Many foods in the grocery store have gluten-free labels. But are they really lacking gluten, or not? The FDA sought to find out, testing a many various types of these foods. Providing good news to celiac disease patients, they found that most foods labeled gluten free are, in fact, true to their label.
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Small donations from average people make up a considerable proportion of total donations. But then there are the large donors, individuals and groups who can donate $1 million or more. Scientists, colleges and universities, artists, nonprofits, and many others are obviously interested in knowing more about these types of donors.
The common belief that hot water must be used to wash hands effectively just received a chilly reception from researchers from Rutgers University. Their study concluded that the temperature of the water doesn't matter, and that it's not linked to cleanliness. What does matter is using soap, and washing thoroughly for 10 seconds.
Citing prescription drugs as a contributing factor to his recent DUI arrest, Tiger Woods' experience sheds light on the need to educate about impaired driving as a public health concern. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports "prescription drugs are the most prevalent of all drugs found in drugged drivers involved in fatal crashes." Whether legally or illegally obtained, substances can impair a driver.
Announcing an unprecedented voyage, NASA said Wednesday that it will send a spacecraft to the Sun, where it will explore its fiery outer reaches as well as a phenomenon known as "solar wind." The unmanned U.S. craft will embark on "humanity’s first mission to a star."
If you're interested in some nutty news, we've got you covered. It includes: a speeding DeLorean, the belief that trees interact with humans (and each other), and a fire-starting woodchuck.
Drug shortages are being reported more frequently; physicians are asked to postpone elective care. Rather than continue to blame greed or hidden agendas perhaps we might consider the findings of the Government Accountability Office.
The recently published meta-analysis by the American Institute for Cancer Research is a summary of summaries. As you might expect, something is always lost in summation. In this instance, the loss is useful, credible information.
"Follow the money!" activists shout. The money trail, according to this logic, always leads to lies and deception.
This puerile fallacy, argumentum ad aurum, is just a thinly disguised ad hominem attack commonly used against scientists. Instead of criticizing the quality or conclusions of the research, activists instead assault the integrity of the scientist.
Soliris is a drug for an orphan disease, one which affects relatively few people. While these types of drugs are inherently more expensive, the market expected a price tag of $100,000 – not the actual cost of $500,000. How did the manufacturer Alexion come up with this astronomical price?
As part of the newly-published proposed budget are significant cuts to research. The prime target is indirect expenses, which seems to be a slush fund to some and a critical financial asset to others. A deeper look finds interconnections, rather than a way to reduce spending.
“When patients enter a hospital," the author of a recent article writes, "they arrive with complex and dynamic microbial assemblages that will be shaped by the treatment they receive and by the interactions they have with staff and with the building itself." Just a few reasons why hospital-acquired infections are frequent and costly.