Medbed
According to a false conspiracy theory, medbeds (an abbreviation of "medical bed" or "meditation bed") are secret beds that can miraculously heal humans and extend life. The plausibility of such devices is pseudoscience.[1][2]
Videos and podcasts about medbeds have become popular on the far-right corners of Telegram, Discord, and Rumble; the videos claim, without any evidence, that there are at least three types of medbeds, located in secret military tunnels: a “holographic medbed,” which can diagnose and cure any sickness;[3] a medbed that can regenerate missing limbs in minutes; and a third that can reverse aging.[4]
Medbed conspiracy theories often involve claims that the devices are utilized by members of a "deep state" and billionaires and that the former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, is still alive, lying on a medbed.[1] Belief in these devices is popular among QAnon influencers such as Michael Protzman, Romana Didulo, and YamatoQ.[2][5]
Various companies sell devices or access to beds that supposedly heal ailments via imaginary technologies while also including fine print on their websites disclaiming that no diagnoses, treatment, or cures are provided.[1][2] The term "medbed" is also by one company that offers offer nightly rentals in rooms in their facilities, with “highly-energized” beds.[6][1]
Origins in popular culture
- Biobeds are featured throughout the Star Trek series.
- Med-Bay beds are a primary driver of the plot in the 2013 film Elysium.
References
- ^ a b c d Wendling, Mike (27 December 2022). "The truth about 'medbeds' - a miracle cure that doesn't exist". BBC News. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
- ^ a b c Weill, Kelly (April 22, 2022). "New QAnon Conspiracy Involves a Magical Bed for Zombie JFK". Daily Beast. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ Kapoor, Urvashi (2020-12-11). "Fact Check: No, This Machine Cannot Cure A Disease in 2.5 Minutes; Viral Images Are Taken From A 2013 Movie". Vishvas News. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
- ^ Saslow, Eli (2024-07-28). "Racked by Pain and Enraptured by a Right-Wing Miracle Cure". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
- ^ Sarteschi, Christine (1 July 2022). "The Dangerous Delusions of Canada's 'Queen of the World'". The Tyee. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
- ^ Klepper, David (2024-01-31). "Miracle cures: Online conspiracy theories are creating a new age of unproven medical treatments". AP News. Retrieved 2024-07-28.