Eating dark chocolate at Christmas can
help prevent over-eating
Dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening our
craving for sweet, salty and fatty foods, so can eating it may be an
efficient way to keep your weight down over Christmas, according to
research at the University of Copenhagen. 22 December 2008
Fresenius Medical Care dialysis
products awarded Nordic Ecolabel
Fresenius Medical Care has been awarded a Nordic Ecolable license for
its peritoneal dialysis bags. The first Ecolabelling of its kind in the
world, the dialysis Ecolabel applies to peritoneal dialysis bags and
disposables used both in hospitals and in homes. 17 December 2008
fMRI shows robotic hand exerciser
improves brain function of stroke patients
Chronic stroke patients can be rehabilitated by a hand-operated robotic
device, according to a study that used functional magnetic resonance
scans (fMRI) to map changes in the brain. 10 December 2008
Smiths Medical renews research
partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College
London
The partnership will provide sponsorship for the Smiths Medical
Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care at UCL and research into
paediatric respiratory physiology and paediatric anaesthesia and
intensive care. 5 December 2008.
Developer of revolutionary
non-invasive blood glucose monitor moves to UK
US company Sensys Medical, the developer of groundbreaking
non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology, has announced that it
is relocating its world headquarters to the UK. The technology is set to
revolutionise the way in which diabetics monitor and manage their
condition. 20 November 2008
Violent video games have physiological
effects on teenage boys
Swedish Researchers studying heart rate and other parameters in boys
playing video games found heart rate variability was affected to a
higher degree when the boys were playing games focusing on violence. 18
November 2008
Rediscovered Everest breathing device
leads to breakthrough in care of COPD patients
The new technology is based on a closed-circuit oxygen device invented
over 50 years ago by the British rocket scientist Tom Bourdillon, who
hoped that it would help him become to first person to climb to the top
of Mount Everest. 13 November 2008
Blue-enriched light improves general
health of office workers
Research carried out at the Surrey Sleep Centre at the University of
Surrey in partnership with Philips Lighting has revealed that changing
traditional white-light lighting to blue-enriched white light had
positive effects on the work, fatigue, alertness and sleep of office
workers. 12 November
Honda
unveils walking-assist
device with body support
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled its second
experimental walking assist device that helps support
bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual's
legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a
semi-crouching position. 12 November 2008
Statin drugs reduce risk of
Alzheimer’s disease
A long-term study in the Netherlands has found that older men and women
who took statin drugs had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study
was part of the Rotterdam Study, a long-term prospective study of
factors that determine the occurrence of common diseases of the elderly,
such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 12 November 2008
New technologies and ehealth will add
$1.4 Billion to US diabetic care market
New technology-enabled monitoring solutions and services will reshape
the diabetic care market and earn $1.4 billion in product and service
revenues by 2013, according to a new report from Parks Associates. 11
November 2008
Philips introduces advanced light
therapy device to avoid winter blues
Royal Philips Electronics has introduced the goLITE BLU, a new therapy
light designed as a safe, effective solution to help beat the effects of
short winter daylight, which may include lethargy, lowered mood,
problems sleeping, carbohydrate cravings and weight gain. 10 November
2008
Healthy bones program reduces hip
fractures by 37%
Proactive measures can reduce hip fracture rates by an average of 37.2%
— and as much as 50% — among those at risk, according to a study
conducted by Kaiser Permanente Southern California. 10 November 2008
People with chronic diseases are often
unaware of their health status
A screening of 65,000 people across the US showed that many people,
despite knowing that they have a chronic disease, such as diabetes or
asthma, may not understand the extent or seriousness of their health
problems. 5 November 2008
Google awards $14 million for research
using its disease prediction technology
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google has awarded the grants to
support partners working in Southeast Asia and Africa to help prevent
the next pandemic. Google.org's Predict and Prevent initiative is
supporting efforts to identify hot spots where diseases may emerge,
detect new pathogens circulating in animal and human populations, and
respond to outbreaks before they become global crises. 27 October 2008
PML
develops revolutionary powered wheel
Hampshire based PML
Flightlink Ltd has developed a revolutionary 15cm diameter motorised
wheel that can power anything from scooters to wheelchairs and
hospital trolleys. 24 October 2008
International effort to study role of body microbes in human health
and disease
Scientists from around the globe have formed the International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC),
which will co-ordinate research to characterize the relationship of the
human microbiome in the maintenance of health and in disease. 23 October
2008
Landmark 20-year study to
assess impact of personal genetic testing
A US consortium is undertaking a first-of-its-kind study to
assess the behavioural impact of personal genetic testing on up
to 10,000 people to see how it affects their health and to
identify their potential risk for developing certain diseases.
14 October 2008
CaridianBCT initiates clinical
trial of pathogen reduction technology for blood processing
CaridianBCT will test its Mirasol PRT system, a proprietary
technology that uses riboflavin and UV light to reduce the
levels of infectious pathogens and inactivate white cells from
collected blood, improving the safety of transfused blood. 14
October 2008
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Carbon nanotubes improve
electrical stimulation therapy
Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
have designed a way to improve electrical stimulation of nerves
by coating electrodes with a coating of basic black, formed from
carbon nanotubes. 7 October 2008
First successful use of
Sorin's new pediatric oxygenator and arterial filter
The Sorin Group has announced the first successful uses in the
US of its newest pediatric devices for cardiovascular surgery at
the Children’s Medical Center Dallas. 29 September 2008
Italiano
First Bernhard Dräger Award
for advanced treatment of acute respiratory failure
The Award winner is Dr Hermann Heinze, from Schleswig-Holstein
University Hospital for a project to study improving respiration
therapy using non-invasive monitoring. 29 September 2008
Likvor announces instrument to
treat normal pressure hydrocephalus
Swedish startup company Likvor AB has announced a new instrument
that can measure the pressure, flow and conductance of cerebro
spinal fluid (CSF). It facilitates more accurate diagnosis of
idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. 27 September 2008
Cranfield University to
develop drug-delivery monitor for critical care
Cranfield University and Sphere Medical Holding PLC are to
receive an investment of £322,000 from the UK Technology
Strategy Board to develop a novel drug sensor which will improve
the care of critically ill patients by ‘personalising’ their
medication. 23 September 2008
Computer modelling provides
breakthrough in psoriasis management
LEO Pharma has unveiled a ground-breaking computer-modelling
tool designed to help those involved in the assessment, planning
and provision of psoriasis treatment in primary care to balance
optimum outcomes with the growing need for cost control. 23
September 2008
Online health record of
limited use for diabetic patients
An online personal health record system that allowed people with
diabetes to check their lab results and get guidance about
medication proved to be of only limited use in improving their
health outcomes, according to a new American study published in
the Archives of Internal Medicine. 23 September 2008
Picis launches critical care information system
Picis has launched eView for Critical Care Manager, part of the
company's CareSuite family of software for intensive care units. The new
product is designed to consolidate clinical information for the entire
intensive care unit (ICU) patient census and present it in a concise,
web-based view to help clinicians identify patients requiring attention.
23 September 2008
New guidance on insulin pumps
gives UK school kids with diabetes freedom from injections
New UK guidance on the use of insulin pump therapy from the
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
looks set to revolutionise the way children manage their
diabetes in the country. 6 September 2008
Online resource for diabetes self management
A complete online diabetes self-management education program, has
been launched by the University of California, San Francisco
Diabetes Teaching Center. 27 August 2008
Reliant Technologies and
Philips partner to develop laser products for skin treatment
Reliant Technologies Inc., developer of the Fraxel laser
systems, has announced an agreement with Philips to develop skin
care technologies for use in the home. 21 August 2008
Scientist discovers secret to a longer, healthier life
A British ageing-research scientist has discovered how people
could extend their lives by as much as 30 years and has
published his findings in an extraordinary new book. 12 August
CHAD Therapeutics receives FDA
clearance for sleep diagnostic device
Dormio Tech, a division of CHAD Therapeutics, Inc. has received
510(K) clearance from the FDA to market its FloChannel
Diagnostic System in the USA. It is Dormio's first product for
the sleep disorder market. 6 August 2008
EKOS introduces sonic system
for dissolving vascular blood clots
EKOS Corporation has launched the EkoSonic Endovascular System (EkoSonic
ES) with rapid pulse modulation (RPM) for the dissolution of
vascular blood clots. 30 July 2008
Undiagnosed diabetes puts half
a million lives at risk in UK
Health charity Diabetes UK has warned that more than half a
million people in the UK may face a future of ill health because
they have Type 2 diabetes but don't know it. 30 July 2008
Honda walking assist device
tested in rehabilitation training
The compatibility and effectiveness of the device will be
evaluated during rehabilitation training at Kasumigaseki-Minami
Hospital, Japan to help people relearn to walk safely and
efficiently. 7 July 2008
Self-powered sensor for
monitoring injured knees
A sensor that can monitor progress during knee operations and
generates power from body movement has been developed by a
researcher at Southampton University. 5 July 2008
Colonoscopies to check for bowel cancer under
used in Germany
Under 2% of persons aged over 55 in Germany use colonoscopies for
early detection of cancer, even though the statutory health insurance
funds have covered the costs since 2002. 5 July 2008
Damaged muscle regenerated by
protien cdk9-55
A new understanding of the role played by the protein cdk9-55 in
muscle regeneration and differentiation may lead to novel
therapies to rebuild muscle tissue damaged by disease, injury
and aging. 5 July 2008
RFID tags could cause medical
device malfunction
Radio frequency identification devices have the potential to
cause critical care medical equipment to malfunction, according
to a study of the effects on medical devices that included,
external pacemakers, mechanical ventilators, infusion/syringe
pumps, dialysis devices, defibrillators, monitors and
anaesthesia devices. 29 June 2008
First prototypes of disposable
insulin nanopump for continuous infusion
Debiotech and STMicroelectronics have introduced the first
evaluation prototypes of a unique miniaturized insulin-delivery
pump that could improve the treatment efficiency and the quality
of life of diabetics. 29 June 2008
Philips completes installation
phase of Zambian healthcare modernisation project
Royal Philips Electronics has completed the installation phase
of a seven-year project to modernize the healthcare
infrastructure of the Republic of Zambia. The €25 million
project included the installation and maintenance of diagnostic
imaging equipment including mobile x-ray, fluoroscopy,
ultrasound scanners, operating theatres and dental treatment
systems. 25 June 2008
Is low radiation good for health?
An article published in the International Journal of Low Radiation
claims that short-term low doses of radiation are good for health through
boosting the immune system and increasing antibody production. The author
also claims that humans can be deficient in radiation. 19 June 2008
Location technology enables people with dementia to go out safely
The Keeping In Touch Everyday (KITE) project in northeast
England is developing technology
that allows people with dementia (PWD) to take part in the activities
they enjoy with the knowledge that their family can track their
whereabouts if they require assistance.
Superman's
bicycle helps paraplegic patients keep fit and healthy
A new type of exercise equipment can help prevent serious lifestyle
illnesses in paraplegic patients. The Ergys 2, which was partly developed at
the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, was
first designed for the American actor Christopher Reeve. 8 June 2008
International Diabetes Federation to set
up global framework for diabetes education
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will begin designating centres
of education globally to improve clinical outcomes, care and knowledge of
healthcare providers and people with diabetes. IDF is calling for
applications from institutions and member organisations that have a
recognised reputation in health professional education. 6 June 2008
Obesity may increase risk of dementia and
Alzheimer's
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health of published
papers has found a consistent relationship between adult obesity and
dementia and its clinical subtypes such as Alzheimer's. 21 May 2008
Boston Scientific to sponsor world diabetes day campaign
Boston Scientific Corporation has become an official sponsor of the
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Day (14 November
2008) campaign, which is part of the Federation's global fight against the
disease. 18 May 2008
Newborns’ heart rates altered by incubator
electromagnetic fields
The electromagnetic fields produced by incubators alter newborns’ heart
rates, according to a study conducted at the University of Sienna, Italy. 18
May 2008.
Honda
demonstrates walking assist device
Honda Motor Co demonstrated an experimental model of a walking assist device
that could support walking for the elderly and other people with weakened
leg muscles at a trade fair for equipment for the elderly and disabled in
Osaka, Japan. 29 April 2008
Self monitoring of type 2 diabetes more
expensive and less effective
Self monitoring of blood sugar by non-insulin treated type 2 diabetics costs
the UK National Health Service £100 million a year, but costs £90 more per
person than standardised care and the process is more likely to make them
depressed, according to a series of articles published in bmj.com. 18 April
2008
Better primary care for elderly could
reduce hospitalisation by 50%
An efficient response from primary care would reduce hospitalisation of
people over 60 by more than 50%, for cases caused by the most common
illnesses in the older population, according to a study by researchers at
the University of Granada. 31 March 2008
Smiths ambulatory infusion system gains US
clearance
Smiths Medical has received US clearance for its CADD-Solis ambulatory
infusion system, a clinically and technologically advanced ambulatory
infusion platform that enhances patient safety and personalised care for
pain management patients. 31 March 2008
WaveSense Europe launches Jazz glucose
meter in UK
The blood glucose meter is designed to help people with diabetes gain
tighter control over their blood glucose levels. 26 March 2008
Controlling glucose levels for critically
ill
A European project has developed a computerised decision support system that
monitors glucose levels of critically ill patients in hospital and delivers
the correct dose of insulin when correction is needed. 19 March 2008
Space suit helps rehabilitate stroke patients
Researchers at the Institute of Medico-Biologic Problems in Moscow have
turned a space suit originally designed to exercise cosmonauts bodies in
weightless conditions into an efficient therapeutic agent for rehabilitation
of patients after a stroke. 7 March 2008
Smiths Medical receives FDA clearance for
implantable injection system. 30 January 2008
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