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Doctors knew from previous studies that major depression after a heart attack increased the likelihood the patient would die.

For the most part, their argument isn't convincing. The law, to take one provision to which the plaintiffs object, requires an increase in the size and severity of warning labels on cigarette packs. The new labels would replace the relatively tame, outdated and small cautionary notes that have appeared on cigarette packaging for decades, appropriately warning consumers -- and, more important, potential consumers -- of the risks of using a uniquely harmful product. It's reasonable to insist that the warnings be made more prominent. But one aspect of the law seems more problematic, especially given that courts have expanded protections for commercial speech in the past decade or so. The law bars tobacco companies from claiming that one product is less harmful than another unless the FDA determines it's true. So far, so good: Just as the FDA regulates what can be said about the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs, it should have the authority to assess the scientific basis for clai

The growth of cancerous tumors is fueled, at least in part, by the buildup of free radicals---highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules. It stands to reason, then, that cancer should respond to treatment with antioxidants, which inhibit the rogue radicals, or with pro-oxidants, which go the opposite direction, increasing 'oxidative stress' on cancer cells to the point of vanquishing them.