Critical & general care 2008

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

The Honda walkin-assist deviceHonda 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

The PML Nano WheelPML 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 Español Francais

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.

The Honda walking assist deviceHonda 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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