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Retracted Study: Biblical Woman Had Flu, Not Demonic Possession

Explore the debate: 'Influenza or not influenza?' A historical analysis of a case cured by Jesus Christ ignites discussion.

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Though it might work for The DaVinci Code, apparently citing the bible doesn't fly in a scientific journal. Virology Journal apologized yesterday for publishing a paper titled "Influenza or not influenza: Analysis of a case of high fever that happened 2000 years ago in Biblical time," which attempts to diagnosis "a woman with high fever cured by our Lord Jesus Christ." Yesterday, journal editor Robert F. Garry apologized for the paper's publication and announced that Virology will retract the piece. The blog Retraction Watch, where we found this story, posted a response from the paper's lead author, Ellis Hon:

"As an article for debate, there was no absolute right or wrong answer, and the article was only meant for thought provocation. Neither was it meant to be a debate on the concept of miracles. My only focus at the time of writing was 'what had caused the fever and debilitation' ...

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