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Placebo
The Long Lasting Effects of Negative Information

Woodson Merrell M.D. on February 16, 2012

Is it possible for doctors to stop focussing on their legal liabilities, and start focussing on helping patients with healing words? At least one group at the NIH thinks it is.

Is it possible for doctors to stop focussing on their legal liabilities, and start focussing on helping patients with healing words? At least one group at the NIH thinks it is.

Genetics
A Fight for More Scrutiny: The First GMO Animal Built for Human Consumption

Woodson Merrell M.D. on February 10, 2012

Blink and you'll miss a critically important moment in the effort to keep genetically engineered animals out of the food supply. But if you want clean food....pay attention!

Blink and you'll miss a critically important moment in the effort to keep genetically engineered animals out of the food supply. But if you want clean food....pay attention!

Genetics
Food Safety Czar's Fuel Farms

Woodson Merrell M.D. on February 28, 2011

While the world has been transfixed by events in the Middle East, food safety czar Michael Taylor (senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA and formerly chief lawyer at chemical giant Monsanto) quietly helpled win a major victory for the ethanol industry, striking a potential blow to the health of corn crops used for food. 

While the world has been transfixed by events in the Middle East, food safety czar Michael Taylor (senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA and formerly chief lawyer at chemical giant Monsanto) quietly helpled win a major victory for the ethanol industry, striking a potential blow to the health of corn crops used for food. 

Law and Crime
Vanity Fair Exposes Pharmaceutical Industry

Woodson Merrell M.D. on December 3, 2010

In the current issue of Vanity Fair, with Johnny Depp on the cover, investigative journalists Donald Barlett and James Steele take on a scandal one doesn't expect among the magazines usual Hollywood profiles and tales of hedge-fund managers' profligacy.

In the current issue of Vanity Fair, with Johnny Depp on the cover, investigative journalists Donald Barlett and James Steele take on a scandal one doesn't expect among the magazines usual Hollywood profiles and tales of hedge-fund managers' profligacy.

Integrative Medicine
Vitamin D Hatchet Job

Woodson Merrell M.D. on December 1, 2010

Here we go again. Cranky New York Times reporter Gina Kolata has once again fanned the flames over an important tool in the preventive armamentarium: This time it's vitamin D. But it's important to bring some sense to the now raging debate.

Here we go again. Cranky New York Times reporter Gina Kolata has once again fanned the flames over an important tool in the preventive armamentarium: This time it's vitamin D. But it's important to bring some sense to the now raging debate.

Alcoholism
Kids Today Pay a Higher Price for Getting High

Woodson Merrell M.D. on November 15, 2010

Reefer Madness? Black market drugs now are different, often much stronger, than what's been available for many decades. And genomic research shows it is very likely there are changes taking place within the human genome as a result of generations of illicit drug use.

Reefer Madness? Black market drugs now are different, often much stronger, than what's been available for many decades. And genomic research shows it is very likely there are changes taking place within the human genome as a result of generations of illicit drug use.

Integrative Medicine
When Corporate Profit Trumps Public Health

Woodson Merrell M.D. on November 10, 2010

It's not often you see the Freedom of Information Act invoked in a food story. But perhaps food reporters should do so more often. 

It's not often you see the Freedom of Information Act invoked in a food story. But perhaps food reporters should do so more often. 

Health
Why Are Hormones Still Prescribed?

Woodson Merrell M.D. on October 22, 2010

It's kind of ironic (bordering on unconscionable) that hormones continue to be prescribed, even though evidence of harm just keeps piling up. Is it that no one wants to mess with menopausal women whose hormones are raging? Or are doctors unmoved by new evidence, and know of little else to offer their patients who are suffering?

It's kind of ironic (bordering on unconscionable) that hormones continue to be prescribed, even though evidence of harm just keeps piling up. Is it that no one wants to mess with menopausal women whose hormones are raging? Or are doctors unmoved by new evidence, and know of little else to offer their patients who are suffering?

Sleep
Sleep More, Burn More Fat

Woodson Merrell M.D. on October 14, 2010

New research finds that sleep is one of the most powerful diet tools ever identified.

New research finds that sleep is one of the most powerful diet tools ever identified.

Genetics
Cellphones and Brain Tumors, Reduce Your Exposure Today

Woodson Merrell M.D. on March 11, 2010

In a gutsy move, the Maine legislature is currently considering requiring warning labels on cellphones--much like cigarette packets--about the increased risk of brain cancer from electromagnetic radiation emitted as part of the radio signaling technology of all cellphones. The mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, wants to do the same. And a similar bill was introduced this year to the California legislature.

In a gutsy move, the Maine legislature is currently considering requiring warning labels on cellphones--much like cigarette packets--about the increased risk of brain cancer from electromagnetic radiation emitted as part of the radio signaling technology of all cellphones. The mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, wants to do the same. And a similar bill was introduced this year to the California legislature.

Menopause
Are Hot Flashes A Sign of Heart Trouble?

Woodson Merrell M.D. on February 19, 2010

Emerging research into why some women have hot flashes while others with identical hormonal profiles do not has shed light on a possible connection between hot flashes and heart disease.

Emerging research into why some women have hot flashes while others with identical hormonal profiles do not has shed light on a possible connection between hot flashes and heart disease.

Hormones
Friendships Promote A Healthy Heart - Even While You Sleep

Woodson Merrell M.D. on January 28, 2010

It has been known for some time that both the size and diversity of a person's social network are strongly linked with the risk of dying from heart disease. Now researchers at the University of Pittsburgh provide further evidence of a biological connection between friendship and heart health.

It has been known for some time that both the size and diversity of a person's social network are strongly linked with the risk of dying from heart disease. Now researchers at the University of Pittsburgh provide further evidence of a biological connection between friendship and heart health.

Hormones
Toxic Shopping Sprees?

Woodson Merrell M.D. on December 11, 2009

Maybe we should put the white gloves back on....you may be getting carcinogenic toxins on your hands every time you take a cash register receipt.

Maybe we should put the white gloves back on....you may be getting carcinogenic toxins on your hands every time you take a cash register receipt.

Infertility
Teflon Undermining Fertility?

Woodson Merrell M.D. on February 10, 2009

Science has a new explanation for rising infertility...and it may be in your kitchen.

Science has a new explanation for rising infertility...and it may be in your kitchen.

Integrative Medicine
Belief Meds

Woodson Merrell M.D. on January 20, 2009

People expressed shock last summer when more than half of doctors surveyed in the U.S. admitted to using placebos on their patients. I'm outraged too, but for different reasons than most.

People expressed shock last summer when more than half of doctors surveyed in the U.S. admitted to using placebos on their patients. I'm outraged too, but for different reasons than most.

Health
Medicinal Friendships

Woodson Merrell M.D. on January 13, 2009

If a good friend who lives within a couple of miles of you suddenly becomes happy, your chance of becoming happy skyrockets by more than 60%.

If a good friend who lives within a couple of miles of you suddenly becomes happy, your chance of becoming happy skyrockets by more than 60%.