HealthNewsReview.org Recent Reviews

A Portable Glow to Help Melt Those Winter Blues

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
After almost two decades of research on light therapy, this story hints at but does not explore the real news: why isn't it more commonly prescribed?

Got High Blood Pressure? Kiwi Fruit May Help

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
The story asks whether kiwi is the How is this newsworthy?

Stem Cells Repair Heart in First-Ever Study

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
We cringe when we see the term

Shot Might One Day Help Lower Cholesterol

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
Appropriately measured language in the headline -

New scan can speed Parkinson's diagnosis

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(2 stars)
This story about a Parkinsons disease test that was recently approved for use in the U.S. displays a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of the new test.

New Drug Shows Promise Against Huntington's Disease

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
Although the findings of this research are encouraging, the story could have answered more of readers' inevitable questions by addressing our criteria more directly.

Study: Vaccine for Breast, Ovarian Cancer Has Potential

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(4 stars)
Although this story gets 4 stars for how it addressed many of our criteria, it relies too much on one study, one patient and, for the most part, one source.

New device uses light to screen for melanoma

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(5 stars)
This nicely written, thoroughly reported piece is a very good example of how to report on new medical devices.

New drug 'big deal' in cystic fibrosis fight

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(2 stars)
The reporting of the basic facts is OK, but our criteria call for much more, and this story didn't measure up on several.

New Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Promising in Early Trial

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(2 stars)
A confused and incomplete story about a preliminary study examining a new but not necessarily novel approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Study Weakens Case for Preventive Mastectomy

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00 CST

(5 stars)
This was a solid report on a new study about genetic testing for breast cancer, confirming that current guidelines are reasonable.

The Healthy Skeptic: Seeing through skin supplements' claims

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00 CST

(4 stars)
The Healthy Skeptic column can usually be counted on to drive home to consumers the need for evidence to back up health care product claims. It succeeded in that once again this time.

Could Listening to Mozart Help Doctors Spot Colon Polyps?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00 CST

(2 stars)
Another story based on a talk at a recent conference AND based on a news release. Although the article acknowledges the study's limitations with the usual disclaimer (), the story still raises many red flags.

Experimental Psoriasis Drug Bests Older Treatment

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
Overall, this story employed more measured language than that used in the competing WebMD story, with its sensational quotes from conflicted parties.

Experimental Drug May Help Treat Psoriasis

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00 CST

(3 stars)
Same main flaws in both the WebMD and the competing HealthDay story - failure to disclose conflicts of interest (and, in this story, to get any truly independent perspective) and no discussion of costs.