The trial did not meet its primary endpoint, a joint rank analysis of function and survival, and no efficacy was seen in the individual components of function or survival.

FORBES: Biogen Idec ALS Drug Fails

Universality, costliness and genetic control all suggest that music has a clear function in survival or reproduction, and Dr Miller plumps for reproduction.

ECONOMIST: Human evolution

Yet they did no better than other patients, whether this was measured in terms of survival, their ability to function, or satisfaction with the care they received.

NEWYORKER: The Cost Conundrum