Bioethics & Health News
January 27

January 27, 2006

Fake Research Puts Medical Journals Under Microscope

The recent spate of high-profile scientific shams has left many wondering whether what appears in the world’s most prestigious medical journals can be believed. But despite the considerable embarrassment these deceptions have caused, leaders in the field say they do not believe the frauds signal a need for a revolution in how research is judged fit for publication.
(HealthDay)

US Black Women ‘Unaware’ of HIV Risk

HIV/Aids is now the biggest cause of death among young black women in America – but too little is being done to combat it, a leading research organisation has said.
(BBC)

Calif. Says Secondhand Smoke a Pollutant

California became the first state to declare secondhand smoke a toxic air pollutant Thursday, putting tobacco fumes in the same category as diesel exhaust, arsenic and benzene because of its link to breast cancer.
(AP)

Health Savings Accounts Attract Wall St.

When it comes to medical benefits, millions of Americans already have a health insurer. Soon, many will also have a debit card and a bank tied to their medical plan.
(New York Times)

Botox’ Doctor Sentenced for Botulism Poisoning

A doctor who injected himself and three others with a potentially deadly botulism toxin instead of the anti-wrinkle drug Botox was given the maximum sentence Wednesday of three years in prison.
(MSNBC)

Gates Pledges $900 Million for TB Research

Bill Gates said Friday his charitable foundation will boost its funding for tuberculosis eradication from its current level of $300 million to $900 million during the next decade.
(AP)