Concept · Cognitive Bias: Belief and attitude biases
Semmelweis reflex
Origin: Named after Semmelweis; Robert Anton Wilson (term)
Biological Parallel
Naked mole rats demonstrate rejection of novel evidence through their eusocial immune systems. Colony members develop shared microbial profiles by rolling in the same fecal substrate—when researchers introduce individuals with foreign microbiomes (carrying potentially beneficial bacteria), the colony violently rejects them rather than assimilating new immunity. The reflex to maintain existing immune identity overrides potential survival advantages from microbial diversity.