A colleague of mine supports my suspicion that STS-110 (Space Station) contains a research project to study the effects of zero gravity on dowsing. Dowsing being the ancient technique of searching for sub-surface elements with intersecting rods.

"After attaching the struts, Ross and Morin will remove the large metal rods used to support S0 during launch and store them on the truss." From, http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/spacenews/reports/sts110/STS-110-10.html

No reason I can think of that would prevent them from working. Am interested if anyone can confirm this.

It is unclear - modern theory postulates that dowsing works by an induced chi swirl effect related to the dowsing wands cutting the Earth's magnetic field - as this field extends only to the boundaries of space (about 10 miles) then unless the space station (sic) can generate it's own field the power of the dowse is unlikely to be effective, and maybe only easily dowsed elements such as water or chromium could be found - ceratinly more advanced dowsage targets such as wood and life-partners would be hard to detect. For putative space tourists I would anyway recommend Y-frame rather than L-frame dowsing irons to maximise response.

Originally posted by royxg
... modern theory postulates that dowsing works by an induced chi swirl effect... this field extends only to the boundaries of space (about 10 miles)... For putative space tourists I would anyway recommend Y-frame rather than L-frame dowsing irons to maximise response.

You are joking, right?

Water is current-carrying (dielectric), and therefore interacts with magnetism (diamagnetic). I would think that if you had strong magnets spinning around a stationary bowl or water, the water might pick up some spin in the bowl, eventually. Just guessing.

But what I do know is that you're talking about chi on a friggin space station! And space-tourists dowsing!

Your proposed method for stirring water using rotating magnets seems a bit impractical - it might be good for mixing stuff up in a sealed container but beyond that I can't see the application - maybe it has a role in fine chemicals or pharma industries, but not in oil which is where I made my money. A far better way would be just to use a normal food processor if you wanted to make a water/oil emulsion for home use, for example for an environmentally friendly spray to control black fly infestation of faba bean crops. But anyway, it was a good idea "cobber". Well done.

I can't think or a practical application either. Just an experiment idea.

Just as a point of information: STS-110 was the one hundred and
nineth shuttle mission, the one flown by Atlantis early April to
attach the S0 truss needed for future ISS (International Space
Station) expansion. Dowsing was not, and never has been, part
of any of the shuttle craft missions to date.

Take care :rolleyes:

It is unclear - modern theory postulates that dowsing works by an induced chi swirl effect related to the dowsing wands cutting the Earth's magnetic field - as this field extends only to the boundaries of space (about 10 miles) then unless the space station (sic) can generate it's own field the power of the dowse is unlikely to be effective, and maybe only easily dowsed elements such as water or chromium could be found - ceratinly more advanced dowsage targets such as wood and life-partners would be hard to detect.

"Dowsing" and the drivel and nonsense associated with pendulums and bobbers has its place amongst the most ignorant of hoaxers and their followers. There is no scientific relevance to this absolutely inane form of chicanery.

The magnetosphere extends into the vacuum of space from approximately 50 to 37,280 miles on the side toward the Sun, and trails out more than 186,500 miles away from the Sun due to the impact of solar winds.

The S0 is the supporting backbone for the next phase of construction. It has nothing to do with dowsing.

S-Zero will serve as the centerpiece to which additional truss segments are to be added during the next two years, forming a rigid beam that eventually will stretch greater than the length of a football field.

In addition to providing the distribution of power and cooling, the S0 truss -- which measures 44.2 feet (13.5 meters) long and 14.5 (4.4 meters) feet wide -- includes:

Four computers for managing the flow of electricity and fluids through the entire length of the completed truss. Two of the computers will manage the activity of the nine other truss segments still to be installed, while the other two computers handle the S0 truss.

A set of four Global Positioning System antennas and two gyroscopes for determining the station's position in space and changing its orientation, a capability that will complement and back up what the Russians already are able to do with the station.

Mechanical, electrical and fluid umbilical lines that must be attached to the Destiny module and other station parts during the four spacewalks planned while Atlantis is docked.

The rail upon which the Canadarm2's Mobile Transporter can be moved along the entire length of the completed truss at a blazing top speed of one inch per second.

Both peices of info come from Space.com

The space station / dowsing thing is a black project. There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding it.

However I do know that shortly before he died, Carl Sagan demonstrated that modern dowsing equipment can be used fairly reliably to locate certain kinds of life forms.

Some information regarding this experiment has leaked out. It appears that its purpose is to narrow down the search for extraterrestrial life via these large electrically-charged rods on the space station.

This makes sense. TLC had a recent documentary where they showed how some scientists from NASA actually hooked up dowsing equipment to GPS / navigational electronics as one of the necessary inputs to automatically guide a spacecraft in the most likely direction to find exo-life.

So has anyone tried spinning powerful magnets around a bowl of water? Does anything happen?

I take it that the 'M' stands for Mumbo

Take care ;)

Actually- no. The 'M' stands for Mkembe.

Checked the Kamusi Project Swahili dictionary and could not find 'Mkembe'.

By any chance, does it have anything to do with male bovine excrement?

Curious. :confused:

Take care :rolleyes:

'Chagur' is not in the Swahili dictionary either. I guess every word must mean something- but does every word have to have a meaning in Swahili? I'm all for non-linear thought, but I definitely draw the line at non sequitur.

Chagur is rather unfamiliar with 'large' or 'jumbo'. Poor man, he lets it affect his posting too.

M.Jumbo:
However I do know that shortly before he died, Carl Sagan demonstrated that modern dowsing equipment can be used fairly reliably to locate certain kinds of life forms.

Ummm....Carl Sagan was a skeptic with a capitol 'S'. I highly doubt that he would have advocated somthing like dowsing however -

I might be wrong. How do you know this?

This makes sense. TLC had a recent documentary where they showed how some scientists from NASA actually hooked up dowsing equipment to GPS / navigational electronics as one of the necessary inputs to automatically guide a spacecraft in the most likely direction to find exo-life.

I would not trust TLC - they are a entertainment channel. I also doubt that NASA's scientists would hook up dowsing rods to any spacecraft or......

Well, we have no spacecraft searching for extraterrestrial life anyway. We have, if memory serves, (be assured that it dosen't ;)) a probe that may splash into Europa's sea on the drawing board.....

"Dowsing" and the drivel and nonsense associated with pendulums and bobbers has its place amongst the most ignorant of hoaxers and their followers. There is no scientific relevance to this absolutely inane form of chicanery.


I guess that's what they used to say about many modern inventions, like electricity and gravity for example. I'd like to wager you have no direct experience of dowsing and have never tried it yourself, so your assertion that it is "inane" is simply an act of faith on your behalf, just like the Christian religion - no doubt ceratin authors in your Religion have dismissed dowsing as chicanery and you have blindly believed them.

Well, I have taken a more scientific approach - I bought a dowsing pendulum and in the witness chamber I put the ashes of a burnt copy of the NSADAQ listing from the Wall Street Journal. Holding this over a list of local Texas oil exploration companies (shallow water Gulf operations mostly) the bob clearly rotated counter-clockwise over one - Highsmith Pelham. I invested quite a chunk of change in it - and lost it all ! Seems the counter-clockwise motion of the bob was indicative of poor performance rather than good, but it was enough for me to be convinced of the ability of dowsing to detech "anomalies". This is hard scientific evidence - let's have more of it here.

I guess that's what they used to say about many modern inventions, like electricity and gravity for example.

That's news to me. Have you some evidence as to what was said and by whom?

I'd like to wager you have no direct experience of dowsing and have never tried it yourself, so your assertion that it is "inane" is simply an act of faith on your behalf, just like the Christian religion - no doubt ceratin authors in your Religion have dismissed dowsing as chicanery and you have blindly believed them.

Rationality and reason do not require direct experience to know a theory is crap. Others can provide that evidence. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to use rational and reason in drawing their own conclusions. Acts of faith are for theists.

Well, I have taken a more scientific approach - I bought a dowsing pendulum and in the witness chamber I put the ashes of a burnt copy of the NSADAQ listing from the Wall Street Journal. Holding this over a list of local Texas oil exploration companies (shallow water Gulf operations mostly) the bob clearly rotated counter-clockwise over one - Highsmith Pelham.

Sounds more like withcraft. Was there some sort of chanting involved ?

I invested quite a chunk of change in it - and lost it all !

Of course, it had nothing to do with the fact that your "experiment" was little more than hocus-pocus. I believe your statement confirms your lack of credibility.

Seems the counter-clockwise motion of the bob was indicative of poor performance rather than good, but it was enough for me to be convinced of the ability of dowsing to detech "anomalies". This is hard scientific evidence - let's have more of it here.

And by this logic you've confirmed the existence of the tooth fairy upon discovering a quarter under your pillow. :rolleyes:

Re."'Chagur' is not in the Swahili dictionary either."

I would hope not ...

It's the ancient Hebraic word for the belt about one's loins.

See: http://www.jewishgates.org/taland/talmud/rituals/clothgen.stm

So, what is the meaning of 'Mkembe'?

Take care ;)

Edit: Added URL

You have just enough knowledge to be either dangerous or ridiculous.

Re. "a probe that may splash into Europa's sea"

Europa's surface is believed to be solid ice and the lander is expected to
release a probe that will melt its way down, hopefully, to the water they
believe is beneath the surface ice.

See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_159000/159770.stm

Take care :rolleyes:

Chagur,
"'Chagur' is .... the ancient Hebraic word for the belt about one's loins.
Like in "Chasity Belt"?
:p

I bet Ancient Hebraic's wore Chagur-straps when they played contact sports.

Junior Member,

When they had something worth protecting. ;)

Mr. G

As far as I know, the Jews have never been into chasity belts ...
Something about being fruitful and multiplying ;)

M. Jumbo

Hmm ... Still no reply to: "So, what is the meaning of 'Mkembe'?"

Oh well, guess my supposition wasn't that far off. :D

Take care, y'all ;)

Chagur. Obviously you are a linguist [sic]. Here is a clue to the roots of my name Mkembe.

Ni mahali po pote, akijulikana kama pana nguvu, fulani anaweza
kutoka hapa mpaka Mkembe, au Jidaluni, akampeleka mtoto, akija anabembeleza kwani unipeleke safari yangu, akifika amwache huko, anachukua shida, yeye anarudi nyumbani. Sasa yeye naye mwenye kupelekwa huko akifika anatafuta kizazi anazaa.

Now maybe we can get back on topic.

Chagur: def 3. Strap-on.
????? :p

mkembe, of Africa: allegedly a small sauropod dinosaur.

So much for Google.

Maybe if I put it this way: Kusho ukuthini ukuthi igama lakho?

Now, back to the topic ... Ah, which one? Dowsing? Black projects?
Carl Sagan's supposed search for extraterrestrial lifeforms? Leaked
information? Mumbo Jumbo? Or, B/S?

Your choice. :rolleyes:

Sounds more like withcraft. Was there some sort of chanting involved ?


Yes

A sure sign that something is bunk is to claim it is a 'black project' when asked to provide evidence for it's existence. That is, claiming it is true by virtue of it's non-existence. Proving negatives is logically impossible and allows one to make any claim as the evidence for it lies in it's non-existence.

Royxg claims dowsing follows chi energy. My claim is that it maps out orgone energy which concentrates on ley lines. This orgone energy is what powers UFO's which explains why UFO's are seen at the conjuction of ley lines. Obviously, therefore, the video footage of UFO's shot by a shuttle mission provides solid evidence that NASA are building orgone generators to power missions to Mars and converse with the builders of Cydonia.

Umm, I'm thinking B.S. Why isn't this crap in pseudoscience where it belongs?

I have to agree. I had hoped that there might be something here that explained why the poster felt that this dowsing business was on the ISS. So far I see nothing but conjecture and the huff when the proof of the claims is lacking and the poster can not come up with it.

The thread now has a new home.

royxg

Yes

That's it ? That's your rebuttal ? A one syllable word offering ?

You're just going to roll over and let me swat you on the nose with a newspaper... and take it ?

Texan's certainly aren't the tough hombres they're made out to be.

Next time you go out 'dowsing', say hello to the steers for me... or should I say, the cows. :D

I believe Royxg saying "Yes" was a simple answer to a simple question. He was asked if chanting was involved, and answered "yes". Rebuttals are responses to statements, not questions.

Adam - you are correct, I answered the question posed and yet this was not enough for one guy who seemed to want "a rebuttal". Well, all this old cow-poke can say is re-butt out hombre ! (Only joking, your contribution was most valuable).

By the way, on what basis has dowsing being classified as "pseudoscience" whereas exobiology hasn't ? I checked and exobiology is "the study (sic) of extraterrestrial life forms" (I was wrong about the insect stuff, sorry) - if that isn't pseudoscience I don't know what is.

Adam

I believe Royxg saying "Yes" was a simple answer to a simple question. He was asked if chanting was involved, and answered "yes". Rebuttals are responses to statements, not questions.

That is correct, however there were statements made. I find it hard to believe the Q's statements were the last word. Either royxg completely agrees with them, based on his silence, or he has chosen to ignore me. If the latter, I wonder why he began the debate in the first place. This type of behaviour is similar to that of a troll.

royxg

By the way, on what basis has dowsing being classified as "pseudoscience" whereas exobiology hasn't ? I checked and exobiology is "the study (sic) of extraterrestrial life forms" (I was wrong about the insect stuff, sorry) - if that isn't pseudoscience I don't know what is.

Dowsing has been classified as pseudoscience because of the lack of evidence to support it. Exobiology has evidence to support it as it seeks to increase our knowledge of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.

What evidence you ask ? Us, of course.

btw - If you are NOT a troll, I apologize in advance.

on what basis has dowsing being classified as "pseudoscience" whereas exobiology hasn't ?

I have read of dowsing, I have known people who swore by it, that doesn't mean I believe in it. Dowsing on the space station is a little out there.

I remember by one of your earlier posts that you didn't do so well with the dowsing. Understand that I am not making fun of you, I am pointing out that data can be misinterpeted, especially bad data or lack of data when one suspects that it should be there.

Exobiology is a formal science, steeped in science methodology. I have yet to find that dowsing is.

There is a wealth of evidence to support the effectiveness of dowsing. There is also a wealth of similar evidence to support the exitence of extraterrestrial life. They are either both science, or both pseudoscience. Which is it ?

Dowsing has been tested under controlled conditions and has been found to work no better than a random guess.

Similarly, at present there is no evidence for extraterrestrial life. Exobiology therefore has nothing to study. It's a potential science, but only if we find extraterrestrial life.

Here are a few webpages about testing the effectiveness of dowsing:

http://www.csicop.org/si/9901/dowsing.html
http://www.phact.org/e/dowsing.htm
http://skepdic.com/dowsing.html
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/45_pguides/pguide_802/4482_water.html
http://www.connect.ab.ca/~tylosky/
http://www.hydrogeophysics.com/well/wellsiting.html
http://www.scc.losrios.cc.ca.us/~carrolb/skeptic/dowsingfordollars.html
http://www.lysator.liu.se/~rasmus/skepticism/dowsing.html
http://www.randi.org/library/dowsing/
http://www.thunting.com/geotech/lrl/question.html
http://www.baskeptics.org/blandonmay98.htm
http://www.tricksterbook.com/ArticlesOnline/Dowsing.htm


NOTE: randi.org is a major crackpot looney-tunes site.

Okay, I've been raiding the databases we have access to from the university here, seeing if any have anything on dowsing. Hree are some bits and pieces from a few finds:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Found on ProQuest DB:

Headnote]
Dowsing is a method of problem-solving that uses a motor automatism, amplified through a pendulum or similar device. In a homeopathic context, it is used as an aid to prescribing and as a tool to identify miasm or toxin load. A randomized double-blind trial was conducted to determine whether six dowsing homeopaths were able to
distinguish between Bryonia in a 12c potency and placebo by use of dowsing alone.
The homeopathic medicine Bryonia was correctly identified in 48.1% of bottle pairs (n=156; 95% confidence interval 40.2%, 56.0%; P=0.689).
These results, wholly negative, add to doubts whether dowsing in this context can yield objective information.

Dowsing, also known as divining, water witching or rhabdomancy, has been defined as a `problem solving technique which apparently utilizes a motor automatism in conjunction with a mechanical instrument to obtain information otherwise unknown to the dowser'1. Dowsers approach a scenario with a well-defined question in mind and will also pre-specify to themselves (this is known as programming) that motion in one direction indicates 'yes', another way 'no', and thus build up a `code-book' for their practice. Theories on dowsing come into three categories1. Normal inference theory suggests that the dowser processes a large amount of information pertinent to the scenario at a subconscious level and moves the instrument accordingly. The physical theory sees the movement in the device being due to the amplification of minute reactions in the human body, with the precise nature of the reaction being unclear. It could be an electromagnetic field2, or some form of vibrational energy. According to the theory of psionic medicine 3, every living thing and inanimate object is continuously vibrating at a molecular level. This vibration is sensed subconsciously by the dowser, and it is then amplified through the pendulum or other dowsing device. Some proponents of this explanation suggest that this sense originally developed as a survival tool because it enabled individuals to find water. As the vibrational pattern can change with disease, it is purported to be a useful tool for clinical practice. Finally there is the psychical theory which suggests the dowser employs some form of extrasensory perception.

Scientific experiments into dowsing1,4-6 have yielded mixed results. Research into its use in medicine has been limited to veterinary practice7,8. However, the technique is used by some medically qualified practitioners and evidence on its value, or lack of value, could be helpful.

In a published study of homeopathic theory9, several UK based homeopaths were asked to distinguish between a homeopathic remedy and placebo by ingesting both and observing their effects. The 12c potency used in this study was selected because it is 'ultramolecular'. It is a dilution of 10-24, so it is very unlikely to contain any molecule of the starting material. One homeopath, unable to determine which was which by this method, attempted to use dowsing to differentiate between the two bottles. From this observation, the following hypothesis was formulated: homeopaths with experience of dowsing can distinguish between Bryonia in a 12c potency and placebo by use of dowsing alone.

METHOD

The study was designed as a randomized double-blind trial. Since no material was to be ingested, we did not seek formal informed consent or ethical approval. The volunteers were of course fully informed.

The 50 registered homeopaths who participated in the previously mentioned stud were invited to participate if they had dowsing experience, or to indicate other homeopaths who might be interested in participating.

Volunteers were sent an information sheet about the trial. They were told that they would receive several sets of bottle pairs, one containing Bryonia in a 12c potency and the other containing placebo, and that they must try to identify which was which by use of dowsing alone. For 'training' purposes they were given a reference pair for which the randomization code had been broken.

The trial medication was randomized and blinded in individual two-bottle sets (verum and placebo) in blocks of four. A sample of the bottles had been previously tested for indistinguishability in appearance, smell and taste9. Bottles used in this trial were surplus to requirements in the previous study9 and thus had not been opened. The remedies were prepared according to the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (HAB) by the Clinical Research department of a registered homeopathic manufacturer, HomInt. Placebo was prepared in identical fashion except that distilled water was used instead of the mother tincture. Each participating homeopath was sent 26 bottle pairs, plus the reference set for which the randomized code had been broken.

In discussions before the study began, dowsers expressed concern that the pressure of an experimental situation might be detrimental to the dowsing sense. For this reason the study packs were mailed to the volunteers for evaluation in their own time in relaxed conditions. Similarly it was felt that the dowser would need a very clear question to answer, so the volunteers addressed the question, for each pair of bottles, `which bottle in the two bottle set contains Bryonia in a 12c potency?'

Participants were asked to complete a short questionnaire seeking details of the number of years they had practised homeopathy, number of years of dowsing experience, details of their clinical use of dowsing (if applicable) and the dowsing method used for the study. For each bottle pair they were asked to state whether bottle I or bottle 2 contained Bryonia and their level of confidence in distinguishing Bryonia from placebo (high/low/purely a guess). The first question had to be answered even if they could not detect a difference through dowsing (and so would indicate `purely a guess' for the second question).

A formal power calculation was not made, since there have been no previous studies on which to base such a calculation. The number of bottle pairs sent to each dowser was determined by resource constraints. Blinded double data entry was conducted with automated consistency and logical checks. Statistical analyses were performed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Since no materials were to be ingested, adverse events were thought unlikely; however participants were requested to inform us of any health disorders, intercurrent illnesses or accidents arising during the clinical trial.

A binomial comparison was made between the proportions of correct responses to those expected by chance (0.5). A P value and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The main analysis excluded bottle pairs where the participant answered `purely a guess' to the second question. Secondary analyses were: (i) conducted by participant; (ii) included only the bottle pairs where participants had high confidence in their answer. A logistic regression analysis (backward stepwise regression) was undertaken to see if number of years' dowsing experience, participant or level of confidence were predictive of a correct response. Statistical analyses were conducted blind to which bottle contained Bryonia.

RESULTS

All participants who received study materials (n=6) provided outcome data (n=156 bottle pairs). 5 participants were male, 1 female. All were medically qualified homeopaths (median length of homeopathic practice 20 years, range 15-40) and used dowsing in clinical practice (median length of dowsing practice 22 years, range 12-35). In the study, they used a pendulum.

All participants responded with either 'high' or 'low' confidence and were thus included in the main analysis. 48.1% responded correctly (n=156; 95% confidence interval 40.2%, 56.0%; P=0.689). Analyses by participant are given in Table 1: percentage of correct responses ranged from 34.6% (n=26; 95% CI 15.77%, 53.4%; P=0.170) to 61.5% (n=26; 95% CI 42.4%, 80.6%; P--0.327). Of responses given with high confidence, 45.0% were correct (n=99; 95% CI 35.6%, 55.3%; P=0.421). In the logistic regression model, number of years' dowsing experience, participant and level of confidence were not predictive of a correct response. No adverse events were reported.

DISCUSSION

The statistical method used here was an exploratory analysis that could lead to misleading results if the data are not independent. The data were in fact so far from showing any type of effect of dowsing that the assumption of independence was probably met, so the more appropriate clustered analysis is unlikely to show a different effect. Our justification for using the exploratory analysis is that it yields results in a simple form (percentage of correct answers) rather than in terms of odds ratios which are less easy to understand.

It is acknowledged that the experimental situation may adversely affect dowsing ability and this may be reflected in the study results. However, there was generally a high level of confidence in the responses (n=99, 63.5%), which suggests that we were successful in making the dowsers feel relaxed about the study. High confidence was slightly more associated with an incorrect response.

The dowsers who took part in this study use dowsing clinically to elicit miasm or toxin load and to find appropriate remedies or treatments, often in disorders of uncertain causation. The sample was small, and the absence of proof of effect does not mean that there is no effect. Nevertheless, the findings must raise a question whether dowsing within a medical framework can produce objective information. If the technique proved effective in a clinical setting, this might indicate a subjective basis, whereby the technique elicits information known intuitively by the physician.

Acknowledgments Andrew Vickers helped develop the original idea. We thank the participants for their help developing the protocol and carrying out the study.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

From INSPEC/OVID DB:

Accession Number
00005305-200204000-00006.

Author
McCarney, R BSc MPhil; Fisher, P FRCP FFHom; Spink, F MBBCh MFHom 1,2; Flint, G MB ChB 2; van Haselen, R MSc

Institution
Academic Unit, Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, London WC1N 3HR; (1)Faculty of Homeopathy, London; (2)Institute of Psionic Medicine, Durham, UK

Title
Can homeopaths detect homeopathic medicines by dowsing? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.[Article]

Source
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 95(4):189-191, April 2002.

Abstract
SUMMARY: Dowsing is a method of problem-solving that uses a motor automatism, amplified through a pendulum or similar device. In a homeopathic context, it is used as an aid to prescribing and as a tool to identify miasm or toxin load. A randomized double-blind trial was conducted to determine whether six dowsing homeopaths were able to distinguish between Bryonia in a 12c potency and placebo by use of dowsing alone.

The homeopathic medicine Bryonia was correctly identified in 48.1% of bottle pairs (n=156; 95% confidence interval 40.2%, 56.0%; P=0.689).

These results, wholly negative, add to doubts whether dowsing in this context can yield objective information.

(C) 2002 Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Some abstracts (having trouble downlaoding entire reports from some databases) started by saying stuff like "Old myth or new tech?" and describing results as inconclusive. Maybe someone else has access to nice DBs with this sort of stuff.

Thanks, did they do any similar trials on extraterrestrial life ? I guess you are saying that you think dowsing and exobiology are both pseudoscience - you might be right - sadly the "owners" of this forum seem to think differently and have classified exobiology (the "study" of something that has not yet been shown to exist) differently to dowsing (ditto). Maybe this old cowboy is just too dumb to understand.

Incidentally, why do all you guys use Sci-Fi icons rather than your own photos ?

I don't have any recent phtographs of myself. If I did, and if I used it here, it would crack your screen.