STORY BYFrom popular pain relievers to niche cancer drugs; from robotic surgery to nanotechnology, almost every medication and treatment available today has gone through human testing in a clinical trial.
A clinical trial is a scientific research study where people participate to help physicians find new or better ways of treating patients. Most clinical trials test a new drug or new medical intervention and its ultimate value in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease, disorder or illness.
Clinical trials are essential for studying safety and efficacy; physicians and researchers depend on them. They provide the best information on how to treat patients suffering from cancer to the common cold.
But, we patients depend on them, too. Clinical trials help us make intelligent decisions about our own care.
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Microwaves and 'Erupted Hot Water Phenomena'
Hot-water eruption can occur if you use a microwave oven to super-heat water in a clean cup. ("Super-heated" means the water is hot beyond boiling temperature, although it shows no signs of boiling.)
A slight disturbance or movement may cause the water to violently explode out of the cup. There have been reports of serious skin burns or scalding injuries around people's hands and faces as a result of this phenomenon.
Adding materials such as instant coffee or sugar to the water before heating greatly reduces the risk of hot-water eruption. Also, follow the precautions and recommendations found in microwave oven instruction manuals; specifically the heating time.
