What's more, the sensors are apparently also able to detect the proximity of the object and adjust the resistance of the door accordingly -- for instance, slowing the door down if you're about to slam it into a lamp post.

ENGADGET: BMW devises smart car door that senses danger

The object lesson worth drawing from this story is that just one instance of bad science given the blessing of recognized experts can lead to years of damaging lies that snowball out of control.

FORBES: The Top 10 Brain Science and Psychology Stories of 2012