Re: clutching at straws
I have followed this thread with mounting amusement.
Yah Boo Sucks just about soms it up.
The Lancet report under discussion was not very scientific. The fatty acids claimed to have been found were not it seems IDENTIFIED or quatified .
The attempt at in vitro reproduction of the 'Green Stones'appeared not overly successful. fromt the Lancet report>>>> " Experimentation revealed that mixing equal volumes of oleic acid (the major component of olive oil) and lemon juice produced several semi solid white balls after the addition of a small volume of a potassium hydroxide solution. On air drying at room temperature, these balls became quite solid and hard<<<< "
Why Potassium Hydroxide???/ Because Potassium Hydroxide WILL precipitate SOAP.
But as far as I am aware, the body does not contaion FREE Potassium Hydroxide so what was the point. The 'Balls' produced were WHITE !!! not green.
This report creates a lot of questions but does not seem to have any sensible or scientific answers one way or the other. IT IS BAD SCIENCE.