Babbage: A flicker of light for Alzheimer’s

<p>After almost two decades, <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/06/07/americas-wary-approval-of-an-alzheimers-drug-offers-hope-to-millions-1?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the FDA has granted conditional approval to a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’ disease</a>, called aducanumab. But the new drug, and its approval, is surrounded by controversy. Will the gamble pay off? Also, <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/05/26/a-better-fog-trap?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a clever upgrade to fog-collecting technology</a> which could provide a water source in remote locations. And, potentially life-saving <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/05/20/anal-oxygen-administration-may-save-lives?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">oxygen enemas</a>? Kenneth Cukier hosts&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at <a href="http://www.economist.com/podcastoffer?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcastoffer</a> and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at <a href="http://www.economist.com/simplyscience?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/simplyscience</a>.</p> &#10;&nbsp;<br /><hr><p style='color: grey; font - size: 0.75em; '>See <a style='color: grey; ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>