Harvard Professor Sees His Study Terminated Over Corporate Funding Concerns

in #health6 years ago

Just a few days ago, a Harvard Medical School professor had his study terminated over corporate funding concerns.

The study was seeking to investigate the relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular health.

It's reported that the study originally was looking to involve thousands of participants and it was going to closely examine the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and the possible side effects that might come along with it, in relation to cardiovascular health.

The decision to end the study stems from reports concerning meetings that took place between alcohol company representatives and researchers. The hospital where the study was expected to take place, has responded and said that they take the decision very seriously.

It's been alleged that the study itself was pitched to various groups from the alcohol industry at luxury hotels. They allegedly had a goal of looking to demonstrate that moderate drinking consumption was not only safe, but that it might also be beneficial.

The National Health Institute (NIH) was the organization behind the final decision and investigation.

They also commented on the matter, saying that the study was flawed because it didn't have enough participants and it wasn't planning on allowing enough follow-up time in order to accurately assess the potential benefits or harm that moderate drinking might bring.

It compromises the integrity of the research if the principal investigator involved with the study, is going to be soliciting money from the industry they are studying, in exchange for positive results.

The investigation by the NIH stated further that the interactions which took place between researchers and workers from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), have led to an intentional bias with regard to the framing of the scientific premise involved with their investigation.

The NIH report also includes a variety of e-mails which allegedly demonstrate that researchers frequently contacted alcohol executives and essentially promised them positive results in-return for funding.

The potential for funding to corrupt the scientific process isn't anything new. According to one recent survey that was put together by the journal Nature, many scientists say that they have felt pressured to arrive at certain results when conducting their studies. Rather than aiming for the truth, more than half of the respondents reported feeling that they felt pressured to try and please their boss. And sometimes that might mean not exercising an honest effort to arrive at the truth.

As far as the research on alcohol consumption and health, there are many studies on the subject. Some have found that chronic or even moderate drinking is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, circulatory disease, and premature death.

The lead investigator who was with the study that got shut down, has since responded to the news and he stands by the study, insisting that he believes the design was appropriate. He also mentioned that he was disappointed with the final decision to end the study.

Pics:
Pixabay

The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.

Sources:
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-05-25/distorted-science-often-results-from-a-predictable-pattern
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/5/24/hms-professor-study-alcohol-controversy/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180220183954.htm
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/6/19/alcohol-study-shut-down/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180413121952.htm

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I've always thought a little alcohol was good for the heart and veins. Cleans them out. Thins out your blood and prevents fat and cholesterol from jamming up.

Think I will go have a martini now...

Very useful information about health. Thank you for sharing this great article. Good luck always for you @doitvoluntarily.

Buena publicación digna de tenerla muy presente, ya que consumir alcohol en exceso resulta dañino para nuestra salud @doitvoluntarily

The consumption of moderate alcohol can sometimes be healthy for our body, however the abuse of alcohol is harmful to health.
No doubt the industries will want the results to be a good place for human health.
Thank you very much dear friend @doitvoluntarily for this information

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