Well THAT'S a relief!! Bad reporting once again leads to erroneous perceptions.
All eight wines suffered a noticeable decrease in the intensity of their aromas and flavors on account of the cheeses. However, contrary to what the New Scientist headline suggested, the cheeses did not diminish the ability of the students to distinguish the better wines from the rotgut.
In my experience it is usually the third glass (and certainly the fourth) that diminishes that, and just about every other, ability.
C