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The Year in Scientific Backtracking

This year, scientists issued a steady stream of retractions, reversals, and reassessments. For example: hormone pills don't protect against disease; the food pyramid doesn't make sense; and a common knee surgery is a waste of time. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports. (5:30)

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Christopher Joyce is a correspondent on the science desk at NPR. His stories can be heard on all of NPR's news programs, including NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition.