When scientists disagree

When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, she is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.

Arthur C. Clarke

I’d go further and suggest a rule of thumb: When a lone scientist goes against the consensus, be very wary of his opinion. But when there is a 5% minority arguing to overturn an established principle, it’s a good bet that the minority will prevail.