More dodgy statistics
Jul
27
2010
Back in April, I wrote that perhaps I should start a “dodgy statistic of the month competition”. OK, May and June have been and gone with no more nominations, so I’ll make up for it by nominating 3 for July.
The first nomination goes to Vince Cable. This surprises me, as he is one of the [...]
New Lancet policy on systematic reviews
Jul
16
2010
The Lancet have recently introduced an interesting new policy. They now require anyone submitting the results of research (not just randomised trials, apparently, but all research) to The Lancet to include a systematic review with their research. This can be a reference to a recently published systematic review, but if no such review exists, then [...]
Worrying scientific illiteracy among our elected representatives
Jun
23
2010
Thanks to the wonders of Twitter, I have just found out (via @bengoldacre and @DrEvanHarris) that one of our esteemed elected representatives, David Tredinnick MP, has tabled 3 Early Day Motions singing the praises of homoeopathy.
Oh dear.
These EDMs are based on 3 published papers in the peer reviewed literature, which claim to show homoeopathy is [...]
Toothbrushing and cardiovascular disease
May
28
2010
Today’s health story of toothbrushing and cardiovascular disease shows an association, not causation. Health journalists: please try to learn about the difference.
Sausages, steaks, and socioeconomic status
May
18
2010
A story in the news today tells us that sausages (and indeed other kinds of processed meats) increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas steaks (and other forms of unprocessed read meats) do not. This is based on a study published in Circulation, which rather annoyingly, is behind a paywall, so I haven’t read the [...]
