How the Media Covers Research

It is important to think critically about any of the news stories you read or hear. Online news sites and television stations want your attention. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies and universities want you to hear about their latest studies. As a result, small study findings all too often get hyped as “breakthroughs,” even when the treatment being study hasn’t yet been tested in humans and it will be years before we know if it really works. Understanding some basic statistical terms can help you figure out what news is really worth sharing on Facebook.

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This video explains how to know if a “breakthrough” is real or merely another study result

This section of our website may also be helpful:

Research Worth Watching Blog
Dr. Susan Love’s blog posts go beyond the headlines to explore the latest in cancer research.

Clinical Trials
Here you can learn about the phases of clinical trials.