fda proposes 70 million. medical countermeasures include drugs, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and commitment needed to detect and respond to by logical, chemical and nuclear threats as well as infectious disease threats. these all threaten the lives and safety of the american people. this investment helps accelerate the develop of countermeasures that we truly need to meet critical, national security in public health needs. third, protecting patients. this initiative for which we're proposing $123.6 million blshes -- establishes a pathway for live saving products. this offers substantial savings for the federal government and private health care. this initiative includes investments in scientific tools and partnerships to enhance the safety of increasingly complex drugs, medical deviolations, and bilogics. fourth, the fda regulatory science facilities initiative contains an increase of $47.8 million for the scientific capacity that supports all elements of fda's mission and enables us to truly streamline and mo

fda has to be a partner in this fight. despite positive efforts in recent years through additional labeling requirements, collaboration with partner agencies, and increase communication with physicians, prescribes, dispensers, and patients still are woefully under informed about the risks associated with these products. fda has to be fully aware of the implications of these drugs before they go to market, which is why congress instituted the requirement for extended release pain drugs in 2007. these programs must be more careful the classified. -- these potent drugs must be more carefully classified. it is reckless, irresponsible, and it is why prescription drug overdoses are killing more americans now in car wrecks. that about that. -- killing more americans now than car wrecks. think about that. that is why we have filed a bill to stop oxy abuse, which will moderate and change the moderate to severe qualifications to be prescribed for oxycontin to just severe pain only. i would like your reaction to that. i am going to l

fda has to be a partner in this fight. despite positive efforts in recent years through additional labeling requirements, collaboration with partner agencies, and increase communication with physicians, prescribes, dispensers, and patients still are woefully under informed about the risks associated with these products. fda has to be fully aware of the implications of these drugs before they go to market, which is why congress instituted the requirement for extended release pain drugs in 2007. these programs must be more careful the classified. -- these potent drugs must be more carefully classified. it is reckless, irresponsible, and it is why prescription drug overdoses are killing more americans now in car wrecks. that about that. -- killing more americans now than car wrecks. think about that. that is why we have filed a bill to stop oxy abuse, which will moderate and change the moderate to severe qualifications to be prescribed for oxycontin to just severe pain only. i would like your reaction to that. i am going to l

as someone who is at fda, while it is ok for a group to take a position, i do not think the fda should take a position on that until they have look at all the facts. i will submit this to you. i would like you to get back to me and let you -- let me know what your comments on that are for the record. i also want to switch gears right now and top about a gao report that came out one year ago. it was on the office of criminal investigation. it operates almost autonomously with the director deciding which cases he or she would report to fda senior management. are you familiar with that report? >> i am. >> have you taken steps -- steps to rein that in? they should come to you and be a part of the fda core mission and prioritize rather than have an autonomous group doing it their way. the gao pointed out that their budget had rose by 73% since 19909. the number of employees have got up -- rose by 73% since 1999 and employees have gone up 40%. have you implemented gao recommendations or do you disagree with them? >> we took it extremely seriously. a group of individuals follow up in terms of

the fda says the news was expected, considering the nuclear crisis in japan. the milk sample was taken from the spokane area, and the amount was 5,000 times below the level of concern. >>> however, radiation levels near the fukushima nuclear power plant continue to rise. a u.n. agency says it found very high levels of radiation 25 miles from the plant, and japanese officials are considering widening the evacuation zone. radiation in sea water near fukushima is how more than 4,300 times the legal limit. >>> later this week, ohio's governor john kasich is expected to sign into law a bill that severely restricts union rights. the ohio legislature passed the measure yesterday, following contentious debate and much protest. the measure affects the collective bargaining rights of 350,000 ohio public employees. it allows unions to negotiate wages, but not healthcare, sick time or pension benefits. and unlike a similar law in wisconsin, the restrictions include police and firefighters. >>> also in ohio, spring was interrupted with some winter weather. parts of the sta

now there are signs the fda is changing its opinion. the fda has always said there is no evidence of an adhd link, but now says the data suggests the condition may be exacerbated by exposure to a number of substance in food, including but not limited to artificial food colors. today the grocery manufacturer's of america insist there's no link to adhd, and we're always producing the safest possible product for our consumers. now an fda panel will decide whether food dyes are safe enough to remain on america's store shelves. tom costello, nbc news, washington. >>> tonight, the fbi's trying to figure out how it is a bullet hole's been discovered in a usairways 737 that last flew from philly to charlotte yesterday. it was discovered upon landing. officials tell nbc news it was a .40 caliber round that penetrated the skin of the aircraft. it was found inside. it appears from the angle of the trajectory, it entered the plane from above. they say there's no reason to believe it was anything other than a freak occurrence. >>> when we come back

hr-1 include a two hunter $40 million in cuts to the fda. will these cuts impede their ability with the food safety modernization act, yes or no? >> yes, they will. >> would you please explain that, for the record? >> yes. >> last congress, i join with my colleagues to introduce drug safety legislation that would give the fda authority and resources it needs to adequately protect consumers from unsafe drugs and monitor our food safety and the safety of our blood supply. it will hr-1 -- will hr-1 impede this? >> yes, sir. >> would you submit an explanation as to why that is so? is consistently and chronically underfunded, and i continue to hope that it will get the needed funding to felipe limit the food safety law. i know it was supported by the industry. you believe that registration fees are necessary to implementing the food safety modernization act, yes or no? >> yes, sir. >> madame secretary, the department has been requested to produce documents for the benefit of this committee. i would note, madam secretary, that hhs has produced ove

as someone who is at fda, while it is ok for a group to take a position, i do not think the fda should take a position on that until they have look at all the facts. i will submit this to you. i would like you to get back to me and let you -- let me know what your comments on that are for the record. i also want to switch gears right now and top about a gao report that came out one year ago. it was on the office of criminal investigation. it operates almost autonomously with the director deciding which cases he or she would report to fda senior management. are you familiar with that report? >> i am. >> have you taken steps -- steps to rein that in? they should come to you and be a part of the fda core mission and prioritize rather than have an autonomous group doing it their way. the gao pointed out that their budget had rose by 73% since 19909. the number of employees have got up -- rose by 73% since 1999 and employees have gone up 40%. have you implemented gao recommendations or do you disagree with them? >> we took it extremely seriously. a group of individuals follow up in terms of

. >> scientists told the fda there is some evidence linking food dyes to hyper activity in children. the artificial dyes found in everything from cereal to soft drinks. fda says there is not enough evidence to say the dyes contribute to adhd but parents disagree. >> throwing himself on the ground, screaming, yelling. within one point clawing at her face with her finger nails. >> fda will hear testimony tomorrow and will her a recommendation tomorrow afternoon. >> google reached a jeltment over accusations it violated user privacy. it integrated a service called google buzz into its g mail service. many complained that that added their e mail contacts into a social network anyone could see. the ftc charged google with deceiving users. the company agreed to obtain consent before sharing information with third parties as a result of this. google pick aid winner in the contest for an experimental new high speed network and says kansas city, kansas will be the first stoi ghet new network. google says users on the new network would be able to access the internet more than 100 times faster

now the fda is again looking at dyes found in everything from drinks to candies and picks and mac and cheese. the industry is urging consumers not to rush to judgment. >>> the healthiest county in the state is here in the bay area. for the second year in a row, marin county wins the title with lower rates of smoking, obesity, and teenage mothers. mariner loses points for bing drinking consisting of more than four to five drinks in one sitting. 45% of adults report bingeing during the month. coastal counties tend to score higher than inland areas and california's rural north ranking last in the survey? trinity county. >>> okay, let's bring in our chief meteorologist jeff ranieri. this is amazing. driving to work today, along the peninsula, air conditioning in my car it was so warm. >> oh, yes. i have mine on every day just about. not good for conserving energy, but yeah, it was warm out there. those car thermometers reading in the low to mid 80s. marleau, i thought you were going to the game. >> i was there from about 10:00 till 1:00 today. >> you looking from oakland into downtown, 76

the fda has slapped a ban on milk, fruit and vegetables from that region of japan. here is nbc's robert bazell in tokyo. bob, good evening. >> reporter: well, the levels of radiation here in tokyo are still relatively low. the incident underscores the need to get those reactors under control as soon as possible. >> radioactive materials have been detected in one of tokyo's water purifying plants. >> reporter: the news rattled tokyo residents. but officials cautioned that levels of radioactive iodine in tap water threatened only infants, and instructed families to use bottled water for formula, sending frantic parents out to stock up. >> translator: i am so worried. i came to the store to buy supplies for my baby. >> reporter: while others considered more drastic measures, including leaving town. >> you have to do the best you can. so if you have the means to go further out, perhaps you should. >> reporter: dr. ritsuko komaki survived hiroshima as a child. she is now a radiation oncologist at md andersen hospital in houston. >> the children who are growing, their cel

h.r. 1 included $241 million in cuts from the fda. will this cut or these cuts impede fda's ability to implement the food safety modernization act, yes or no? >> yes, sir, they will. >> would you, please, explain that for the record, if you please, madam secretary? is. >> yes, sir. >> madam secretary, last congress i am joining with my colleagues, mr. waxman, mr. stupak to introduce legislation that would give the fda resources it needs to protect consumers from unsafe drugs and to monetary the safety of our drug supply. will h.r. 1 impede fda's center for drug evaluation and research from evaluating and monitoring drugs for safety and effectiveness, yes or no? >> yes, sir. >> madam -- would you submit an explanation as to why that is so? madam secretary, the fda has consistently -- is consistently and chronically underfunded, and i continue to hope that fda will get needed registration fees to help fully implement the food safety law. i know that those fees would have -- were approved by and supported by the industry. do you believe

now that the fda has approved the commercial version it has skyrocketed to $1,500 a does, a whoppingal of $30,000 per patient. kv pharmaceuticals has the patent to make the progesterone and sit now called mckenna. >> i thought it was sad because these are women at risk. >> reporter: dr. george horizon wits has practiced objection set rick's for 30 years and says the company has a government-approved mop on the product. >> not only can they charge with the market would bear, they will also try to use all their efforts to stop other come pointing pharmacies from making it claiming they are not fda approved to do so. so it's almost like a selective advantage over their competitors. >> reporter: he also points out it's the difference between buying brand name prescription drugs versus generic. the worst part, we'll all pay the price through our insurance premiums. >> i can't believe that they would sort of hold a drug hostage hold a drug hostage. >> it's atrocious. i can't believe -- i guess i don't have a hard time thinking a pharmaceutical company would do that. >> reporter: $30,000 is

the fda may do the same here soon.ere are details. >> barbara campbell lost her sight 20 years ago from retinal disease but now her world is brighter than it used to be. >> under my lower lid there is a little wire. >> that is because two years ago she was one of the first patientses to get an artificial retina. >> my goal was to see colours and go to the grand canyon. >> reporter: with this device she does not see through her eye. a small camera is mounted on these glass and the images are converted to impulses sent to a transmitter on the side of the glasses. the transmitter beans the impulses to 60 electrodeses that have been surgery implanted at the back of the eye. these electrodes bypass the damage retinal cells and directly stimulate nerve cells connected to the visual center of the brain. she now sees a very crude image that has 60 points of light compared to the millions of someone with healthy vision. >> it's not you what and i see but it might be what you and i might see for example in a figure that's out of

today, they told abc news, since the mid 1970s, the fda has required labeling of hcg to state numerousnical tria have not shown a correlation to weight loss. ella has purchased the drops from victoria. >> i don't want to think about what i'm eating, i don't want to think about my weight. for me, it has to be fast. it does something in your body that you can't normally do on your own. it releast releases the fat cel. >> reporter: abc news reached out to dozens today. dr. david katz is one of the skeptics. >> i think the notion that hcg even could help burn body fat was farfetched to begin with and i'm not sure how anyone came up with it. but we see no evidence whatsoever in research of it that it me forms this function. >> you can lose weight but it's the type of weight loss that quickly comes back as soon as you go off the plan. >> you inject yourself daily with hcg, which is a pregnancy hormone, and then you eat one meal a day that's 500 calories. so, if people are losing weight on this diet, clearly it's because they're only eating 500 calories a day. >> reporter: of course, that wou

now that the fda has approved the commercial version, the cost has skyrocketed to $1,500 a dose, $30,000 per patient. it's now called mcken in a. >> i thought it was sad because these are women at risk. >> this doctor has practiced for 30 years and says the company has a monopoly on the product. >> not only can they charge what the market would bare and they will use all their efforts to stop other compounding pharmacies from making it claiming that they are not fda approved to do so. so it's almost like a selective advantage over their competitors. >> he also points out it's the difference between buying brand name prescription drugs very generic. we will all pay the price. >> i can't believe they would sort of hold a drug hostage in a way, when it's the life and death of their child depends on it. >> that's horrible. i have a hard time believing -- we will -- well, actually that's not true. i believe it. >> so $30,000, that's a lot of money. but it's nothing compared to the price of care for a preemie. that cost could rise we will into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. sometimes ev

but the fda warns of serious are side effects, including severe to fatal immune reactions. last year melanoma killed almost 9,000 people in the u.s. >>> when we come back here tonight, with one air traffic controller falling asleep in the tower this week, who is minding the runways? a look at the new breed taking over in the tower. >>> and later, more from japan. amid the disaster and the worries, signs of hope from people giving new meaning to the term "resilient." >>> air traffic controllers are in the news this week after that scare caused by a sleeping supervisor at reagan national airport early wednesday morning. the faa said today it's changing procedures and reviewing staffing in the wake of that incident. it's put a spotlight on a changing workforce as nearly half the veteran controllers in the system are reaching retirement age. now there's a new generation taking over. here's nbc's tom costello. >> reporter: it's the daily choreography of pilots, planes and passengers, a scene repeated at 273 airports across the country every day. 35,000 flights, 1.7 million passe

now the fda is looking into whether there is a link between the synthetic dyes and hyperactivity. as dr. kim mulvihill shows us, some parents are taking matters into their own hands. >> peanut butter, chips probably. >> reporter: rachel carefully picks her children's treats. no artificial flavoring, no corn syrup and no food coloring. >> the fewer the ingredients, the more natural ingredients, the better for us. >> reporter: in part, because rachel says her daughter elise has adhd, a recent study links certain artificial colors, widely used in food products to the disorder. rachel's strategy? >> as long as you stick to the fruits and vegetables it's easy. >> reporter: not all experts are convinced about this new data on artificial coloring but the fda has decided to reexamine the safety of synthetic food dyes. in the meantime? >> the challenge is that a majority of kid foods are very colorful, they contain a lot of preservatives, and in addition to a lot of dyes. >> reporter: some dieticians are urging parents to use this opportunity to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to thei

fda has said the u.s.ill be holding milke produce a from areas exported from the nuclear site there. how are the japanese reacting to that news and the japanese government, perhaps concerned over their exports? >> yes, the u.s. talking about milk and produce. with that information only coming out and the last two minutes, he would not expect me to have immediate japanese reaction to this. this is the concern for the japanese government, both with their own people and with people in other countries. they have of very fine line they are walking here because on the one hand they are trying to give out information and take precautions to protect people. on the other hand, they do not want to scare people. 11 varieties of leafy green vegetables, including cabbage and broccoli as well. these varieties have been produced around the fukushima nuclear plant. is not toe and th eat that produce. you would need to a 100 grams of those vegetables for 10 days to receive the amount of radiation that you or i would receiv

now that the fda has approved the commercial version, that cost has skyrocketed to $1500 a dose. a whopping total of $30,000 per patient. the pharmaceutical company has the patent to make the progesterone and it's now called mckenna. one doctor says the company has a government approved monopoly on the product. >> therefore not only can they charge what the market will bear, they will also try and use all their efforts to stop other compounding pharmacies from making it claiming that they're not fda approved to do so. so it's almost like a selective advantage over their competitors. >> reporter: he also points out it's the difference between buying brand name prescription drugs sprer sus jenner -- versus generic. >> i can't believe they would sort of hold a drug hostage in a way for people when it's -- when the life and death of their child could depend on it. >> it's atrocious. it's horrible. i have a hard time believing -- well, that's not true. i do have an easy time believing a pharmaceutical company would do this. it makes me really sad. >> reporter: grace lee, cbs5. >> for

the fda approved a new drug similar to the compound, called makena. it specifically reduces the risk of preterm births. then came the price. instead of the $20 she had been paying, the drug would cost $1500 a dose. as much as $30,000 during a pregnancy. >> i was incredibly angry that it could possibly go from $10 to $20 a shot to $1500. i was in shock. i couldn't believe that that was even possible. >> reporter: and some doctors are outraged too. >> it's all about money. it's not about the patient. >> reporter: the drug company, kv pharmaceutical, initially said the high price is justified, to recover research and development costs. and the company told pharmacies making the cheaper compound that they had to stop. but today the fda said the pharmacies could still make the compound, and the march of dimes and doctors groups are calling on kv to substantially lower the price of the drug. >> if the women can't afford it, we have lost a very significant opportunity to try and make a dent in the very high rate of prematurity in this country. >> reporter: t

nothe fda said the drug didcc1: appear to help many after -americans andcc1: will be l research itcc1: used in combination with other drugs. it won't come cheap. it could cost up to $30,000 a year. >> wow, that isea h.vy feeadsvy a unusual1: oating ancc idea to cut costs. scrub goes to the source: ead wiping out flakes before they flake. new selsun blue deep cleansing.cc1: never in my lifetime did i think i could walk 60 miles in 3 days. 60 miles in 3 days-- i can do that. 60 miles compared to what a cancer patient goes through is a walk in the park. from the moment i registered, people started immediately supporting me. we had an outpouring of-- of support. i wanted to do something bigger than myself. the 60 miles-- it makes a statement. i know i'm stronger than i was before, both mentally and physically. i walk with my sister. our relationship has gone to a whole new level because of training together. you meet the most wonderful, inspiring people. i knew that there was something really special about this event. when you accomplish those 60 miles, it's truly life-changing. it was th

the fda approving a new drug.doctors say the drug allows the body's immune system to target and attack cancer cells. about 20% of patients responded to the drug in tests. all the patients who took drug had stopped responding to other treatments for melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. >> back in a moment. switching to progressive could mean hundreds more in your wallet year after year. feed me! saving you money -- now, that's progressive. call or click today. don't miss amazing 4-hour steals. like worthington separates -- 50% off. and stylish dress shirts or ties, just $19.99. find okie dokie for every cutie -- $4.99! and bright sheets, only $19.99. plus, with jcp cash, earn $10 off when you spend just 25! no exclusions! unlike other stores we don't make you come back to save! we make spring bright -- you make it bloom. go to jcp.com to see everything on sale. we make it affordable. you make it yours. jcpenney. >>> like he always says, he'll be back. this time when arnold schwarzenegger rusheeturns, it

those companies had applications waiting for decisions from the fda. the pair used the information before the companies knew if their drugs had been approved. >>> our time now 5:21. here is a question, should we start worrying now? the levels of radiation from japan now found in the rain falling here in the u.s.. >>> and this time education cuts. the reason why one bay area city is resisting plans for a new school. >>> traffic is moving well on the sunol grade heading south. we'll tell you more about the commute straight ahead. >>> good morning, we have some high clouds. they will clear out later on. coastal fog has decided to make an appearance. 60s by the coast. upper 60s to mid 70s around the bay. upper 70s an a few -- and a few low 80s inland. >>> new tests of rain falling in the united states shows radio active material from japan. the tests were conducted in massachusetts. results for california are expected to be released in the next couple of days. government officials say because radio active material degrades quickly, there is no long-term pu

. >> reporter: this issue has caused such concern that beginning tomorrow, the fda will hold a two-dayd evaluate the data. >> peanut butter, chips probably. >> reporter: rachel carefully picks her children's treats. no artificial flavoring, no corn syrup and no food coloring. >> the fewer the ingredients, the more natural ingredients, the better for us. >> reporter: in part, because rachel says her daughter elise has adhd, a recent study links certain artificial colors, widely used in food products to the disorder. rachel's strategy? >> as long as you stick to the fruits and vegetables it's easy. >> reporter: not all experts are convinced about this new data on artificial coloring but the fda has decided to reexamine the safety of synthetic food dyes. they will meet to discuss the science on wednesday. >> the challenge is that a majority of kid foods are very colorful, they contain a lot of preservatives, and in addition to a lot of dyes. >> reporter: some dieticians are urging parents to use this opportunity to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to their family's diets. fresh produc

. >>> well, they promise to keep from you sniffling and coughing but the fda says hundreds of cold and allergy drugs may not work. regulators are cracking down. the fda is removing about 500 prescription drugs from the market that haven't been tested or proven to work. >>> a link between smoking and breast cancer even for women who have never lit up. a new study finds that women exposed to years of secondhand smoke have a 32% higher risk of breast cancer. but researchers say more studies are needed. and menopausal women who smoke are -- used to smoke are 16% more likely to develop breast cancer. >>> well, a big surprise at apple today as they unveiled the big ipad 2. >> take a look. apple's ceo steve jobs walking onto the stage to a standing ovation. [ applause and cheers ] >> well, looking a bill frail, jobs was wearing his traditional black mock turtleneck, bluejeans and wire rim glasses. he has been on indefinite medical leave since january but said this was an event he couldn't miss. >> we have been working on this product for a while and i just didn't want to miss today. so... [ l

the fda may soon do the same here in the united states. dr.im mulvihill with good news. >> reporter: it is a tremendous step forward. u.s. researchers are currently testing this device at six medical centers across the nation including one right here in the bay area. 14 americans who were once completely blind are now using this device with some success including one man from los altos. blindness robbed dean lloyd of watch his daughter lisa grow up. >> i was 3 when dad lost most of his vision. so i have never known my father to be sighted. >> reporter: his retinal degeneration caused him to lose his sight in his 30s. after getting an artificial retina in his eye, he can tell shapes and light from dark. >> i hadn't seen normal vision for 17 years. i was totally blind for 17 years. and so the brain now has to relearn how to see. >> reporter: the device uses a tiny video camera mounted in a pair of glasses. a transmitter in the glasses sends the images to a chip implanted on the back of the damaged eye. there, 60 electrodes send the image along t

the fda ordered the removal of about 500 prescription drugs to treat colds, coughs and allergies.napproved ingredients, mostly because they're older formulas. for a list of the drugs go to our partner in health news webmd.com and search "fda action." >>> mickey rooney is a movie legend, with a career that spans from years of child star to a hollywood senior citizen. but he was before congress yesterday in a different kind of role. sharing his personal story of elder abuse. ines ferre has that story. >> reporter: veteran hollywood star mickey rooney came to capitol hill to shine a spotlight on elder abuse. >> when a man feels helpless, it's terrible. and i was helpless. >> reporter: the 90-year-old actor told the senate committee on aging he was financially exploited and stripped of the ability to make even basic decisions about his own life. >> if it can happen to me, oh, god willing, and unwilling, it can happen to anyone. ♪ >> reporter: rooney lit up the screen during hollywood's heyday, appearing in 365 movies. more than any other actor. now he has a restraining order against a

stinky mess soon. >>> a breast cancer survivor is the first american to get a 3d mammogram. >> the fda approving the technology last month. and studies show using three dimensional imagery helps doctors spot cancer better and it helps with additional screening with unclear results. >> and what it means is that now we have the ability not to just look at the breast, but actually to look through and around structures we weren't able to see before. >> we haven't been able to show that there is more breast cancer or find breast cancer earlier and most importantly save live, but they do however double the rate that the radiation the woman is exposed to. >> the 3d mammogram is only valved at mass general hospital -- available at mass general hospital in boston but expected at facilities nationwide later this year. >>> an out of this world site about to pass over the bay. your one and only chance to see it. plus -- >> this school is my second home. and i will never forget this. ever. >> a foster child who grew up taking care of her younger siblings and now she is off to college. the sacrifice

but where is the fda on this? pointed out that today, for years, they've required labels of hcg state that numerous clinical trials have showed it to be ineffectual when it comes to weight loss. but it remains legal, as we pointed out. as for the homeopathic version, the oral drops, the pellets, they're not even recognized, diane, much less recommended by the fda. >> and you got to know the consequences of some of this. thank you, juju, for tackling this today. >>> and coming up, who is the happiest person in america? and, what are the secrets? ds to. while a body in motion tends to stn motion. staying active can actually ease arthritis symptoms. but if you have arths, staying active can be difficult. prescription celebrex can help relieve arthritis pain so your body can stay in motion. because just one 200mg celebrex a day can provide our relief for many with arthritis pain and inflammation. plus, in clinical studies, celebrex is proven to improve daily physical function so moving is er. and celebrex is not a nar

>> reporter: michael jacobson at the center for science in the public interest, has been asking the fdaan these dyes for years. can you get rid of all these dyes at this point? >> you absolutely can. food dyes are not necessary. there's a wide variety of natural colorings that could be used. >> reporter: the food industry insisted today that the safety of artificial colors has been affirmed through extensive review. but next week, an fda panel will vote on whether to recommend warning labels on foods with the coloring. for now, any concerned parents have to search the ingredients themselves. lisa stark, abc news, washington. >> our thanks to lisa tonight. >>> when we come back, many of us pray we can lose weight. but could church be making us gain it? what if they were .stolen from you? by alzheimer's. this cruel disease is the .sixth leading cause of death, and affects ! more than 5 million americans. the alzheimer's association istaking action, and has been a part of eery major advancement. but we won't rest .until we have a cure. you have dreams... help the alzheimer's association pr

the fda is now looking into taking action. and ron is here with the latest on this story. >> that's right, dan. the dyes are added to food to make them visually appealing. and the list of foods is very long. it includes everything from oranges to breakfast cereals. the fda is considering warning labels and possibly even banning the dyes because of studies linking them to increased hyperactivity in children. trixie rapp was a typical 3-year-old, until she ate pink sandwich spread. >> throwing herself on the ground. yelling, screaming. >> reporter: her mom says it was a reaction to the artificial coloring in the food. >> i almost expected the police to come to the door because it sounded like she was being tormented. >> reporter: manufacturers put food dyes in everything, from sports drinks to cereals. it's even what makes your cheese a brighter color. and the government report released this week suggests there may be a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children. >> so, we went. and we just threw out everythi

. >>> the fda took steps to avoid another incident where a air traffic controller fell asleep on thejob. the pilot got no answer when calling the tower because the only air controller was asleep. >>> nasa has dropped plans to put a sophisticated 3d camera on the next mars rover. james cameron had been helping nasa to help them develop a camera. the rover is scheduled to arrive at mars in august of 2012. >>> california condors have laid ten eggs and more could be on the way. the zoo in portland reports that's the most eggs laid since it joined the effort to save the species in 2003. for the first time this year the zoo plans to transfer two of those four eggs to california where they'll be placed in nests in the wild. >>> well on to our weather now. we got a little break today. we're seeing green in the radar behind you and looks like more rain on the way. >> it's been a good enough time, the creeks have had an opportunity to come down. and in the bay area, that's what you need is a break to get the rivers down like the napa river which got pretty high yesterday. the san lorenzo creek

the fda is warning consumers about about online ads for radiation pills.he fda says real potassium iodide can help the thyroid from blocking certain types of radiation. but they warn con artists may be selling unapproved products. public health officials add there's no reason for anyone in the u.s. to take the pills because the radiation threat is so low, precautions are not necessary. >>> we have an update on a story back in december. that's when 2.6 million gallons of sewage overflowed from manhole covers in kentfield. now the ross valley sanitary district says jmb construction of south san francisco is partially responsible for the mess because the debris the company allowed to back up in the sewer system. ross valley says vandalism may well have contributed to that spill. >>> overnight borders announced they are closing tree more bookstores. the company says the milpitas, pleasant hill and san rafael stores will be out of business by the end of may. that will leave jus seven of its stores open by the first of june. borders filed for bankruptcy last mon

the fda says health care providers should consider the risks before prescribing the drug. >>> if you think you can dance, it may be due to brain chemistry. researchers reduced the chemical gamma and had them memorize a movement. they tested them again after their brain chemicals were back to normal and found that the brain helped them memorize and remember steps. >>> the emotional story of an east bay high school football team, the unlikely odds they overcame. and why all they want now are jackets. >>> also, a sacrifice to help keep you safe. how concessions made by san jose firefighters could influence other south bay unions. tonight on ktvu channel 2 news at 6:00. >>> high school athletes and concussions, according to one study 40% of those athletes get back on the court too soon. some nba players are teaming up. >> there's a time when it's almost like quiet. then when you make a hit, then the noise just -- somebody turned on the loud speaker. >> reporter: some players say it's no longer a contact sport. instead it's a collision sport. >> you want to get out on the field. >> report

the fda says foods will be detained here in the u.s. and will not be sold. originally the fda said it would only screen those foods. >>> in japan tonight officials are closer to containing the nuclear crisis after a big breakthrough in repairs to the damaged power plant. today crews reconnected power to all six reactor units which will allow workers to turn on the plants cooling systems. but the facilities operators say, workers must first check all of the facilities for damage. >>> japanese officials also continue to conduct radiation tests on people living near the nuclear power plants. almost 400,000 survivors of the quake and tsunami are homeless and living in shelters. today the japanese government raised the death toll to more than 9,000 with 12,000 people still missing. >>> senator barbara boxer said today she's learned california's two nuclear power plants are the only ones in the nation built in the highest seismic hazard areas. the nrc made that assessment based on the potential for large magnitude earthquakes. the biggest plants are the diablo pla

. >>> this week the fda will decide if there is a definite link between dyes found in my foods. a two-day meeting starts today that could lead to new labeling of thousands of products. the fda says there is no proven relationship between dyes and hyper activity. >>> what we know about the levels of radiation from japan found until the rain falling here in the u.s.. >>> the reason some people in san francisco are showing resistance war the opening of a -- toward the opening of a new school. >>> seventh and brandon good place to avoid because of a small fire that is under investigation. some of the streets in the south of market area there are closed. >>> right now there is an investigation to a fire in a small commercial building. which houses oscar's photo lab. it's right next to the corner of seventh and brandon there. bar right next to it and the building behind there is oscar's photo lab. some of the streets are blocked. you can see fire equipment is still on the scene. arson investigation team is on the scene. >>> new tests on rain falling here in the united states shows it

fda has decided to take a closer look at allegations there may be a link between colorings and hyperactivity in children. they are asking a panel of experts to look at the issue with eye towards new warning labels. they are commonly found in cereals and chips. decades of studies show that artificial food colorings are safe. >> a new debate over a doll because it teaches little girls how to breast-feed. a young girl attaching the doll to her chest and it can be burped by a mommy in training. they say it teaches nursing skills. >> do you think little girls should be breastfeeding dolls? >> i probably would look at other dolls before i look at this one. >> we have another baby due in june and i think it's a neat way to identify and connect with mom. >> the doll has been on the market for a couple of years in europe but it hits store shelves in united states this spring. >> real moms who breast-feed face unfavorable stereotypes. people hold lower opinions of women that breast-feed. in one study they showed them less capable in a workplace. they rated actress brooke shields as less competent when

today an fda panel is addressing that question that first came up in the 1970s. insists they're safe, and registered dietitian is here with what you need to know. we have a full line-up of foods we're going to talk about, but good morning to you. >> good morning. >> what is the research showing about this link between hyperactivity in kids and artificial food dye? >> the research shows that for kids who have adhd exposure to certain food additives, including some preservetives and food dyes can exaggerate their symptoms, and when they're taken away, their symptoms improve. right now the research isn't looking like these cause hyperactivity, but they can certainly exaggerate it in those kids. >> why is this a question that's been out there for so long? we talk about it first in the 1970s. what is the real issue at play here? >> there's some newer research, and, in fact, in europe they now have warning labels on the foods that contain dyes that say that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. so in europe they're a little more apt for

but next week an fda panel will vote on whether to recommend warning labels on food with the coloringfor now any concerned parent has to soycht ingredient themselves. lisa abc news washington. >> when we continues here tonight. >> reach of containment 3 scariest word. >> japan government admits the situation at the fukushima nuclear plant is gravy. >> plus how the earthquake and tsunami in japan putting the squeeze on the bay area econom economy. >> why one of the world l bi biggest corporation is paying no taxes. and the bay area tribute to the master of no taxes. and the bay area tribwe are fourteenth in line for takeoff. looks like it's bumper to bumper on the interstate. i gotta get to cleveland! remove your belt, your watch, your shoes. i wonder what gas costs today. seven dollars for a pillow! an extra bag costs what? i hate traffic! ♪ [ child ] the train is now arriving. [ male announcer ] the train has arrived indeed. amtrak guest rewards members earn up to triple points this spring. details at amtrak.com. and this is the next generation of air fresheners from air wick; powere

it was recently approved by the fda.hile that gives doctors more access to the drug, the new price is shutting some pregnant women out. nbc's erica edwards has more. >> reporter: lauren fleming celebrated her seventh birthday last month. a day her parents worried would never come. lauren was born three and a half months early. >> she had multiple surgeries while she was in the nicu. she spent roughly five months in the nicu. >> reporter: she still has some medical problems linked to her premature better sbu otherwise healthy and now a big sister thanks to a drug the doctor prescribed. >> he informed me should we get pregnant again, we would have to have progesterone to prevent premature birds. >> reporter: it has been recommended for women at risk of premanyture delivery since 2004. until recently they were available through the pharmacy. recently they gave exclusive rights to produce the drug called tekmira. >> it is important that drugs that are used by the public are approved by the fda. >> reporter: what they don't s

the fda says there is not enough evidence to say they contribute to adhd but some parents disagree. >ound, screaming, at one point she was actually clawing at her own face with her finger nails. >> the fda will hear public and industry testimony and is expected to make a recommendation sometime tomorrow afternoon. we will, of course, pats it along. >>> a pennsylvania trucker may have saved his own life by crashing his 18 wheeler. rick taylor was eating an apple while driving and started choking on it and couldn't breathe and passed out. he crashed into a concrete median and the apple dislodged when smashed his chest against the steering wheel. the doctors back it up and say it could happen exactly that way. bay area researchers believe a compound found in labs across the world could we used in the fight o age related diseases. the story from carolyn johnson. >> if these tiny worms swimming under a microscope were human they would be way past social security. in fact an experimental technique is dramatically increasing their life spans. >> we found that around 60% increase and 70% of i

earlier the fda said it would step up screening.ther foods imported from japan including seafood will still be sold to the public but screened for radiation. >>jacqueline: live look outside, cloudy skies this afternoon crowds of increasing. now with the rain rolling in were not going to see and the rain will push and. the storm sitting off shore, this is the tail end of it. the storm is intensifying as it approaches the coast line. we are expecting heavy rain through the night. take a look along the coastline, the dark green indicating areas under flood watch. the bright green near the delta and for field a flood warning. we will see periods of moderate to heavy rain overnight. as strong as an inch per hour along the coast. that is where the concern of flooding is the greatest. we have seen so much rain lately, the ground can't take much more. future cast, by 10:00 a.m. this evening moderate rain over the north bay in san francisco, oakland and santa cruz mountains. it will pick up in intensity past midnight. by 2:00 a.m., orange in

last month the fda approved a prescription form of the product and today the fda announced it will sell500. that could bring the total cost during a pregnancy to $30,000. >>> the food and drug administration approved the first new drug to treat lupus in more than 50 years. it is tee signed to treat flareups and pain. lupus causes the body to attack its own tissue and organs. the lupus foundation of america says that 1.5 million americans have lupus, 90% of them are women, by the way. >> one of america's most prominent journalists for more than half a century has died. david broader covered politics for the washington post. he won a prize for his reporting on the water gate scandal that, of course, led to president nixon's. he was 81 years old and died of complications caused by diabetes. a giant in the profession. >>> as we continue tonight, could a coin soon replace the one dollar bill? and get ready to wave your  >> so, ah, your seat good? got the mirrors all adjusted? you can see everything ok? just stay off the freeways, all right? i don't want you goi

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. >> and medical news whit comes to testing pacemakers gender matters n 1988 fda called on the makers to include women in their test studies since devices such as pace makers can perform differently in men and wism however a report finds only a few studies include enough women to analyze in female patients, a third of the women in america have heart disease. >> charlie sheen is not done talking yet. the star made peer yenss on radio and celebrity web sites insisting he's ready to return to work and defending his life style. >> and they're an international sensation, these are my girlfriends, the women completed three parts of my heart. >> it works well for us. it's unconventional and seems crazy but for us, it works wem. >> cbs execkives says the network is saving money but ze want to see the show come back urks see an hour of the interview tonight at 10:00 here on abc 7. >> storms made up for january's dry spell and that is according to state high drawlists who measured the snow pack today. the state estimates it will be able to deliver 60% of the water request bud says conservation

the fda has halted the import of milk, vegetable and fruits, produced in the area near the damaged nuclear plant. japanese food imports make up less than 4% of all u.s. food imports. >>> ktvu.com has more on the japan crisis including additional stories about how you can donate to help the quake and tsunami victims. just click on the "japan quake" tab at top of the page. >>> the government just released new information about the bp oil spill in the gulf of mexico. >>> violence in an east bay city has taken two lives. we'll tell you what police are saying. >>> meteorologist mark tamayo will be right back with the updated forecast models, including how much rain will be in your neighborhood. >>> i'll try anything once. >> ever try common sense? >> only in desperation. >> remembering elizabeth taylor including what ktvu just got from a u.s. senator. >>> it's the first major attack in jerusalem in several years. one woman is dead and almost two dozen are seriously injured after a bomb blew up at a crowded bus stop. it also blew out windows in two buses. israeli hots are blaming the attack -- a

fda has decided to take a closer look at allegations there may be a link between colorings and hyperactivityren. they are asking a panel of experts to look at the issue with eye towards new warning labels. they are commonly found in cereals and chips. decades of studies show that artificial food colorings are safe. >> a new debate over a doll because it teaches little girls how to breast-feed. a young girl attaching the doll to her chest and it can be burped by a mommy in training. they say it teaches nursing skills. >> do you think little girls should be breastfeeding dolls? >> i probably would look at other dolls before i look at this one. >> we have another baby due in june and i think it's a neat way to identify and connect with mom. >> the doll has been on the market for a couple of years in europe but it hits store shelves in united states this spring. >> real moms who breast-feed face unfavorable stereotypes. people hold lower opinions of women that breast-feed. in one study they showed them less capable in a workplace. they rated actress brooke shields as less competent when they wer