P.2-3 2025 Examples of Pseudoscience by Brian Brister

Sharks don't get cancer

brian_brister — 2025-08-15 21:28:55 UTC

Sharks do get cancer, people used sharks cartilages in medications because people believe that sharks do not get cancer and that it heals people. There is shown proof that sharks do get cancer and no studies that sharks have actually healed people.

Pseudoscience

brian_brister — 2025-08-15 21:28:55 UTC

Pseudoscience is a proposition, a finding or a system of explanation that is presented as science but that lacks the rigor essential to the scientific method.

One example of pseudoscience is astrology, and another is the belief that ancient astronauts built the pyramids.

pseudoscience does not adhere to scientific standards, such as the scientific method, falsifiability of claims, and Mertonian norms.

The Earth Is Flat

dhernandez58_1 — 2025-08-19 17:26:08 UTC

This is the belief that the earth isn't round, but flat. It's not scientific because scientists have already proven that the earth is round.

The Earth is Flat

2025-08-19 17:27:06 UTC

The Earth is round and has been proven to be round a hundred times over. Everything we know about Earth is based on the fact that it is round. From the weather, to the atmosphere, it all leads to the fact that the Earth is round.

The Earth is Hollow

2025-08-19 17:29:29 UTC

In the late 17th century people believed that the earth was hollow. And many people believed that instead of the many layers inside the Earth that there was a whole other world inside of the Earth. This theory was/is prominent in mythology/folklore/legends. But the Schiehallion Experiment has since proved this hollow Earth theory wrong.

Dia de los Muertos ( Day of the dead)

kgonzalez20_3 — 2025-08-19 17:30:20 UTC

People think that on Dia de de los muertos , people who have passed away come back to life. Many people believe in this, but there is no real scientific evidence that they come back to life.

Fortune Tellers and how they are frauds

eguerrero2_11 — 2025-08-19 17:31:20 UTC

Fortune tellers use tarot cards, which are believed to have significant meanings in their lives. This is a belief that has no scientific evidence towards this. Additionally, fortune tellers use horoscopes that can typically be applied to anyone.

Tarot Cards

aherrera3010 — 2025-08-19 17:32:21 UTC

Tarot cards are not actual true readings, but reflective tools. They're like your personal life coach, helping you see your life from a fresh perspective.

Abortion- breast cancer hypothesis

slopez58_1 — 2025-08-19 17:33:12 UTC

The thought that a medical induced abortion can increase the risk of breast cancer. It has been proven by the NCI (National Cancer Institute) that having an induced abortion has no link to causing breast cancer.

Rhino Horns are for medicine

2025-08-19 17:33:46 UTC

Many people believe that the rhino horn had some medical purposes such as a curing of fevers, Rheumatism and others. But it would not be the case as rhino horns are the same as finger nails, so it's not special in medicine and from that believe it caused rhinos numbers to decrease.

Conversion Therapy: Fact or Fiction

misais1 — 2025-08-19 17:34:01 UTC

Conversion therapy is a dangerous, discredited practice that attempts to change the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of LGBTQ+ people. They are grounded in the idea that LGBTQ+ identities are the result of mental illness and can be “cured.” Practitioners try to make LGBTQ+ people conform to a cis-heterosexist, biblical gender and sexual binary.

They're is no proof or scientific evidence that conversion therapy can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Link: https://www.splcenter.org/resources/stories/conversion-therapy-fact-over-fiction/

Non-GMOS

2025-08-19 17:34:25 UTC

A lot of people have a fear of eating GMO food products. People believe that they are unnatural and potentially harmful. However, years of science hasn't shown real evidence of Non-GMO foods having any real benefits in opposition to GMO foods.

Numerology

2025-08-19 17:34:28 UTC

Numerology is the belief that numbers have secret meanings that can affect a person’s life or future. It's based on the idea that numbers from a person’s name or birthday could be added and made to reveal hidden truths. It has no scientific evidence that it's true.

Throwing a coin in a fountain for good luck.

rbedia1 — 2025-08-19 17:34:57 UTC

The belief that tossing a coin into a fountain will bring you good luck is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries, yet it has never been scientifically proven to actually influence a person’s fortune or future. While many people continue this practice as a symbol of hope, wish-making, or simply out of cultural habit, there is no real evidence that the act itself has any measurable effect on luck. Instead, it remains more of a superstition rooted in history and human imagination rather than a fact supported by science.

-Rosemary B.

phrenology

imartinez391 — 2025-08-19 17:35:07 UTC

a 19th-century pseudoscience that claimed to help a person's character and mental abilities by studying the shape and protrusions of the skull

https://library.missouri.edu/news/special-collections/phrenology

Angel Numbers

jzurita12 — 2025-08-19 17:35:27 UTC

Angel numbers are often interpreted as signs that you are being supported, guided, or that your thoughts and intentions are manifesting. They have a spiritual meaning.

Angel numbers

crodriguez77_3 — 2025-08-19 17:36:12 UTC

Angel numbers are repeating sequences of numbers, like 111, 222, or 777 that are believed to carry spiritual or symbolic meaning .

Astrology

dmauricio21 — 2025-08-19 17:36:24 UTC

There is no scientific evidence that astrology is true but there are people who believe in it. It is believed by most people to at least be true sometimes but it is scientifically believed to be pure coincidence.

Flat Earth Theory

vvalenzuela4_2 — 2025-08-19 17:37:07 UTC

Flat Earth theory posits that Earth is not a sphere but a flat disk either circular or square shaped. This view was common in ancient civilizations until empirical observations confirmed that Earth is spherical. Despite overwhelming evidence, the belief has resurfaced in modern times, largely through social media and conspiracy driven communities.

Moon Landing is fake

jloza5_1 — 2025-08-19 17:37:09 UTC

The moon landing is fake because if we had enough technology we would've made more trips. I think that back then people were more gullible and believed it since it was such a huge thing.

ivillanueva2_2 — 2025-08-19 17:37:37 UTC

Reiki is not real because it doesn't work

Reincarnation

mnolasco11 — 2025-08-19 17:37:51 UTC

The transfer of a soul to a new body outside of the standard reincarnation process.

Many people believe this is a real phenomenon, but it cannot be proven scientifically, yet it is a belief held by many religions.

Carrots Improve Vision

elopez78_2 — 2025-08-19 17:38:08 UTC

It has been scientifically proven that carrots do not improve vision. However, the vitamins found in the vegetable help promote overall eye health.

Anti-vaccination groups and individuals spread misinformation and propaganda to promote the false idea that vaccines are harmful

2025-08-19 17:38:27 UTC

People believe that vaccinations are the opposite of their purpose. They say that the government force us to have them so that they can control us and make us sick.

Flat Earth theory

tale1_4 — 2025-08-19 17:39:29 UTC

This is a theory that some people believe the Earth is flat. However, there is no scientific research to support this theory. This theory has been disproven many times before already.

Vaccines No Bueno

crubio3_2 — 2025-08-19 17:39:30 UTC

Vaccines may contain trace amounts of substances like formaldehyde or aluminum, but these are present in amounts far below toxic levels and are often naturally present in the environment or produced by the body itself. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing process for some vaccines but is mostly eliminated during production. Formaldehyde is also produced at higher rates by the body's own metabolic system,

according to Rush University Medical Center. (got it from Google )

Conversion Therapy

kgregoire11 — 2025-08-19 17:41:17 UTC

Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change a homosexual person's sexual orientation to heterosexual. It can involve counseling, faith-based interventions, and other practices used to "cure" the person. There is no scientific proof that a person's sexual orientation can be changed through therapy.

Vela de Guadalupe

jmolina10_12 — 2025-08-19 18:33:32 UTC

This Mexican household belief, states that when you are sick you should have a candle with the virgin Guadalupe that will heal you. The lore is that Guadalupe is summoned when you light the candle, and she is watching over you when are sick or sleeping and she turns into your own guardian angel. This has no scientific proof that the candle itself stops the illness.

Astral Projection

eorejel11 — 2025-08-19 18:33:41 UTC

Astral projection is like lucid dreaming but somehow you leave your body and turn into a ghost. It isn't scientific because no one has actually done it, and it's usually psychics saying that it's real.

Ghost

2025-08-19 18:34:56 UTC

People believe ghosts are real and are caused by dead people's souls and characteristics that are left on earth. People think this, but there is no real evidence of ghosts being real.

the earth is flat

2025-08-19 18:35:44 UTC

The Earth is not flat —it's a sphere, and there's strong evidence to prove it. Photos from space, the curved shadow Earth casts during lunar eclipses, time zones, how ships disappear over the horizon, flight paths, and the way gravity works all support a round Earth. The flat Earth idea simply doesn't match the facts.

Vaccine

2025-08-19 18:35:49 UTC

Vaccine will not keep you safe because most people took a COVID vaccine and still got sick it even made some sicker.

angel numbers

2025-08-19 18:35:56 UTC

Angel numbers are repeating numbers, such as 111, 222, or 444, that are believed to carry spiritual or symbolic meaning. They are thought to be messages or guidance from a higher power, often referred to as angels or the universe. These numbers are believed to appear repeatedly in various places, such as on clocks, license plates, or receipts, to get your attention and convey a message.

Astrology

ggarcia31_1 — 2025-08-19 18:37:55 UTC

Astrology is basically a system that studies how the position and movements of planets or stars might influence people lives on Earth. Astrology is not scientific because of the lack of evidence and it basically just relies on claims that are false and it doesn't follow the scientific method.

Paranormal Activity

2025-08-19 18:38:17 UTC

Paranormal activity is widely considered pseudoscience. While many people believe in paranormal phenomena like ghosts, ESP, and psychic abilities, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence and often lack the rigor of scientific investigation. Many purported paranormal events can be explained by natural phenomena, psychological factors, or even outright fraud.

The earth is flat

2025-08-19 18:39:19 UTC

The Flat Earth theory is the belief that Earth is not a sphere, but a flat object, like a disk or a plane. However, the Flat Earth idea saw a revival in Europe during the Dark Ages, linked to some interpretations of biblical texts.The Age of Discovery helped solidify the round Earth model in the popular consciousness.The concept of a flat Earth is not considered scientific because it lacks the empirical evidence and testability required by the scientific method. In contrast, the spherical shape of Earth is supported by a vast body of evidence, both historical and modern, gathered through observations and experiments.

Flat Earth Theory

ihernandez23_5 — 2025-08-19 18:39:44 UTC

The theory here is that the Earth is 100% flat but there is no scientific research to back up the claim although many believed this to be fact in ancient civilizations. modern day scientist claim and have proven why the Earth is round time and time again.

Homeopathy

2025-08-19 18:39:50 UTC

a system of alternative medicine developed in Germany over 200 years ago.

Extreme dilution: Homeopathic remedies are made through a process of repeated dilution and shaking (succussion)

Contradiction of scientific laws: This extreme dilution goes against established principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and biology

Numerology

2025-08-19 18:40:06 UTC

Numerology is a belief system that explores the mystical relationship between numbers and events, often used to gain insights into personality, relationships, and life paths. It's not scientific because it lacks scientific evidence and predictive power, relying instead on subjective interpretations and confirmation bias.

Flat Earth Theory

aphanvilay1 — 2025-08-19 18:40:23 UTC

The earth is round due to being scientifically proven. The weather proves it and around the world it's not the same because of the atmosphere. This shows why the Flat earth theory isn't scientifically proven true yet.

The Earth is Flat: psuedo science

2025-08-19 18:40:58 UTC

What I chose was that the Earth is flat. It's not scientific because it's been proven for more than 100 years that the Earth is round and not flat. There is scientific evidence that the Earth is round, with research, photos, experiments, etc.

Day of the Dead

erico2_3 — 2025-08-19 18:41:03 UTC

People believe that people who have passed away come back to visit them. Many people celebrate this day as a good thing. but there is not a scientific evidence that prove they come back.

Sharks don't get cancer

2025-08-19 18:41:11 UTC

People think that sharks don't get cancer but they do. It's been proven that they do and can get cancer. People believed they couldn't and they would use the sharks cartilages in medications because they thought it would help them.

Baseball Superstitions

2025-08-19 18:45:12 UTC

Baseball players and managers are the most superstitious athletes in the world. If a player or a team gets on a streak, then baseball players are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that it continues. Wade Boggs, a Hall of Fame player, would eat the same meal every day before a single game. He would eat a plate of fried chicken and then go out and play. The superstitions followed by some MLB players are certainly things that many people would consider to be weird. However, no one is going to say anything if it helps his hitting streak alive. This is scientifically proven because MLB fans would say the Boston Red Sox had the Bambino curse that they would never win a World Series since trading Babe Ruth, but they broke that so-called curse, winning a World Series in 2004. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1179538-baseballs-50-weirdest-all-time-superstitions

Polygraphs

mvazquez171 — 2025-08-19 18:46:08 UTC

Polygraphs, or they are more commonly known as "lie detectors," are machines that can supposedly tell when a person is lying.

There is no proof to back this, and the validity of its accuracy. An honest person can be nervous to answer questions and appear on the machine as lying, and a person who is lying but isn't nervous will appear as telling the truth on the machine

Buddhism

ajijada1 — 2025-08-19 18:46:21 UTC

Buddhism is an eastern belief. It is the belief of reincarnation, the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It's not scientific because it incorporates elements such as rebirth.

Psychic

2025-08-19 18:46:37 UTC

Psychic powers are generally considered to be abilities that go beyond the known five senses and the laws of physics, allowing individuals to perceive information or influence the world in ways not explained by science. Although many people believe in psychic abilities, the scientific consensus is that there is no proof of the existence of such powers, and describes the practice as pseudoscience.

2025-08-19 18:46:38 UTC

Medicine for sports and ways to not get injured. Although injuries can be prevented, it doesn't mean it's true. Injuries can happen to anyone when they least expect it. Injuries aren't something a human athlete can't prevent from happening if they know with time injuries will come along too.

Angel Numbers

vduran2_2 — 2025-08-19 18:46:48 UTC

Angel numbers are sequences of numbers that repeatedly appear and are believed to carry symbolic meanings and messages from the universe or spiritual realm. These numbers usually occur in clocks, receipts, and license plates.

Phrenology

2025-08-19 18:47:56 UTC

One major flaw in phrenology is its reliance on superficial observations of the skull's shape. As modern neuroimaging techniques began to develop, scientists were able to see inside the brain and study its actual structure

The sun is 94.067 million miles

2025-08-19 18:48:07 UTC

They say the sun is 94.067 million miles away yet there have been pictures as evidence to show that the sun is not as far as we say it is and that its SUPER big and way larger then our earth when this image shows the suns in earth?

flat earth theory

yramirez122 — 2025-08-19 18:48:36 UTC

The flat Earth theory is the belief that the Earth is flat and not round. This has been proven incorrect by many scientists. This has been proven incorrect by the photos from space of the earth. Another way it's been debunked was by the flight paths of planes, or when a ship disappears on the horizon

Unproven drugs in Brazil.

2025-08-19 18:48:38 UTC

In brazil there's an unproven cocktails that could cure/prevent covid-19. But as the cocktails proved they are ineffective they actually made COVID jump into another variant (P.1) which is proven to be 2X Worse then the original variant. Though it lacked science behind it many thought it worked at first but were wrong in the next couple of months.

Necromancy (Black magic)

2025-08-19 18:49:54 UTC

Necromancy is the supposed practice of communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the future. It's not scientific because it doesn't have evidence and doesn't have a scientific method to prove it otherwise.

All Bacterias Are Harmful

mcelebrado1 — 2025-08-20 16:06:29 UTC

While there are some that could cause illness, the rest are considered to be harmless or even essential for our health and the environment. For example, when it comes to the human body inside, beneficial bacteria aid digestion and nutrient absorption tries to keep us alive, and in the environment, they play a crucial role by contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling.

flat earth theory

2025-08-20 18:06:53 UTC

the flat earth theory is known as the most popular theories but its false there is way more evidence saying that the earth is round than flat. It has been proven again and again by science that the earth is round.

Earth being flat

2025-08-25 20:45:45 UTC

This is a theory that some people believe the Earth is flat. However, there is no scientific research to support this theory. This theory has been disproven many times before already.

pseudo science

2025-08-29 17:25:28 UTC

It's a belief and/or practices based on scientific methods.

Reiki

xtorres32 — 2025-08-29 17:26:22 UTC

Reiki is a Japanese practice that is believed to relax the nervose system and balance the body. It channels "universal life force energy" through hovering haand movements throughout the body.

Big Bang Theory

mpenagos1 — 2025-08-29 18:22:36 UTC

The Big Bang theory describes that the universe began almost 14 billion years ago with a massive expansion event. I think this is considered science because it explains the origin and evolution of the universe.

the earth is hallow

2025-08-29 18:49:49 UTC

some people believe the earth is hallow and there may or may not be another part inside of the earth its self but this is not true.

The earth is not hallow because the seismic waves, gravity, and earths magnetic field all prove it has a solid and liquid interior with layers, not empty space.

Cryonics

2025-09-02 17:21:48 UTC

Cryonics is when the brain gets extracted after death and gets cryogenically frozen in hope there's a way to resurrect them in the future.

Biorhythm theory

bgarcia3110 — 2025-09-02 18:30:03 UTC

Biorhythm theory suggests that a person's life is influenced by three constant, predetermined cycles physical. The theory suggests that these cycles fluctuate between positive and negative phases.

Ancient Astronauts Theory

2025-09-02 18:30:04 UTC

The Ancient Aliens theory is a series of theories that explores an idea that extraterrestrial intelligence has visited earth in the past and made contact with ancient humans. In some cases, proponents maintain that contact played a role in our technological, cultural, or spiritual evolution. Some believe that we simply descended from Ancient Aliens who visited earth. This is obviously extremely false as there is zero evidence that supports the theory. Proponents of AA theory rely on a combination of oral traditions, literary references, bits of archaeology, cultural similarities, and gaps in historical/archaeological records to support their arguments. Overall it is not backed my science nor can it hold solid arguments over the scientific theory of evolution.

2025-09-02 18:34:38 UTC

Some believe that the earth used to have trees that reached the skies and the world belonged to giant animals before humans. Then a great flood washed everything away. They have no samples or proof of these mountains being trees in the past or proof of such large animals that size.

The Oujia Board

2025-09-02 18:43:41 UTC

A Ouija board is a flat game board with letters, numbers, and words like "yes" and "no" used to spell out messages, supposedly from spirits. While some believe it communicates with the dead, the movement of the planchette is scientifically attributed to the ideomotor effect, a psychological phenomenon where subconscious, unconscious muscle movements produce the results. There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of spirits or the idea that a Ouija board can contact them.

Crystal Healing

2025-09-02 18:46:38 UTC

Crystal healing is an alternative medicine practice that uses crystals and gemstones to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It's not scientific because there is no evidence that crystal healing can be used to cure diseases.

2025-09-02 21:01:52 UTC

Wearing copper bracelets aligns your body's electromagnetic field, drawing out toxins and easing arthritis. The copper interacts with your skin, creating a healing energy flow that Western medicine ignores. While some feel relief, this is due to the placebo effect, not actual scientific evidence.

Pseudoscience

2025-09-02 21:06:06 UTC

Examples of pseudoscience include astrology, creationism, homeopathy, Bigfoot research, Flat Earth theories, and many diet fads. Pseudoscience presents itself as scientific but lacks adherence to scientific methods, such as offering untestable claims, resisting expert scrutiny, showing little to no progress, and employing scientific-sounding language to promote non-scientific practices.

Palm Reading

2025-09-04 00:44:20 UTC

Many Americans continue to believe in spiritual phenomena by the millions: according to a 2009 Pew Research Center survey, 26 percent believe in "spiritual energy," and 15 percent reported seeing a psychic in the past year.

But popularity doesn't equal validity. So, what's the verdict from the science community?

"Cutting to the chase: There is scientifically no evidence whatsoever to support the claims about palmistry," says James Herbert, head of the Psychology Department and interim provost at Drexel University. "The core claim people make is that the patterns of lines on your palm relate to something about your personality, and that this can be useful as a way of assessing personality traits -- more useful than standard ways, especially if we're looking at introversion or extroversion.

flat earth thepry

2025-09-09 02:29:26 UTC

Flat Earth Theory says Earth is flat.
It is not true science.
Photos from space show Earth is round.
Ships and planes prove Earth curves.
Satellites only work if Earth is round.
Flat Earth has no real evidence.
Science shows Earth is round.

The Oujia Board

2025-09-18 19:55:23 UTC

A Ouija board is a spiritual board that supposedly spells out messages from the spirit world. While many believe that it is real, there is no scientific evidence to support this because there is no evidence of spirits or an afterlife.

The earth is flat.

mruiz2512 — 2025-10-06 19:16:03 UTC

The earth is round and has been proven that it is round. though some people around earth believe that the earth is flat. It has been proven to be round from the atmosphere and also weather.

the earth is flat

echavez271 — 2025-10-10 17:29:37 UTC

Scientists have numerous proofs, such as pictures from space, that demonstrate the Earth is round. People who believe in a flat Earth often don’t trust scientists or don’t understand science.