In September, The Pharmacogenetics Journal had an interesting, and brief, commentary on personalized medicine - specifically the current state of genetic testing to determine disease risk. Their point? That the science isn't in agreement with the commercial status.

"The goal of personalized m… Read full post »

Sometimes I wonder why people who have absolutely no background in science attempt to teach others. In particular is the theory of evolution. The reason there is a public debate is because of the amount of misinformation circulating. I've watched (and taken part in) trained professionals in biology a… Read full post »

I'm sure we all know that Medical School is tough. As a grad student at such a school, I knew medical students and was required to take some classes within their program that showed me just how much time and dedication it takes to get through a med program.… Read full post »

 I am thigh deep in editing work right now, but have to vent a little relief. Part of being self-employed is to search out new projects while working on the current ones. I have been extremely grateful for my main contract with a professional scientific editing company that… Read full post »

I got caught up in another Evolution debate thread today, something I always say I will never do again. I get all riled up and start spouting and then ruin my case, so for the sake of those who can keep a cooler head than I, I try to stay quiet...but… Read full post »

I'm always interested in old treatments that earn a place in current therapies. I see it as both a validation of where we come from and a step forward in patient care.

There are many examples of "voodoo medicine" or "snake oil" - treatments that don't do… Read full post »

I have to say, it's so nice to be on a blogging platform where I can actually interact with people. I have been blogging and writing for years and never felt so comfortable as I do here on open.salon.

I am somewhat isolated in my daily routine, I sit behind… Read full post »

The California Academy of Sciences has a survey to determine (roughly) how well science information is retained. I have to admit, I only got 5 of the 6 questions correct. I was one approximation bracket off for the amount of fresh water on the Earth's surface.

Why don't y0u stop by… Read full post »

After the discussion about the Pope's recent comments, I thought that an explanation of how the disease known as AIDS spreads would help some understand why him being one-sighted is detrimental to fighting the disease.

 AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. Patients infected with HIV suffer… Read full post »

During his trip to Africa this week, Pope Benedict, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, ruffled the feathers of the World Health Organization (WHO). UK news outlets are reporting that, on a plane to Cameroon, the pontiff said that AIDS “cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms,… Read full post »

The nonprofit health advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released an investigative report in January showing that a number of government science panels are skewed towards industry.

Advisory committees that develop policy recommendations are supposed to be made up of a ran… Read full post »

As of July 1, drug company gifts to doctors are banned in Massachusetts. The legislation also limits free meals and requires that companies report any payment for consulting or speaker fees that amount to more than $50. This law affects all companies that do business in Massachusetts, meaning that it…

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