A Drug Trial Cycle: Recovery, Relapse, Reinvention

Even if some combination of targeted drugs could put melanoma into a long hibernation — and that was still not clear, he knew — it might take a cocktail of five or more such drugs to treat any given case. And it can take 10 years for even one drug to reach the market.

Author: Amy Harmon
Published: Feb 23, 2010
Length: 10 minutes (2,565 words)

A Roller Coaster Chase for a Cure

At what may be a watershed moment in understanding genetic changes that cause cancer, a small band of doctors is doggedly testing a drug known as PLX4032.

Author: Amy Harmon
Published: Feb 21, 2010
Length: 17 minutes (4,485 words)

Despite Signs of Recovery, Chronic Joblessness Rises

The social safety net was built for short-term gaps between jobs, but work may be scarce for years, not months

Published: Feb 20, 2010
Length: 12 minutes (3,194 words)

Paterson Aide’s Quick Rise Draws Scrutiny

David W. Johnson is described as Gov. David A. Paterson’s closest confidant, despite arrests in his past and disputes with women that drew the police.

Published: Feb 16, 2010
Length: 11 minutes (2,760 words)

How Christian Were the Founders?

Conservative activists on the Texas Board of Education say that the authors of the Constitution intended the United States to be a Christian nation. And they want America’s history textbooks to say so.

Published: Feb 11, 2010
Length: 33 minutes (8,405 words)

Do-It-Yourself Genetic Engineering

In the burgeoning field of synthetic biology, even amateur scientists are building life forms.

Published: Feb 14, 2010
Length: 21 minutes (5,294 words)

The Jihadist Next Door

He is identified by his nom de guerre, Abu Mansoor Al-Amriki, “the American,” and speaks to the camera with a cool, almost eerie confidence. “We’re waiting for the enemy to come,” Hammami whispers, a smile crossing his face. Later he vows, “We’re going to kill all of them.”

Published: Jan 27, 2010
Length: 6 minutes (1,682 words)

James Patterson Inc.

Like most authors, James Patterson started out with one book, released in 1976, that he struggled to get published. It sold about 10,000 copies, a modest, if respectable, showing for a first novel. Last year, an estimated 14 million copies of his books in 38 different languages found their way onto beach blankets, airplanes and nightstands around the world

Published: Jan 20, 2010
Length: 31 minutes (7,819 words)

Reid Faces Battles in Washington and at Home

Reid has another battle waiting at home: to save his seat in the Senate. The longer Reid has served as Democratic leader, the more Nevada voters have turned against him.

Published: Jan 12, 2010
Length: 21 minutes (5,436 words)

Vigor Quest

Comite says she believes in the existence of male menopause. She pegs it to when the testicles stop responding to a testosterone stimulant like H.C.G., for all intents and purposes shutting down. That occurs anywhere between the ages of 45 and 75.

Author: Tom Dunkel
Published: Jan 15, 2010
Length: 5 minutes (1,284 words)