The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "miracle cures" ...
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Craftmatic
The Craftmatic Adjustable Bed has been sold for decades and marketed mostly to elderly consumers in their homes. The bed is expensive, sometimes sold for as much as $9,000, and those who buy it are told it could virtually save their lives. Elderly customers see the commercials which run nearly non-stop on daytime television and call an 800-number, where they are prompted to set up an in-home demonstration with a Craftmatic salesperson. They are told there is no obligation to buy, but what Inside Edition found is the salespeople rarely leave without closing the deal, and it is rarely to the benefit of the consumer.
Tags: salespeople; complaints; consumer agencies; disability; questionable sales practices; scare tactics; miracle cures; fraud;
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Chantix: Miracle cure for dangerous drug?
An investigation into the anti-smoking drug Chantix/Varenicline found many adverse reactions in the FDA's public database. The reactions included aggression, violent behavior and thoughts of suicide. "A follow report detailed how drugs are sent to market with minimal testing."
Tags: Food and Drug Administration; medicine; anti-smoking; risk; Europe; drug testing; adverse reactions;
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Miracle Machines
"A Seattle Times investigation uncovered a global network of manufacturers who sell unproven devices, and practitioners who prey on unsuspecting patients. Capitalizing on weak government oversight, they have used these devices - some illegal, others potentially dangerous - to drain patients' bank accounts, misdiagnose diseases, and divert critically ill people from life-saving care."
Tags: medical cures; energy medicine; energy devices; medical-device; PAP-IMI; health-care professionals;
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Preacherman
Dateline investigated televangelist Benny Hinn and found that he was living a rather lush lifestyle with the money he received from his followers. They also looked into the miracles Hinn claimed to have performed and followed up on the story of a young boy whom he claimed to cure.
Tags: televangelist; Benny Hinn; Hinn Ministry; miracle workers
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A Drug's Dark Side
Acutane has been more commonly known for its ability to cure severe acne. However, Sun reporters investigated the side effect of depression that accompanies this drug and how ultimately in many cases, this depression has lead to suicide. While this has been a "miracle drug" to many people, parents say they would not have allowed their children to use the product if they had known its potential deadly effects. It was only over the last year that legislation and the FDA forced Roche Laboratories to change their package label- warning about depression and suicide. The FDA also "requires patients to sign a consent form before being able to take the drug."
Tags: Acutane; suicide; depression; side effects; Food and Drug Administration
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Herbal Warning
Health-food stores have built a new natural-drug culture, but how safe are their wares? Newsweek investigates the consequences of a 1994 Congressional bill classifying vitamins, minerals and herbs as food supplements rather than drugs. The herbs are touted as harmless cures for weight gain, low energy and low spirits, however, many turn out to be deadly.
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No title (id: 9162)
ABC PrimeTime Live investigates the anti-AIDS drug oral interferon and its promotion and sale by the Nation of Islam; finds that the NOI has set up for-profit clinics around the country claiming oral interferon is a miracle drug that can cure AIDS; interferon has been widely tested and discredited as a cure; NOI is marking up the drug more than 500 percent, Nov. 12, 1992.
Tags: TAPE
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Curing AIDS Preying for Miracles
CBS News West 57th airs investigation of fraudulent cottage industry that has arisen around AIDS treatment, profiling three profiteers offering phony cures or treatments, April 27, 1987.
Tags: TAPE; 5248; 5249; 5450; 5454 AND 5459 ARE ON THE SAME TAPE. Vieira Malkovich doctors Sebi Hitt medicine