Behind the Headlines

E-cigarette 'vapers' using them to quit smoking

Friday Apr 12 2013

“Electronic cigarettes have helped almost nine out of ten smokers quit tobacco completely” the Metro reports. The claim is based on the results of an online survey on e-cigarette use and their effects on tobacco consumption…

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Today's adults 'unhealthier than their parents' were

Thursday Apr 11 2013

"Today's adults are so unhealthy they are 15 years 'older' than their parents and grandparents at the same age," reports The Daily Telegraph. This gloomy message is based on...

No credible evidence that people are 'born lazy'

Wednesday Apr 10 2013

"Laziness may be written into our DNA, say scientists," the Mail Online website suggests. The claim is actually based on a study that selectively bred 'lazy rats' and then compared their genetic make-up to similarly bred 'active rats'…

Study examines penis size and male attractiveness

Tuesday Apr 9 2013

‘[Penis] Size does matter, study finds', The Daily Telegraph reports with almost identical headlines in the Daily Mail and The Independent. The news is based on a study in which researchers asked a small group of women…

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Running and walking both good for your heart

Friday Apr 5 2013

A brisk walk is "healthier than running", The Guardian reports, while the Daily Mail more accurately claims that walking "is as good as a run for cutting the risk of heart disease". This news was based on a large and long-term study...

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Can regular saunas harm sperm quality?

Wednesday Mar 27 2013

"Men who visit saunas may be damaging their sperm," the Mail Online website warns. This warning comes from the results of a tiny study involving just 10 men asked to follow a Scandinavian-style sauna programme...

Social isolation increases death risk in older people

Tuesday Mar 26 2013

"Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of death in older people regardless of whether they consider themselves lonely," BBC News has reported. Previous research has suggested that people who have limited social contact are...

Can caffeine really cut crash risk?

Wednesday Mar 20 2013

“Lorry drivers who drink coffee cut their crash risk”, reports BBC News. This headline came from a large study of long-distance lorry drivers in Australia. It found drivers who had recently been involved in a crash were less likely…

Seven healthy lifestyle tips could 'halve cancer risk'

Tuesday Mar 19 2013

'The seven golden rules for a healthy life: Simple lifestyle steps can help prevent cancer and heart disease,' the Mail Online website reports. This accurate headline comes from a new study that found that people who took steps to reduce...

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Sperm quality may be lower during summer

Tuesday Mar 12 2013

“Trying for a baby? Now’s the best time: Men have healthier sperm in winter and spring”, reports the Mail Online. While the Mail’s report is broadly accurate, the news only really applies to men from couples having trouble conceiving…

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