Darius Tahir

Author's posts

When a Quick Telehealth Visit Yields Multiple Surprises Beyond a Big Bill

For the patient, it was a quick and inexpensive virtual appointment. Why it cost 10 times what she expected became a mystery.

Progressive and Anti-Abortion? New Group Plays Fast and Loose to Make Points

Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, which operates mostly in the nation’s capital, is part of a confrontational anti-abortion movement that embraces all types of media — graffiti, social media, and livestreams — to communicate a smashmouth message.

Few Firm Beliefs and Low Trust: Americans Not Sure What’s True in Age of Health Misinformation

A new poll from KFF shows many Americans aren’t willing to embrace misinformation — but aren’t willing to reject it either. And they don’t know whom to trust.

The NIH Ices a Research Project. Is It Self-Censorship?

The National Institutes of Health appeared to be digging into health misinformation. But then the federal agency stepped back. It can’t quite explain why, sometimes even offering contradictory explanations.

FDA Head Robert Califf Battles Misinformation — Sometimes With Fuzzy Facts

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has called misinformation one of the deadliest killers in the United States. As the FDA tries to fight that scourge, it sometimes stumbles.

How a Combination of Covid Lawsuits and Media Coverage Keeps Misinformation Churning

Even as the covid-19 pandemic wanes, litigation — whether about vaccines, masks, or a range of other public health policies made during the pandemic — isn’t about to end.

Tech Luminaries Give RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vaccine Message a Boost

The views of the leader of a broad anti-vaccine movement who is now running for president are unchallenged in public forums run by several prominent Silicon Valley figures.

How the Mixed Messaging of Vaccine Skeptics Sows Seeds of Doubt

Some GOP members of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic have two-stepped around vaccine skepticism, proclaiming themselves to be pro-vaccine while also validating the beliefs of people who oppose vaccine mandates. The result could have serious public health consequences.

AI May Be on Its Way to Your Doctor’s Office, But It’s Not Ready to See Patients

Giant corporations like Microsoft and Google, plus many startups, are eyeing health care profits from programs based on artificial intelligence.

Mark Cuban Has Been Taking On the Drug Industry. But Which One?

The billionaire entrepreneur and NBA team owner is making waves with his new drug company. But his generics aren’t always the lowest-priced deal.