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Can you spot the problem with these headlines? (Level 1) - Jeff Leek and Lucy McGowan

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19,143 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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In medicine, there’s often a disconnect between news headlines and the scientific research they cover. While headlines are designed to catch attention, many studies produce meaningful results when they focus on a narrow, specific question. So how can you figure out what’s a genuine health concern and what’s less conclusive? Jeff Leek and Lucy McGowan explain how to read past the headline.

The Healthium study found that participants taking Healthium had a higher level of healthy cholesterol than those taking a placebo. Scientists know that people with naturally high cholesterol levels have lower rates of heart disease. What is the problem with stating that Healthium reduces the risk of heart disease?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Lucy McGowan, Jeff Leek
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Animator Maria Savva
  • Illustrator Dimitra Dakaki
  • Sound Designer Andreas Trachonitis
  • Producer Zedem Media
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

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