Ben Hirschler

Ben Hirschler works from London. Former #Reuters global pharmaceuticals correspondent in London. Now freelance writer and consultant. Ben Hirschler has over 20034 followers on Twitter.

WHO declares Zika virus a global health emergency

Article Ben Hirschler - 2 Feb 2016

The rapidly-spreading virus has been declared a global health emergency in an effort to fast-track international action and research priorities.

Ebola: Trials could get to West Africa in January

Africa Ben Hirschler - 21 Oct 2014

The WHO says two experimental vaccines could lead to trials being done in West Africa in January, while another flu drug is being tested as well.

Life on a molecular level wins chemistry Nobel

Article Ben Hirschler - 8 Oct 2014

The winning research offers a new way of studying cells and disease processes by allowing researchers to see individual molecules inside living cells.

Low-energy LED wins Nobel prize for physics

Article Ben Hirschler - 8 Oct 2014

The arrival of such lamps changes the way places are lit, offering longer-lasting and more efficient alternatives to 19th-century incandescent bulbs.

Drug resistant Chinese bird flu raises concern

Article Ben Hirschler - 28 May 2013

The new bird flu strain that has killed 36 people has proved resistant to Tamiflu for the first time, a development scientists find "concerning".

Inequalities and imbalances put globalisation at risk

Article Ben Hirschler - 11 Jan 2012

The World Economic Forum has warned anger with inequality -- evident from the Occupy movement to the Arab Spring -- risks setting back globalisation.

Loosely: In the sky is a diamond planet

Article Ben Hirschler - 25 Aug 2011

Astronomers have spotted an exotic planet that seems to be made of diamond racing around a tiny star in our galactic backyard.

Big Pharma’s global guinea pigs

Article Ben Hirschler - 6 May 2011

The clinical trials business has gone global as drugmakers seek cheaper venues for studies and cast their net for pools of "treatment-naive" patients.

The cost of a malaria-free world

Africa Ben Hirschler - 14 Dec 2010

A US-Italian scientist is tantalisingly close to delivering the world's first malaria vaccine.

Fast machines, genes and the future of medicine

Article Ben Hirschler - 30 Mar 2010

Francis Collins, who helped map the human genome, did not get around to having his own genes analysed until last summer. And he was surprised.

Zuma: Reserve Bank mandate needs debate

Article Ben Hirschler - 29 Jan 2010

President Jacob Zuma said on Friday the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank needs debate.

Press Releases

Special Reports

Disrupt the corrupt

special reports - 22 Oct 2020

Whistle-blowers should be seen as real heroes in the fight against corruption and we need a change in culture for this to happen

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'

Special Reports

Secure your business from cyber threats

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

Many business-grade security systems now have built-in learning systems and AI to help businesses stay up to date with protection

Special Reports

Mental Health

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

During the pandemic there's been a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety and suicides, according to some of the surveys done

Special Reports

Expert financial advice still recommended – especially in uncertain times

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

A financial advisor is an expert who will help you to protect your wealth and make a realistic plan when unexpected events threaten your wellbeing