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pubhealth

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1100
1876
Study finds one percent of human genes switched off.
Scientists studying the human genome have found that each of us is carrying around 20 genes that have been completely inactivated, suggesting that not all switched-off genes are harmful to health.
true
1101
2995
Mandated hep C treatment for SC inmates gets initial consent.
A federal judge granted preliminary approval Tuesday of a proposed settlement mandating testing and treatment for hepatitis C of all inmates in South Carolina correction facilities.
true
1102
17547
"""In altered photo, says Barack Obama wants """"more of Texans’ private data"""" via health care."""
"""Dewhurst said Obama wants """"more of Texans’ private data."""" The subset of Texans shopping for coverage through the online marketplace are providing additional private data for a reason: to ensure they’re qualified. Dewhurst's statement overlooks these aspects. Regardless, many more Texans will be asked to give the IRS information about their health coverage that was previously not requested."""
true
1103
35302
The White House Gift Shop is selling coronavirus commemorative coins.
Breathing masks are selling out in Sydney with the city enveloped in the smoke from bushfires sweeping across a large swath of Australia’s east coast, damaging the country’s clean and green reputation.
false
1104
10338
Firm says test judges risk for common breast cancers
"""The focus of the story is a newly available genetic test to assess a woman’s risk of developing of developing one of the more common forms of breast cancer. The story does not provide any evidence about the test itself (despite alluding to it). The story does mention that this test has not been validated in an external review, so any evidence would be from company-sponsored studies. The story notes that the FDA does not regulate this or similar types of predictive genetic tests, and there is concern about the validity of such tests that have not been subjected to external review. The test manufacturer CEO’s speculation that insurance companies will eventually cover the test because it’s easy to perform and """"any doctor can order the test"""" is an inappropriate rationale for any screening, especially when such screening may place a woman at risk for unnecessary surgery or other treatments. The story mentions current prevention guidelines for women who are considered higher than average risk of developing breast cancer. This includes additional surveillance with MRI and mammography, chemoprevention and adopting a healthier lifestyle, namely reducing alcohol consumption and lowering body fat. However,the evidence of survival benefit for lifestyle and screening is fairly limited. Most of recent decrease in breast cancer mortality is attributed to advances in treatment not necessarily screening. Currently, breast cancer risk for women who do not carry the BRAC1/2 genes is determined via population-based calculators such as the Gail Risk Model. This tool provides an estimated 5-year risk and is only validated for Caucasian women, so a well-validated, individualized predictive test would, in theory, be useful for some women. It is not clear how the new genetic test improves on this current practice, as there was no evidence presented. Researchers and clinicians interviewed help educate the reader about a new test may have many more cons than pros. The story does note, via a patient advocate, that some women may still go ahead with the test if they feel it may help guide them in future breast cancer prevention efforts."""
true
1105
9517
Experimental Brain Cancer Treatment Is a Success
This TIME.com story describes a single-patient clinical test of injections of modified immune cell proteins, a type of immunotherapy known as CAR-T cell therapy. It has had a few successes in blood cancers but essentially none in solid tumors, including those in the brain. Described in a report in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study was conducted and promoted by officials and physicians at the City of Hope Beckman Research Institute and Medical Center, an organization that has touted treatment as “miracles” and encouraged coverage of compelling individual cancer patient stories to support sometimes exaggerated claims of major advances in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, this story carries a questionable headline (“Experimental Brain Cancer Treatment Is a Success”) and lacks any outside voices of moderation or caution about extrapolating lessons from a case study. In other words, this article could have done a much better job of contextual reporting. See our six tips for writing accurately about cancer immunotherapy drugs. At least one other news story covering this same patient, appearing in STAT (see our review), did a better job of providing context and caution. Still, the value of reporting on these single cases remains in doubt. Journalists and journals alike are clearly struggling with how and when (and perhaps most significantly, even whether) to report such individual cases, and more widely the painfully incremental advances in immunotherapies given their extremely limited (so far) success in bringing more than some months of life to 5 to 15 percent of patients at enormous financial, emotional and sometimes physical expense. Perhaps the best (and most) that could and should have been reported here is that in an apparent “first,” this patient experiment demonstrated a temporary beneficial response to the therapy, and without serious side effects. The missing context from TIME’s story is that while its success in extending some possibly cancer-free time for one man is heartening for that patient, the study says very little scientifically because factors that accounted for the limited success and ultimate failure remain essentially unknown. Do CAR-T cell therapies and other immunotherapies collectively hold the potential to work as a truly curative strategy for cancer? Many oncologists believe they do, but as we’ve seen in the past with anti-angiogenesis, interleukin, radiation, standard and combination chemotherapy, and surgery, successes are hard won, too often short-lived, and raise as many questions as they answer with respect to the individual genetic and epigenetic roots of cancer and its deadly spread. In sum, stories like this need an FTC or FDA cautionary label: ‘This is a Single-Patient-Only Story. Read With Abundant Caution.’”
mixture
1106
8187
Long lines at San Francisco area cannabis stores exempt from coronavirus lockdown.
Millions of California’s Bay area residents can still legally light up as cannabis facilities are exempt from a cornonavirus lockdown that has shuttered most businesses in San Francisco and nearby cities.
true
1107
9512
Good news for people who love spicy food
The story opens with a click-bait headline, a brief description of the main study finding, and then pulls its own punch by detailing the limitations of the observational study. We’re pleased to see the caveats high up before any readers head to the grocery to buy some red hot chili peppers. But we’d be happier to see such a story be put into more context, with some discussion of other dietary factors that affect death rates and some outside experts to comment on what this study really means for the American eaters of any kind of peppers. How dietary factors may influence life — how long and vigorously one lives — is of great interest to readers of health news. And yet dietary research that focuses on singular ingredients (or individual nutrients) inevitably ends up being click-baity. Regardless of how well a study is reported, these stories contribute to the deification/demonization of specific foods. In turn, it fuels the idea of superfoods and fad diets while simultaneously distracting from bigger picture issues around healthy living.
mixture
1108
2059
Walking may keep brain from shrinking in old age.
Walking at least six miles a week may be one thing people can do to keep their brains from shrinking and fight off dementia, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
true
1109
29168
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said the existence of billionaires was wrong.
What's true: Ocasio-Cortez said it was wrong for billionaires to exist side-by-side with chronic poverty and deprivation. What's false: Ocasio-Cortez's remarks had a clear and significant context that was elided: she was condemning income inequality and economic injustice, rather than the existence of billionaires per se.
false
1110
11908
The No. 1 job vacancy in Florida every month for seven years has been nursing.
Putnam said the No. 1 job vacancy in Florida every month for seven years has been nursing. He’s right. The top online job advertisement in Florida has been registered nurses every month for the past seven years. Experts agreed that the shortage has been an issue for awhile in Florida.
true
1111
10726
Study: Gene therapy improves Parkinson’s symptoms
Room for improvement: Some discussion of costs. While the gene therapy is in the early stages of development and a price is not likely available at the moment, the cost of other non-drug treatments could have been included. There were some critical gaps in the evaluation of the evidence and the reporting was not entirely accurate. More complete discussion of harms. Medication can be very effective for reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, especially in the first few years after onset. However, Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that can eventually cause significant disability in a significant number of sufferers. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used for almost two decades for people who no longer benefit from drug therapy. Although DBS provides relief of symptoms for many, it is not a panacea. The kind of experimental gene therapy discussed in this story could eventually provide another option to help patients manage their symptoms.
mixture
1112
9741
Pathway launches 'liquid biopsy' to find cancer in healthy people
This story did a very nice job of examining the premise behind “liquid biopsies” and pointing out the lack of supporting evidence — a slightly more thorough look than was given by a strong competing story from Bloomberg. While the story could have had a fuller explanation of the costs associated with liquid biopsies and how the tests are ordered, it better explained the potential harms and made better use of independent sources to provide context than Bloomberg did. Genomic testing of healthy people is going to cost this country a lot of money, and the proposed benefits of such testing haven’t been proven at all.
true
1113
1919
ADHD drugs do not increase heart problems in kids.
Stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder do not increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes or sudden death, U.S. researchers said on Monday, in a finding that should reassure millions of parents whose children take the drugs.
true
1114
3863
Some Kansas City-area patients ditch fee-for-service doctors.
Patients who are fed up with the bureaucracy of the health insurance industry are ditching the copays and high deductibles for a different way to get primary care.
true
1115
2932
BrainStorm says stem cells helped patient with ALS and MG.
A patient suffering from both ALS and myasthenia gravis (MG) showed significant improvement in cognitive and motor function following treatment with BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics adult stem cells, according to a published case report.
true
1116
9228
FDA approves Intrarosa for postmenopausal women experiencing pain during sex
The US Food and Drug Administration just approved Intrarosa, a once-daily vaginal insert used to treat women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse. The news release states that the drug’s efficacy was confirmed in two 12-week placebo-controlled clinical trials of around 400 postmenopausal women. “Intrarosa, when compared to placebo, was shown to reduce the severity of pain experienced during sexual intercourse,” it says. That was about the extent of the discussion in addressing benefits and quality of evidence, as there are no quantitative data given, and no mention of the study’s design and limitations. With such lack of detail, we also don’t know how concerned we should be with the drug’s adverse effects, which could include “abnormal” pap smears. If the news release refers to studies that the FDA used to evaluate the drug’s efficacy, it would be helpful if the FDA included the journal name and date of publication of the trials that informed the approval. And then the news release should clearly break down the results of those studies — complete with quantitative data — for journalists and the public. Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common condition affecting 50 to 60 percent of postmenopausal women. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse and irritation/itching. Intrarosa’s active ingredient dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), also known as prasterone, is already sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement — which is not FDA-approved, as the news release points out. Potential effects of DHEA on cardiovascular and brain health, metabolism and sexuality have been extensively studied for the past 20 years in postmenopausal women. Although short-term usage is not considered problematic, researchers are unsure if DHEA is safe with long-term usage or at higher doses. Therefore, it is critical that our regulatory agency evaluates independent, unbiased clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals. And if any trial has an obvious limitation, such as a short follow-up time, then it is the responsibility of the news release to highlight this, even in the wake of FDA approval.
mixture
1117
34842
Electric car manufacturers rely on child labor to extract cobalt for their car batteries.
What's true: Child labor has been used in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Cobalt is a chemical element used to make rechargeable batteries. What's false: However, cobalt is not used exclusively for electric car batteries. This chemical element is also used to make the rechargeable batteries in phones, tablets, and laptops. Electric car manufacturers, such as Tesla and BMW, have started to use ethically sourced cobalt from areas outside of the DRC.
mixture
1118
311
Therapy in the office: banks take mental health fight in-house.
In ‘Billions’, a U.S. television show set in the world of hedge funds, traders at the fictional Axe Capital regularly attend sessions with an in-house psychiatrist.
true
1119
38099
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), while undergoing taxpayer-funded cancer treatments, voted to end cancer treatments for Medicare beneficiaries.
Sen. John McCain Votes to End Cancer Treatments for Medicare Beneficiaries
false
1120
9166
Pet exposure may reduce allergy and obesity
This news release from the University of Alberta reports that certain types of bacteria in the gut are more prevalent in people who have furry pets (in the study, 70 percent were dogs), and speculates that there may be an association between pets and the development of allergies and obesity. Despite being short on details and explaining what the limitations are, the release is careful not to exaggerate the study findings. It says early on “don’t rush out and a adopt a furry pet just yet.” The provocative theory whereby exposure to pet dogs in the womb or in the first three months of life can result in fewer allergies and even reduced incidence of obesity is far from proven. The release is clear about that. Still, we wish it had provided more details and numbers about what was studied and how many infant stool samples were taken. If exposure to furry animals while in the womb or as a small infant were safe, harmless, relatively inexpensive and effectively helped children grow up to be free from allergies or obesity then this might be trumpeted as a true medical or social advance. As further research about the gut microbiome emerges so might understanding about how we can better avoid developing allergies, which are medically costly and extremely bothersome for a large portion of society. These pet-friendly relationships are worth following up with more research. But the release was correct to be cautious with the study findings.
mixture
1121
27360
Katie Flynn was decapitated while wearing a seat belt, in a 2005 car crash on Long Island, New York.
A website that publishes viral content accurately recounts the terrible story of Katie Flynn's death in 2005.
true
1122
11264
SBRT Offers Curative Option for Lung Cancer Patients Age 80 and Older
lung cancer illustrationThe release, which summarizes a study of patients 80 or older who underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early stage lung cancer, should have stuck to what the researchers actually studied. In the headline, main text and quotes, the release makes unjustified claims about treatment effectiveness, claiming SBRT can “safely add years to the lives of elderly patients who have early stage lung cancer but cannot undergo an operation for it.” However, the study was merely a look back at a few dozen cases that produced results the researchers considered evidence that age, by itself, should not disqualify patients. There was no comparison group that would allow any conclusions about effectiveness, including longer survival. The release does not mention cost nor does it report funding or author disclosures. Many research studies investigating the benefits and risks of various therapies exclude very old individuals. As such, it is often difficult to provide evidence-based recommendations for this population. A study of elderly people, if evidence-based, would be helpful to patients, their families and physicians. But it is important for news releases to be clear about what was studied and what was not. This summary of the experience of a few dozen elderly patients may provide some assurance that patients should not be disqualified from considering SBRT for early stage lung cancer merely because they are old. However, there was no control group, no comparison to other treatments that would support claims of effectiveness and added years of life. Muddling study results with the opinions of researchers that are based on their clinical experience or interpretation of other studies produces a confusing picture of the evidence or lack thereof.
false
1123
9875
Back Surgery Not Always the Cure for Pain
Too often, back surgery is touted as a miracle cure with amazing results. Little attention is given to the fact that few people with back pain are actually candidates for surgery and that it is still unclear whether people end up better off than if they had chosen a non-surgical route. This ABC news story does a decent job of describing these controversies, although the story is flawed in several ways. The story provides good information on how the likelihood of having the surgery in the U.S. is so much higher than in other countries. Although the story mentions spinal fusion and physical therapy as alternatives to discectomy, the story should have discussed other options and the pros and cons of each option. The story explains that there is not good evidence that surgery is better than non-surgical therapy. However, the story should have further described the strength of the available evidence. The story does not quantify the benefit of treatment, does not explain if laparoscopic surgery is novel or not, does not mention costs, and other than to say that sugery is often unnecessary, the story does not discuss harms of treatment, which can be substantial. Publisher’s note: this story was part of a series on back pain airing that week on ABC World News Tonight. The network should be applauded for dedicating extra time to this important consumer health issue.
mixture
1124
2913
J&J petitions FDA to require 'similar' names for biosimilars, biologics.
Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday said it submitted a citizen petition asking that U.S. health regulators require copies of biological products to bear names that are similar and not identical to those of their reference products.
true
1125
6732
Dem senator: Trump VA pick vows not to privatize vets care.
President Donald Trump’s pick to be Veterans Affairs secretary is promising not to privatize the agency, a key Democratic senator said Tuesday, taking a stance on a politically charged issue that his predecessor says led to his firing.
true
1126
34334
"""The Amish own 20 percent of the nation's """"puppy mills."""
Because there are millions of unwanted pets in animal shelters, animal advocates generally encourage prospective pet owners to adopt from shelters and rescues instead of purchasing from breeders (but in cases where a breeder is preferred, HSUS also provides a checklist on how to find a responsible one). According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year, and of those, 670,000 are euthanized. These numbers have been in decline since 2011, owing to an increase in the number of pets adopted and lost animals successfully reunited with owners.
unproven
1127
41088
US patent number 20120251502 is for Ebola.
This application number was for a strain of the Ebola virus but the application has now been abandoned. The virus was not created by those who filed the patent.
mixture
1128
34832
The shopping cart was not a resounding success when first introduced.
We could happily conclude our history of the shopping cart there, but that would leave out all the sex. Modern shoppers have found new uses for this now seemingly mundane grocery conveyance — it has at least in some parts of the U.S. become a component in a specialized way to indicate via non-verbal signals potential sexual availability.
true
1129
40328
Embattled “7th Heaven” actor Stephen Collins has committed suicide.  
7th Heaven Actor Stephen Collins Committed Suicide
false
1130
1351
Father-son team plans Antarctic trek powered by renewable energy.
With solar panels tacked to their sledges and a biofuel made from wood chips to keep them warm, a British father and son duo will attempt to reach the South Pole relying solely on green energy.
true
1131
16481
The president referred to the Syrian opposition just a few months ago as pharmacists and doctors, and so on.
"""In discussing Obama’s decision to arm opposition forces in Syria, Hayden said, """"The president referred to the Syrian opposition just a few months ago as pharmacists and doctors, and so on."""" We found several examples of Obama, as recently as June and August, characterizing the Syrian rebels as pharmacists and doctors, as well as dentists, radio reporters and teachers. Usually he was describing their capacity to fight Assad, but that doesn’t make Hayden’s point any less accurate."""
true
1132
31038
"""During a speech in which he declared Jesus Christ his """"redeemer,"""" Muslim leader Louis Farrakhan gave indications that he was breaking with Islam in favor of following Christianity."""
We reached out to the Nation of Islam for comment on this rumor, but have not yet received a reply.
false
1133
12401
"""Obamacare premiums have doubled"""" in Wisconsin."""
"""Trump says """"Obamacare premiums have doubled"""" in Wisconsin. The average premium for individuals who buy their own health insurance in the Obamacare marketplace nearly doubled from 2013 to 2017. But the vast majority of Wisconsin residents buying those plans get Obamacare subsidies that protect them from the premium increases. Moreover, insurance coverage on individual plans is generally more comprehensive than before Obamacare. For a statement that is partially accurate but leaves out important details, our rating is Half True. """
mixture
1134
29088
Mortality rates in hospitals go up in July due to an influx of inexperienced doctors.
Yet being the first under the knife on any given day may confer certain advantages to the patient. Being early on the day’s roster means one’s surgery will start on time, whereas patients booked later in the day may find their procedures pushed back as complications in the operating room work to make a mess of the day’s schedule. Also, the operating room is at its cleanest prior to the first operation, a factor for those concerned about the risk of post-operative infection.
mixture
1135
10510
Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia
"""Generally well done though the story may have been, we’re troubled when a story talks about """"a small but protective effect """" and uses active verbs to say the drugs """"may stave off dementia"""" when it also states in the story this is not convincing proof of cause and effect. Then how can you have a protective effect? Association, maybe? Causation and protection, not yet. This is an important and intriguing area of research. But stories that make it sound as though cause-and-effect has been proven – when it hasn’t – don’t do a service to public understanding. See how  blogger Emlly DeVoto wrote about the same problem with causal language used in a Guardian article on the same study."""
true
1136
10754
Midlife: Drop in testosterone can affect sexual desire in men and women
The piece does little to evaluate the evidence behind health claims made for testosterone products, provides no quantification of benefits or of harms and does not discuss any cost information. It does, however, provide some independent commentary that should give readers enough cautionary notes to not run out and start trying one of these uNPRoven products to ill effect.
false
1137
41718
The government gave the police much more use of Tasers to help deal with street crime.
The Home Office announced police in England and Wales can bid for part of a fund to equip their force with more Tasers. Final funding allocations will be announced in February.
true
1138
17702
Things went wrong with the Medicare prescription D plan that George Bush rolled out.
"""Israel said, """"Things went wrong with the Medicare prescription D plan that George Bush rolled out."""" There definitely were problems, and in some cases, the parallels between the prescription benefit program’s introduction and the Obamacare marketplaces are strikingly similar. While we also found some serious differences in the laws, we can’t find fault with Israel’s fairly general statement."""
true
1139
37720
"""On July 28 2020, United States President Donald Trump lamented that doctors Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx were popular for their coronavirus response, but """"nobody likes me."""
A chyron reading “TRUMP AS U.S. NEARS 150,000 DEATHS: “NOBODY LIKES ME” circulated on social media, often without much context about the veracity or substance of the quote. On July 28 2020, Trump provided a response at length to a reporter during a coronavirus news conference, covering a range of topics before addressing the popularity of Fauci. At the end of the answer, Trump made the remark before moving on.According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization focusing on public and national health issues throughout the United States, the official American death toll due to COVID-19 as of the end of July 28 2020 was 149,033.
true
1140
34629
Nylabone brand pet products are toxic and cause dogs to have seizures.
Nylabone stands for quality in chews and treats. It is our goal to exceed consumer expectations for our products in innovation, safety, quality, and the enjoyment of the people and pets we serve.
unproven
1141
6169
Bird flu detected in chicken breeding facility in Tennessee.
A commercial chicken breeding facility in south-central Tennessee has been hit by a strain of bird flu, agriculture officials said Sunday.
true
1142
5846
Indiana health agency urges residents to get tested for STDs.
State health officials are urging Indiana residents to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases as the nation marks STD Awareness Month during April.
true
1143
2354
Marijuana fans pack 4/20 events in Colorado, Washington state.
Thousands of marijuana enthusiasts gathered in Colorado and Washington state over the weekend for an annual celebration of cannabis culture with rallies, concerts and trade shows in the first two U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana.
true
1144
28402
"""In August 2018, """"researchers"""" provided a """"warning"""" about the spread of the """"flesh-eating STD"""" donovanosis."""
"""What's true: Authorities in the U.K. disclosed information showing that a woman in England had been infected with donovanosis, in the preceding 12 months. If left untreated, the ulcers which commonly accompany donovanosis can spread and destroy healthy tissue around the genitals. What's false: Researchers did not issue a warning about donovanosis or provide evidence that the disease is """"making the rounds"""" or """"making a comeback"""" rather than being a very rare disease with one recently-documented diagnosis in the U.K. Donovanosis ulcers will not spread and damage healthy tissue (i.e. become """"flesh-eating"""") unless they are left untreated."""
mixture
1145
2938
UK lawmakers criticize govt's stockpiling of Roche drug Tamiflu.
British lawmakers on Friday criticized government spending of 424 million pounds ($702 million) to stockpile Roche’s medicine Tamiflu, saying doubts about the drug’s effectiveness suggest it may not be money well spent.
true
1146
4458
Gene-edited food quietly arrives in restaurant cooking oil.
Somewhere in the Midwest, a restaurant is frying foods with oil made from gene-edited soybeans. That’s according to the company making the oil, which says it’s the first commercial use of a gene-edited food in the U.S.
true
1147
9012
Multiple Studies Show Freespira® Eliminates Panic Attacks in 80% of Patients
This news release claims that 80% of patients with panic attacks due to anxiety could get relief after 4 weeks of using a biofeedback device and training package known as Freespira. The device includes a sensor to measure carbon dioxide in the breath of a patient, and a tablet computer and an app to help them understand and change their breathing and potentially avoid panic attacks. The Freespira system is FDA cleared to market to patients for at-home use with physician guidance. But the release does not give us the date or publication of corroborating studies and simply says there was a presentation at a conference about these results. We are left unable to judge the news value of the latest study from such scant details. To our knowledge, the most recent study about this biofeedback device was published a year ago. Anxiety disorders are very common in the United States. The National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that almost one-third of adults will experience this once in a lifetime. But the release does not give readers enough information to judge whether there is new proof of effectiveness from a just completed research study, or whether this announcement is referencing old studies in a conference presentation. Note: We reviewed a story in 2015 about this same device and reviewers then had some similar concerns about the evidence surrounding the device, but found the author did a responsible job reporting on the device.
false
1148
15607
Ben Carson is running for president to ‘eliminate dependency on government.’ But he doesn’t mention that he grew up in public schools, got public housing and food stamps, got free glasses from a government program, was helped by Affirmative Action, and got Pell Grants for college.
A popular liberal Facebook meme aims to hold up Carson’s past reliance on public assistance against him as he calls for eliminating government dependence in high-profile speeches. The meme gets many details of Carson’s biography right, though it also jumps to some conclusions in a few places. More complicated is the comparison between Carson’s past and his plans if elected president. Carson has said he wants to eliminate government dependency, but he also has made clear he intends to maintain programs public safety nets for people who need them. Carson hasn’t elaborated what programs fall into what category, and how those he benefited from would be treated. Overall, the meme is partially accurate but leaves out important details and takes things out of context.
mixture
1149
31348
A commercial produced by Volkswagen employs suicide bomber imagery.
“We are prepared to pursue the two individuals but need to locate them to ensure the success of our legal claim,” the company said in a private memo, details of which have been obtained by MediaGuardian.co.uk.
false
1150
8352
As Myanmar farmers lose their land, sand mining for Singapore is blamed.
From a boat on the Salween River in southeastern Myanmar, Than Zaw Oo pointed to a brown stretch of water he said was once full of lush paddy fields.
true
1151
36216
"""Tim Allen shared """"pearls of wisdom"""" about Trump 2020, Chelsea Clinton, Maxine Waters, and the putative death of America should the sitting president not be re-elected."""
Tim Allen ‘Trump 2020 or America Is Dead’ Commentary
false
1152
18488
"""If an individual is determined """"to commit suicide, the availability of a gun is not a factor"""" because they will find a way."""
"""State Rep. Michael Chippendale said, """"If an individual is under enough emotional or psychological distress where they’re going to commit suicide, the availability of a gun is not a factor."""" There is evidence that such substitution takes place, but it is limited and contradicted by other data. Most experts told us the real issue is impulsiveness. Some people determined to kill themselves are locked into that decision and will find another method if a gun isn't handy. But research suggests that most suicide attempts are not the result of such premeditation. Their determination is spur-of-the-moment. Thus, the presence or absence of a firearm can play a big role in whether the person is successful. Because the statement contains some element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. (If you have a claim you’d like PolitiFact Rhode Island to check, e-mail us at [email protected] And follow us on Twitter: @politifactri.)"""
false
1153
7526
Woman who went to hospital twice tests positive for virus.
A woman who went to a Georgia emergency center with flu-like symptoms late last month has tested positive for COVID-19 by the state health lab, officials said Friday.
true
1154
42106
A meme claims that “if you cross the border illegally in the U.S., you get a Drivers License, Medical Insurance, housing, career training, the right to vote.”
Q: Does the U.S. provide medical insurance and voting rights to immigrants in the country illegally? A: No. A viral meme misrepresents what such immigrants are entitled to in the U.S.
false
1155
41915
"""A White House plan to rescind unspent CHIP funds would be """"taking money away from kids who need health care."""
Sen. Chuck Schumer said the White House proposes “taking money away from kids who need health care.” But congressional budget experts say a plan to rescind unspent funds wouldn’t affect federal spending or the number of individuals covered in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
mixture
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22859
"""Donna Garner Says Joe Straus """"was co-author of a bill that would have allowed Planned Parenthood to control public school sex education."""
Conservative education activist Donna Garner says Texas House Speaker Joe Straus coauthored a bill that would have allowed Planned Parenthood to control public school sex education
false
1157
14162
"""Water rates in Manila, Philippines, """"were raised up to 845 percent"""" when a subsidiary of the World Bank became a partial owner."""
Moore said that when the International Finance Corporation became a part-owner of Manila Water, rates rose 845 percent. The source cited by Moore’s staff undermines that number. The International Finance Corporation bought its stake in 2004. Between 2004 and 2012, rates rose about 170 percent. Moore incorrectly used a figure that would apply to the period from 1997 to 2012. However, the IFC crafted the plan for privatization in the first place. All parties knew that important capital investments would follow, and that rates would go up. It is also true that in terms of the actual size of a family’s water bill, rates rose faster each year after the IFC bought its share than before. Moore wrongly pegged the rate increase to the date of IFC’s equity position, but the development corporation played a key role from the start.
mixture
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9940
Heart failure therapy twice as effective in women
The story didn’t deliver the numbers and the explanations to help readers evaluate the evidence. It is not clear from the story what ‘a 70% reduction in heart failure compared with a 35% decline in men’ actually means. The story went on to mention a ‘dramatic’ reduction in cause of death from any cause. But what does that mean? How big is a ‘dramatic’ reduction? Heart disease (coronary artery disease) and heart failure are common, age-related conditions. Providing readers with accurate information that they can use in their decision making process about treatments is valuable. This story just didn’t click on all cylinders.
false
1159
2864
Australian scientists microchip bees to map movements, halt diseases.
Australian scientists are gluing tiny sensors onto thousands of honey bees to track their movements in a trial aimed at halting the spread of diseases that have wiped out populations in the northern hemisphere.
true
1160
37948
There’s more cases of Covid in the White House than in all of New Zealand.
A viral tweet claiming that there were more cases of COVID-19 in the White House than all of New Zealand, was — although likely intended as to be a bit hyperbolic — was not, mathematically speaking, true. New Zealand reported twelve new cases on October 1 2020 and zero on October 2 2020, and appeared to have a minimum of 32 “active cases” of the virus as of October 2 2020.
false
1161
2561
Long-lived bats offer clues on diseases, aging.
The bat, a reservoir for viruses like Ebola, SARS and Nipah, has for decades stumped scientists trying to figure out how it is immune to many deadly bugs but a recent study into its genes may finally shed some light, scientists said on Friday.
true
1162
9119
Football boosts bone development in boys
The news release reports on a British study comparing bone development in 12- to 14-year-old boys who played football (or soccer, as it’s known in the United States) to those involved in competitive cycling or swimming and to active boys who did not regularly play sports. The release touts the bone-building benefits of playing football but omits that the study on which it reports identified almost no significant difference in bone development measures between highly competitive soccer players and boys who were active but not involved in sports. It also left out any discussion of the risks or the financial costs associated with playing soccer competitively. Bone development during childhood and adolescence has lifelong implications for health. Poor bone development during youth increases adults’ risk for osteoporosis and fractures, which can lead to other negative health outcomes. The news release also is important because soccer is the most popular sport in the world. In 2014, more than 3 million youth (boys and girls, ages 5-19) were members of the U.S. Youth Soccer organization, which claims to include 85 percent of all registered youth soccer players in the United States. However, the rate of youth soccer injuries also has increased, more than doubling between 1990 and 2014. It’s important to note that the release (or the study on which it’s based) does not offer any guidance to the families of the vast majority of children who are more casual athletes, nor does it mention what role weight-bearing sports might play on girls’ bone development. At this point, the conclusions could be useful to researchers continuing to study exercise and bone health, but readers should approach these conclusions with caution.
false
1163
32110
Hillary Clinton vowed that she would shut down the NRA and ban handguns if she were elected President.
In short, Hillary Clinton spoke of wanting to implement broader, universal background checks for gun purchasers to keep firearms away from domestic abusers and people with serious mental health problems, but not of shutting down the NRA or banning handguns entirely. “I will get the NRA shut down if I become president. If we can ban handguns we will do it.” is a completely fabricated quote that was not spoken by Hillary Clinton (or anyone else) and did not appear in the Des Moines Register (or any other source) on 8 August 2015 (or any other date).
false
1164
25983
A patient discharge document proves that “The WHO and CDC do NOT recommend that healthy people wear masks.”
A photo of discharge paperwork from the Beaumont Emergency Center in Texas says that the CDC does not recommend healthy people wear face masks, but that advice is outdated and the emergency center says it has corrected it. The CDC does generally recommend healthy people wear face masks.
false
1165
10270
Antiviral Treatment During Pregnancy Reduces Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B
This news release describes a clinical trial testing whether an antiviral drug given to pregnant women in their third trimester reduces their hepatitis B viral load. The study also examined whether the drug limits the transmission of the virus from mother to baby. The answers to both questions are yes, suggesting a new strategy for dealing with the spread of this disease. The release does a good job describing harms, quantifying benefits and describing the study protocol. Because the cost of hepatitis drugs has been widely debated for the past few years, a mention of the drug’s cost would have made the release stronger. Almost 240 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus and about 780,000 die each year from the disease, according to the World Health Organization. The hepatitis B virus infects the liver and while many recover with treatment, it can become a chronic infection. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B. If administering a drug to infected mothers reduces the proportion of newborns getting the disease, it would be a considerable improvement in public health.
true
1166
4442
China convicts 3 researchers involved in gene-edited babies.
A Chinese scientist who set off an ethical debate with claims that he had made the world’s first genetically edited babies was sentenced Monday to three years in prison because of his research, state media said.
true
1167
11348
New drug clears psoriasis in clinical trials
This release summarizes results from a group of three phase 3 studies that evaluated ixekizumab, a new drug treatment for psoriasis. The clinical trials enrolled nearly 4,000 patients from 21 countries. About 80 percent of the patient volunteers with moderate-to-severe psoriasis that received the drug saw improvement that lasted about a year, according to the release. The release avoided exaggeration of benefits, and carefully noted the side effects and that the drug manufacturer, Eli Lilly, funded the research and hired the first author as a paid consultant. A little more information about the drug itself — specifically that it is an injection — and a discussion of the cost would have made this an even more thorough elease. An estimated 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis, an inflammatory auto-immune disorder of the skin and other tissues, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The positive results being published in a high-level New England Journal of Medicine report (on which the release is based) will likely result in this treatment being used in clinical practice.
true
1168
39072
An email is making the rounds that talks about a woman in Texas whose family has experienced a variety of health problems which she says are due to the lead content of some candles.  The email warns that burning candles in the home can lead to health problems.  
Beware of potential pollution from certain candles
true
1169
12712
More than half of Planned Parenthood facilities are in rural or medically underserved areas.
NY Rep. Maloney: More than half Planned Parenthood clinics are in underserved areas
true
1170
15282
"""In FY 2014 Planned Parenthood performed 327,653 abortions while receiving $528 million from taxpayers, in violation"""" of """"the Hyde amendment."""
John Cornyn says Planned Parenthood provided abortions, fielded aid, violating Hyde amendment
false
1171
21992
"""The Central Falls School system """"spent $100,000 on a time clock."""
State Sen. John Tassoni says the Central Falls school system paid $100,000 for a time clock
false
1172
10622
Drug gives couch potato mice benefits of a workout
When you report on mouse research, you can’t include enough caveats. This story – about mouse research on compounds to provide the benefits of exercise without the exercise – didn’t place enough emphasis on the lack of evidence of efficacy and safety in humans. Also, the story should have mentioned the process that these drugs will need to go through to determine whether or not they are effective and safe in humans. The story failed to: explain that one of the compounds is already approved for another use in humans, and so has some track record for harms and for costs – which the story didn’t describe; explain a key aspect of the research – that it examined two target tissues (two specific muscles). In addition, since the study was conducted in a single strain, meaning a group of genetically identical individuals, it is not known whether the results apply to any other strain of mice, let alone other organisms like people; explain the results in absolute rather than just relative terms. So the compound-using mice ran 68% longer and 70% farther. What does that mean? Longer and farther than what baseline? Many news organizations gave this story a lot of space in print and a lot of airtime in broadcast. This just happened to be a story that fell into our cycle for review on that day. In the end, you have to wonder why so many media gave that much attention to a preliminary study in mice.
false
1173
24549
The claim ... that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to  kill off senior citizens ... is a lie, plain and simple.
"""Obama is correct that """"death panel"""" charge is a lie"""
true
1174
29600
"""American liberals are debating the merits of """"after birth abortion."""
While the subject drew the interest of many during a debate over abortion and medical ethics, the July 2015 articles mashed up old medical ethics debates with current ideological disputes to manufacture social media outrage over a non-existent issue. (The issue-no-one-was-debating template bore a striking resemblance to a earlier manufactured “post birth abortion” controversy promulgated in October 2014.)
false
1175
34579
Scented candles can cause cancer (or other major health problems).
The evidence does indicate that there are dangers associated with pollutants that result from burning candles (and incense), although how much damage can be caused (and by which candles) is still up in the air. Moderation is probably the best approach, as is keeping areas well-ventilated and not leaving candles unattended. While research noted above does seem to indicate that vegetable-based candles, like soy, are healthier, The NCA also weighed in to say that all candles burn the same and there are no more health risks associated with parafin than there are soy candles. Finally it’s a good idea to avoid the ingredient limonene, no matter how good it might smell, in any cleaning or fragrance product.
unproven
1176
9815
Magnesium-rich diet may lower stroke risk: study
Except for the headline, the story was carefully framed to avoid overstating the findings. This story is a good example of how to report on an observational meta-analysis. We know how headlines are almost always written by someone other than the reporter. The disconnect here was clear. Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the aging population. We can decrease stroke risk by treating hypertension and taking aspirin. If dietary interventions decrease risk further, this is important public health information. People need to understand the context, however, because no one should rush out to buy magnesium supplements to the exclusion of other good health habits.
true
1177
1676
Fitness studios keep clients on track with photos, social media.
Need a little extra encouragement to shape up in time for that wedding, class reunion or vacation?
true
1178
35842
A drug used to treat animal parasites like heartworm and roundworm is a potential cure for coronavirus.
What's undetermined: The preliminary results of several studies may show potential for the effectiveness of ivermectin as an antiviral in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. However, it is too early to draw overarching conclusions. Clinical trials and further research are still necessary to determine whether the drug is both safe and effective in human patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.
unproven
1179
9404
FDA approves first blood test for concussion
This story managed to earn three stars despite grossly misleading readers. It reports the FDA’s approval of a blood test to detect biomarkers associated with brain lesions, which the FDA says will eliminate the need for a CT scan in at least a third of suspected concussions. The story covers cost and availability and usefully points out that this test hasn’t been approved for kids. But the lead gets it wrong when it says the test is designed to “help detect concussion”; it’s not. The test is designed to detect structural brain injuries that might be picked up by a CT scan, such as skull fractures or bleeding in the brain. The story also doesn’t address uncertainties with the quality of evidence or potential harms. Finally, it misses an opportunity to educate the public about the need for more judicious use of CT scans, which are not helpful for detecting concussions. Greater understanding about the short- and long-term consequences of head injuries has generated a lot of interest in how to detect and treat them. That was no doubt a factor in the widespread coverage of the FDA’s approval of this test. CNN wasn’t the only news outlet to get this story wrong, but that’s no excuse. Widespread misreporting of this test as a way to detect concussion could lead to harms, such as people being falsely reassured if they undergo this test and get a negative result. It’s also important for news stories to reinforce the appropriate use of CT scans. According to Choosing Wisely, CT scans “cannot show if you have a concussion.” Only a doctor can diagnose a concussion, based on a face-to-face evaluation. A CT scan — and presumably this new test — can detect a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain. Finally, news stories should flag weaknesses in the evidence used to support regulatory approvals, particularly for tests that are fast-tracked.
mixture
1180
7447
Dispute over reopening California Tesla factory may be over .
It appears the dispute between Tesla and San Francisco Bay Area authorities over the reopening of a factory in the face of shutdown orders appears to have ended.
true
1181
9667
To quit smoking, it's best to go cold turkey, study finds
This story looks at a study that investigated whether going cold turkey (quitting abruptly) is more effective than cutting back gradually. The article does a good job quantifying the benefits, and informing readers of the quality of the research. We also liked how the author made an effort to place this latest study in the larger body of research on smoking cessation, and used plainspoken language to let us know the results weren’t “overwhelming.” However, the story lacked comments from an independent source–or even one of the researchers. Well-designed research on smoking cessation is vital to helping smokers overcome their addiction. The media’s role is important, too–readers eager to quit smoking are not likely to be reading medical journals, but they are reading the news. Therefore, media reports about smoking cessation research must help readers make sense of new findings, and not overhype lackluster results or downplay serious harms or costs.
true
1182
41761
If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations, your house just went down 75 percent in value. And they say the noise causes cancer.
During an April 2 speech to the National Republican Congressional Committee, President Donald Trump once again attacked wind power, falsely claiming that noise from turbines causes cancer and that turbines sink property values by 75 percent. Both claims are unsubstantiated.
false
1183
6537
FDA approves lower-cost alternative to biotech drug Humira.
Federal regulators on Friday approved the first alternative version of the second-best selling drug in the world, Humira, the blockbuster injection used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
true
1184
2560
Idaho, California cities deemed best in U.S. for men.
U.S. men looking for the best place to find happiness, health and a good quality of life might consider heading to Boise, Idaho, or San Jose and San Francisco in northern California.
true
1185
30709
Dolly Parton said that the people of California were being punished with droughts, fires, mudslides and other natural disasters as punishment for embracing Satan.
“And in any religion we’re supposed to be that—we’re supposed to be kind…we’re not supposed to pass judgment. Our Bible says, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged,’ and I believe in all those kinds of things.”
false
1186
11306
Study: Medical Marijuana Relieves Range of Symptoms With No Serious Side Effects
This story drew largely from a news release about two studies purporting to show sweeping health benefits of marijuana, based on user-reported data from the Releaf phone app. There was no critical examination of the underlying evidence, and this story is basically providing free marketing for all sorts of things the authors of the study have financial stakes in. Medical marijuana is becoming big business that’s thriving on big buzz. Journalists need to scrutinize the evidence behind claims of medical benefits — especially as the cannabis industry attempts to sway public perception in advance of scientific research that will determine whether marijuana does help with certain diseases. This story doesn’t do that.
false
1187
763
Thousands try to flee hurricane-devastated Bahamas islands.
Hundreds of people fled the Bahamas island of Great Abaco by boat and plane on Friday and thousands more lined up to get on a cruise ship leaving neighboring Grand Bahama to escape the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
true
1188
24621
Only 15 percent of drug users are African-American, yet 74 percent of all drug offenders sentenced to prison are black
Arianna Huffington calls drug imprisonment rates for blacks disproportionate
mixture
1189
11609
Study: Riskier surgeries for back pain raise costs
"""Thorough report, including a glance at how marketing and financial conflict of interest may have influenced the rise in costly, complex surgeries. The story ends with an important quote from a spine surgeon:  """"Too much fusion surgery is done in this country and often for inappropriate reasons"""" and patients """"should not hesitate to get a second opinion."""""""
true
1190
2498
Tai chi: getting there more slowly, but gracefully and intact.
For modern, harried lifestyles focused on getting and spending, fitness experts say tai chi, the ancient Chinese slow-moving exercise, can be an ideal way for anyone to stay fit.
true
1191
26602
Donald Trump Says Nancy Pelosi’s coronavirus bill includes “tax credits for solar and wind energy … retirement plans for community newspaper employees … $300 million for PBS … climate change studies” and more.
The House version of a coronavirus relief bill does include several requirements for airline companies that take federal assistance from the bill. The House bill also includes provisions related to community newspaper pension plans and a $300 million funding boost for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. However, the bill does not include language on tax credits for solar and wind energy.
true
1192
13359
"""Donald Trump Says after Hillary Clinton helped a man accused of raping a 12-year-old, """"she's seen laughing on two separate occasions, laughing at the girl who was raped."""
"""Trump said after Clinton helped a man accused of raping a 12-year-old, """"she's seen laughing on two separate occasions, laughing at the girl who was raped."""" Trump is referring to an audio tape in which she does respond with amusement at her recollections of the oddities of the case, which involve the prosecution and the judge. At no point does she laugh at the victim."""
false
1193
7458
Arkansas orders venue not to defy restrictions with concert.
Arkansas has ordered a large theater to abandon its plans to defy the state’s coronavirus restrictions on gatherings by holding what could be the nation’s first major concert this far into the pandemic.
true
1194
33548
Eating turkey makes people especially drowsy.
People still feeling anxious about the prospect of tearing into a drumstick and suddenly being overcome by an irresistible urge to nod off should consider that those who took tryptophan-based supplements as sleep aids were, on the average, ingesting between 500 and 2,000 milligrams of L-tryptophan daily. Four ounces of turkey contains only about 350 milligrams of tryptophan, and (unlike people taking tryptophan-based supplements, who take them every day) most folks don’t ingest that much turkey every day of the week.
false
1195
2843
South Africa risks spreading totally drug-resistant TB: study.
Patients with contagious and highly drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are being routinely discharged from hospitals across South Africa, exposing others in their communities to potentially deadly infections, researchers said on Friday.
true
1196
26493
"""It is the decision of the President,"""" not governors, to """"open up the states."""
Reopening businesses, schools and public facilities is a decision with major implications for public health, the economy and education. Governors have issued their own closures of non-essential businesses without Trump’s direction. Legal experts say governors have the right to order closures of non-essential businesses and end such closures.
false
1197
7988
Canada coronavirus deaths jump by 35%, Quebec says equipment running low.
Canada’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak jumped by 35% to 89 in less than a day, officials said on Tuesday, and the major province of Quebec said it was running low on key medical equipment.
true
1198
9090
LED lights safer, more effective in producing Vitamin D3 than sunlight
This news release from the Boston University School of Medicine covers a study describing a new technology in which ultraviolet (UV) LEDs at a specific wavelength produce more vitamin D in a shorter amount of time in human skin samples compared to natural sunlight. These lights are also a safer alternative than sunlight, the news release claims. However, the release offers no caution that findings from in vitro skin samples may not necessarily be replicated in living humans and that larger studies are needed to show if the lights make a difference in actual health outcomes that people care about. We also wish the release had been more cautious in discussing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. There’s disagreement among experts over the rate of deficiency, and the effects of vitamin D on conditions other than bone loss needs more research. We do appreciate the findings being given in absolute terms, since this helps readers judge the treatment’s benefits more accurately. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its links to certain diseases is a source of continuing debate in the United States. Since vitamin D deficiency is linked to bone health and future studies may confirm links to other diseases and conditions, health professionals and the public remain interested in interventions to treat vitamin D deficiency.
false
1199
10895
Have a baby at new low, low price, says fertility doctor Joel Batzofin
Is cheap really the whole story? This piece focuses on a novel infertility or subfertility treatment that is still an active subject of active research in the biomedical research community. It provides little data and little balanced expert comment. Also, there is NO evidence that anyone has data that directly compares IVF and IVM, let alone understands cost per cycle, conception, or healthy pregnancy. The story does note that IVM (in vitro maturation) treatments are not widely available and this method is not as successful or widely accepted in the medical community as IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments, and that Dr. Batzofin is one of the first doctors in Manhattan to offer the treatments while simultaneously conducting a clinical trial on IVM. Dr. Batzofin discusses his own “number needed to treat” in order to consider IVM a success (20 to one pregnancy), however, this seems arbitrary. There is no sense of valid expected outcomes from data. Doing this story when even the outcomes of the first three transfers is unknown is showmanship not reporting. The story makes a simple comparison of IVF v. IVM for the lay reader, but does not discuss risks for women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs). Other methods to increase fertility are not discussed. The story does compare average costs of one course of IVF treatments with one course of IVM treatments. But given the lack of proven success with IVM, multiple rounds of treatments may be necessary to conceive. This is not specifically stated and the focus of the story, a promotion of IVM (and Dr. Batzofin’s clinic) as a more cost-effective method of fertility treatments is misplaced. The story mentions that IVM has been studied in some clinical trials in Denmark and Canada; results have been mixed and mostly included younger women, who would have an easier time conceiving. We are not told if these are randomized clinical trials. There are no data presented from these trials. Lastly, the story does not do a good job finding unbiased sources to speak to the difference between IVF and IVM treatments–only one person is cited. An additional researcher or fertility expert could provide a balanced review of the current evidence (both benefits and harms of IVM for PCO and non-PCO women) and discuss less dramatic first-line  treatments to enhance fertility. The story does interview women who serve mainly to promote Dr. Batzofin’s clinic.
false