(Search all 657 reviews)

GPS-like system helps surgeons align joints

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Too often a story about a developing medical technology used locally reads like a gee-whiz rave. This well-reported, judiciously written story is a welcome exception....
Computers help docs spot breast cancer on X-rays

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This was a well-reported story on computer-aided reading of mammograms. But two related flaws, and one contextual issue, prevent it from providing a higher level of reader service....
Staying Heart Healthy: The Newer, Quicker Angioplasty

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An uninformative piece about options for angiogram/angioplasty insertion sites - a “gee whiz” story about something supposedly newer and better devoid of discussion of evidence and of tradeoffs....
Targeted Beams: New Machine Speeds Radiation Treatment

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A totally uncritical story about a new radiation treatment that even referred to the manufacturer as "the industry leader."  The story reads more like a paid ad than independent journalism....

Fan use linked to lower risk of sudden baby death

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AP reports on a study that feels like an early phase drug trial in which the exact dose and benefit are not established.  The story could have reported on the potential flaws of the study design.
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Screen heart patients for depression, AHA urges

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Overall, a good job, but the story does not mention any possible downsides of depression screening or cost issues, or reimbursement as a barrier to effective screening....
Acupuncture Reduces Painful Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatments

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The story failed to: evaluate the quality of the evidence, quantify the benefits, mention that the study has only been presented at a scientific meeting and has not been published and peer-reviewed. ...
New Merck osteoporosis drug boosts bone density

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This story failed to invite a skeptical view of news about unpublished Phase II results about a drug. We think it shouldn’t have been published....

Breast self-exams: What should YOU do?

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Good job explaining that breast self examination is a personal decision, and depending on how someone feels about the increased risk of biopsy can determine whether she wants to do it or not.  ...
Study: New way to spot breast cancer shows promise

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Good job - with the only exception being a significant one - no discussion of the possible limitations of interpreting study results presented in a phone call – not in a peer reviewed publication.

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Drug Makers’ Push Leads to Cancer Vaccines’ Fast Rise

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One of the best stories written yet about the complicated topic of the place for the HPV vaccine in health care. Thank goodness there still is room in daily papers for a 4,100-word piece like this....

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