A theory in science is a concept that has not been verified but is the best accepted explanation of observed facts or phenomena. A scientific theory can be disproved by finding a single observation that disagrees with the predictions of the theory. The discussion of what a scientific theory is was a hot topic in the early 1900s. It was finally settled Sir Karl Popper when he reasoned that scientific theories are falsifiable by experiments and physical observations but they are not verifiable. Unfalsifiable statements are non-scientific. The brain-gut dysfunction theory satisfies current observations but it may be falsified by single observation in the future.
Shawneric, I presume you know that Salix Pharmaceuticals has applied to the FDA for approval for the use of Rifaximin in treating non-constipated IBS. Question. If the FDA gives them approval do you think the GI research community might have to accept that SIBO may be present in some subtypes of IBS?
-------------------- STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS