Falconer is extrapolating the results. That is a legitimate exercise.
I chose to write about the possible downside of the lab rat data, also a legitimate exercise.
He wasn't writing a full blown paper on the subject. He may well turn out to be right. Or partially right. I doubt that 3-71 will turn out to be a bust.
Your constant harping on him being a HS bio teacher as some sort of lack of credentials is misplaced. Many people choose to learn far past the degrees they have. It is what a person has learned that counts. I know enough people with advanced degrees that I wouldn't trust their judgement as far as I could throw them. I also know people that have no degree that have become very knowledgeable and expert in their field of interest via self education.