Notes
There are lots of scams claiming to use magnets to heal various ailments. One of the most common is bracelets containing a magnet.
The video below is fairly accurate, and notes that there is no conclusive evidence of magnet bracelets doing anything.
How do magnetic bracelets work? (2:13)
This next video makes very extravagant claims about the health benefits. It also cites some medical research in a very misleading way.
What are the benefits of wearing a magnetic bracelet? (2:09)
Two studies are mentioned in the previous video.
- Tao at the APS March meeting, related to blood viscosity and pressure
- A study using dTMS, resulting in weight loss
Can you find the original studies? Why do these studies not provide evidence that magnet bracelets work?
This news report does a good job of explaining how the scam works, and does a pretty good job running a science experiment disproving the magnetic bracelet.
Balance Test Scam. Watch how they fool people with this simple party trick (5:47)
Lastly, the balancing trick is in fact an application of torque/moments.
Fraud Alert! It’s a trick! Balance and Strength Test (2:11)
Sadly, there are legitimate doctors that promote this scam. Notice that this doctor is very careful (for legal reasons) to say that he is not providing a cure or treatment for anything.
Dr. Stephen Stokes – Magnets for Healing (13:24)