“Bad Blood”, the book about Theranos, is really good. It restored some of my faith in journalism. The ethical issues, and how much people ignore their better judgement due to FOMO and greed, are difficult to believe. It’s worth reading for those behavioural aspects alone.

@nibl I still want to read the book and listen to The Dropout podcast.

What Theranos was attempting is currently not technically possible. Not with more time; not with more money. Once medical experts got a chance, it became clear it couldn't be done. It’s not a question of being close. Your jaw will drop when you read about the “glue bot”.

I remember two scientific points on which Theranos' concept failed. Finger blood samples contain tissue, making results less accurate. Each test type required a fresh sample so the tiny finger prick sample needed to be diluted or stretched and became inaccurate.

@nibl it’s the total lack of due diligence and unswerving faith centered on absolute greed that really takes the biscuit … she operated criminally, ‘aided and abetted’ by her friend’s father - Tim Draper - and if he was in it ... well we all better be there - right?

BTW - ‘aided and abetted' might be a little strong - he's not a conman - but something didn’t sit right ... he only dropped in a million at the very beginning … and even now still says that she has been ‘wrongly judged’.

My take in Deception - It's A Matter Of Choice

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@JohnPhilpin I find the psychology fascinating. A real Emperor's new clothes situation where nobody wants to hear that it doesn't, and couldn't, work.

In Holmes' case it's severe "noble cause corruption". The means justifying the ends. Only, there was no end in sight.

@JohnPhilpin There is a big difference to Steve Jobs here. While first developing the iPad, Job's realised it could not yet be done, and made the iPhone first. He returned to the iPad after screen technology had advanced. He did not insist on the currently impossible.

@nibl absolutely ...

@nibl

”Only, there was no end in sight.”

... even of her.