A brief look at what exaggerating science in the news media brings to mind. I have noticed some of this trend in commerical-connected forensic news releases and desperate believers in outdated or debunked forensic techniques. I clearly remember a nearly $1,000,000 NIJ research grant that went to a bitemark dentist who later opined that bitemarks are great evidence and non-Causcasian teeth are unique from other racial groups.
BTW, nothing is wrong with either the paleoanthros or archeobios.
The influence of showmanship on science research.
FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends 
You are right, Mike. This is the stuff of urban legends. The “Cover-your-ass”, (CYA) mentality leads to the covert masking of the truth, Your assessment of the study findings is clear and concise. In my opinion, the players in this heist of taxpayer dollars, ought to be cited for intentional misrepresentation. I can’t take on the perpetuation of the myth by the editors of scientific journals, their lobby is too deeply entrenched.