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One of the nation's most celebrated science journalists has some harsh words for the biomedical research industry. 

American taxpayers spend more than $30 billion a year funding biomedical research but half of the results from the studies can't be replicated, he says. 

Moreover, the system rewards bad behavior from scientists. In order to get or keep a job, scientists need to publish results rather than get the right answers, Harris says. 

Ultimately, sloppy science has dangerous consequences for everyone, he says. 

Harris, a three-time winner of the AAAS science journalism award and longtime NPR journalist, discussed the state of medical science with author Mary Roach during a July 13, 2017, program at the Commonwealth Club of California. It aired Friday on MPR News. 

His new book, "Rigor Mortis: How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hopes, and Wastes Billions," 

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Harris says science is hard, and there are a lot of ways to get it wrong — sometimes with dangerous consequences.

Harris says science is hard, and there are a lot of ways to get it wrong -- sometimes with dangerous consequences.

NPR's Richard Harris on the dangers of sloppy science

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