A (qualified) shout-out to The New York Times editorial page. ("Is this June 1st or April 1st?" ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross wanted to know.) When we opened the paper today, we were astonished to discover that that the Times editorial writers actually echo our distaste for Mayor Bloomberg's latest hijinks.

This year's World No Tobacco Day found Dr. Ross chatting with two different radio personalities about the topic that's never far from his mind: tobacco harm reduction.
You can hear Dr. Ross on WOR Radio's Joan Hamburg Show, where he headed after talking to Mike Murillo on FM News New York.

Less than a decade ago, almost a third of South African babies were born infected with HIV.

A June 5th referendum in California will determine whether a one-dollar tax will be added to cigarette packs sold in the state. Right now, survey results suggest that voters support the measure by a slim margin: 50 percent of those polled were in favor, while 42 percent were opposed and 8 percent remained undecided.ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, for one, will be watching the voting outcome with interest.

One of the most lamentable aspects of science reporting in the popular press is, no doubt, the headlines. As we often have occasion to note, the value or complexity of new scientific research is frequently reduced to an attention-grabbing but inaccurate headline by the time it goes to press.

New York, NY, May 31, 2012 New York City Mayor Bloomberg s proposed ban on the sale of soda servings and most other sweetened beverages over 16 ounces is the most egregious foray yet in his war on sugary drinks, notes the American Council on Science and Health.

New Yorkers accustomed to making their own beverage choices may soon have to cede further control to the iron fist of Mayor Bloomberg: The King Mayor has proposed a new city-wide ban on larger servings of sodas and other sugary drinks. Though it s no surprise that the Mayor, in conjunction with Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, is targeting soda yet again, the latest measure is his most extreme by far.

Hormone replacement: yes or no? That seems to be the evergreen question when it comes to this therapy, and the answer is not as straightforward as one would hope. In its latest draft guidelines, the U.S.

Women taking antidepressants who become pregnant are faced with a difficult choice: Should they continue their treatment, which may pose risks to the unborn child, or should they stop taking the medication and risk their own mental health, as well as the health of their newborn?

Two therapies that appear to be effective in promoting weight loss for obese individuals may also help them control their blood pressure, according to two new studies. Presented at the American Society of Hypertension 2012 Scientific Sessions, these studies found that treatment with the extended-release weight-loss pill Qnexa (phentermine/topiramate, slated for an FDA vote in July) or with laproscopic adjustable gastric banding helps to both reduce weight and lower blood pressure.