Category: science

  • Random Connections

    Random Connections

    Today, I read Dr. George Dawson’s blog post, “How I ended up in a high-risk pancreatic cancer risk screening clinic.” As usual I was impressed with his erudition, scientific literacy, and rigorous objectivity, even as it pertained to a deadly disease which runs in his family genetic history. I couldn’t help admiring his courage. And,…

  • More On Taming the Juggling Balls

    More On Taming the Juggling Balls

    I’ve been juggling for about 5 months now and reflecting on my progress. I think I’m doing OK for a geezer. Sena would call me a hot dog although I would still call it ugly juggling by any standard. What’s striking, at least to me, is the little bit of science I can find on…

  • Xylazine More About Death Than the Walking Dead

    Xylazine More About Death Than the Walking Dead

    The recent news stories about xylazine-adulterated fentanyl (also known as Tranq) describe it as turning users into zombies because it causes skin necrosis. This can lead to abscesses which may require amputations. Even more important, it can kill users. Xylazine, which is an animal tranquilizer (hence the name “Tranq”) is said to be available for…

  • Thoughts on Regrets

    Thoughts on Regrets

    I’ve been thinking about Dr. Moffic’s article on regret, posted on February 16, 2023 in Psychiatric Times. I’ve dwelt on it long enough that I feel compelled to inject humor into the subject. It’s one of my many defenses. There’s a quote from Men in Black 3 involving a short telephone conversation between Agent K…

  • Dare to Discover at University of Iowa!

    Dare to Discover at University of Iowa!

    There’s been enough bad news. How about some good news? Have a look at the Dare to Discover campaign at The University of Iowa. It shines a light on young researchers who dream big. And that’s great for all of us!

  • Jim Learns About Induction Cooktops

    Jim Learns About Induction Cooktops

    I’m learning about induction cooktops. I know I’m way late in the game. The house we bought a little over two and a half years ago came with an induction cooktop. It’s the first one we ever had; we always used gas or electric stoves. The main topic here are the noises including clicking noises…

  • FDA VRBPAC Discussion Topics Today

    FDA VRBPAC Discussion Topics Today

    The FDA VRBPAC 178th annual meeting on future Covid-19 vaccine regimens includes two main discussion topics: “Future periodic vaccination campaigns:Simplification of COVID-19 vaccine use: Among the members attending the web conference is University of Iowa Professor Stanley Perlman, MD, PhD, Departments of Microbiology andImmunology, Professor of Pediatrics, Mark Stinski Chair in Virology. The meeting is…

  • Reminder: FDA Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday January 26, 2023 on Future of Covid-19 Vaccination Regimens

    Reminder: FDA Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday January 26, 2023 on Future of Covid-19 Vaccination Regimens

    Remember, the 178th Annual Meeting of the FDA Advisory Committee on the future of Covid-19 Vaccination Regimens is this Thursday from 8:30 AM-5:30 ET. The details so far include the voting question: “Simplification of current COVID-19 vaccine use:

  • FDA Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss Future Covid-19 Vaccine Regimens

    FDA Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss Future Covid-19 Vaccine Regimens

    The FDA 178th Meeting of the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will meet in open session January 26, 2023 to discuss future Covid-19 vaccination regimens. The meeting will run between 8:30 AM-5:30 PM ET.

  • CDC Identifies Preliminary Covid-19 Vaccine Safety Signal

    CDC Identifies Preliminary Covid-19 Vaccine Safety Signal

    The CDC announced that a prelimary Covid-19 Vaccine Safety signal has been identified in a recent update on their website: “Following the availability and use of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines, CDC’s Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), a near real-time surveillance system, met the statistical criteria to prompt additional investigation into whether there was a safety…