The New York Times opinion piece "The Legacy of Lies in Alzheimer's Research" argues that the field of Alzheimer's research has been significantly hampered by a decades-long focus on the amyloid hypothesis – the idea that amyloid plaques are the primary cause of the disease. The article points to potential data manipulation in a key 2006 Nature paper, which solidified amyloid's central role and directed billions of research dollars towards amyloid-targeting treatments, most of which have failed. This misdirection, the piece contends, has stalled exploration of other potential causes and treatments, ultimately delaying progress towards effective therapies and a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The piece calls for a thorough investigation and reassessment of the field's research priorities, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and accountability to restore public trust and effectively address this devastating disease.
In 1984, Australian physician Barry Marshall, skeptical of the prevailing belief that stress and spicy food caused stomach ulcers, ingested a broth teeming with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. He subsequently developed gastritis, a precursor to ulcers, proving a bacterial link. While not immediately accepted, Marshall's self-experimentation, along with further research, revolutionized ulcer treatment, shifting from antacids to antibiotics, and eventually earned him a Nobel Prize.
Hacker News commenters on the Discover Magazine article about Barry Marshall's self-experimentation with H. pylori largely praised his dedication and the impact of his discovery. Several highlighted the resistance he faced from the established medical community, which long believed ulcers were caused by stress. Some pointed out the inherent risks and ethical questions surrounding self-experimentation, while others mentioned similar historical examples of scientists using themselves as test subjects. A few commenters discussed the prevalence of H. pylori infections, particularly in developing countries, and the relative ease of treatment with antibiotics today. One commenter offered a personal anecdote about successfully treating their own ulcer with mastic gum after antibiotics failed.
Summary of Comments ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42910829
HN commenters discuss the devastating impact of the potential amyloid beta fraud on Alzheimer's research, patients, and their families. Many express anger and frustration at the wasted resources and dashed hopes. Some point out the systemic issues within scientific research, including perverse incentives to publish positive results, the "publish or perish" culture, and the difficulty of replicating complex biological experiments. Others highlight the problematic role of the media in hyping preliminary research and the need for greater skepticism. Several commenters also discuss alternative theories of Alzheimer's, including vascular and metabolic causes, and express hope for future research focusing on these areas. A few express skepticism about the fraud itself, noting the complexity of the science involved and the possibility of honest errors or differing interpretations of data.
The Hacker News post titled "The Legacy of Lies in Alzheimer's Science," linking to a New York Times opinion piece, has generated a significant discussion with a variety of perspectives. Several commenters express deep frustration and cynicism regarding the pharmaceutical industry's handling of Alzheimer's research. They point to a history of failed drug trials and alleged manipulation of data, fostering a sense of distrust. Some highlight the vast sums of money poured into research focused on the amyloid hypothesis, despite its repeated failures, suggesting that financial incentives may be overriding scientific rigor. These commenters argue that this focus has diverted resources away from exploring alternative avenues of research and treatment.
A recurring theme is the devastating impact of Alzheimer's on families and the desperate hope for effective treatments. This desperation, some commenters suggest, makes patients and their families vulnerable to false promises and potentially harmful interventions. There's a sense of betrayal and anger at the perceived exploitation of this vulnerability.
Some commenters offer more nuanced perspectives, acknowledging the complexity of Alzheimer's research. They point out the difficulty of studying brain function and the genuine challenges involved in developing effective treatments. While critical of the industry's shortcomings, these commenters don't necessarily dismiss all research based on the amyloid hypothesis, suggesting that it might still hold some value. They call for more transparency and rigorous scientific practices, emphasizing the need for independent verification of research findings.
Several commenters discuss the potential role of lifestyle factors in Alzheimer's prevention and management. They mention the importance of diet, exercise, sleep, and social engagement, suggesting that these factors may be underappreciated in mainstream research.
A few commenters also delve into the regulatory aspects of drug approval, questioning the FDA's role in approving drugs with questionable efficacy. They express concern about the potential conflicts of interest within the regulatory process.
Finally, some commenters share personal anecdotes about family members affected by Alzheimer's, adding a human dimension to the discussion. These stories underscore the urgency of finding effective treatments and the profound impact of this disease on individuals and their loved ones. The overall sentiment in the comments section is a mix of anger, disappointment, and cautious hope for future research.