Many scientists are frustrated by the way scientific studies are reported in the media. However, in many cases I think I and others have unfairly lumped the majority of science writers together, overlooking the fact that many of them do a difficult job very well. Press releases, though, really do seem to be bad more often than good.  For sheer hype, they are without any real competition. This is particularly relevant since many science news services simply repeat press releases without comment or edits.

I am pointing this out because I think this is a place where scientist-bloggers can clearly be of service. We should continue to point out the nonsense that appears in press releases until they get it right.

Just a few examples: