Name: The magic of the placebo
Uploaded: 2010-03-12T09:01:00Z
Duration: 8 min 48 s
Description: Sugar pills, injections of nothing -- studies show that, more often than you'd expect, placebos really work. At TEDMED, magician Eric Mead does a trick to prove that, even when you know something's not real, you can still react as powerfully as if it is. (Warning: This talk is not suitable for viewers who are disturbed by needles or blood.)

Sugar pills, injections of nothing -- studies show that, more often than you'd expect, placebos really work. At TEDMED, magician Eric Mead does a trick to prove that, even when you know something's not real, you can still react as powerfully as if it is. (Warning: This talk is not suitable for viewers who are disturbed by needles or blood.)

Eric Mead: The magic of the placebo

The magic of the placebo

A magician explores the placebo effect, revealing how belief can transform fake treatments into real therapeutic outcomes.

Studies show colored pills and injections, even as placebos, have varying effectiveness, highlighting belief's power in healing.

Through a daring needle trick, the speaker demonstrates the tangible effects of belief, blurring the line between perception and reality.