Science and the media are strange bedfellows and share a complex relationship. Usually scientists bemoan the fact that science is misrepresented by journalists, either by using studies that grab headlines but aren't scientifically robust, or by selectively using part of the study or data to support the story, while overlooking the rest. Nothing irks a scientist more than someone not reviewing all of the evidence available, or not challenging the data or research methodology behind a study.
For this reason, I was pleased to see an article in the British Medical Journal getting widespread media attention by debunking some popular winter myths. The BMJ reported that researchers at Indiana University had undertaken a review of evidence on some widely held Christmas-related beliefs. Clearly, this was to attract some quick and easy seasonal publicity, but it was a little triumph for science to end the year on.
Sugar was the subject most relevant to the Agency – no matter what parents say, there is no evidence to suggest that children adopt hyperactive behaviour after eating foods high in sugar. This mirrors our own work – in 2006, we systematically considered the evidence on sugar and hyperactivity as part of a wider review looking at diet and nutrition and the effect on school performance of school-aged children. Like the Indiana University researchers, we concluded there was no evidence to link hyperactivity and short-term sugar intake. Our view is that parents should look to limit the amount of high sugar foods that their children eat, not because it changes their behaviour but because the foods are often high in calories and can cause tooth decay. It was also revealed that poinsettias are not, in fact, poisonous, although I'm not sure I would advocate eating one anyway.
I would like to sign off by wishing you all a fantastic New Year. I'm anticipating that 2009 will continue to raise some interesting blog topics and I look forward to debating those issues with you. But I want to finish 2008 on a slightly salutary note, as the BMJ also revealed some bad news for festive revellers – there is no scientific evidence of an effective way to prevent or cure hangovers. You have been warned ...