Changes

Junk science consists of giving poorly done scientific work the same authority as work which conforms to the [[scientific method]]. It is akin to [[politicized science]], i.e., the selective use of scientific evidence to reach predetermined conclusions and support extra-scientific political goals.<ref> [http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.25458/pub_detail.asp Burying Evidence: The Union of Concerned Scientists' Unscientific Claims about Air Pollution and Health]</ref>

Junk science consists of giving poorly done scientific work the same authority as work which conforms to the [[scientific method]]. It is akin to [[politicized science]], i.e., the selective use of scientific evidence to reach predetermined conclusions and support extra-scientific political goals.<ref> [http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.25458/pub_detail.asp Burying Evidence: The Union of Concerned Scientists' Unscientific Claims about Air Pollution and Health]</ref>

In some cases, junk science may result from a misinterpretation of previous sound scientific studies.  An example of this is the misinterpretation of the research on eggs and cholesterol<ref>http://www.hhp.ufl.edu/faculty/pbird/keepingfit/ARTICLE/eggs.HTM</ref>.  Studies had found that eggs contained cholesterol and that cholesterol in blood contributed to heart disease.  So as a result of these studies, people were advised again eating eggs.  What ws missing, however, was a study showing that the cholesterol in blood is a direct result of cholesterol intake in diet.  We know now that that is not the case, that saturated fat intake and overall body fat are the primary contributors to cholesterol production in blood.   

In some cases, junk science may result from a misinterpretation of previous sound scientific studies.  An example of this is the misinterpretation of the research on eggs and cholesterol<ref>http://www.hhp.ufl.edu/faculty/pbird/keepingfit/ARTICLE/eggs.HTM</ref>.  Studies had found that eggs contained cholesterol and that cholesterol in blood contributed to heart disease.  So as a result of these studies, people were advised again eating eggs.  What was missing, however, was a study showing that the cholesterol in blood is a direct result of cholesterol intake in diet.  We know now that that is not the case, that saturated fat intake and overall body fat are the primary contributors to cholesterol production in blood.   

A more recent example is the hoopla over [[secondhand smoke]], which liberals say has now been conclusively proven to cause nearly 20% of urban deaths. Anti-smoking activists base this claim on small studies while ignoring larger studies; see [[cherry-picking]]. [http://www.junkscience.com/feb01/perske.htm]

A more recent example is the hoopla over [[secondhand smoke]], which liberals say has now been conclusively proven to cause nearly 20% of urban deaths. Anti-smoking activists base this claim on small studies while ignoring larger studies; see [[cherry-picking]]. [http://www.junkscience.com/feb01/perske.htm]