/oss/taxonomy/term/1022/all en /oss/article/controversial-science-news-quackery-technology/different-type-electric-chair <p>I was asked by a salesman for the "Magnesphere" Company to take a look at their magnetic system that is supposed to treat various conditions. The people who hosted me made no claims other than that sitting in this special magnetic field would lead to relaxation. Others on the web make more elaborate claims. I sat there for about 50 minutes and did not feel a thing. I did, however, read some of the curious ramblings of the inventor, Jerry Jacobson. I've included an excerpt here to allow you to have a glimpse into this scrambled mind.</p> Fri, 20 Sep 2013 02:24:02 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2014 at /oss /oss/article/health-technology-you-asked/smart-meters-and-radio-waves <p style="text-align:justify"><a href="http://blogs.mcgill.ca/oss/files/2013/05/smart-meters.jpg"><img alt="smart meters" height="150" src="http://blogs.mcgill.ca/oss/files/2013/05/smart-meters-150x150.jpg" width="150" /></a></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><em><strong>Are the new Smart Meters from Hydro Quebec safe? Are they</strong></em> <em><strong>different from a cordless or cell phone when it comes to RF emmissions?</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align:justify">Cell phones, microwave ovens, wi-fi, smart meters. What do they have in common? They all emit radiation in the radiofrequency range. And they all radiate controversy. Given that these devices are set to become as commonplace as light bulbs, it is understandable that questions arise about their possible health effects. There are all sorts of allegations that exposure can trigger ailments ranging from headaches to cancer. Allegations, however, do not amount to science. And there is a lot of science to be considered.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.mcgill.ca/oss/2013/05/17/smart-meters-and-radio-waves/">Read more</a></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 13:50:16 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1942 at /oss