Getting the Science Wrong: Misleading Media Reports

Dangerous Spin Doctors #5
Mark Hyman November 29

Getting the Science Wrong: Misleading Media Reports

To get beyond this kind of industry deception, doctors and health care consumers need to be wary and read between the lines. In an era of sound bites and sensationalism, we do not receive intelligent and critical analysis, and most importantly a coherent synthesis of scientific research.

The data in any one study is part of a scientific story of how the world works, and medical research is the story of biology. Each study must be evaluated in the context of what we know, existing data, and what makes sense from a biological perspective. We won’t always be right, but we can stop the ping-pong game of what’s good and what’s bad for you that facilitates the newest, not necessarily the best, treatment and provides fodder for journalistic sensationalism that fuels the 24/7 news cycle.

Often headlines are taken from the abstracts or summaries of research articles. Studies show that half the time, the abstracts don’t accurately represent the findings of the research. Even when the summary is correct, studies show that the media incorrectly reports the research findings or doesn’t place them in the historical context of other key research on the subject.(ix) No wonder patients and doctors are confused.

Business interests and the incestuous relationship between scientists and industry have corrupted the landscape of medical research. The media doesn’t do a good job of investigative journalism. But there are things you can to do change protect yourself.

http://www.drfranklipman.com/dangerous-spin-doctors-7-steps-to-protect-yourself-from-deception-in-medical-research/

www.DEPSYL.com

http://back2basicnutrition.com

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/