It was just about a year ago when the media went gaga over an "obesity virus".  It all started innocently enough with research showing the effects of adenovirus infection, specifically AD-36, on fat cells, a 3-month alteration of replication. The virus was also more common in individuals considered obese (which is an arbitrary measurement anyway).

Of course the media loved it...finally, an excuse! And a reason to avoid fat people to boot! Adenovirus is spread like the common cold...oh no! (Actually, it is one of the many viruses that cause the common cold, so, yeah, it's spread like the common cold). Some even went so far as to claim that overeating no longer played a role in weight gain while quoting the researchers who said that dietary and lifestyle factors play a bigger role than any virus (see this article's browser header vs. actual content).

But there were many reasons why that conclusion didn't hold up, including the researcher behind the study calling fowl, and the hubbub was all but forgotten. Another example of science being misconstrued to make a good story.

So I trot out this reminder to be careful taking media reports of science at their word. Whether it's medicine, earthquakes, or discoveries...the media live for a good story, and then move on to the next without a moment of remorse. Especially in this age of constant information, you have to pay attention to what the original source actually said.