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Science News for May 31, 2000


Accuracy of adult memories of childhood is no greater than chance

Researchers at Northwestern University found that adult memories of childhood events and relationships are no more accurate than chance, contradicting the idea that memory is a continuous tape. The study's findings have important implications for psychiatrists and mental health professionals who rely on patient reports.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2000

Media coverage of new drugs is often misleading

A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2000