While some top-tier science was presented at the conference, there was too much time given to claims of cure that had little to support them but patient testimonials, small studies with no long-term follow-up, and, to be blunt, some science that has nothing but the backing of a single very optimistic scientist looking to attract a grant or an investor.

FORBES: Vatican Stem Cell Conference Gets Thin Coverage

Long-term follow-up suggests a significant interaction between sugary beverage consumption and both the composite genetic predisposition and BMI itself.

FORBES: The Fat Lady's Soda Song: Sugary Beverages Cause Obesity

In one study with long-term follow-up of 42 patients with category IIF, two eventually developed more complicated cysts that were found to be cancerous.

CNN: Could my kidney cysts be cancerous?

She added that the report underlined the need for long-term health monitoring of those who were at high risk, along with medical follow-up and support.

BBC: Fukushima: 'Small increased cancer risk'

It's more a matter of sticking with manufactured equipment that lends itself to follow-up revenue through long-term service contracts.

FORBES: GE, At Your Service

Yet more importantly in the long-term for trade agreements, the ACCJ monograph pointed to a very simple and neglected point: follow-up.

FORBES: Lessons From Japan's Trade Policies

That was reinforced a short while ago as I met with a group of managers for a follow-up session in a long-term development process.

FORBES: The Magic of Managerial Involvement

Quintiles's answer to patients' failing to finish long-term trials is to set up a network of social workers to follow them after they leave the hospital.

ECONOMIST: Clinical trials in India