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The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study this week claiming that esteemed doctors frequently put their name on the byline of studies published in medical journals - when the studies were actually written by pharmaceutical companies. JAMA's editor-in-chief Dr. Catherine DeAngelis explains what steps medical journals should take to prevent this practice.
An undercover video of a downer cow being dragged into a slaughterhouse at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company was featured in thousands of news stories this week. Humane Society of the United States CEO Wayne Pacelle explains why these images so successfully captured the media’s attention.
A study out this week found that manufacturers of antidepressants are publishing their successful clinical trials and burying their failures. For those that rely on antidepressants this is another reason to feel bad, but medical reporter Jeanne Lenzer explains why Pharma's selective memory has potential side effects for anyone taking medication.
For decades, the consumption of news has complicated our consumption of food. So says Michael Pollan, professor of science and environmental journalism. He explains how health studies, the reporters who love them and especially food labels have left us poorly fed and informed.
Americans overwhelmed by a glut of nutritional suggestions may have hope. The food industry is searching for a new way to standardize such information. The University of Washington's Adam Drewnowski has created his own 100-point system for rating food, which may find its way to your grocery shelves soon.
A few weeks ago, UNAIDS and the WHO revised down the number of those infected globally with HIV/AIDS. Revised down, that is, by 6 million people. What’s a journalist to do when faced with “official” math that doesn’t add up? Harvard research scientist Daniel Halperin provides his equation for the weight of numbers.
The drug-resistant infection MRSA has been all over the headlines, ever since scientists documented the prevalence of the disease. Experts are glad the issue is getting attention, but they’re not all sure it’s the right kind of attention. WNYC’s Fred Mogul reports.
A couple of Silicon Valley start-ups plan to market genetic testing to the masses. One possible feature is a networking component based on your DNA. Portfolio Magazine contributing editor David Ewing Duncan discusses the future of what may be a multi-billion dollar direct-to-consumer biotech industry.
