Rigor Mortis: How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hope, and Wastes Billions

Rigor Mortis examines the crisis of reproducibility in biomedical research, where many published scientific findings cannot be replicated by other researchers. Through interviews with scientists and deep analysis of research practices, Richard Harris reveals systemic problems in how studies are designed, conducted, and reported. Harris investigates the causes behind failed experiments and unreliable results, from poor experimental design to the pressures of publishing and career advancement in academia. The book follows researchers working to improve scientific methods and establish better standards for research quality. The narrative moves through various sectors of biomedical science, including cancer research, drug development, and academic laboratories. Harris documents both the human and financial costs when research goes wrong, while highlighting potential solutions to restore scientific rigor. This exposé of the biomedical research system serves as both a warning about the state of modern science and a call for reform. The book raises fundamental questions about how society funds and conducts research, and what changes might lead to more reliable scientific discoveries.

Readers view this as an exposé of systemic problems in biomedical research, with a focus on reproducibility issues and wasted funding. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex scientific concepts for non-experts - Concrete examples of research failures and their impacts - Solutions proposed for improving research quality - Balanced reporting that acknowledges both problems and progress Common criticisms: - Repetitive examples and points - Lack of depth on specific solutions - Can feel overwhelming and discouraging - Some scientists feel it oversimplifies research challenges One reader noted: "Important but depressing look at why so much medical research fails to translate to treatments." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (100+ ratings) Most reviewers recommend it for anyone interested in medical research or who follows health news, while noting it may reduce faith in published studies.

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🔬 Author Richard Harris spent over 30 years as a science correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), covering everything from space exploration to biomedical research. 🧪 The book reveals that up to 80% of preclinical cancer research cannot be replicated, wasting an estimated $28 billion annually on unreliable research in the United States alone. 🔍 The title "Rigor Mortis" is a play on words, referring both to the stiffening of a body after death and the lack of scientific rigor in modern research practices. 🏆 The book won the 2018 Science in Society Journalism Award from the National Association of Science Writers. 🔋 Harris was inspired to write the book after learning that a potential breakthrough treatment for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), which had shown promise in mice, completely failed in human trials despite millions spent on development.