I think we are talking about a link that can be observed on some statistical analysis done on survey results from samples without blinds. Pointing out the link isn't quite enough to publish anything, so we add some of the buzzwords that trend well, RNA here and there usually satisfies demand. It doesn't demonstrate anything but it justifies research spendings, salary and stipends of those two researchers groups, the universities also got to be mentioned, given what they are going through it may help acquire more leads to occupy next terms seats.