J.M. Lanham is an American author of science fiction, suspense, thrillers, and supernatural fiction.
Recently I had a chance to sit down with the good folks over at The Book Worm Review for a little Q and A about my debut novel, The R.E.M. Effect.
The interview gives a wealth of insight into the themes behind the book, so if you’ve got a minute, feel free to check it out by clicking the link here.
Have a great weekend!
— J.M. Lanham
There’s a good reason why Big Pharma cozies up to the FDA.
In the past, your local snake-oil salesman could just fill bottles full of puréed grass clippings and hot sauce and call it a cure-all. Fortunately, the drug industry is a lot more regulated than it used to be.
Highly flawed on several fronts, but still, regulated.
Nowadays, drug companies must go through a rigorous clinical-trial process before obtaining FDA approval. Even then, harmful drugs may fall through the cracks, but at least it’s better than taking the traveling apothecary’s word for it.
When you get a minute, check out this infographic detailing the FDA’s drug approval process. The length and depth of the process may surprise you.
It also highlights the very reason why keeping Big Pharma influence from the FDA is so important.
FDA Drug Approval Process Infographic
Happy Friday!
— J.M. Lanham
Are psychic powers real?
First, I’ll give you the short answer: Nope.
Now, let’s dive into that conclusion for a minute. During research for The R.E.M. Effect, I came across some interesting topics surrounding the idea of mind control.
While most articles alluded to things like telepaths, mind readers, superheroes, and the CIA’s MK-Ultra project, one article caught my attention in a different way.
It was an excerpt from a book written by one of America’s top psychics, and he was calling out his peers. According to ex-psychic/medium Mark Edward, all psychics are frauds.
What’s even more interesting is something else Edward points out: that so-called psychic abilities are really a form of mind control, using clever tricks and persuasive speech to convince people to believe everything you want them to believe.
So if you’ve ever wanted to take a peek into the mind of one of America’s top psychics, now’s your chance.
Oh, and if you’re scheduled for a palm reading in the near future, don’t forget to cancel it.
I Was One of America’s Top Psychics – And Like All of Them, a Complete Fraud
Happy Friday!
– J.M. Lanham
Genetics is hard.
That was my conclusion when I was first introduced to genetics in high school, and one I maintained throughout college.
Genetics may seem like an intimidating subject–and rightfully so–but once you get the basics down, it’s much easier to see how promising the field of genetic modification really is.
Patients suffering from genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia will all benefit from advances in genetic research.
It’s not a matter of if, but when.
So let’s take a moment to break down the basics. There are three terms anyone talking genetics should be familiar with: DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
Scientific American did an excellent job of laying out the roles of each in the following video, so check it out when you get a minute.
Enjoy!
– J.M. Lanham
Got a Kindle lover on your list? Then consider picking up The R.E.M. Effect for only 0.99 cents (regular price $2.99). The promotion is part of my holiday Kindle Countdown deal, and the price is set to rise to $1.99 on Thursday December 22nd, so get this offer while it lasts!
Did you know it’s now easy to gift Kindle books directly to friends and family this holiday season? Simply go to my Amazon product page on your desktop by clicking here (mobile experiences may vary). Then, on the righthand side of the screen (just below the “Send a free sample” options) click “Give as a Gift.” Enter the email address of the person you’d like to send the book to, and you’re all set!
Thanks for taking the time to check out The R.E.M. Effect. If you give this book a chance, I really think you’re going to enjoy it.
Seasons greetings!
– J.M. Lanham
Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone.
A 2013 study by the CDC shows over 9 million Americans use sleeping pills to get a good night’s rest.
And that study was three years ago.
The proliferation of drugs to treat everything from dry eyes to receding hairlines has taken America by storm, and sleeping medications are no different. If you’ve got a problem, you can certainly find a pill to treat it.
What does the CDC’s study say about society? Are we too quick to rush to our doctors, asking for a prescription at the first sign of problems in our lives? Are pills the answer to conditions like insomnia, or are there better ways to get through those restless nights?
When you get a moment, check out the CDC’s findings in the article listed below.
CDC: 9 Million Americans Use Prescription Sleeping Pills
Happy Friday!
– J.M. Lanham