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Fox News story on sea turtles and plastic could have benefited from an outside perspective

8/6/2020

Reviewed by: Katarina Kukolj and Vicky Chang

Average Score: 3.5 / 5

In Summary: Marine animals may not only be attracted to the way that plastic looks, but to its odour as well according to an article published in Current Biology. The Fox News article was very brief and presented only a few main points of the research. The news article could have provided some background information and could have summarized more of the research that was conducted. This article could have also benefited from providing different perspectives. There was little jargon used in the article and any jargon that was used was explained. Overall, this was a good review was written with the target audience in mind, but could have been a bit more thorough.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Beverly Gu

Time article discusses the implications of the spread of COVID-19 by asymptomatic people in a broader context

8/2/2020

Reviewed by: Lucas Warma and Celina Tang

Average Score: 5 / 5

In Summary: A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that at least 30% of coronavirus cases are spread by asymptomatic people. Dr. Eric Topol, one of the authors of the scientific article, discussed how COVID-19 may also damage the bodies of asymptomatic people. Dr. Topol's quotes add to the credibility of the Time article, but other sources could have also been used to corroborate the research. The results of the study were presented clearly and explained within a broader context in this excellent news article.

Original News Article

Research Article

Image by: Jermiah Joesph

Informative article by News Medical Life Science on prostate cancer and genetic screening lacks an outside perspective

7/26/2020

Reviewed by: Catherine Choueiri and Ryan Yee

Average Score: 4 / 5

In Summary: Author Emily Henderson covered a study on the use of genetic screening for prostate cancer detection. Over 300 men between the ages of 55-59 were screened for genetic variations associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The news article was accurate, but outside perspectives weren't provided. The study wasn't cited in the article, making it difficult for readers to verify any claims. Overall, this is a well written and informative article.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Jermiah Joesph

Science News article accurately describes the relevance of research on diapause in African turquoise killifish

7/21/2020

Reviewed by: Hadi El Roz and Katarina Kukolj

Average Score: 5 / 5

In Summary: Researchers found a gene that is responsible for diapause in killifish. In an uninhabitable environment, young killifish can pause their development until it becomes favourable. Erin Garcia de Jesus, the author of the Science News article, clearly described the intent of the researchers and the aim of this study. Garcia also explained the relevance of the research to the general public. Although the article included some quotes from experts in the field, it relied a bit heavily on the primary research paper.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Beverly Gu

Global News accurately reports on study investigating the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 prevention

7/17/2020

Reviewed by: Kyra Horsthuis and Matt Fairfax

Average score: 5 / 5

In Summary: A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine investigating the effectiveness of controversial hydroxychloroquine in the prevention of Coronavirus was discussed by Global News in a jargon-free and scientifically appropriate method. Despite an accurately portrayal of the research, the author fails to include additional sources to increase overall credibility and therefore limits the ability of the reader to challenge his claims. That said, the author contributes an interesting and easily digestible read to the dynamic COVID-19 research reporting space.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Beverly Gu

IFLScience presents interesting study on the negative side effects of oral contraceptives despite a few shortcomings

7/11/2020

Reviewed by: Victoria Han and Beverly Gu

Average score: 5 / 5

In Summary: IFLScience’s Madison Dapcevich aims to highlight the possible negative side effects that may result from the use of oral contraceptive pills. The article does not feature a peer-reviewed research study, but also emphasizes the importance of further research so as to avoid inappropriate conclusions. The title may be considered as clickbait; however, Dapcevich properly explains the findings of the study in appropriate context without further misleading in her writing.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Jermiah Joseph

Mouthwash may potentially reduce the spread of COVID-19 according to a thorough Fox News article

7/9/2020

Reviewed by: Celina Tang and Lucas Warma

Average Score: 5 / 5

In Summary: Chris Ciaccia, the author of the Fox News article, reports on a recent study on COVID-19 and mouthwash. According to the study, mouthwash components can disrupt the outer lipid membrane of viruses similar to COVID-19 and may reduce the spread of coronavirus. Chris Ciaccia accurately interprets the results of the study and presents it in an accessible manner to the audience. Although the findings of the research are promising, Ciaccia avoids exaggerating the results of the study and highlights that further research must be done.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Beverly Gu

SciTech Daily sheds light on investigation into the function of non-coding RNA molecules

7/8/2020

Reviewed by: Catherine Choueiri and Hadi El Roz

Average score: 4 / 5

In Summary: Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have explored the function of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and found a potential new purpose that relates to the regulation of insulin. Although no outcomes are overstated, other significant findings are greatly understated. Despite a few shortcomings, the author writes an interesting piece and adequately highlights some major interesting points from the research. Overall, a recommended read on this intriguing new discovery.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Katherine Jiang

Inverse's clickbait title reveals insightful reporting on recent clinical study on perinatal HIV

7/6/2020

Reviewed by: Victoria Han and Celina Tang

Average score: 5 / 5

In Summary: Author Emma Betuel reports on a recent clinical study on treating perinatal HIV; however, using a clickbait title. The news story itself is well-researched with claims supported by linked sources and clarifies that albeit the suggestive title, a cure for perinatal HIV has not been found. Betuel remains neutral throughout and highlights the main outcomes of the research appropriately. Inverse’s article ultimately earns its high score due to its credibility and accessibility.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Jermiah Joseph

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

7/4/2020

Reviewed by: Julia Schmid and Sean Luke

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.

Original News Story

Research Article

Image by: Jermiah Joseph