Source links dead for article

Question

The source links on this article are “dead.” Would it be possible for the author to supply alternate links? If appropriate (and more recent) sources are not available, perhpas the article should be removed? https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm?fbclid=IwAR11DQJQzmZOyTHROk7UaPBGNB2hizAc_EoT44bCUH3yiaPmRBf8nsjaBac

Answer 1

We regularly check and correct broken links. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

Answer 2

A Google scholar search yields results pertaining to this issue. Quorum, Science Daily and https://www.colorado.edu/today/2017/01/05/study-linking-beneficial-bacteria-mental-health-makes-top-10-list-brain-research discuss the early findings of potential interplay between this Mycobacterium and brain health. Results are too preliminary to draw conclusions. They suggest potential research that is needed to look at the immune system and brain health as well as Mycobacterium vaccae’s role. Since soil is known to contain pathogenic organisms, the advice to wash hands after gardening and rinse produce still stands.

Answer 3

I agree that from a research perspective, it was far too soon for this to be presented as anything more than a preliminary finding of a relationship. Correlation does not equal causation, right? I think this should be removed or article introduced as “preliminary research suggests a relationship, further research needed…”