Category Archives: Medicine

Coronavirus testing

I’m getting questions about Covid-19 testing and so another blog post aimed at the non-expert in way of explanation. Confusion appears to be coming from the fact there are two tests, one already being used and another about to be released. The one that is available at the time of writing tests for the virus,Continue reading “Coronavirus testing”

Media reporting and experts

We all have our political opinions but I have tried very hard to stay away from them on this blog, and this post is no exception. Nevertheless, I’m about to wander off the science and towards the media, so it’s bound to be somewhat opinionated – please forgive me. I’ll make one exception on theContinue reading “Media reporting and experts”

Covid-19 Vaccine

I thought a review for the non-expert on how vaccines come into being might be informative (footnote-1). I suspect there might also be some surprises. Reports in the press are appearing saying we’re on the brink of a coronavirus Vaccine. Is this true? Well, it all depends upon your definition of “brink” but there isContinue reading “Covid-19 Vaccine”

SARS-CoV-2 : the virus

I’ll say one thing for the coronavirus outbreak, it has prompted a lot of curiosity. Whether you believe we are going back to the days of the plague pit, or it’s nothing but a severe cold, I have been asked a lot of questions about viruses in general and the coronavirus in particular. I’m notContinue reading “SARS-CoV-2 : the virus”

New migraine drug hails the future of therapeutic development

If you follow the science sections of the general media, you may have seen reports of a new migraine drug called Erenumab. The drug is not yet on the market but shows promise having just come through the final phases of clinical testing. Erenumab, made by Novartis, is one of several similar drugs being developedContinue reading “New migraine drug hails the future of therapeutic development”

Brain cells and the atomic bomb

Reports appeared in the press recently proclaiming that humans produce new brain cells throughout their lives (for example, The Guardian ). This account appears to contradict previous reports such as in The Conversation and in Discover Magazine Don’t we all wish these scientists could make up their mind (pun intended)? The most recent accounts thatContinue reading “Brain cells and the atomic bomb”

Who will buy my supplement?

If I were unscrupulous and cared more about money than my reputation then I recon I could do well in the world of dietary supplements. Allow me to sell you my wonder supplement Metalo-Lappin-Detox. The industrial age has seen an unprecedented increase in heavy metal pollution that can lead to mental and physical deterioration andContinue reading “Who will buy my supplement?”

CAM preys on the vulnerable – and I should know

Those who know me, readers of this blog, or followers on Twitter know I am not a fan of so called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). When asked why I care about CAM and why I spend my time attacking it in the way I do, it’s because of my own vulnerability. I should startContinue reading “CAM preys on the vulnerable – and I should know”