American Council on Science and Health

2 Gene Therapies Provide Major Advancements -It has been 25 years since the first clinical trial of gene therapy was conducted, but one still has not been approved in the U.S. However, following two new studies showing that researchers are closing in on therapies for a common brain cancer and a rare eye disease, hope for approval is on the rise.

Sex Education Law is California’s Latest Health Triumph - Following a defeated attempt to overturn a vaccination law, California delivers another victory: a sex ed law, which mandates comprehensive, science-based instruction for all teens. Included are important topics like consent, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the basics, like contraception.

Childhood Stress Can Lead to Adult Health Issues, Study Finds - Though stress may sometimes be beneficial – when performance is enhanced due to the positive effects of anticipatory anxiety – prolonged stress, especially stemming from childhood, may lead to long-term chronic physiological issues.

Video: Tips to Avoid Getting Kidney Stones - Take a look at this short, clever video from the American Chemical Society for tips on how to avoid getting kidney stones.

Now PETA Is Suing Whole Foods,Too - Despite the action, Whole Foods is not worried. The huge grocery chain casually dismisses it as a lawsuit-happy activist group. But hey, isn't that ironic? It the very same thing they have benefited from so many times before in the past.

Effectiveness of Beta-blockers Questioned by New Study - Beta-blockers have been integral in the treatment of heart disease and high blood pressure since the invention of Inderal almost 50 years ago. But new research indicates they may not be the medical miracle they were once considered to be.

Notable Progress Made on Male Birth Control Pill - There have been many advances in women's contraception over the past few decades, but the same cannot be said for men. The search for an oral male contraceptive has been a bust thus far, but researchers believe there may be a solution in this area in the not-too-distant future.
Solid Reporting on the (Non) Risks of Roundup - A well-written and illustrative article in the Washington Post explains a great deal about the U.N.'s International Agency for Research on Cancer, and Monsanto's herbicide glyphosate, Roundup. It should be required reading for Americans concerned about the chemical, as well as GMO food.

Asthma Meds Safe for Babies, Despite Study Findings - A study claims that infants given corticosteroids to treat asthma may face stunted growth in their future. However, the coverage of the study misses the point: despite the concern about potential height, asthma is still a deadly disease and steroids are still an effective treatment.

Defending Deserved Nobel Winners from Baseless Attacks - A recent online article, which we find outrageous, bends over backwards to attack several Nobel Prize winners whose contributions to humanity saved many millions of lives. We've taken the time to list the writer's false accusations, challenging each, point by point.