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Published online 31 March 2006 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news060327-16
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Study challenges prayers for the sick
Clinical trial of prayer draws fire from critics.
Distant prayers do not help people recovering from heart surgery and could even cause them more health problems, according to the results of a large and controversial clinical trial that critics have labelled a waste of money.
Many people believe that prayers sent by a group of strangers, so-called intercessory prayer, can help a sick patient.
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