[News Focus] The Dangerous Professor

British drug researcher David Nutt is often at the center of controversy. His proposals for more rational, evidence-based drug policies have triggered angry reactions, and he was fired as a top U.K. government adviser in 2009 for criticizing a new cannabis policy. Nutt believes society should focus more on reducing harm from drugs; among his own projects is a safer substitute for alcohol, which he considers one of the most dangerous drugs around. Nutt has identified several molecules that he says may provide the same pleasant feeling as alcohol but without the risks. Author: Kai Kupferschmidt
Source: Science: This Week - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research