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Our Latest Reviews

Note: We are currently reorganizing our administrative and editing team structure to better deliver reviews for you. As a result, reviews may be posted more sporadically and formatting may be slightly off for the next two weeks.

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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