As everyone knows, a placebo is an inactive ‘sugar’ pill. Except when it isn’t. Which is almost always.

William Briggs explains the basics of calculating probability, which pieces of the calculation are subjective, and how the results can influence beliefs and actions.

Breaking down composite endpoints to their component parts.

Harvard medical school 'research-integrity officer' was co-author of studies in question.

Explaining how a clinical trial can report success – when there is none.

Scientific misconduct is ever becoming more recognized as a problem, yet what exactly constitutes misconduct varies by source.

In this edition Malcolm explains how study results can be carefully worded, to imply results that are actually contrary to data.

Faults with a Stanford study's claims that a vegan diet is better for cardio metabolic health.

More evidence emerges that the use of statins to lower cholesterol may be counterproductive in preventing heart failure. Though cholesterol levels may be lowered, statins can inhibit vitamin K production, a substance critical to preventing plague buildup in arteries.