The week of our publication deadline there was significant national media time being spent discussing the fact that, within the space of one week, the results of two studies were released, both dealing with salt. The first study debunked the conventionally accepted position about salt consumption, and was received with controversy, followed by the second which again reiterated the evils of the age-old substance. One network devoted a substantial period of its prime time news program reviewing how this could happen. Various experts were trotted out to explain the nature of science, how all studies must be held up to scrutiny, and why any given subject must be exhaustively researched, again and again in the interest of scientific truth. Between the lines they state in a very professorial manner that there will never be a study which is the 'end all' study.
Salt is here, use it in moderation.
No matter how many studies are done on coffee, people will not stop drinking it, etc., etc. The bottom line is that there are many worthwhile subjects deserving of investigation, especially in the nutritional and preventive medicine fields, while there are too many subjects that have been repeatedly dissected rather than fitting neatly into the realm of common sense. If public money were utilized to fund a search for Elvis, you would be upset. However, there are still those who would request funding, just in case Elvis is still out there, and particularly if funds are available.