HealthNewsReview.org Recent Reviews

Warning sounded on heart scan law

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(5 stars)
Good job highlighting public policy implications of medical research findings - reporting not only the conclusions of a study but examining a state law that requires insurers to subsidize CT scans.

Super shot? Can it cut weight by 25%?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(2 stars)
Woefully inadequate reporting on animal research on a weight loss drug. Makes the unfounded leap that this is a "promising new drug that could ultimately impact how to control obesity and diabetes.”

If red wine's good, are resveratrol pills even better?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(5 stars)
Interesting piece that explores the hype of resveratrol, a media and advertising darling backed up by little scientific evidence. Nice job.

Thousands of schizophrenics might be alive if they had been on clozapine

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(2 stars)
The opening statement that "thousands of lives could have been saved" if patients had been prescribed clozapine is simply not adequately explained or justified. Costs were also not discussed.

Eat less, live longer?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(2 stars)
Another TV story that doesn’t stress the limitations of animal research. Included no independent voices who were likely to be critical. Called it “groundbreaking” without giving history or context.

St. Francis heart surgeon pioneering 'new horizon' repair technique

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(2 stars)
Hyperlocal hyperbole. A procedure that’s only been tested for a new use in animals was hailed as something that “could revolutionize cardiac care” and ”could save and improve thousands of lives.”

Smallest Hearing Aid Yet: How Tiny Device is Changing Lives

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(0 stars)
It is hard to find anything in this story that distinguishes it from an advertisement. Indeed, people with hearing loss would get a more balanced presentation by viewing the manufacturer's web site.

Coffee Talk: Can Caffeine Help Prevent Alzheimer's?

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(1 star)
News you can use? This was news no one can use yet - because it was in mice. The physician-reporter twice called the study results "very encouraging." For all the mice in the viewing audience.

Internet-based therapy shows promise for insomnia

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(4 stars)
A generally well written and balanced story. Discussion of cost, of any potential harms (or lack of), and of what the benefits really mean to people would have substantially strengthened the piece.

Bone-Growth Proteins Show Risk in New Study

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(4 stars)
A clear alert on potential hazards of using bioengineered proteins to promote bone growth in spinal fusion for upper spine pain. But it doesn’t discuss nonsurgical alternatives or costs.

Bone Proteins Costly In Surgery, Study Says

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(2 stars)
Story fails to address: Does the [initially] more costly technique produce better outcomes? Is this another case of an expensive new technique making a company rich before good evidence is in hand?

Medtronic's Infuse a hit in growth of spine fusion

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(3 stars)
A noticeably different framing in this story than in others we reviewed on the same topic. But this one comes from the paper in the city where one of the product manufacturers is headquartered.

Essure tubal coil permanent birth control catching on

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(3 stars)
Story gave an incomplete picture of harms, complications and followup required with the device. Didn't adequately compare cost or effectiveness with other methods.

Stem Cells and Weakened Hearts

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

(1 star)
CBS claimed an "exclusive" on this "cutting edge, trailblazing, major advance." But it didn't emphasize that there is no evidence of benefit. And it didn't discuss potential harms or other options.