Top hits: TOP 10 PSEUDO-SCIENCE SCAMS FOR 2006

He, with no medical background whatsoever, claims that he can cure cancer with will power alone on the condition you buy an MP3, at a cost of 3,000 yuan, that contains all his instructions and practice for ten hours a day. His lecture was aired by Phoenix TV in May.

2. Hebei farmer trains kids for seeing things while blindfolded

It turned out to be a very simple magic trick.

3. Sichuan professor makes false claim

In 2003, Qiu Xiaoqing published a research paper in Nature magazine, claiming he has found a brand new antibody that is more potent than any existing ones but with no side effects. Last year, the company he sold the patent to found out that Qiu's research was fake.

4. Expunge harmful elements from your body with an electronic foot massager

The manufacturer of the device claimed that the product used new technologies invented by a bunch of American scientists, who were later found to be either non-existent or had nothing to do with it. Put some granulated salt in water and stir; it will, with or without feet, produce some greenish, brownish substance.

5. Magic stone that enhances your learning ability

The manufacturer claimed the product used nano-technology and stimulated a certain acupuncture point, which was later found to not exist. The product is still on the market.

6. "Gold Energy" claims to be based on genetic science

The nutrition product claims to have a wide range of medicinal effects, researched by Tsinghua University and acclaimed by the local press. Both the university and the newspapers have denied any involvement.

7. Magic undergarment

A brand of underwear claims to be able to generate warmth by itself, making the wearer lose weight and have softer skin.

8. Chinese chip No 1

Chen Jin claimed to have invented the first Chinese designed high-end DSP chip, and got tens of millions in state funding. It turned out the chip was bought from the US and he simply added some Chinese characters on it.

9. A self-proclaimed PLA veteran doctor

A man who called himself Ji Zhefeng, with photos of himself in military uniform and highly decorated was found to have faked almost everything. He is just another charlatan.

10. "Hong Kong International Royal Social Science Academy" sells knighthood for 20,000 yuan apiece

Like many of the Who's Who books, anyone can pay to get listed. Of course, the above title has nothing to do with either Hong Kong or the British royal family.

(China Daily 01/13/2007 page6)