothesis testing and other merits. While this great summary mostly concerns itself with permanent magnets without changing fields, there is one paper in there by Fan and Cho that seems to be the one that this particular device is based off of. Its a 1997 paper called, "Microscopic Observation of Calcium Carbonate Particles:Validation of an electronic Anti-Fouling Technology". There were three other papers by this group in 1998 and 1999 all using the same "anti-fouling technology" with small, but measurable differences in scale buildup between the AFT use and nonuse.

However these results are not replicated by anyone, and the WQA discusses these papers in the following way:

The report doesn't set out to make any definitive statement statement that magnetic water treatments works (nor did the even define what "working" means). In fact, they summarize the findings of these 34 papers as follows:

One thing to note from the summary. None of the papers were able to verify any of the proposed hypotheses of why magnetic water treatment should work . Most of the papers didn't even show much, if any, improvement.

With no verified mechanism by which scaling would be prevented, sporadic and limited evidence that magnetic therapy has any effect at all on water quality, no reason that a magnetic field should have any effect on a non-ferrous particle, in particular calcium carbonate, and no verification that pulsing a magnetic field through which water with high calcium concentrations flow does anything, I think we can safely say that, until there is more evidence, this is not effective.

Forgetting for the moment that the core technology is unlikely to work, lets take a look at some of the other claims...

It will also gradually dissolve away any preexisting scale that may exist in your pipes and water appliances

Oh goody another claim for which a possible mechanism is completely absent. The coil only wraps around one little spot, why would scale that is located in the faucet get removed? I believe that the possibility they are going for is that if the calcium particles have agglomerated, then the water surrounding the crystals will have a low concentration of calcium in it, therefore the scale has a chance to dissolve in it. Or at least, thats how I would defend this claim if this were my product.

"Green" and eco-friendly technology

This would only be true if the device worked! Otherwise its a power consuming chink of plastic and metal.

The funniest part, with respect to the rest of the product description is the animation, which completely counters the claims made on the first page and all of the supporting data from journal papers as presented above. In that animation they do claim that the solubility rises. They show larger particles entering the coil area, and no particles leaving implying that they get dissolved. This is completely in opposition to the idea of "hard water molecules" being changed into "soft crystals". It also goes completely against the results from Cho in their anti-fouling papers.

So we have:

Extraordinary claims that defy current understanding of a process
User testimonials
Flashy animations that describe processes that don't happen
Appeals to being green, cheap, easy

I say don't buy this product. What do you say?

P.S. If anyone at Vitasalus (feel free to browse their selection of other woo-ish products), who makes this product, wants an independent test of it, I will happily do a professional job of it. But I am not going to spend 300 bucks just to find out that I was right on the off chance that I might be wrong.

Go easy on me

2009-07-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

As you may have seen, the next Skeptic’s circle has arrived at Homologous Legs. He gives us a nice journey through the wide and varied circle of skeptics who bring you great posts every couple of weeks!

As you will know by going there, completely to my wife’s disdain and exasperation, I signed up for the next circle, #115. Her furious flustering is completely warranted, since she is so pregnant I have seen small objects orbit around her. Yes, we are about to have a baby, and of course the due date is within days of the next circle.

I really have been wanting to do this for a while and in my excitement I didn't attach the offered date to the birthday of my new son, because, as he will soon know, his dad is an absent minded dork.

I don’t want to limit the entries, I hate when people do that. I want everyone to have exposure of their best and brightest posts. But please take it easy on me, please just send me your single best post from the next two weeks. If you don’t have something “Circle Quality” please send nothing, we all have dry patches. At worst, flag it as “2nd tier” and I will look at it in a second round for entry (in case everyone gets scared off by my request here and sends nothing). I don’t want to discourage people from putting stuff in the circle, but I want to provide a quality one even with my scheduling conflicts. Please be my proof reader.

All entries can be sent to techskeptic@gmail.com

Do good work! Send em in!

-Tech

P.S. For fun, tell me what the name of the planet you would be from is (if you were not from this one), it doesn’t have to be real. Tell me what the name of your species would be if you were from that planet. Oh, and I’d really like to know what you would be doing in your life, as a member of that species on that planet. Or heck, keep this information to yourself, if you think its so secret.

P.S.S. Yeah, I’m a 41 year old little boy. :P

Request

2009-07-02T08:06:00.001-07:00

Well I’m going to give this a shot. I am very aware of my limitations. I wish I had time to be expert on a great many things, but we must pick and choose. I have an idea that I think will enhance many skeptical debates, but I need help. If you answer yes to all of the following questions, maybe you can send me an email?

Can you program websites? I don't mean modify templates, I can do that. I mean could you, with time, create a website like reddit or recovery.org? Can you create code that would be generated for people to place on their websites that would direct people to particular links on this website? Similar to digg buttons.

Are you truly skeptical? Would you really change your mind about something given a standard of evidence that you use for other things you agree with? If it could be shown the gun ownership reduces crime without increasing accidental death, would you change your gun control stance? Is there ever enough evidence that could be assembled that would lead you to believe in a designer?

Do you have time to make a website? I have no idea how long this would take, there may be tools available around to make implementation faster. I’m not looking for a lot of graphics or flash. Just functionality. I don’t think its pure html, i suspect there is java involved. But I am not sure. These is not a static site and will require a database and account creation.

Would you want to work with an anonymous skeptic?

Well those are my big questions. I’m sure more may crop up.

I really think this idea could attract a lot of traffic and I really think it would help a lot in skeptical debates and getting information out there. I can’t offer money, who has any? I can offer some part of any sort of google ad revenue, but some of that money would have to go towards maintaining the site.

Any takers?

Help a friend out

2009-06-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all.

Just a quick note here. A blogger who I have been reading for a while is in need of some help. She recently had some gall bladder problems and she had it removed in the emergency room. She is in pain and needs a couple of bucks to get a bed. She recently moved and has been sleeping on the couch.

I "met" Amanda through her blog as she was writing her thoughts as she deconverted from a pretty strong fundamentalist faith into agnosticism. It was a very hard journey for her (as I understand it is for many who go through similar trials). In the process she lost some friends and most of her readership. As I said, its a tough road. One I never had to go through.

I can already imagine the fundies reacting with some heartwarming responses such as "You deserve it for turning your back on god". I don't know if anyone said that, I can just imagine it. Throw a couple of bucks her way, she doesnt need much, show her how helpful the atheist community can be.

Update: Mandi has got her bed! Thanks to whomever helped!

Steorn

2009-06-23T19:59:00.001-07:00

I've mentioned the perpetual motion machine company Steorn before. But it unlike other companies sellng nonsense, they never tried to justify their claims by warping science or actually, you know, selling a device. So I have kept quiet on it. The last I had heard was that they were going to get a jury of scientists to evaluate their claims. I knew that if it was a real panel, they would sort out where the extra energy was coming from.

I knew that there was a problem just from their description of their "technology" they made the claim that magnets somehow allowed them to gain energy "just like when you walk up and down a hill, you have gained energy". I knew that they would either find the error (this was being very optimistic on my part), or they were simply trying to pull a fast one (the realist in me).

Today from Ben Goldacre, I learned that the panel has spoken. Guess what. Nada. Funny part is that the company claims that the jury only looked at the technology while it suffered from a problem that has been corrected after the jury was complete. Pretty funny.

Implementing Orbo in a reliable and consistent manner had remained a challenge for the organization, one that we had made no secret of. Due to these difficulties we had focused on providing the Jury with test data relating to the underlying magnetic effect behind Orbo. This work concluded at the end of 2008.”
McCarthy concluded by stating that “during 2009 the company had resolved the key technical problems related to the implementation of Orbo and is now focused on commercial launch towards the end of this year, at which time academic and engineering validation would be released concurrent with public demonstrations”.

Typical woo.

That said, I am pretty pleased how this has all turned out. I even commend Steorn for going through with the jury. They must have themselves pretty deluded to think that they would get past an honest panel of skeptics. Regardless, they honestly went about the testing and let the jury publish their findings ( sans the details unfortunately).

This sort of reminds me of my position about NCCAM. Orac and PZ have been railing against NCCAM for years. We have found out that they spent 2.5 billion dollars finding out that virtually nothing of the CAM industry works.

But isn't that good? Isn't that exactly what we want some organization to do? Check if something works and publish the results? I'd love for CAM to work. I'd love for all that nice comforting woo to work. But I want an organization to check for efficacy with rigorous studies. Considering the scope of studies, finding out that only one worked (ginseng for chemotherapy nausea), to me was worth it. This is enough for me, you, and the government to point to and say "nonsense!". I'm pretty happy wth both the Steorn outcome and the NCCAM outcome.

I realize that Steorn has spun the result already, and most woos will simply ignore the NCCAM results. But we now have a big thing to point at. And I like that.