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Our Latest Reviews

Please note that we are currently on a short break due to COVID-19. Our posts will resume as of May 1, 2020.

A vegetarian diet may protect you from strokes according to a study highlighted by Medical News Today

July 4, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study published in Neurology discusses how a vegetarian diet may decrease the risk for stroke. Mary Cooke from Medical News Today accurately reports on the findings in a manner that is interesting, concise, and scientifically appropriate. Multiple characteristics of this article render the information credible and digestible for a wide range of audiences as jargon is explained and claims are cited using hyperlinks. Despite a few downfalls in accessibility, the news story is overall an enjoyable and informative read about the latest developments in nutrition.

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The potential link between genes and food preferences is discussed in a well written CNN article

​July 2, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Food preferences may potentially be explained by our genes. Researchers determined with data collected from 160,000 Japanese people that there are genetic markers that are associated with beverage preferences and consumption of several types of food. Although well written, the title of the news article doesn’t reflect the contents of the article. The author of the CNN article, Kristen Rogers, does an excellent job of explaining the research in an accessible manner. Rogers provides the input of an additional source that challenges the research, which adds to the credibility of the article.

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Exciting discovery of the exercise protein Sestrin explained by ScienceDaily

June 29, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
​In Summary: ScienceDaily highlights a study investigating the effects of Sestrin, a protein that mimics the benefits of a workout in muscles. With complex terminology and concepts explained, Kelly Malcom makes this discovery in exercise physiology an interesting read for a variety of audiences. Multiple perspectives are not employed in order to limit bias and support claims, decreasing the news story’s credibility. Overall, the article is concise, fascinating, and a recommended read.

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CBC article excellently summarizes research on a cnidarian parasite that doesn’t need to breathe 

​June 27, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Mitochondrial respiration is considered essential for multicellular organisms, but a recent discovery may challenge that concept. A cnidarian parasite is the first discovered animal without the mitochondrial genome and enzyme involved in aerobic respiration. Emily Chung concisely described the research paper in a well organized and easy to read article. Any jargon used by Chung was explained which makes this article suitable to a large audience.

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Fox News doesn’t fear monger in a great article on the weakened carbon uptake in the Amazon and African tropics

June 25, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: According to a three-decade long study published in Nature, the Amazon and African tropics are exhibiting weakened carbon uptake. Julia Musto, the author of the Fox News article, describes the methodology and the results of the Nature paper. When it comes to climate change news, it’s very easy for the call to action to become fear mongering. This article kept a neutral tone when discussing the results of the paper, keeping the focus on the science that was being reported. Julia Musto included additional research to support the claim of the main research article, which strengthened the news article

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Elephants respond to death using complex and primate-like behaviour according to The Washington Post

June 23, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The Washington Post reports on a Kenyan study on elephants’ reaction to death without sensationalizing. Jason Bittel appropriately presents the intent and methodology of the study and does not over-exaggerate the outcomes and findings. Bittel uses many supporting sources, but some are paywalled and limit the reader’s ability to explore the topic further. The title is arguably misleading given the contents of the news story. The language is understandable by a wide range of audiences and is overall an interesting read.

The Loop article keeps it casual while discussing the effect of global warming on plant nutrition

June 20, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Global warming is making food less nutritious according to several articles. Chloe Hatzitolios, the author of The Loop article, briefly described the results of each research article and explained the science behind the phenomenon. The short article is accessible to a general audience as it avoided jargon and kept a casual tone. Chloe Hatzitolios stuck to the main points of the research, making it easy for a person short on time to read and comprehend the information. 

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CNN article accurately outlines research the effects of added sugar intake but makes some unsupported claims

​June 17, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: A 2014 research article surveyed the sugar intake of individuals over 22 years. An increase in sugar intake resulted in an increase in cardiovascular disease related deaths. While the article was a well written summary of the research, it made the unsupported claim that sugar is the cause of our declining health. Although the title of the article could be considered a slight exaggeration of the results, the CNN article was a clear and concise summary of the research.

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The New York Times provides a near-perfect presentation of Australian wildfire study

June 14, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
​In Summary: The New York Times sheds light on a study that seeks to link the Australian wildfires from earlier this year to patterns in climate change. The author appropriately described the scientific outcomes of the study in a manner that is understandable by a general audience. Despite a few shortcomings, such as advertisements present and a confusing trail to the original study, The New York Times achieves an interesting read that is accessible to a vast audience while keeping the scientific integrity of the original study intact.

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New York Times Magazine presents study investigating the effects of mindfulness on physical health without sensationalizing

June 11, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Researchers at the Mindfulness Center at the Brown University School of Public Health have investigated how a mindfulness-based program can address unhealthy behaviours associated with high blood pressure. Author Kim Tingley reports in an appropriate scientific manner without adding her own opinion. Although there are a few shortcomings, such as a lack of supporting sources and few explanations of basic jargon, Tingley clearly defines what is known and unknown without the use of fear-mongering or sensationalist language.

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ScienceNews article avoids personal opinions on the predictive ability of polygenic scores

April 9, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Parents are able to pick an embryo based on a polygenic score, but these scores are not as predictive as once thought according to a Cell article. Other factors, such as the environment and the education of the child, has a larger impact on their intelligence than their genes. Michael Le Page, the author of the ScienceNews article, sticks to the facts when describing the conclusions of the scientific article without including any personal opinions.

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The Science Advisory Board reports on new study that investigates the brain's responses to lesions and injury

April 7, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A study exploring immune responses was effectively summarized by The Science Advisory Board’s author Samantha Black using a structure that makes the information easily digestible. Black defines all important components of the study without exaggerating or simplifying their implications. The language used, while neutral, contained a large amount of scientific jargon. The news story was criticized also in its lack of multiple sources.

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Overexaggeration about the effects of e-cigarettes on heart health made by Time

April 6, 2020

Average Score: 3 / 5
In Summary: Time’s writer Markham Heid inappropriately uses a study conducted by the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre to compare the effects of e-cigarettes versus smoking on heart health. Many errors in scientific reporting can be observed in addition to issues with research article accessibility. This news story should be treated as a cautionary warning about the dangers of smoking and the use of e-cigarettes, rather than an informative piece about their effects.

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New findings about psychedelics as a method of reducing alcohol consumption reviewed by PsyPost

April 3, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study looking to determine the effectiveness of psychedelics on reducing alcohol consumption is presented in a well-written manner by Psypost. Although the author only uses the one source, it is made clear that further investigations are to be done before any definitive conclusions are made. The news story is void of confusing scientific jargon that may make it difficult for a lay audience to understand. Dolan makes this new branch of investigation an interesting read for a multitude of audiences.

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ScienceDaily article sums up the benefits of 'parantese' on a child's vocabulary

April 2, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that parents who speak parantese (simple grammar and exaggerated vowels) end up with children with a larger vocabulary than children who aren’t spoken to in this manner. The ScienceDaily article accurately summarizes the findings but it doesn’t include the uncertainties that are bound to be present in the study. Despite that, this excellent article is informative and avoids any unnecessary jargon.

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MedicalNews reviews a series of studies found to be industry-funded and candidates for biased results

April 1, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Maria Cohut of MedicalNewsToday has reviewed a series of research studies promoting indoor tanning with the goal of exploring the biases that have resulted from the funding. Cohut presents multiple implications for consumers due to the influenced studies and remains unbiased in her language as she tries to clarify the information that consumers are receiving. Overall, an interesting read.

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Presentation of research on the role of nudge theory in food preferences written effectively for many audiences by National Post

March 30, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: A research project investigating the use of nudge theory in shifting student’s food preferences towards healthier choices. Richard Warnica writes for the National Post about this project in a neutral way that adheres well to the scientific method used by the study author. There is room for improvement as Warnica could have benefitted from additional sources independent of the original research article.

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​ScienceMag article describes flaw in retracted coronavirus research paper in NEJM

March 26, 2020​

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary:​ Author Kai K. of ScienceMag discusses the flawed findings of research published in the New England Journal of Medicine that suggested that an asymptomatic woman had transmitted COVID-19 in Germany to four people on a business trip meeting. Kai provides numerous opposing but credible, perspectives from individuals both involved and not involved with the original paper. The author effectively maintained a neutral tone and presents readers with an accurate and holistic depiction of the situation without any opinions.

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Improvements in cancer treatment presented effectively and concisely by ScienceDaily

March 25, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Recent advancements with the goal of creating safer cancer therapy were discussed thoroughly but efficiently so that readers understand what is already known and what was actually improved. Although there is no confusion between correlation and causation, the author fails to explain some scientific jargon. That, in addition to the lack of sources independent from the original research article, decreases the article’s accessibility. With few errors, ScienceDaily makes this exciting update an enjoyable read.

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Recent successes with combined CRISPR and T-cell therapy highlighted by ScienceMag

March 24, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: ScienceMag reports on a recent study that has found success with combining gene-editing CRISPR technology with T-cell therapy in treating cancer. Author Jennifer Couzin-Frankel conveys the excitement pertaining to these advancements while keeping the news story largely void of scientific jargon, personal opinions and emotion, and sensationalizing. There are a few issues with accessibility; however, Couzin-Frankel manages to make the article interesting and adaptable to multiple audiences.

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The preparation for adolescence through active brain remodelling explained by ScienceDaily

March 20, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The transition into adolescence was tracked using functional MRI imaging and its findings were summarized effectively and neutrally by Science Daily. The author, unnamed, explained the active re-modelling of the brain during this time using jargon-free language and analogies to render the material understandable by a lay audience. Although the article lacks accessibility and multiple sources of information, it is an enjoyable read for those interested in the brain’s role in human development.

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​ScienceDaily article explains how researchers transform trash into valuable graphene. 

March 19, 2020

Average ​Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: Mike Williams, author at ScienceDaily, explains research conducted at Rice University that explains how graphene, a very valuable substance with numerous favorable properties, can be produced from trash. The article describes the methods and findings of the article in detail without using jargon unless necessary.

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Live Science presents study investigating the transmission of noncommunicable diseases using clickbait

March 19, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study investigating the transmission of noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer and obesity, was described by Live Science. The study found that transmission patterns suggested that the transmission of noncommunicable diseases was likely due to a sharing of microbiota within residents of the same household. Live Science unfortunately errs on the side of a clickbait nature through its fear-mongering nature. Yet, despite this, the study is presented without the use of any scientific jargon, making it understandable by most audiences.

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Well-written Newsweek article on Tardigrades’ ability to survive at high temperatures doesn’t exaggerate the results of the study

March 17, 2020

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: According to a Scientific Reports article, tardigrades cannot survive at high temperatures for long periods of time. Now, due to climate change, Denmark is experiencing warming summers with temperatures that are the median lethal temperatures for tardigrades. The Newsweek article accurately described the purpose of the study without being misleading with the results but doesn’t provide a different perspective on the topic.

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Well-balanced article explains quantum dots research by NIST.

March 17, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: ScienceDaily article summarizes research done by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on quantum dots. The article explains the research and its importance well, but a lay audience member can get lost in some jargon. Although the author finds a balance between good explanation and oversimplification, the lack of author information and biography provides no method of reading more of their work.

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The benefits of yoga on brain health as presented by WebMD

March 16, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent review of multiple studies relating to the effects of yoga on the brain was recently published and further reviewed by HealthDay. WebMD has reposted this article in the goal to promote yoga for its positive benefits on brain health. The news story is presented neutrally without input of bias. Although there are multiple quotes throughout the article, they are sourced mainly from a neurologist who is not an expert on this topic. ​

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Jargon explained in CNN article on a review of the benefits of intermittent fasting

March 11, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: According to a recently published review article, there is some evidence that intermittent fasting has a positive impact on longevity, the treatment and management of chronic diseases, and weight loss. The CNN article discussed the results of the review while steering clear of painting intermittent fasting as the perfect solution for everyone. Any jargon that is used in the article was well explained for the target audience. 

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​Smithsonian Magazine article reports on the investigation into Venus’ volcanic activity

March 10, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The Smithsonian Magazine article summarizes research published in Science Advances investigating the volcanic activity on Venus. Although the journal article made the conclusion that the volcanoes are indeed active, the magazine journalist takes a less convincing stance on the “promising” data. Although the article is well-written and effectively summarizes the study without unnecessary jargon, the reader-experience is marred by the Magazine website and its excessive advertisements and aggressive prompts. 

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Excellent story on koala fecal microbiome transplant by ScienceNews drew from multiple perspectives

March 10, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Researchers discovered that fecal microbiome transfers can cause a koala to shift its eating preferences to another species of eucalyptus. This information could be helpful in koala conservation. Carolyn Wilke, the author of the ScienceNews article, steers clear of making unfounded claims. The news article included opinions of ecologists who were not a part of the research and not all of them agreed with the findings and this only strengthened the credibility of the news piece.

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ScienceNews highlights next advancement in CRISPR-Cas9 using multiple sources detailing the first human trials in the U.S.

March 5, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
​In Summary: Human trials for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing have begun in the U.S. and author Tina Saey appropriately simplifies multiple sources of research to both emulate the excitement within the field. She gives enough background information so that many audiences will be able to understand the advancements in the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Saey neither over-exaggerates nor under-exaggerates the implications of these events and successfully provides valuable insight. 

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Metro article did not expand beyond the primary research article on sounds of healthy coral that can attract fish

March 4, 2020

Average Score: 3.5 / 5
In Summary: Researchers recorded sounds from healthy coral and played it in areas of the reef that were showing signs of bleaching. The areas that played the recording saw a large increase in abundance and species diversity. The Metro article provided an accurate retelling of the scientific article, but the title was misleading, implying that the scientists created a song to attract fish. While the news article was accurate, it didn’t reference sources outside of the primary research article and it didn’t provide a link to the scientific article.

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Neuroscience News highlights interesting effects of music on the human brain as seen through mapping

March 3, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Scientists have recently published findings about the human’s brain’s reaction to different genres of music. The author appropriately summarizes the findings without providing personal opinion while minimizing scientific jargon. It is difficult to confirm the findings described by the unlisted author, as the research article lacks accessibility. Generally, the author manages to make this an interesting topic that is understandable by a wide range of audiences. 

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​Excellent Newsweek article drew from multiple sources to explain a study on the brain volume and structure of Alzheimer’s patients

March 1, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A study published in Science Translational Medicine analyzed the brain volume and structure of Alzheimer’s patients. The Newsweek article outlines the research methods and the objective in an accessible manner. Gander, the author, provides intel from a variety of sources to justify the conclusions that were drawn in the study.

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Heightened connection between physical and mental activity to the perception of sound in athletes discussed by The New York Times

February 28, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study investigates the sound-processing abilities of student athletes relative to non-athletes and finds that athletes’ sense of sound is heightened relative to their non-athlete peers. The New York Times reports neutrally on these findings and in a manner that is digestible to any audience. Although more elaboration could have been useful, author Gretchen Reynolds ultimately makes the article an enjoyable read.


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Medical Xpress article doesn’t provide source for claim that birth control pill use is declining due to mental health side effects

February 27, 2020

Average Score: 3.5 / 5
In Summary: ​Birth control pills may have negative mental health side effects according to this Medical Xpress article. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a decrease in women who use contraceptives due to its side effects. The author interviewed women who have experienced the negative mental health effects due to birth control pills to support the claim. The article pulls information from a variety of sources but does not cite any of the sources. While there are issues with the credibility of the article, the language is accessible to the public and the author explains any terms that may be unknown.

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Healthline uses multiple perspectives to illuminate findings related to neurological differences on depressive disorders

February 26, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: Neurological biomarkers related to depression were recently determined by experimental imaging and discussed in multiple studies. Author Bob Curley summarizes these discoveries in an unexaggerated and neutral manner. Although there is room for credibility doubt due to non-peer reviewed studies, his supporting sources are reputable and help to justify his claims.


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Using A.I. to analyze mammogram screenings as reported by The New York Times

February 24, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A.I. is learning to read mammograms to help doctors find breast cancer. Radiologists and A.I. were shown mammograms and determined if the patient had cancer or not, A.I. was able to decrease the percent of false positives and false negatives. The New York Times article summarizes the scientific article and doesn’t shy away from discussing the shortcomings of A.I. The article avoids the use of jargon and presents the information without bias. ​

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Interesting study about molecular reactions that could impact future medicine discussed by Phys.org

February 23, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Phys.org effectively summarizes a research study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in a way that is understandable by both the scientific and non-scientific community. The author writes neutrally and appropriately while describing the study’s findings; however, there are a few unjustified claims throughout.

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Important findings about dendritic action potentials that clarify human behaviour oversimplified by IFLScience

February 21, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: A new discovery that provides insight into a specific human action potential that has not yet been found in other mammals; however, the author tends to generalize the research. Katy Evans efficiently summarizes the new findings but tends to add her own interpretations to the research and also lacks further support from other research.

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Men's Journal inappropriately makes connections from study that relates personal well-being to sexual frequency

February 20, 2020

Average Score: 2 / 5
In Summary: A study relating personal well-being to sexual frequency was misused by Men’s Journal to characterize sexual happiness. The supporting sources, apart from the main research study, are unreliable and even further decrease the credibility of Steele’s claims. Although Steele summarizes the study’s findings without any jargon, she borders on colloquialism.

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​Easy-to-ready article by Vice on the discovery of two new cannabinoids in a recent study

February 19, 2020 ​

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The article in Vice summarizes a new study published in Scientific Reports described the discovery of two previously unknown cannabinoids. The two discovered chemical compounds (THCP and CBDP) are very similar to the commonly known cannabinoids, THC and CBD. The authors also describe how various combinations of these four compounds can possibly attribute to the different types of “highs” people experience when using cannabis. The article is well-written and easily accessible to a lay audience. 

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Well-written MedicalXpress article on Immunotherapy clearly summarizes T-cell mechanism discovery

February 16, 2020 

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A study by researchers in University College London investigated specific immune system mechanisms to induce apoptosis (cell death) in the cancerous cells of mice. The researchers were able to identify both a growth and transcription factor present in the T-cells that can aid in this process. With multiple perspectives from scientists within the community, the article written in MedicalXpress provides accurate background information and the findings are explained in a manner that is accessible to a lay audience. 

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CNN reports unbiasedly on genetic influences and sources of anxiety

February 15, 2020

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: CNN’s Ryan Prior summarizes several sources studying the genetic influences and outside sources of anxiety. The research article uses a series of veterans’ data to determine the genetics at play with anxiety disorders. CNN’s article, while unbiased and well supported by the research, could have benefitted from more personal interviews to broaden the diversity of the information. 

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ScienceNews article on Tardigrades defying death fails to expand beyond the primary research article

February, 12, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: ​Tardigrades are able to survive under harsh conditions due to the protein Dsup (damage suppressor). The ScienceNews article discusses the findings of an eLife scientific article and summarizes the key findings of the research. Although the story describes the important findings of the article, additional sources are not referenced which harms the credibility of the news article. ​
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Study investigating the link between mutations in a fathers’ sperm cell and the risk of autism in their children accurately summarized an article by TIME

February 10, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: A new study investigated the link between mutations in a father’s sperm cells and the risk of autism in their children. The TIME article discusses the implications of the findings. The article takes in the viewpoints of the authors of the research paper, but there was little research outside of the primary source which hurts its credibility. The article does not fear-monger and remains neutral in its recounting of the scientific paper. 
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Story by CTV News on celestial gases in Milky Way lacks scientific clarification

February 9, 2020​

​Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: CTV News article discusses the discovery of the ‘Radcliffe Wave’, a colossal arm of star-forming gases in the Milky Way. The discovery provides new insight into the astronomers’ understanding of our galactic neighbourhood. Although the article clearly describes the galactic phenomenon with little jargon, it fails to reinforce the explanation with adequate scientific details or reasoning. 

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An interesting summary by ScienceNews of findings about the influences of genetic similarities between dog breeds on behaviour

February 7, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: An investigation into canine behaviour has attributed differences among breeds to genetic factors involving neurobiological functions and developmental processes. Multiple perspectives from reputable journals are summarized in a manner that does not inappropriately link causation and correlation. Although there are some concerns presented about the clarity of the scientific jargon used, the author presents the articles coherently and effectively. 

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Global news summarizes the effects of eating alone in an unbiased and well-researched manner

February 6, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
​In Summary: Research speaks to the effects of eating alone on one’s mental and physical health. Author Laura Hensley summarizes multiple perspectives about this matter and presents them in an unbiased and informative way. The article makes it clear that the negative effects outweigh the positive without additional confusing scientific jargon, making it an easy and digestible read.

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Clear and concise article by The Walrus on the potential dangers of cosmetic products contains a bit dramatic of a title

January 27, 2020

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: The presence of certain chemicals in cosmetic products may pose a risk to those who are in contact with them often. While the news story by The Walrus does provide a well written summary of the potential dangers of certain chemicals for a general audience, in an easy-to-read way. Although the body of text was clear and concise, the title was a bit on the dramatic side given the factual information.

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Well written story on engineered E. coli that survive on CO2 by Independent

January 20, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: From a recent paper published by researchers in Israel, a strain of E. coli was engineered to survive and consume CO2 for its metabolism. These efforts were made to help address the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to help alleviate its affects on climate change. The story by Independent provides a simplified background and explanation for the research and notes how it can be used in applications such as climate change. In addition to quotes from the authors of the publication and other researchers, the story allows a general audience to take an interest at some of the solutions that arise to deal with modern problems.

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Attempts at simplifying the intricacies behind graphene and other two-dimensional materials causes some issues in a story by Knowable Magazine

January 18, 2020

Average Score: 3.5 / 5
In Summary: Graphene and other two-dimensional materials are becoming increasingly more essential for new technologies and applications. In the news story by Knowable Magazine, what graphene and these other ‘wonder’ materials are and how they can be used in applications in the future are discussed at some length. While the article appears to be targeted to an audience with less of a scientific background, important details and some misleading statements arise during the simplification of the concepts from the original research articles.

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Broad, potentially misleading statements in story by Medical Xpress paint an attractive picture of a new cancer treatment that has yet to be tested in humans

January 16, 2020

Average Score: 3.5 / 5
In Summary: A new class of drugs to combat cancer has recently been investigated that work on enzymes that create epigenetic modifications. These modifications change gene expression without modifying the genetic code or DNA sequence. While the news story by Medical Xpress effectively simplifies a relatively complex area of cancer and cell biology, broad, unsubstantiated statements made within the title and the news story itself may be open for misinterpretation by general audience members.

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Exceptional article by Vox on several studies regarding the health and processed meat consumption

January 14, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: According to recent studies, the research is leading authors argue against the statement from the World Health Organization suggesting a reduction in the consumption of processed meats for health reasons. In the news story by Julia Belluz and Vox, multiple perspectives are provided without the author taking a side, while accurate details from the research are presented in an easily understood manner. All opinions and sources are readily linked and available, allowing the reader to dig into the topic as much as they desire.

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Solid review by ScienceDaily on two studies investigating cancer-driving mutations in non-coding DNA

January 12, 2020

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: Two recent studies out of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research have shed light on the nature and consequences of mutations within non-coding regions in the genome and the impact these can have on cancer development. The story by ScienceDaily concisely summarizes the key discoveries of the research and includes direct quotes from some lead researchers on the project to provide a greater understanding for the reader. The research and story help provide a link to the roles non-coding sequence can play in human disease, especially given most of the human genome is not made up of genes that encode proteins.

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Difficult concept expertly broken down in reprinted story by Wired on how the excitation of neurons may have an influence on aging in humans

January 10, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recently published study in Nature investigated potential relationships between overactivity and excitation in neurons and animal life spans. In the reprinted article by Wired, originally from Quanta Magazine, there is a level of precaution taken to avoid exaggeration of the results of the paper. Along with additional sources of information, from experts in the field, there is a great deal of depth for the general reader to pick up on and satisfy their curiosity. Difficult concepts are made easy to understand and the illustrations in the news story assist the reader along the way.

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Well articulated story by Neuroscience News on alpha brain waves and attention levels

January 9, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A new study investigated how alpha brain wave modulation can affect attention levels in participants performing visual tasks. In the Neuroscience News story, possible implications of this research are raised by additional experts in the field, suggesting that in principle, humans may be able to capitalize on this alpha wave neurofeedback to enhance their attention. The story clearly conveys the research process and is overall quite informative.

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NewScientist story on a recent preprint regarding plants emitting squeals when in stressful conditions includes additional expert opinions

January 8, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The story by NewScientist describes the results from a recent paper that is not yet peer reviewed and published, regarding recordings that reveal that plants make ultrasonic squeals when stressed by a lack of water or when the stem is cut. Positives on the story by Adam Vaughan include  accurately summarized methods, results, and possible implications of the study, and notably additional expert opinions.

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Story by The Atlantic on a study revisiting the “Marshmallow Test” is further supported by credible and relevant sources

January 6, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: The “Marshmallow Test” is a famous psychological study investigating insight into children’s abilities to delay gratification and their success in the future. A similar study was revisited by a recent study and is the subject of the story by The Atlantic. The article accurately states the claims of the research publication and further supports its arguments with other credible information.

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Essentially flawless piece by ScienceNews on mitochondrial self-destruction and ALS

January 3, 2020

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study was published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience that investigates the self-destructing properties of mitochondria and this destruction may leave brain cells vulnerable to ALS. An article by ScienceNews brilliantly conveys complicated findings of this study in a way accessible to the general public. With the addition of multiple perspectives from outside sources, ample links to the original research, biography and contact information for the author of the news story, this news story can be considered a gold standard for scientific journalism.

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Story on Eliud Kipchoge’s Sub 2-Hour Marathon by Medical Xpress raises concerns on some claims made

January 2, 2020

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: The news story on Medical Xpress was posted prior to elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt at a sub 2-hour marathon, where the runner took the race under regulated conditions to try and surpass this feat. The author of the news story is also the author of the original research articles analyzing the chances of Kipchoge being able to achieve the goal. Some concerns arise, as some statements appear to be vague and non-scientific in nature.

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Fox News story on asteroid impact 13,000 years ago expresses certainty not supported by the research article it reports on

December 31, 2019

Average Score: 3.5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study sheds light on the ecological disruption and extinctions that occurred around 13,000 years ago in a brief ice-age. The consequences on the biological diversity around White Pond, South Carolina are thought to be potentially the result of an extraterrestrial impact. While unconfirmed, a news story by Fox News asserts a level of certainty that is not supported within the original research article and would benefit from additional literature sources to back up its claims.

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Story on a study into the effects of stress on pregnancy by CNN appears to pick parts of the original article for a more interesting narrative

December 25, 2019

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: A recent study on the consequences of stress on pregnancy found that higher stress levels were linked to lower rates of male births. This finding was a relatively minor part of the original research article and was flushed out a little more in detail in the story by CNN. However, while additional sources were brought in to support the argument in the news story, it still appears to have been cherry picked to create a more entertaining narrative.

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CNN falls short on unsourced claims in a recent story on a wearable exoskeleton named HAL

December 20, 2019

Average Score: 4 / 5
In Summary: HAL is a wearable exoskeleton, developed for assistance in health care and industry. In the CNN story, while most of the information stated was accurate after looking through the scientific literature, aspects of the news story would benefit with support from credited sources.

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ScienceDaily story on grizzly bear hibernation and gene regulation matches original research

December 15, 2019

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: ScienceDaily, once again, posts a detailed yet still easy to understand story on the genetic regulation during grizzly bear hibernation. Depending on the time of year, these bears switch genes on and off, triggering the increase in fat accumulation as preparation for hibernation. The story delves into potential consequences and implications this may have on humans.

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Stellar article by Duke Today regarding how social status leaves a lasting impact on gene regulation

December 10, 2019

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: New findings recently uncovered how upregulation in immune system gene networks were found in macaque monkeys of lower social status. Even as these individuals climbed the social ranking, these changes in gene regulation persisted. Duke Today provides an insightful and unbiased account regarding the research and how these findings have implications on the impact social hierarchy on our genomes.

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ScienceDaily accurate and factual when reporting the findings of a gum disease treatment on individuals with cirrhosis

December 6, 2019

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study found that individuals with cirrhosis, when treated for their gum disease periodontitis, had higher levels of bacteria that reduce inflammation and had improved cognitive function. The news story by Science daily discusses these findings in an accurate and straightforward manner, albeit without additional outside sources to back up statements made.

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Decently approachable article by CTV News on how brains change how we perceive pain

December 4, 2019

Average Score: 4.5 / 5
In Summary: A recent study shed light on how the amygdala, a structure in the brain, mediates how we feel pain. While the news article provides an adequate introduction to the topic, the story would benefit from a few sources backing up some of the claims made and a little more depth into the research article itself.

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Nearly flawless story on the classification of a platelet-rich plasma treatment as a drug by the CBC

December 2, 2019

Average Score: 5 / 5
In Summary: Health Canada recently clarified their position on a platelet-rich plasma treatment being classified as a drug over a form of cell therapy. The CBC story effectively summarizes the claims made by Health Canada, barring one unsourced statement. Overall, there is an explicit lack of bias in reporting and is an accurate depiction of the statement made by Health Canada.

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