How Pseudoscience Propagates
The paper published in Agricultural Sciences by Shiva Ayyadurai presents a hypothesis that transgenic soybeans are high in formaldehyde and deficient in glutathione. The story is covered in the two previous blogs. I reached out to Dr. Ayyadurai and suggested that he come to Florida, we grind some beans, and actually do the test. There has been no response, but he is certainly out playing up his findings as factual confirmation of formaldehyde in soy. Read the headlines of the websites below: That is not what the report claims, but it is what the authors want it to claim. No data were presented on formaldehyde levels. Again, overstating what the report says. In both cases they emphasize "peer reviewed", showing the danger of predatory publishing. A credulous, scientifically-illiterate activist media basks in the joy of the conclusion-- even though it has no basis in reality. The intent is to frighten people about good food. What does t