Neil Vargesson – The Conversation

The drug was originally used to treat morning sickness in the late 50s. Stephencdickson/ Wikimedia Commons

April 30, 2020

Despite thalidomide’s dark past, researchers are investigating it as a potential COVID‑19 treatment

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen

The infamous drug can inhibit the body’s inflammatory response, which is why researchers wonder if it can effectively treat COVID-19.

bogonet/Shutterstock

March 13, 2019

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen

Possible causes of limb malformations in babies born in rural areas of France.

u3d/Shutterstock

December 6, 2017

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen

A panel of experts has ruled that Primodos did not cause birth defects. But what’s the science behind their decision?

Human embryo at 5 weeks. www.shutterstock.com

February 8, 2016

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen

The MHRA has opened an inquiry on the once popular pregnancy test pills. Did they really cause birth defects in children born in the 1970s?

Guilherme Soares Amorim, who was born with microcephaly, has his head measured. Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters

February 5, 2016

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen and Lavinia Faccini, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Zika virus and microcephaly are firmly linked, but scientists are still trying to prove that it has caused the condition.

Melbourne woman Lynette Rowe is one of around 10,000 people born with thalidomide-related disabilities. Julian Smith/AAP

December 10, 2015

Neil Vargesson, University of Aberdeen

Thalidomide is notorious for causing death and disability but it – and its derivatives – are proving useful for conditions such as leprosy.