Minerva

Tuberculosis infects a third of the world's population, but for decades it has been neglected by drug companies reluctant to invest in the developing world. A new alliance of manufacturers, scientists, and donor agencies has pledged to end all that by developing at least one new anti-tuberculosis drug by 2007 (Nature2000;403:692). A second new drug is promised by 2012.

Retracted papers should ideally disappear from the literature because their findings are unreliable and, in the worst cases, dangerous. Most, however, remain highly visible despite retraction declarations in the original journal and on Medline (Bulletin of the Medical Library Association 1999;87:437-43). Citations continue—even increase—after retraction, according to one study, which also notes that many libraries make little effort to notify users of retractions. Electronic publication may make it easier: bad apples can simply be deleted from websites.

Eye gouging sounds nasty, and it is. One unlucky rugby player ended up with a giant retinal tear after an opponent stuck a thumb in his eye during a dirty tackle and put pressure on his eyeball for several seconds (British Journal of Sports Medicine 2000;34: 65-6). Ophthalmologists repaired the tear, leaving the player with decent but not perfect vision. It could have been far worse, …