What makes a scientific study controversial?

Required Reading

Angell, M. 2004. The truth about the drug companies. Read the Introduction and Chapters 1, 2 and 6.

Graham, D. 2004. Testimony before the Senate Finance Committee on Vioxx

Question for class discussion

1. What specific scientific controversies are you interested in? What is the nub of the scientific issues? That is, what specifically does this disagreement concern? Why exactly can't the scientists agree? What are the legal and policy implications of this disagreement?