Behind the Headlines

Is the rise in neurological deaths due to modern life?

Tuesday May 14 2013

'Technology, food additives and air pollution are causing people to develop dementia earlier than ever,' reports the Mail Online website. But this is a claim with little to no evidence to support it. The study the Mail reports on looked at...

No proof kids of lone parents are less intelligent

Friday May 3 2013

"Children brought up by two parents are more intelligent," is the baseless claim on the Mail Online website. The headline fails to acknowledge that the research the story is based on involved only mice...

Abnormal growth rate in womb linked to autism

Thursday May 2 2013

'Babies that are abnormally heavy or underweight are at 62% greater risk' of developing autism, reports the Daily Mail. The news is based on a large study of Swedish children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers…

Does fish in Mediterranean diet combat memory loss?

Tuesday Apr 30 2013

The health benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet have hit the headlines, with The Daily Telegraph reporting we should, 'Eat oily fish to prevent memory loss,' while the Mail Online focuses on how oily fish can keep the memory 'sharp'...

Benefits of brain training for dementia uncertain

Wednesday Apr 17 2013

"Forget popping pills – the best way to boost your brainpower is a crossword or sudoku," the Mail Online website states. The website reports that fish oils and gingko supplements won’t prevent cognitive decline, but that brain training games might…

Is exercise to blame for Andrew Marr's stroke?

Monday Apr 15 2013

TV presenter and journalist Andrew Marr has given his first interview since experiencing a stroke. In the interview he blamed vigorous exercise for triggering it. But experts advise that exercise, if done in the right way, can reduce your stroke risk…

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Scientists map structure of brain disease molecule

Thursday Apr 11 2013

"A major breakthrough has been made by researchers seeking treatments for…illnesses such as Parkinson's disease," is the exciting news on the Mail Online website. This headline is based on early stage research into the structure of an enzyme...

Brain’s appetite circuits could be 'rewired'

Monday Apr 8 2013

“Appetite control could be rewired, say researchers”, BBC News reports, based on findings that it notes “could eventually offer a permanent solution for tackling obesity”. The news comes from complex cellular research…

Brain protein may play role in Down's syndrome

Monday Mar 25 2013

BBC News reports that low levels of a particular protein may contribute to some of the characteristics of Down's syndrome. The news comes from a study that builds on previous research into the condition...

Can Parkinson's drug help old people decide?

Monday Mar 25 2013

"A drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease could help older people make better decisions," the Mail Online website reports after a recent study found that L-dopa, a medication used to boost dopamine levels, aided decision making in some elderly people…