A study piqued my curiosity in a news feed recently. Yoga could reduce depression symptoms, researchers said – but only if you expected it to (Uebelacker 2018). Yoga for depression, it turns out, isCategory Archives: Evidence
Yoga, Depression, & Clinical Trial Critique 101
A study piqued my curiosity in a news feed recently. Yoga could reduce depression symptoms, researchers said – but only if you expected it to (Uebelacker 2018). Yoga for depression, it turns out, isPosted by in clinical trials, Evidence, featured, Health, Mental health, Study critique
What Does the PREDIMED Trial Retraction & Re-Boot Mean for the Mediterranean Diet?
A very influential nutrition trial just tanked. It was retracted from the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on 13 June, and re-published with new analyses and toned-down conclusions. Both Gina Kolata, writingPosted by in clinical trials, Evidence, featured, Health, nutrition, Scientific controversy, Study critique
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses: A 5-Step Checkup
It’s easy to be a little blinded by the specialized statistical techniques in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. As with any type of study, though, there are bad ones that can lead you down aPosted by in Bias, Evidence, featured, Listicles, meta analysis, Study critique
The Case of the Missing Neuro Drug Trials
0000-0002-8715-2896 The case of the missing neurological drug trials remains shrouded in mystery. Nearly 48,000 people took part in these trials for new drugs for multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer disease, migraine, epilepsy, insomnia, and ParkinsonPosted by in Bias, biotech, clinical trials, Evidence, featured, Health, open science, RedditScience, Research Reporting
Post-SPRINT Trial Headaches
On 11 September, some 9,300 participants in the SPRINT trial were sent a letter from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The letter told them the part of the trial where they needed to meet a set blood pressure target is … Continue reading
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Posted by in & Prevention, Evidence, gender, Health, hypertension, Research conduct, Research Reporting, Scientific controversy
The Mess That Trials Stopped Early Can Leave Behind
Many trials end with a whimper. But some end with a bang. Press release, press conference, lots of fanfare – and backlash. The drama of another clinical trial being stopped early burst into public view this month. This time it … Continue reading
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Posted by in Bias, clinical trials, Evidence, history, Research conduct, Scientific controversy, uncertainty
5 Key Things to Know About Data on Adverse Effects
The potential harms of interventions are tricky to get a handle on. Our feelings about them are, too. It wouldn’t be easy – even if we didn’t have to deal with people trying to beat up, or minimize, the … Continue reading
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Posted by in Evidence, Listicles, Research Reporting, science communication, statistics, uncertainty
Another 5 Things to Know About Meta-Analysis
Last year I wrote a post of “5 Key Things to Know About Meta-Analysis”. It was a great way to focus – but it was hard keeping to only 5. With meta-analyses booming, including many that are poorly done or misinterpreted, … Continue reading
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Posted by in Bias, Evidence, meta analysis, Research Reporting, science communication, statistics
Weighing Up Anonymity and Openness in Publication Peer Review
Scientists are in a real bind when it comes to peer review. It’s hard to be objective when we’re all among the peer reviewing and peer-reviewed, or plan to be. Still, we should be able to mobilize science’s repertoire to solve our problems. Yet, … Continue reading
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Rifts and Bright Spots in Evidence-Based Medicine
It all starts and ends with the patient. That was a strong message from the first day of Evidence Live. Trisha Greenhalgh walked that walk on day 2. She showed the limits of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with the story of one patient’s … Continue reading
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