Power of Prayer Study Taken by Con Man

Exposed: conman's role in prayer-power 'miracle'

It was a miracle that created headlines around the world. Doctors at one of the world's top medical schools claimed to have scientifically proved the power of prayer.

Many Americans took the Columbia University research - announced in October 2001 after the terror attacks on New York and Washington - as a sign from God. It seemed to prove that praying helped infertile women to conceive.

One of the study's authors is a conman obsessed with the paranormal who has admitted to a multi-million-dollar scam. Daniel Wirth, now under house arrest in California awaiting sentencing, has used a series of false identities for several decades, including that of a dead child.

Wirth is at the centre of a network of bizarre scientific research, often working with co-researcher Joseph Horvath. Horvath has pleaded guilty to fraud, has used a series of false names and is accused of burning down his house for insurance money.

Many scientists are now questioning how someone with Wirth's background was able to persuade Columbia University Medical Centre to unveil his research in such a high-profile way. They also want to know why it appeared in the respected Journal of Reproductive Medicine, whose vetting procedures are usually strict. 'We are concerned this study could be totally fraudulent. It is an amazing saga,' said Dr Bruce Flamm, a clinical professor at the University of California.

el - This prayer study shot down, what can a person do besides pray?

HERE IS SOME REAL HEALTH WORK PEOPLE CAN DO (good flash)

June 19th, National Day of Action for Americans Without Health Insurance

In the last 60 seconds,
five more people lost their health care coverage.

By this time tomorrow,
7,000 more will lose theirs.

Eight out of ten
of the 44 million who lack health insurance come from working families.