There are many very smart people scrutinizing health news coverage these days. Some of them populate the Chance News wiki based at Dartmouth College.
Look at how one observer analyzed recent news coverage of the stories behind some of these headlines:
The Independent: "Big breakfast is most important meal -- if you want a baby boy."
Reuters: "Skipping breakfast may mean your baby is a girl."
New Scientist: "Breakfast cereals boost chances of conceiving boys."
CNN.com: "Study shows bananas make baby boys."
New York Times: "Boy or Girl? The Answer May Depend on Mom's Eating Habits."
My policy on comments
I'm adopting the policy of a blog I admire: “Comments are great;
obnoxious comments get deleted. Deal.” I also won’t post profanity, product pitches, or anything from anyone
who doesn’t list what appears to be an actual e-mail address.