Scientific progress goes "Fizz!"

CNN story that amusingly compares scientists about to publish allegedly-blockbusting papers on causative links between fizzy drinks and human obesity with scientists who (the reporters imply, via unsubtle wording) may have, er, other things on their minds [my emphases]:

"I think that's laughable," said Richard Adamson, a senior science consultant to the American Beverage Association. Lack of exercise and poor eating habits are far bigger contributors to America's weight woes, he said.

"The science is being stretched," said Adam Drewnowski, director of nutritional sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. He owns stock in beverage companies and has done extensive research in the field, much of it financed by industry but also some by government.

…

"Whatever association there is [in a study with ambiguous results that the American Beverage Association refers to] doesn't seem to be large," said Richard Forshee, deputy director of the Center for Food, Nutrition and Agriculture Policy at the University of Maryland who has received research funding from the beverage industry and global sugar producers.

It's not a good look. Kelly Brown, a Yale researcher who favours controlling fast food and fizzy drink intake, is quoted as saying that a close look at who funds particular studies of sodapop and obesity shows "the literature parts like Moses parting the ocean". Will wait for the papers themselves to see the science but this is hardly the best start in providing professional reassurances of research validity. (via)