"An apple (or two) a day may help keep Alzheimer's away -- and fight the effects of aging on the brain," according to a story posted on WebMD.
The story should have said clearly, boldly and early: "IF YOU ARE A MOUSE."
But the story, reporting on a study funded by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research & Education Council, didn't mention mice until seven paragraphs deep in the story. No important caveats appeared in the story.
In fact one quote was the exact same quote in a U.S. Apple Association news release.
Here's a caveat for news and health care consumers: Yesterday CBS News announced it was partnering with WebMD in an effort to "expand its medical and health coverage." Let's hope the partnership doesn't result in more mouse breakthroughs on the network newscasts.
Posted by schwitz at August 8, 2006 08:09 AM | TrackBack