SIRC Media Watch Archive
Panics and Scares – June 2002
Drinking too much water can kill you. A new review of three deaths of US military recruits highlights the dangers of drinking too much water. The military has traditionally focused on the dangers associated with heat illness, which has killed a number of healthy, young enrollees…however, pushing the need to drink water too far can also have deadly consequences. Reuters
Multiple sclerosis – smoked sausage link examined. Eating certain smoked sausages in childhood may increase the risk of developing the crippling autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life, researchers said on Wednesday. Reuters
Healthy eating 'can cut crime'. Encouraging healthier eating could be the government's secret weapon in the fight against crime, according to experts. A study by researchers at the University of Surrey has found that adding vitamins and other vital nutrients to young people's diets can cut crime. BBC.
Fresh fears over mobile phones. A major study into the safety of mobile phones has concluded that they may affect the health of people who use them. Research carried out by scientists in Finland suggests radiation from mobile phones causes changes in the brain… [But] Prof Leszcynski [who conducted the study] said mobile phones were still safe to use. "At the moment, there is no scientific support for introducing any sort of limitation either on use of mobile phones or setting new safety limits. BBC.
Health warning: eating can make you fat. Junk food companies in America are to warn consumers that eating too many of their products could make them fat. Times.
Scientists zeroing in on gene for ear wax. While studying Japanese families with a rare movement disorder, researchers have discovered a region of DNA that may contain the gene for ear wax. Reuters.
