Podcast: ‘Botched’ nutrition reporting; Alcohol abstinence boosts brain health; What causes acne?

• Viewpoint: How reporters regularly botch food nutrition studies

Reporters have again blown the results of an underwhelming nutrition study out of proportion, claiming that grape consumption may prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and extend your lifespan. While grapes are both delicious and packed with important nutrients, the research in no way justified those headlines. Is exaggerated reporting driving the public’s dwindling trust in major media outlets?

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• Taking a break from alcohol? Here’s the positive changes in the brain when you stop drinking for a month

A bout of alcohol abstinence may promote brain health, according to scientists who study alcohol use disorder. Research has shown that alcoholics who achieve sobriety experience myriad health benefits, thanks to the body’s ability to repair damage done by substance abuse. Newly gathered evidence indicates that people who regularly consume alcohol might benefit in a similar manner. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional drink, though participating in “sober October” might still be a good idea.

• Acne affects half of people over 25 in Western countries — but it’s ‘basically nonexistent’ in non-industrialized societies. Why?

Acne is a common problem for people all over the world, usually taking full effect during puberty. The exact causes of the condition remain uncertain, but several studies suggest that some aspect of industrialized society—perhaps poor diet, stress or excessive hygiene—may drive the development of those unsightly zits we’d all like to live without.