Re: Cancer deficiency clusters

["Gibbs, S Julian" <s.julian.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu>]

The same Poisson equation that predicts clusters on the basis of 

random statistics works both ways: clusters of low incidence occur 

as well as those of high incidence.  To take the same example of a 

mean of 10 cases in villages of a certain size, the Poisson 

equation predicts that about 6 villages in 100 would have 5 or 

fewer cases.

Statistically, it is difficult to prove negative results.  Note 

that on the news this morning was a report that studies have shown 

that eating more spinach will make one smarter.  More specifically, 

the studies show that spinach slows brain deterioration with age. 

These studies show association, not cause and effect.



***********************************************************

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD               Voice: 615-322-1477

Professor, Emeritus

Dept. of Radiology & Radiological Sciences

Vanderbilt University Medical Center     Home: 615-356-3615

209 Oxford House        Email:s.julian.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu

Nashville TN 37232-4245     or alias:j.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu

***********************************************************

************************************************************************

You are currently subscribed to the Radsafe mailing list. To unsubscribe,

send an e-mail to Majordomo@list.vanderbilt.edu  Put the text "unsubscribe

radsafe" (no quote marks) in the body of the e-mail, with no subject line.

You can view the Radsafe archives at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/radsafe/