US varsity admits deficiencies in research
Print Edition
THE University of Maryland yesterday acknowledged the “shortcomings” of its study that touted the benefits of a small company’s chocolate milk in helping high school athletes.
The university said it is pursuing a “swift and comprehensive response” that includes changes to its research procedures and the removal of press releases about Fifth Quarter milk from its website. The school is also returning funding to the maker of the chocolate milk.
The school had launched an internal investigation after being criticized for a questionable press release in December, which appeared to underscore conflicts-of-interest that can arise when companies back scientific research about their products. The release said a preliminary study showed Fifth Quarter’s milk helped improve the cognitive and motor functions of high school football players, even after suffering concussions.
The study was funded via a university program intended to boost Maryland’s economy by partnering local businesses with researchers.
In July, another press release had declared that Fifth Quarter’s milk outperformed competing products in aiding post-exercise recovery. The details of the studies were not made available, despite the press releases touting the product.
In a report detailing the findings of its investigation yesterday the university said the first phase of the study seemed more like a “service agreement” than research aimed at generating new knowledge. And it said the second phase had too many uncontrolled variables to produce meaningful results.
That was particularly troubling because students were used as subjects, it said.
The report also recommended that clear distinctions need to be made between when the university is conducting research, and when it is providing a service to a business or industry.
“The committee has found a concerning lack of understanding of the basic principles of conflict of interest in research at all levels of the process.”
A letter posted online from the University of Maryland chief research officer, however, said the school it had “every reason to believe this was an isolated incident.”
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