Oprah’s School and Tough Love

Maia Szalavitz, Huffington Post

In the idea that the kids are all liars and any complaints should be dismissed as “manipulation” and you have a predator’s dream… more

Originally published November 7, 2007

Attack of the Killer Mattresses – Coming to TV News Near You!

Trevor Butterworth

How did a new fire safety standard designed to save hundreds of lives a year get twisted into a health hazard? Who is behind “People for Clean Beds,” and why are journalists turning to a group which claims fire retardants will kill more people than the Black Death and AIDS combined? …more

Originally published November 6, 2007

Did Diet Politics Corrupt World Cancer Research Fund Recommendations?

Trevor Butterworth, Huffington Post

One of the World Cancer Research Fund’s key recommendations on how to avoid cancer may be flawed because of what was not included in the survey …more

Originally published October 31, 2007

Soft on Fat or Soft on Data?

Maia Szalavitz Scientific American

Is the Advertising Council wimping out with its new campaign on obesity? …more

Originally published October 27, 2007

A Scandal Over Meat Safety?

Trevor Butterworth

Michigan Democrats raise fears over “revolutionary” meat packaging process that reduces risk of E. coli, keeps meat fresh longer. Food safety experts say politicians misleading public on science. Is a massive Washington lobbying effort by rival Michigan-based company behind smear campaign? …more

Originally published October 26, 2007

How Dangerous Is Moderate Drinking?

The Chicago Tribune seems to have put moderate drinking in the doghouse. According to its a recent news story, “comprehensive reviews of the scientific evidence” have found people are at risk for cancer, even if they drink moderately. The point of the article seems to be a cost/benefit analysis. Do the known benefits of moderate alcohol consumption outweigh the known harm – or as the sub heading puts it: “Something to Ask Yourself: Is It Worth It?”

But the author is playing dirty: the benefits of moderate consumption are compared to the costs of heavy alcohol consumption! … more

Originally published October 23, 2007

Diabetes and Nursing

Rebecca Goldin Ph.D

A recent flurry of interest in the benefits of breastfeeding has led to some rather scary messages from the press: if you don’t nurse — or if you don’t nurse enough — your baby will have all sorts of problems, from obesity to leukemia. Parents are being told point blank: formula kills. A government decision to pull several disturbing anti-formula advertisements has prompted outrage by the press, which has accused it of succumbing to formula industry pressures. The Washington Post and the LA Times have each reported on the government decision as if it were a death sentence to babies. And since the decision to pull the ads came as industry groups were rallying against them, no one has even wondered whether the ads misrepresented the dangers… more

Originally published October 22, 2007

Getting Tough on Private Prisons for Teens

Maia Szalavitz

What concrete action should Congress take to protect teens from abuse? Maia Szalavitz investigates at The American Prospect… more

Originally published October 17, 2007

Don’t Eat Your iPhone: Greenpeace’s Warning — Publicity Stunt or Genuine Risk?

Trevor Butterworth, Huffington Post

Don’t eat plastic – or electronic consumer items. That’s the real message behind Greenpeace’s latest study on the supposed safety of the iPhone if you look at the evidence logically… more

Originally published October 16, 2007

Scaring Women Into Breastfeeding: Mention Leukemia Risk to Baby

Rebecca Goldin Ph.D

A journalist claims that science suggests millions of kids have been put at risk by not breast-feeding, but the science says otherwise… more

Originally published October 15, 2007