Probably close to half of all clinical trials [of new drugs] are now conducted in the third world, although there is no way to know for sure. The reasons are clear. It is cheaper and in many respects easier and faster to do them there. a huge new industry has arisen that conducts third-world research for drug companies [...] This system makes a mockery of the notion of informed consent---the requirement that subjects be given full information about the nature of the research and have the right to refuse to participate, without penalty or consequences for their usual health care. That requirement is enforced in the US and other well-to-do countries, and partly for that reason, drug companies are having a hard time getting enough volunteers for the growing number of clinical trials.

Quelle: NYRB 52(15), p. 23

Vogelgrippe-Erreger H5N1 hat bereits 5 der 10 notwendigen Mutationen durchgeführt, die ihm eine direkte Übertragung von Mensch zu Mensch ermöglichen würden. (Niemand weiss, was das heisst: kann noch Tage dauern oder Jahre.)

Quelle: überall.

Nach der schockierenden Erkenntnis, dass Models Koks schnupfen nun die Nachricht, dass George W. in der Tat die Anregung zum Irak-Krieg von SE Gott bekommen hat (der ihn im Traum persönlich mit "George" ansprach). Erschreckend hier aber in der Tat, dass das nicht zu einem sofortigen Amtsenthebungsverfahren führt.

Quelle: auch überall.

Einen Witz:

George W. is in the Oval Office getting the daily situation-report on Iraq. Rumsfeld says: "I have to tell you, Mr President, that yesterday three Brazillian soldiers were killed." To his surprise Bush groans and buries his head in his hands, saying over and over "that is just terrible, terrible news." "Remind me again, just how many is a brazillion?"

Quelle: Guardian, 8.10.05

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Bonuslehre: Was der Checkbutton "Show this story on the front page" soll. ]