Given the magnitude of observed survival differences, CALGB-9633 may have been underpowered to detect small but clinically meaningful improvements in survival.

Similar studies in marine protected areas located off of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands have already detected gradual improvements in fish size and number.

When she could, she sneaked glances at the scans, trying to remember from all-too-recent experience if she could detect any alterations, improvements, or changes in the results.

Detecting small improvements in drugs needs randomized, direct comparison of the new compound with the old.

"We were able to detect improvements in Parkinson's features, like tremor and rigidity," he said.