The Claim
The proportion of negative randomized controlled trials published in high-impact medical journals increased significantly from 27.6% in 2000 to 37.4% in 2020, representing a statistically significant difference (P=0.01).
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Top medical journals are publishing more studies that find treatments don't work now compared to 20 years ago - about 37% in 2020 versus 28% in 2000, and researchers confirmed this increase is statistically meaningful.
See the scientific wording
The proportion of negative randomized controlled trials published in high-impact medical journals increased from 27.6% in 2000 to 37.4% in 2020, representing a statistically significant difference (P=0.01)
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Trends of Publication of Negative Trials Over Time
The study looked at medical journals like BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, and NEJM and found that 27.6% of published trials were negative in 2000, but 37.4% were negative in 2020 - exactly matching the claim. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.01), meaning it's unlikely to be due to chance.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.