Other Science News

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping -- at least when it comes to easing thoughts of one's eventual demise. A few studies can attest to the notion that retail therapy tends to improve the mood of those who are in constant worry of their own mortality. And we can think of a few other reasons, too. 
As players adapt to the National Hockey League's updated concussion protocol, several who have taken head blows received on-the-spot medical evaluations. But as to whether the safety guidelines are working as intended, it's worth scrutinizing a recent controversial incident involving the NHL's leading scorer, Connor McDavid. 
Concussions in hockey
Largely overshadowed by the NFL, the National Hockey League, working in conjunction with its Player's Association, deserves credit for implementing a smart concussion prevention and management plan. It shows considerable promise, and one that demonstrates a joint commitment to making pro hockey safer.        
New genetic technology can either come to fruition and have a positive impact on our lives, or be driven into the ground. The difference depends on whether the people making decisions understand the science and can accurately and properly weigh the risks and benefits.
A high-profile paper published in Science earlier this year is in jeopardy because of events that started out with a theft of a laptop may end up being a big enough transgression to have it erased from the scientific literature. Meanwhile, the paper on microbeads has a major problem, one that the journal is taking its time dealing with.   
Staying fit by playing tennis
A pair of misleading health directive headlines, one in Tme Magazine, the other in The Daily Mail, play up the findings of a less-than-rigorous study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that failed to make a strong case for associating athletic activities and participation with lifespan.
We let Dr. Wells loose on the mean streets of New York City to see if people can guess her profession.  Learn why here.
Junk science
Junk science is everywhere. This is why our mission is so important. If journalists and advocates don't speak up for good science, cranks and quacks will take over. As part of our ongoing effort to eradicate nonsense, here's our list of the top junk science stories we debunked this year.
The first scientifically-sound research study digs into whether or not chiropractic manipulations are useful in treating migraines and finds -- not surprisingly -- that they are not. Hopefully, there will be many more studies like this in the future. 
When going on safari, travelers are told to avoid wearing blue and black because it's thought that colored clothing attracts the tsetse fly -- the vector of African Sleeping Sickness. Is that advice to take seriously, or a rumor spread by "Big Khaki"? We delve into one study, making this essential reading before venturing on safari. 
The Food Babe is at it again. This time she's posted an analysis on her website of the amount of glyphosate that can be found in popular American foods, followed by her reasons of why we should be scared. Here is why you should (1) not be scared, and (2) not listen to The Food Babe. Ever.
Homeopathic products are a scam. It's a multi-billion dollar business pedaling its goods for any ailment imaginable, despite any evidence that they're effective. But this sketchy enterprise took a hit this week, one that may result in a change in the industry. The Federal Trade Commission announced several changes as to how homeopathic products must be labeled for marketing.