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Purdue Pharma files for bankruptcy as part of settlement
By GEOFF MULVIHILL–Associated Press (9/16/19) Purdue Pharma, the company that made billions selling the prescription painkiller OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in White Plains, New York, days after reaching a tentative settlement with many of the state and local governments suing it over the toll of opioids. The filing was anticipated before and after the tentative…
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Juror urges U.S. judge to uphold $80 million Roundup verdict against Bayer
Reuters July 8, 2019 On July 4th, an unnamed juror from the trial against Bayer AG, makers of the glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup, sent a letter to the presiding judge urging them to leave the $80 million award against Bayer in place. The juror stated the high award was “the result of meticulous planning” by…
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After WIC offered better food options, maternal and infant health improved
Medical Express July 1, 2019 An analysis of a 2009 study by UC San Francisco on the effects of nutritional changes in the WIC program showed significant improvements in maternal health. The changes added $10 to the monthly food budget so they could buy fresh vegetables and whole grain bread instead of fruit juice. Women…
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Coca-Cola gained control over health research in return for funding, health journal says
Politico May 8, 2019 A recent study has shown Coca-Cola influenced research studies it funded, revealed through FOIA requests, possibly obscuring key information relevant to public health. This power they weilded, to boost findings beneficial to their bottom line, and yet bury negative findings, is not science — instead, it smacks of “corporate science.” “With…
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Rise in Autism Could Be Linked to Preservative in Processed Foods
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) June 21, 2019 By studying the effects of propionic acid (PPA) — a preservative added to many processed foods— on fetal brain development, researchers have found a link to a rise in autism symptoms. They decided to study the effects on brain cells, knowing that autistic children commonly have gastro-intestinal issues,…
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Mich. Prosecutors Drop Charges In Flint Water Investigation, But Promise New Probe
NPR.org June 13, 2019 Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that all criminal charges against eight city officials were being dropped in order to begin a new, broader investigation into the high lead levels in Flint drinking water. In her statement, she alludes to future charges possibly being brought against them, even though the current…
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Music helps to build the brains of very premature babies
Neuroscience News May 28, 2019 Music specially composed for preterm babies helps strengthen the development of neural networks and may help to limit neurodevelopmental delays often experienced by those born prematurely. “The most affected network is the salience network which detects information and evaluates its relevance at a specific time, and then makes the link…
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Rep. Ayanna Pressley To Introduce Bill To Combat Maternal Mortality
HuffPost May 8, 2019 With the sobering trend of black mothers dying after childbirth at a much higher rate than white mothers, Massachussetts Rep. Ayanna Pressly is the leading sponsor of a bill that would help combat this rising trend. The bill, termed the MOMMIES act, would extend Medicaid coverage from 2 months to a…
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City’s big fix to lead water crisis is here. But it could take another 6 months to work.
NJ.com May 7, 2019 After 2 years of testing high for lead, Newark’s water supply is getting an overhaul. Officials released a new mix of chemicals into the water to help mitigate the corrosion causing the lead levels to rise. The hope is that this solution will better seal the inside of the pipes and…
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For the first time, U.S. files criminal charges against an opioid distributor
Washington Post April 23, 2019 By Lenny Bernstein Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against a major drug distributor and two of its former executives Tuesday, a new tactic that for the first time exposes wholesalers of legal painkillers to potential prison sentences for their roles in the nation’s opioid epidemic. The company, Rochester Drug Cooperative, and…
