I was under the impression that Lehrer was referencing some journal article specifically. I took away that a combination of bad science(unrepeatable experimental set up because all of the variables were not pinned down by the experimental scientist), publication bais, and randomness some times lead to an over reporting of positive results. It really does seem like Lehrer over stated his argument to make the topic seem more important then it is.

Is there a point that the article is trying to make that you are interested in that I am missing?

edited for spelling + clarity