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Hi Murray ,

As usual you have done a very good job . It always important to point how
sometimes the midia (or someone that may use it ) can lead the public opinion
to wrong conclusions or to the real importance of the facts.


Murray Charters wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I just posted 7 similar news stories based on a press release from a NJ
> biotech firm claiming to have a breakthrough in stem cell technology.
>
> Why 7?  Well, they are representitive of 7 different journalistic "takes"
> emenating from ONE company teleconferenced "press release".
>
> It is important to note no peer reviewed study exists to support the
> press release or in fact, any of these "stories".
>
> It is important to consider that these "stories" run verbatim over a
> myriad of media outlets and WILL find their way into the homes and
> offices of the political decision makers of the nation, if not the world.
>
> It is important to consider the impact of these "stories" on our
> researchers, scientests, doctors, advocates, senators, congressmen, and
> all of their advisors.
>
> Think about this... Do "they" read JAMA, NEJM, BMJ, LANCET, or are
> they more likely to be exposed to CNN, Washington Post, New York
> Times, Fox, etc.??  Or influenced by TV or their wife/husband/family?
>
> Are "they" gonna focus on "Since the stem cells in the placenta are so
> plentiful," Haines said, "we believe our process will make obsolete the
> need to use human embryos or aborted fetuses as source of embryonic
> stem cell research."
>
> Or, will "they" read on to ...  "The company's claims have not yet been
> independently verified. None of AnthroGen's research has been
> published or reviewed and duplicated by peers.  The information was
> only released in a teleconference to reporters."
>
> AnthroGen says their work will be published in several parts in
> upcoming journals.  Soo... why didn't they wait??
>
> We may never see a peer reviewed study but decisions affecting all of
> our futures may be made based on "stories" journalists rend from one
> press release.
>
> The journalists and their points of view have an enormous influence.
>
> Sometimes their influence may also be what they choose NOT to say...
>
> We need to be aware and to beware.....  The media has tremendous clout!
>
> Don't get me wrong.... I love the technology that brings me the "stories".
>  It also enables this mechanic to share an occasional viewpoint!

Cheers,
Joao Paulo - Salvador,BA,Brazil

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