Expectations, beliefs, and the origins of the placebo effect. Do We Need Placebos? A news feature in Nature asks whether placebo controls are always a good idea: Why Fake It?
The piece looks at experimental neurosurgical treatments for Parkinson's, such as "Spheramine". This consists of cultured human cells, which are implanted directly into the brain of the sufferer. The idea is that the cells will grow and help produce dopamine, which is deficient in Parkinson's. Peggy Willocks, a 44 year old teacher, took part in a trial of the surgery in 2000.