The eventual success of solar wasn’t augured by carefully constructed models of possible future outcomes. Rather, the decision to double down during one of solar’s pessi -mistic periods would have been an expression of determination that the future isn’t set in stone, but is shaped by idealists who take bold action in the face of uncertainty. When ... See more

“I know the views of certain pediatricians who say that ORS on its own is enough, but it’s difficult. If someone comes from 50 kilome -ters away to see me, what am I supposed to do? Just give them some ORS and send them home again?

oral rehydration solution (ORS). This cheap, simple solution of sugar, salts, and water mixed in the right proportions and delivered orally has saved the lives of more than 70 million, mostly children, since its introduction in the 1970s. 8 It has helped slash the number of children under five dying of diarrhoeal diseases from around 4.8 million in... See more

The history of cholera treatment is full of these scientific cul-de-sacs: moments where a breakthrough therapy seemed inevitable but failed to materialize.

they seem to be suggesting is that there was a “late firewall” with lots of contact with industry early on, but no influence after the trial started. But that didn’t happen! How do I know? Well, did you notice the part where Anheuser-Busch pulled its funding? Having the power to shut down the entire trial when -ever you want qualifies as influence ... See more

Say you’re a scientist and you want to send a grant to the National Science Foundation (NSF). According to The Rules, you will pro -pose a detailed plan of future work. In some (more theoretical) fields this is absurd: you have to do half the work in order to write that plan! And in other (less theoretical) fields, your grant will be reviewed by ot... See more

Rather, they were trying to work around some rules that they saw as silly and inflexible barriers that were preventing them from accomplishing something important.

In 2016, it looked like the NIAAA had found an elegant solution: • Five alcohol companies would donate money for a trial. • The NIH would ask researchers to send pro -posals for how they’d run a trial. • The NIH would choose the scientifically best proposal, just like they do with any govern -ment-funded grant. The donors would have no influence on... See more

So what do we do? We take the long, slow, hard path: 1. Get a large group of people. 2. Tell some of them to drink moderately, tell the others not to drink at all. 3. Wait years, monitoring people to make sure they are actually drinking (or not) like they’re supposed to. 4. Follow up and see which group is healthier.