​There is no way to fight conspiracy theories with modern methods ● What an American researcher who will spend 100 days underwater is trying to find out ● Not all itches are the same

Conspiracy theories cannot be combated by modern methods

A group of Irish researchers from the University of Cork came to such a disarming conclusion. And their study, published in the journal PLOS One, explains why. Irish sociologists analyzed 25 previous studies involving 7,179 volunteers. All of these studies looked at different methods of dealing with the conspiratorial beliefs of those who were targeted. And the result, as I said, was disarming.

Less than half of the methods tested seemed to have some effect, but none of them reduced the nagging to zero. And this shows us that the methods tried so far are ineffective.

Of all the tested options, positive results were given by those in which logical errors and the falsity of conspiracy ideas were highlighted step by step. Another noteworthy approach was to have subjects undergo a three-month course in which they were taught how to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific practice. The methods in which counterarguments were offered turned out to be the most ineffective. How, to enter into a dispute with supporters of conspiracies.

The conclusion of the scientists was that in order to combat such ideas, some of which can even have dire consequences (see the example of anti-vaccinationists), it is necessary to encourage and facilitate the development of analytical thinking. Basically, people need to be educated. Then you need to prevent such information from reaching them, because it will be much more difficult to oppose them with counterarguments.

It is true, the authors of the study admit, that it is difficult to apply such methods in the real world. To do this, they are working on a pilot project that involves the creation of a video game, a video game that can be used to combat conspiracy theories.

Now, honestly, of all the research they’ve presented, the idea of ​​combating conspiracy and inculturation nonsense with a video game is probably the most disarming of all.

What an American researcher who will spend 100 days underwater is trying to find out

Joe Dituri is a former military diver and, at the same time, a specialist in medical bioengineering, who planned to spend at least 100 days at a depth of 10 meters, in a capsule with an area of ​​55 square meters, near the coast of Florida.

Let’s forget that the experiment is not for those who suffer from claustrophobia, because the American specialist is not going to just break the record. By the way, the previous record was set in 2018, and it lasted 73 days.

What Joe Dituri is trying to establish is the effect that hyperbaric pressure has on the human body when it is exposed to it long term. As you have already understood, the capsule in which Dituri will live does not have the equipment of modern submarines that maintain a normal level of pressure.

From the data we have at this point, there are a number of effects that hyperbaric pressure has on the human body. For example, a light state of euphoria is recorded at depths of 10-30 meters. At a depth of more than 30 meters, the so-called “narcosis” effect, or symptoms similar to those caused by the consumption of large amounts of alcohol, may occur.

The mechanisms that lead to such reactions are still unknown, but probably some of them will be clarified at the end of this experiment. Dituri will also test the effect of lack of natural light. And this leads to vitamin D deficiency if it is not also supplied through food.

It’s an experiment that NASA is also keeping a close eye on, because from spaceflights so far, under conditions somewhat similar to those experienced by Dituri, it has been possible to observe a decline in the immune functions of astronauts after only 14 days. Another aspect that will be monitored, and which also applies to the deprivation of sunlight, is the disruption of the circadian rhythm. Submarine crews have been known to report such problems after relatively long periods under water.

But there’s also the problem with all the tests that need to be done. Dituri is one person. Would it be appropriate to observe him in this situation?

Not all itches are the same

From a medical point of view, itching is a signal that skin sensors send to a person when a parasite (see the mosquito case) tries to introduce possible pathogens into the body. Therefore, the touch of a mosquito or the walking of an insect on the skin causes us a sharp itchy sensation. Specialists call it “mechanical itching”.

In the second case, the itching is caused by irritation. We take the entire body of the mosquito and the saliva it injects into the skin. Although this still results in an itchy sensation, it is called “chemical itch” for reasons that need no further explanation.

Why do we emphasize all this? Because a team from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California claims in a study published in the journal Neuron that they have been able to identify for the first time the mechanisms that lead to the appearance of this itching sensation. And yes, they are different.

During tests on guinea pigs, specialists discovered that a certain group of spinal nerves reacts to potential danger (mechanical itching) and sends information to the brain. It is processed and converted into a form of mechanical itching. In the case of chemical itch, it is a different group of neurons.

What experts are now trying to do with this information is to find out how the two sensations coincide in the case of chronic itching. Because, yes, that’s what happens with serious problems. Starting with this discovery, American experts say, treatment will be easier.

Interesting! But still, it would probably be nice to explain to us a problem that worries a significant part of humanity. Why does the nose start to itch suddenly, very strongly, just when the hands are busy and it is impossible to scratch? When I get this sorted out we can talk.

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