— Ever had qualms over expired food? How about expired flu vaccine? The US has purchased around 229 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, costing the country $1.6 billion, but an estimated 71.5 million doses might have to be discarded because of expiration dates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates between 81 million and 91 million doses have been given, and officials are nonetheless satisfied with the vaccine campaign, according to reports. (WaPo)

— A former Pfizer scientist who claims she was infected with an experimental virus has won her civil suit, garnering $1.37 million. Aside from claims of harm, Becky McClain has said that the pharmaceutical company violated whistleblower laws by firing her after she brought her complaint to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (Pharmalot)

— Engineers have developed a pill that notifies doctors when it’s been swallowed, which could help ensure that patients stick to their regimens, and that clinical trial data is accurate. The pill itself contains a tiny electronic device, relaying information via antenna to a separate device the patient carries; the latter can then transmit right to a doctor’s laptop. (medGadget)

— Pilots can now elevate both their altitude and their mood. The US Federal Aviation Administration eliminated a decades-old ban on antidepressants, allowing pilots diagnosed with depression to take to the skies after a year of controlling their symptoms with one of four medications. (Pharmalot)

Image by tosaytheleast via Flickr Creative Commons