
Vitamin C Kills TB Cells
Researchers were surprised to discover that vitamin C was fatal to tuberculosis bacteria in culture. Steve Mirsky reports

Vitamin C Kills TB Cells
Researchers were surprised to discover that vitamin C was fatal to tuberculosis bacteria in culture. Steve Mirsky reports

Shooting the Wheeze: Whooping Cough Vaccine Falls Short of Previous Shot’s Protection
Long considered a conquered childhood disease, pertussis has made a comeback in the U.S., in part because the combination vaccine, DTap, appears less effective than its predecessor, DTP


June 2013 Briefing Memo

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out--and Accidentally Discover LSD [Excerpt]
When Albert Hoffmann began exploring the chemical properties of the ergot spore, he stumbled upon a potent psychedelic

Why You Should Worry about a Case of Polio in Somalia
Low vaccination rates in multiple African countries could doom global eradication efforts

Outdated Policies on Sexual Behavior in U.S. Military Adversely Affecting Women
The Pentagon’s fear of condoning sex and logistical hurdles have prevented it from adequately providing servicewomen with adequate information and a full spectrum of contraceptive alternatives

White House Limits on Plan B Put Science in Backseat
The Obama administration’s compromise ignores scientific studies confirming the safety of the emergency contraceptive drug for women of all ages

The Story Behind a Miracle Cancer Drug [Excerpt]
A new book tells the tale of Gleevec, a breakthrough treatment that targets cancer at the genetic level

Why Doctors Prescribe Off-Label Drugs
Why your doctor might give you an antidepressant to treat your migraines

May 2013 Briefing Memo

Bitter Taste May Battle Asthma
Bitter substances block calcium channels, which can relax the tissue that tightens up during asthma attacks. Sophie Bushwick reports

In Second Case of Flawed Drug Research, FDA Response Was Slow and Secretive
A recently exposed case of the agency's handling of drugs that reached the market in spite of fraudulent studies is no anomaly. The agency's response mirrors how it handled an earlier instance of scientific misconduct at another contract research organization