<
https://www.statnews.com/2019/06/25/alzheimers-cabal-thwarted-progress-toward-cure/>
"The brain, Alzheimer’s researchers patiently explain, is hard — harder
than the heart, harder even than cancer. While that may be true, it is
increasingly apparent that there is another, more disturbing reason for
the tragic lack of progress: The most influential researchers have long
believed so dogmatically in one theory of Alzheimer’s that they
systematically thwarted alternative approaches. Several scientists
described those who controlled the Alzheimer’s agenda as “a cabal.”
In more than two dozen interviews, scientists whose ideas fell outside
the dogma recounted how, for decades, believers in the dominant
hypothesis suppressed research on alternative ideas: They influenced
what studies got published in top journals, which scientists got funded,
who got tenure, and who got speaking slots at reputation-buffing
scientific conferences.
This stifling of competing ideas, say a growing number of scholars, is a
big reason why there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s. (The four approved
drugs have no effect on the disease, providing only a temporary memory
boost.)"
The danger of undamped positive feedback loops and the natural tendency
towards groupthink. Common in many aspects of society such as the
success of particular artists, but far more damaging when applied to
research.
Via Esther Schindler.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://www.xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
http://www.glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
http://www.sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
