NZ Herald – correlation != cause

NZ Herald, November 28

The Herald ran this article a couple of days ago about the blood chemistry of people in love.

“The very source of love has been found. And is it that smouldering look exchanged across a crowded room? Those limpid eyes into which you feel you could gaze for ever? No. It’s NGF, say unromantic spoilsport scientists who have made the discovery – that’s short for nerve growth factor.”

The “source of love”? Well if you read the article you find that what scientists have really discovered is a correlation between NGF and emotional love. The Herald have erroneously interpreted that as meaning that this chemical somehow causes love. Disappointing, but for the Herald not surprising.

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