U.S. doctors and hospitals throw out almost $3 billion in unused cancer drugs each year because they come in supersized single-use packages and any unused drugs must be discarded for safety reasons, a recent paper suggests. Nancy Keating (HMS) is quoted.
Experimental paper sensors that detect chemical or biological molecules have proved easy to use without the need for pricey equipment or trained specialists. Costing only pennies, they hold promise to be more sensitive than the rapid diagnostic kits on the market today. Ali Yetisen (Mass General) is quoted.
Scientists announced Thursday that they have built a single-celled organism that has just 473 genes — likely close to the minimum number of genes necessary to sustain its life. George Church (HMS) is quoted.
Cases of measles and whooping cough are on the rise after being virtually eliminated in the U.S.—and a new study finds that anti-vax attitudes are to blame. Martin Hirsch (Mass General) is quoted.
