Critical & general healthcare

Strength of repaired cruciate ligament can be evaluated using new imaging process
A new imaging technique using magnetic resonance tomography can evaluate precisely both the load-bearing capacity of the "new" cruciate ligament and the risk of a renewed rupture. 8 Mar 2015

Checklist to spot elderly patients most at risk of death
Australian doctors have developed a checklist for identifying elderly hospital patients likely to die within three months. The list has been published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. 3 Feb 2015

Time spent on electronic devices linked to teen sleep problems
The time spent looking at screens throughout the day and before going to bed is directly related to poor quality sleep according to a large study of teenagers published in the online journal BMJ Open. 30 Jan 2015

Moderate alcohol intake linked to reduced risk of heart failure
Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol — a small glass of wine or half a pint of beer a day — is associated with a 20% lower risk of men developing heart failure and a 16% reduced risk for women. 20 Jan 2015

Walking in groups improves fitness, health and mental health
Joining a walking group is one of the best and easiest ways to get wide ranging health benefits, with virtually no side effects, according to a study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. 20 Jan 2015

Philips launches V680 critical care ventilator in Europe
Philips has launched in Europe the V680 ventilator for hospital respiratory care, offering both invasive and non-invasive ventilation. 7 Jan 2015

Working night shifts increases all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality
A 22 year study of nurses in the US found that rotating night shifts for five or more years increases all-cause and CVD mortality and those working 15 or more years of rotating night shift work had an increase in lung cancer mortality. 6 Jan 2015

Experimental drug helped cure doctor who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone
A doctor who caught Ebola while in charge of a treatment unit in Lakka, Sierra Leone was treated with an experimental drug called FX06 along with other intensive care and recovered. 5 Jan 2015

Steerable device helps insertion of emergency breathing tube
Researchers at Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have developed a low-cost steerable device using used smart materials to help doctors insert a life-saving breathing tube into a patient’s windpipe in emergency situations. 19 Dec 2014

Increasing breastfeeding in UK could save NHS £40 million per year
Increasing the number of mothers who breastfeed and for longer could could save the NHS more than £40 million, according to research carried out at Brunel University London. 5 Dec 2014

First patient implanted with Sequana Medical's pump to remove excess lung fluid
Zurich-based Sequana Medical AG has announced that the first patient has been implanted with its pump to remove excess fluid around the lungs. A patient at Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France, was implanted with the company's pleurapump system. 27 Nov 2014

UK project extends trial of offering gift vouchers to boost breastfeeding
A UK project aimed at boosting breastfeeding rates by offering gift vouchers in areas with persistently low rates will move to a large-scale trial in Staffordshire and Yorkshire. 21 Nov 2014

Shorter treatment for tuberculosis improves success rate
Ten years of collaboration between the Damien Foundation Belgium and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITM) has produced a new treatment that could revolutionise global tuberculosis control. 29 Oct 2014

New data on the global economic impact and burden of preventable blindness
Novartis and its eye care division, Alcon have introduced new data on World Sight Day that highlights the economic impact and burden that blindness and vision impairment can have on societies and individuals across the globe. 28 Oct 2014

Ebola patient carers at risk of infection when removing protective gear
A team of American infectious disease and critical care experts have issued an alert for clinicians caring for Ebola patients that how they remove their personal protective gear can be just as crucial as wearing it to prevent exposure to the deadly virus. 24 Oct 2014

Tenth of antibiotics prescribed by GPs over 22 years fail to cure patients
A 22-year study by Cardiff University has found that more than one in 10 of all antibiotic treatments in a primary care setting failed. This rate has increased and continues to rise. 26 Sept 2014

Sugar in diet depletes good cholesterol
Scientists at the University of Warwick have discovered that the ‘good’ form of cholesterol, HDL, is degraded by a sugar-derived substance in the body. 8 Sept 2014

Avatars help deaf people to understand online text and interact with websites
Computer scientists from Saarbrücken, Germany are developing animated online characters to display text from web pages in sign language. and help deaf people communicate on online platforms via sign language. 29 Aug 2014

Electronic cigarette use by youths doubles likelihood of going on to smoke tobacco
Youths who have used e-cigarettes are more likely to report that they may try conventional cigarettes, according to a study by Georgia State University and the US CDC. 29 Aug 2014

Gecko Biomedical's Maria Pereira named as MIT Technology Review Innovator
Gecko Biomedical has announced that Maria Pereira, its Head of Adhesive Technologies, has been named as one of MIT Technology Review's “35 Innovators Under 35” for 2014 for the development of a wound healing glue. 19 Aug 2014

Going beyond the pill — mhealth programme improves outcomes for COPD patients
Feature: mHealth offers pharmaceutical companies the opportunity to go ‘beyond the pill’ and deliver personalised health support to patients outside of a healthcare setting. Digital health platforms can keep patients involved in managing their care and adherent to their therapy and medication regimes. Mark Brincat, Director of Product Strategy, Exco InTouch. 11 Aug 2014

Bacteriophages could be new tool to fight C. diff infections in hospitals
A class of viruses called bacteriophages can infect and destroy the bacterium Clostridium difficile, according to research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Hamburg, Germany, and published in PLOS Pathogens. 4 Aug 2014

Symbiosis between gut bacteria and immune system is key to health
The link between gut flora and immunity to diseases is more complex than the general view, according to research at the RIKEN Center. The immune system itself plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut flora, not just the other way round. 22 July 2014

Exco InTouch and AstraZeneca develop ground-breaking mHealth system for COPD
Exco InTouch has announced that a collaboration with AstraZeneca has produced a ground-breaking mHealth program that improves condition management for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 17 Jun 2014

Exercise boosts diversity of gut bacteria
Exercise boosts the diversity of the bacteria found in the gut, according to a study of professional rugby players published online in the journal Gut. 11 Jun 2014

Sure Chill Company awarded $1.4 million to develop portable vaccine cooling box
The company has been awarded $1.4 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an innovative long-life vaccine cooler for use in remote undeveloped places. 21 May 2014

Smart skin patch wins French ‘Worldwide Innovation Challenge’ award
Rhenovia Pharma has announced that its SMARTT e-Patch project has won an award founded by the President of France to identify future champions in the French economy. 28 Apr 2014

TI Pharma joins consortium in €7.8m project tackling neglected parasitic diseases
An international group of academic institutions and companies is joining forces to develop novel drugs against parasites in an EU-funded project led by VU University Amsterdam. 4 April 2014

Common sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to increase in mortality
A large study by the University of Warwick has shown that several anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills are associated with a doubling in the risk of mortality. 1 April 2014

Long-term study shows vegetables and fruit are the key to long life
A study looking at eating habits and mortality in a large population sample in England has shown that the more vegetables and fruit you eat the longer you live. 1 April 2014

Philips launches sleep promotion initiative
Philips has announced its Sleep Powers initiative for 2014, in support of World Sleep Day, to promote increased awareness of and education around the benefits of sleep and the important role it plays in our well being. 20 Mar 2014

Stethoscopes have more bacterial contamination than doctors' hands
University of Geneva Hospitals has found the level of bacterial contamination on the diaphragm of stethoscopes is greater than on doctors’ hands, following a single physical examination. 24 February 2014

Interview: Child health dependent on feeding babies the right amount of fat and protein
The EU-funded research project Early Nutrition aims to obtain hard evidence that the diet of babies in the first months of life and of the mother during pregnancy determines the health of the child later in life. 14 Jan 2014

Continuing breast feeding when introducing solid foods gives babies stronger immune system
Introducing solid food to babies while maintaining breast feeding after the 17th week of birth could reduce food allergies in babies, according to University of Southampton research. 14 Jan 2014

Dietary fibres protect the lungs from asthma
Researchers at Lausanne University Hospital have shown that fermentable fibres present in fruit and vegetables start a chain reaction that enables the body to protect the lungs from the inflammatory response in asthma. 10 Jan 2014

Eating nuts linked to longer life and lower risk of diseases
A study tracking the diet of over 100,000 men and women over 30 years has found that people who ate a daily handful of nuts were 20% percent less likely to die from any cause than were those who didn’t consume nuts.

Saturated fat is protective and not cause of cardiovascular disease and obesity
Saturated fat has been wrongly demonised as the cause of obesity and heart disease since the 1970's when the evidence is just the opposite, argues a cardiologist on bmj.com. 28 Oct 2013

Novartis Ultibro Breezhaler approved by EC and Japan for treating COPD
Novartis has gained EC and Japanese approval for its Ultibro Breezhaler to treat various symptoms in adult patients with COPD. 26 Sept 2013

Decision-support tool reduces deaths from pneumonia in emergency departments
A trial of an electronic decision support tool that is linked to patients' electronic medical records showed it helped to reduce deaths from pneumonia in emergency departments by up to 25%. 12 Sept 2013

Light absorbing particles generate steam in cold water using sunlight
Light absorbing nanoparticles dispersed in water can generate steam from sunlight with remarkable efficiency and without needing to boil the whole container of water (with video). 9 Sept 2013

Alcohol is greatest factor in onset of early dementia
A study by researchers at Umeå University in Sweden has found that the risk factor most strongly linked to the development of early dementia is alcohol poisoning, which increased the risk almost five times. 30 Aug 2013

Tunable Raman laser shines light on new medical applications
The University of Strathclyde has developed a high-performance Raman laser that can produce light beams with more power and a wider range of colours than current Raman lasers. 13 Aug 2013

Innovative neck support developed for motor neurone disease patients
A collar that comfortably supports the neck of motor neurone disease (MND) patients and makes it easier to carry out common tasks has been developed by a multidisciplinary team from Sheffield. 5 Aug 2013

Low frequency ultrasound accelerates healing of venous ulcers
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a small electronic patch that delivers low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound to wounds to stimulate healing. 5 Aug 2013

Safe patient transitions reduce hospital readmissions
A program developed by the US Society of Hospital Medicine to reduce the number of patients readmitted within 30 days has reduced rehospitalisation by nearly 14%. 29 July 2013

Many medical practices worse than doing nothing
A new analysis published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings has documented 146 medical practices currently in use that have no benefit. 24 July 2013

Sir Andre Geim wins Copley Medal for discovery of graphene
The Royal Society has awarded Sir Andre Geim the Copley Medal for his contributions to science and in particular his work on graphene. 25 July 2013

Robo-pets can improve quality of life for dementia sufferers
Interaction with a robotic companion can help people with mid to late stage dementia become less anxious and also have a positive influence on their quality of life, according to new research. 28 June 2013

NHS intensive care units reduce bloodstream infection rates by 60%
Hospitals across England reduced the rate of serious bloodstream infections in intensive care units (ICUs) by following a series of basic practices, research has shown. 28 June 2013

Simple tool could help GPs more accurately assess musculoskeletal conditions
A simple set of generic questions could help GPs more accurately predict the likely progression of disease in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, research funded by Arthritis Research UK has shown. 21 June 2013

Southampton hospital develops training resource for anaesthetists in developing countries
A pioneering video library to help train anaesthetists in developing countries has been developed by the Department of Anaesthesia and the Learning Support Team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. 29 May 2013

Department of Health provides £260m for hospital electronic prescribing systems
UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced a new £260 million fund for hospitals to implement electronic prescribing systems for improving patient safety. 17 May 2013

Trial of patient self-management fails due to lack of support from professionals
The processes to allow people to self-manage their own illness are not being used appropriately by health professionals to the benefit of their patients, new research suggests. 17 May 2013

Project to improve healthcare in care homes
A three-year study led by the University of Hertfordshire aims to improve the inconsistent delivery of healthcare to care homes. 14 May 2013

Low cost tuberculosis diagnosis will help developing countries
A combination of simple clinical, radiological and laboratory tools can diagnose smear-negative tuberculosis (SN-TB) better than current systems of diagnosis. 14 May 2013

Antifungal therapy could help 5 million asthmatics
A new estimate of the global numbers suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) shows an estimated 4.8 million asthmatics could benefit substantially from antifungal treatment. 14 May 2013

New type of fat cell discovered
Humans have two kinds of brown fat cells according to research at Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden. The researchers call the new type of brown fat tissue "classical brown fat". 8 May 2013

Subclinical overactive thyroid associated with increased mortality
Having high thyroid activity, and even “high-normal” levels, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. 1 May 2013

Pan European telehealth project to develop cookbook of co-ordinated care
The Advancing Care Coordination and Telehealth Deployment (ACT) program will explore the organizational and structural processes needed to successfully implement chronic disease management services on a large scale. 30 Apr 2013

Western diet reduces health in older age
A Western-style diet reduces the chance of having good health and higher functionality in older age, according to a 15-year study of British adults. 25 Apr 2013

Simple drinking device for hospital patients wins Queens Award for Enterprise
Hydrate for Health Ltd has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for 'The Hydrant' a simple, hands-free, drinking system designed to prevent dehydration in patients in hospital and other settings. 25 Apr 2013

Novartis joins Malaria No More in campaign to eliminate malaria
Novartis and the charity Malaria No More have announced that they will work together to accelerate progress in the fight against malaria in a campaign called the Power of One. 25 Apr 2013

SoundCure launches Serenade tinnitus treatment system in the UK
SoundCure has launched the Serenade tinnitus treatment system that offers tinnitus sufferers potential relief using S-Tones. 22 Apr 2013

Royal Cornwall Hospitals meet CQUIN targets for dementia care
The Trust is to become one of the first in the UK to exceed all its Commissioning Quality for Innovation (CQUIN) targets for dementia care. 22 Apr 2013

Groundbreaking map of London's 19th century cholera outbreak digitised
A student from the University of Southampton has digitised data from 19th century epidemiologist John Snow’s famous map of London cholera outbreaks, transferring the lifesaving information to modern day street layouts. 22 April 2013

AstraZeneca and Exco InTouch to develop chronic disease management tool
The companies have announced a joint programme to develop interactive mobile phone and internet-based health tools to help patients in the UK and their healthcare providers to track and manage chronic conditions. 26 Mar 2013

Philips introduces graphical dashboard for ICU management
IntelliSpace eCareManager 3.9 health care platform, powered by Orb is a new graphical dashboard that is actuated by over 100 clinical rules, to analyze, process and visualize complex clinical data in real time. 

Disruption of body clock linked to diabetes, obesity and heart disease
For the first time a study has shown that insulin production follows the body’s circadian rhythm and disruption of this can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. 24 Feb 2013

Rise in TB infection rates could “turn clock back to 1930s”
Tuberculosis looks set to defy concerted efforts to treat it successfully with powerful drugs,  warn the editors of the journal Thorax in a special themed issue to mark World TB day on March 24.

ASA recommends 60-minute limit for door-to-needle time for stroke sufferers
People having an ischemic stroke should receive clot-dissolving therapy, if appropriate, within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital, according to new American Stroke Association guidelines. 7 Feb 2013

Providing physiotherapy advice by phone gives equal results and reduces waiting times
The service, based on initial telephone assessment, has the ability to provide faster access to the service and cut waiting times, a study published on bmj.com suggests. 30 Jan 2013

Philips and University of Malaya to establish centre for sleep disorders
South East Asia’s first excellence centre for sleep disorders will be established at the University of Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC) in collaboration with Philips Malaysia. 23 Jan 2013

Increase in young people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases
In Europe, about three million patients suffer from the inflammatory bowel diseases crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with a peak occurring between the ages of 20 and 30. 23 Jan 2013

BD Emerald syringe reduces medical waste
BD has launched the BD Emerald, a syringe for general medication preparation and delivery, which also uses less material so reduces medical waste. 10 Jan 2013

Alcohol-impregnated disinfection cap reduces central line infections
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) dropped by 52%when an alcohol-impregnated disinfection cap was used instead of standard scrubbing protocol, according to a new study. 9 Jan 2013

Hydrogen peroxide vapour effective in preventing spread of hospital infections
Hydrogen peroxide vapour dispensers operated in rooms after routine cleaning reduced the 'superbug' infection rate in patients by 64%, according to a study at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in the US. 3 Jan 2013

Sleeping pills have questionable clinical effectiveness
A major study of clinical trial data that had been submitted by pharmaceutical companies to the US Food and Drug Administration shows that half of the benefit of taking sleeping pills comes from the placebo effect. 20 Dec 2012

Portable pollution sensor displays air quality data on user's smartphone
The device, called CitiSense, could be particularly useful to people suffering from chronic conditions, such as asthma, who need to avoid exposure to pollutants. 18 Dec 2012

New website helps healthcare organisations reduce risk of sharps injuries
BD has launched a website to help healthcare workers and their organisations comply with the EU Directive on the prevention of sharps injuries. 10 Dec 2012

Quality of French men's semen falling
The concentration of sperm in French men’s semen was in steady decline from 1989-2005 and there has been a decrease in the number of normally formed sperm. 6 Dec 2012

Copper and copper alloy surfaces reduce infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Rapid death of both antibiotic-resistant strains and destruction of plasmid and genomic DNA was observed on copper and copper alloy surfaces. 4 Dec 2012

Stresses of rocket launch and landing produce changes to immune system
Immune system development is affected by gravity changes experienced during rocket launch and landing, which disrupts the body’s natural defences against infection. 26 Nov 2012

Philips announces 500th order for Ambient Experience hospital installation
Philips has announced that the  San Joaquin Community Hospital, California, has ordered a Big Bore CT treatment planning room with Ambient Experience for its new Cancer Center. 21 Nov 2012

BD launches new Safety Blood Collection Needle in Europe
The BD Vacutainer Eclipse Signal Blood Collection Needle has single-handed activation, integrated holder and a new flashback chamber, giving healthcare workers immediate confirmation of venous access, whilst also reducing the potential for sharps injuries. 31 Oct 2012

Exercise is the best way to keep the brain healthy in old age
People who exercise later in life may better protect their brain from age-related changes than those who do not, MRI scans of the brain shows. 26 Oct 2012

Clinical trial of weight loss using genetics-determined diet and lifestyle
Pathway Genomics has announced a clinical trial with the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System that will investigate if weight loss can be improved by using genetic analysis to determine the most suitable individual diet and exercise regime. 3 Oct 2012

AQAI Simulation Centre Mayence optimises training in use of anaesthetics
Medical products supplier Baxter is co-operating with AQAI to train medical staff in the Middle East to use its anaesthetic. 24 Sept 2012

Aviation monitoring system adapted to assess vital signs of critically ill patients
Researchers from Manchester and Lancaster are investigating whether system monitoring tools pioneered in aviation security can be used to help prevent complications in patients after surgery. 21 Aug 2012

Natural areas in hospitals promote healing
The design and landscaping of hospital green areas in accordance with the needs of patients, staff and doctors can have a health-promoting effect, according to a study by the Medical University of Vienna. 16 July 2012

Tinnitus relief technology is chosen for Make it in Great Britain competition
The University of Leicester has been selected as a finalist in a nationwide competition to seek out the UK’s next big pre-market products. 16 July 2012

Miniature gas pump uses ultrasound for silent operation
A revolutionary miniature gas pump that replaces mechanical operation with ultrasonic pressure generation is much smaller than traditional pumps and runs silently. 16 July 2012

Philips Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator launched in UK. 12 July 2012

Boosting blood system protein complex protects against radiation toxicity
Boosting a protein pathway in the blood-making system in the bone marrow protects mice from otherwise fatal radiation poisoning and could lead to new treatments. 27 June 2012

Lack of action on COPD as big a threat as global financial crisis
In the run up to World Spirometry Day on 27 June the European COPD Coalition (ECC) is calling on policy makers across Europe to recognise that chronic diseases such as COPD, present as great a threat as the global financial crisis, and is urging collective international action. 22 June 2012

Gut bacteria regulate immune system and imbalance triggers rheumatoid arthritis
Genome sequencing has been used to show that the balance of bacteria in the human gut play a significant role in rheumatoid arthritis. 19 June 2012

Medical apps give insight into joint problems
Educational app developer 3D4Medical has released new versions of their Pro creations for knee, hip, shoulder, ankle & foot, and hand and wrist study. 7 May 2012

Key cellular mechanisms behind the onset of tinnitus identified
Research into hearing loss after exposure to loud noises could lead to the first drug treatments to prevent the development of tinnitus. 16 May 2012

Sharps Terminator destroys syringe needles immediately after use
The device destroys the needle shaft in a single-handed action leaving the user with only the plastic syringe. 14 May 2012

Sunlight and air powers device for producing sterile water
Researchers at the University of Hull are developing a device aimed at remote communities where conventional systems using chemicals or electricity are not a viable option. 6 May 2012

Philips and the World Association of Sleep Medicine raise global awareness of the importance of sleep
This year’s theme, Breathe Easily, Sleep Well, centred on raising awareness of sleep disorders that affect a person’s breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).  18 Apr 2012

Linoleic acid is novel therapy for Crohn's disease
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring compound found in meat and dairy products, can improve symptoms of Crohn's disease when given as a supplement, according to a new study. 23 Mar 2012

Management of glaucoma improved by measurement of eye pressure at home
A study by Duke Eye Center has found that it is feasible to measure intraocular pressure of children with glaucoma at home using a tonometer. 7 Mar 2012

Common prescribed sleeping pills linked to fourfold increased risk of death
A study of over 30,000 patients has found that a number of commonly prescribed sleeping pills are associated with a more than fourfold increased risk of death even at low doses. 28 Feb 2012

First implantable wireless programmable microchip for controlling drug delivery
MicroCHIPS, Inc. has published the results of the first successful human clinical trial with an implantable, wirelessly controlled and programmable microchip-based drug delivery device. 24 Feb 2012

UCL spinout takes nano-enabled pain therapy to international markets
Support by the UK NanoKTN has helped UCL School of Pharmacy spin-out Nanomerics to take its patented nano-enabled therapeutic technology to international markets. 20 Feb 2012

Phosphate additives in food cause artery damage and premature aging
There is increasing evidence that an elevated level of phosphate in the blood not only promotes calcification of blood vessels and bodily organs but also upsets a complex hormonal system involved in regulation of phosphate in the body. 15 Feb 2012

Phosphate additives in food cause artery damage and premature aging
There is increasing evidence that an elevated level of phosphate in the blood not only promotes calcification of blood vessels and bodily organs but also upsets a complex hormonal system involved in regulation of phosphate in the body. 15 Feb 2012

First patients suffering from severe emphysema treated with InterVapor
The first commercial use of Uptake Medical's system for endoscopic lung volume reduction in emphysema, was made in Germany last November. 27 Jan 2012

Omega-3 oil supplement may help prevent post-traumatic distress
A study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics suggests that omega-3 fatty acid can help prevent the psychological consequences of a traumatic accident. 23 Jan 2012

Thermo Fisher Scientific launches fully automated test to tell IBS from IBD
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced the availability of EliA Calprotectin, the first fully automated test for faecal calprotectin. 19 Jan 2012

Hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest underused in US hospitals
Therapeutic hypothermia has been proven to reduce mortality and improve neurologic outcomes after a heart attack, yet it was rarely used in a sample of more than 26,000 patients, according to a new study. 6 Jan 2012

Almac outlines rapid response for drug distribution in German E coli outbreak
Almac has outlined its response last year to an urgent request from its client partner, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for packaging and distribution of Soliris (eculizumab) for patients with STEC-HUS during the E. coli outbreak in Germany earlier this year. 5 Jan 2012

Fifty years of ibuprofen celebrated at BioCity Nottingham
Ibuprofen, the family pain medicine which is now one of the world’s best known medicines, was discovered fifty years ago a team of Nottingham-based scientists. 21 Dec 2011

Better treatment for underactive thyroid is focus of EU-funded study
The Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Subclinical Hypo-Thyroidism Trial is investigating current treatment practices for people who suffer from a mildly underactive thyroid gland. 21 Dec 2011

Inner cooling reduces heart and brain damage after MI, cardiac arrest and stroke
The Philips Inner Cool RTx system provides a rapid method of cooling the body from the inside. The RTx system cools or warms patients with a unique integrated temperature sensor catheter that circulates temperature-controlled fluid within the catheter and adjusts the temperature of the blood near the heart. 17 Dec 2011

Strategies to study lifestyle and genetic factors related to chronic diseases
A group of scientists has examined the challenges associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, and described 10 key areas with the highest priority for research. 13 Dec 2011

Philips HealWell lighting system improves sleep for cardiac patients in hospital
Patients in rooms with a new lighting system sleep better, according to research on the effect of light on the sleep-wake rhythm of cardiac patients. 7 Dec 2011

BD launches a new generation of disposable auto-injectors
BD Medical has launched the BD Physioject disposable auto-injector. for self-injection of drugs by patients suffering from chronic diseases. 6 Dec 2011

Smart Solutions winners chosen by North West NHS Innovation Service
Medical experts in Liverpool, Tameside and Warrington are to play a key role in testing three new medical devices chosen as winners of the Smart Solutions for Healthcare competition. 20 Nov 2011

Cambridge Consultants creates novel drug auto-injector
Technology design and development company Cambridge Consultants has announced that it had created a novel auto-injector concept that has been ergonomically designed to be easy to hold and use. 20 Nov 2011

Smoking and obesity during pregnancy linked to child obesity
Researchers can predict which children are most likely to become obese by examining their mothers' behaviour around their birth. 20 Nov 2011

Cerner shows how technology can deliver world class healthcare at lower cost
At the ‘British Experience in Technology for Health’ conference in Barcelona, Cerner detailed how technology can help people take  more control of their healthcare deliver better care at reduced cost. 14 Nov 2011

Aerte launches revolutionary free-radical based air disinfection device
Aerte's AD 2.0 is specifically designed and proven to continuously eliminate airborne healthcare associated infections (HCAI) in clinical settings — including MRSA, C difficile and Norovirus. 14 Nov 2011

Ultrasonic tap nozzle gives revolutionary cleaning power to water
The nozzle generates bubbles and ultrasound that travel down the water stream and generate the increased cleaning power of the water. 9 Nov 2011

AQAI launches TestChest lung-heart function simulator
The AQAI Simulation Center based in Mainz, Germany, has launched TestChest, a device that simulates the functioning of the extremely complex lung and heart-lung functions in humans. 7 Nov 2011

The Velcro Companies exhibit innovative solutions at Medica
Products are used in a wide range of applications, from disposable, single-use devices, such as patient gowns, surgical tubing and tracheostomy straps, to high-end durable devices intended for long-term reuse. 3 Nov 2011

Philips opens centre for study of healing environments
Philips has opened a dedicated research facility at its Eindhoven-based Research Laboratories for studying healing environments to accelerate and improve treatment outcomes. 1 November 2011

Lack of communication across care settings puts elderly patients at risk
Effective coordination across primary and secondary care settings is crucial in the recovery of elderly people. Poorly executed transitions may lead to poor clinical outcomes, inappropriate use of hospitals and re-hospitalization. 26 Oct 2011

Principle Healthcare to exhibit vitamin and mineral range at Medica
The company is growing its portfolio of vitamin and mineral products for its international distributors. 24 Oct 2011

New blood donor chair designed by Renfrew Group International
A new blood donor chair designed by RGi solves the problem of blood donors fainting while giving blood. 24 Oct 2011

Nitric oxide improves recovery of patients in intensive care
High altitude experiments on Mount Everest have shown that nitric oxide plays an important role in protecting the body from low oxygen levels and indicates treatments to improve the recovery of critically ill patients in intensive care. 23 October 2011

Renfrew Group design temporary hospital side room for infection isolation
Renfrew Group International (RGi) has has designed a Temporary Side Room to provide isolation facilities and airborne infection control in hospitals. 16 October 2011

Lung diseases cost EU economy €100bn — urgent action needed
The European Respiratory Society (ERS), has produced the European Respiratory Roadmap that outlines key recommendations and respiratory health priorities for the next decade. 2 Oct 2011

Merck Serono first to launch application for Haselmeier's Axis-D injection pen
The device allows self injection by patients of a ready-to-use biopharmaceutical solution for injection. 2 Oct

Uptake medical's InterVapor system for emphysema wins EU approval
The InterVapor System was developed in response to the needs of patients with severe emphysema and is designed to directly target the hyperinflation in the lungs. 29 Sept 2011

Feature: Our genes say the best diet is one third each of protein, fat and carbohydrate
What should we eat? The developed world is suffering from an obesity crisis even though supermarkets have an abundance of products that are supposed to reduce weight and the media is awash with advice on dieting. But what if you could answer this question at a molecular level? What if you could find out how our genes respond to the foods we eat, and what this does to the cellular processes that make us healthy, or unhealthy? 27 Sept 2011

Older people's brains not slower but wiser than young brains
The brains of older people are wiser than young brains and are not slower, but only react to change when necessary. This strategy allows older adults to achieve an equivalent level of performance. 26 August 2011

Low-power microwaves destroy malaria parasites in blood
Penn State University researchers have demonstrated that low-power microwaves can destroy malaria parasites in the blood without harming blood cells. 19 August 2011

Southampton University awarded £17m for nutrition and respiratory research
The funding has secured the future of the Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research for the next five years. 19 August 2011

First drug to treat basic defect in cystic fibrosis sufferers
An international research team led by Queen’s University, Belfast, has developed a ground breaking treatment for cystic fibrosis. The new drug will benefit the 70,000 sufferers of the disease worldwide. 12 July 2011

Hertfordshire's humanoid robot chosen as top research project in UK universities
The University of Hertfordshire’s groundbreaking work on KASPAR, a child-like robot it developed to help children with autism, has been chosen as one of the most important research projects taking place in UK universities. 4 July 2011

How to reduce carcinogens in the BBQ
The grilling process and types of food cooked can mean barbecues have high levels of carcinogens. Small changes to what and how you grill can keep cancer off the menu.  4 July 2011

Metalic copper effective against new E. coli strains
A new study by the University of Southampton has found a role for copper and copper alloy surfaces in preventing the spread of similar infections. On a dry copper surface, the study shows 10 million E. coli bacteria are eliminated within 10 minutes. 3 June 2011

New link between diet and lifespan
A new role for a biological pathway that not only signals the body's metabolic response to nutritional changes, but also affects lifespan has been identified. 25 May 2011

Malaria vaccine trial starts in Burkina Faso
Trials of a new candidate malaria vaccine GMZ2 have begun in Burkia Faso. The vaccine is a hybrid malaria vaccine composed of merozoite surface protein (MSP3) and glutamate rich protein (GLURP). 17 May 2011

European partners to develop nanocarriers to treat inflammatory bowel diseases
The Delivering Nano-pharmaceuticals through Biological Barriers project (BIBA) involves eight partners in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. 20 April 2011

IPODD project discusses progress with inflammatory bowel disease
Experts from 11 countries are gathering in Rome this week (April 13-16) to discuss innovative strategies for studying and treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). 12 April 2011

UK population deficient in iodine
The UK population could be iodine-deficient according to a new study of teenage girls. Iodine deficiency can affect brain development and result in lower IQ. 12 April 2011

British Lung Foundation and Philips Respironics to raise awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea
UK charity, The British Lung Foundation and Philips Respironics, have partnered to create a three year programme that aims to raise public awareness and improve diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). 11 April 2011

Movea markets 9-axis inertial measurement device for health and sports
Grenoble-based Movea has developed a wireless, miniaturised, inertial measurement unit (IMU) that uses MEMS sensors to accurately measure nine degree-of-freedom motion with a PCB module that is about the size of a small wristwatch. 4 April 2011

IBM and IBN develop biodegradable polymers that detect and destroy MRSA
Researchers from IBM and the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore have discovered new types of polymers that physically detect and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria and infectious diseases such as MRSA. 4 April 2011

Chemotherapy drugs kill malaria parasite
A class of chemotherapy drugs originally designed to inhibit key signaling pathways in cancer cells also kills the parasite that causes malaria. 15 March 2011

Europe-wide study of relationship between food, hunger and brain
A €9 million EU-funded project will bring together scientists from 19 European labs to investigate how our body responds to food at different stages in our lives. 7 March 2011

Safety checklist for infection control reduces hospital deaths by 10%
A programme to introduce a safety checklist when placing a central-line catheter has virtually eliminated bloodstream infections in intensive care units in Michigan and also appears to have reduced deaths by 10%. 7 March 2011

Nitric oxide in nanoparticles increases survival after massive blood loss
Nitric oxide (NO) carried in the bloodstream by nano-size particles could prove a vital tool in maintaining blood circulation following massive blood loss. 5 March 2011

Bioject to provide needle-free injector for Global Polio Eradication Initiative study
Bioject Medical Technologies Inc, a developer of needle-free injection systems, has announced its support for clinical research of intradermal delivery of vaccines in developing-country immunization programs. 22 Feb 2011

No advantage in infection control from short-sleeved hospital garments
A study by researchers at the University of Colorado has found no difference in contamination of long- and short-sleeved shirts, or on the skin at the wearers’ wrists after an eight-hour day. 21 Feb 2011

Potential new blood treatment for severe H1N1 infection
A study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. 31 Jan 2011

Philips announces new COPD alliance and medical innovations at Medica 2010
Philips new alliance is expected to result in better treatment access for patients. It is also displaying innovations for operating rooms, healing lighting, patient monitoring and cardiac ultrasound. 17 Nov 2010

Innovative hospital bed combines ergonomics and infection control
An advanced acute hospital bed, that combines practicality, infection control and advanced ergonomics is being showcased at MEDICA 2010 by Halifax company Sidhil. 12 Nov 2010

Phytoceuticals plant-based wound dressing gains CE Mark
Phytoceuticalshas received CE marking for its novel primary wound dressing, called "1", which is formulated from a proprietary combination of two plant-derived oils, Neem oil and St. John's Wort oil. 3 Nov 2010

Unnecessary referrals for glaucoma could be avoided by use of 'gold standard' device
The use of a 'gold standard' device by community optometrists when measuring internal eye pressure can cut needless referrals for suspected glaucoma, indicates preliminary research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2 Nov 2010

Bernhard Dräger Award for research on non-invasive respiratory monitoring
The Bernhard Dräger Award for Advanced Treatment of Acute Respiratory Failure has been awarded to Dr Jean-Christophe Richard from the Red Cross Civil Hospital in Lyon, France. 26 Oct 2010

Maquet introduces NAVA for non-invasive ventilation for patients
Maquet Critical Care has introduced neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) for non-invasive ventilation in adult patients. 22 Oct 2010

Anaxsys launches respiR8 continuous respiratory rate counter
Surrey-based Anaxsys Ltd has launched the first product based on its novel sensor technology, respiR8, the world’s first continuous electrochemical respiratory rate counter. 15 Oct 2010

Non-pharmacological therapies as effective as drugs for Alzheimer's disease
An international study has for the first time produced strong evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in improving the lives of Alzheimer's sufferers. 23 Sept 2010

Hospital patients suffering more pain than necessary
A study of hospitals in Germany has found that over 80% of patients suffer more severe pain than necessary. 23 Sept 2010

Pain experts declare access to pain management a fundamental human right
Pain management experts from 84 countries have called for governments worldwide to recognize the rights of people to access reasonable care for acute and chronic pain. 15 Sept 2010

Intelligent wearable sensors to monitor disease and diagnose problems
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing intelligent medical sensors that can be worn by patients to monitor their symptoms and alert a healthcare professional if medical intervention is needed. 23 June 2010

biolitec laser treatment gently removes varicose veins
With the minimally invasive ELVeS PainLess laser treatment from biolitec varicose veins are gently and painlessly removed without leaving scars. 23 June 2010

Elephantiasis elimination programme reaches 600m people in 2009
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly known as Elephantiasis and one of the world's leading causes of chronic illness, is on track to become one of the first parasitic diseases transmitted by a mosquito to be eliminated worldwide. 15 June 2010

Riester upgrades range of laryngoscopes
Riester has launched new blades and handles for its range of Laryngoscopes. ri-dispo disposable laryngoscope blades and new LED and plug-in handles make Riester Laryngoscopes much more efficient and user friendly. 14 June 2010

Personal and agricultural antibiotic use increasing resistant E. coli in Peruvian children
Direct and indirect exposure of young children to antibiotics through medical and agricultural usage can increase their risk for carriage of antibiotic-resistant E. coli, which has become a global health problem. 10 May 2010

Inhalable measles vaccine will remove need for injections
A new form of measles vaccine in an inhalable dry powder could remove the need for syringes, making vaccination more acceptable to patients and safer. 7 May 2010

How nanosized particles may affect skin care products
The rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and its future use in cosmetic products holds both enormous potential and potential concern for consumers. 16 April 2010

NHS NIC awards Frazer Nash medical product development grants
Engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash has been awarded a series of development grants by the UK NHS National Innovation Centre (NIC) to develop innovative healthcare product concepts to support the needs of NHS patients. 2 April 2010

First deployment of iMDsoft's ICU software in Denmark
Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark has chosen iMDsoft's MetaVision for its newly-built, state-of-the-art, intensive care unit. 1 April 2010

Obesity overtakes malnutrition as international health problem
For the first time in history the number of people worldwide suffering from obesity now exceeds the number suffering from hunger. This was the focus of a seminar at the University of Reading. 26 March 2010

New device to improve safety and accuracy of blood collection from fragile veins
BD Diagnostics has launched the BD Microtainer MAP Microtube designed to improve the safety, accuracy and turnaround time of capillary blood collection and testing in patients with veins that can be difficult to access. 25 March 2010

Women and men suffer different diseases when travelling
For the first time, a connection has been made between gender and sickness while travelling, in a study analysing data on nearly 60,000 patients over 10 years. 16 March 2010 Deutsch

ResMed launches CPAP sleep apnoea therapy platform in Europe
The new S9 Series is expected to help more sleep apnoea patients adhere to the treatment, but also help sleep professionals make more informed decisions. 9 Mar 2010

Cool-Tel online monitoring system protects vaccine cooling systems
For vaccines to be effective, it is important that they are stored within the temperature range recommended by manufacturers. Cool-Tel systems quietly monitor and record the temperature of pharmacy fridges, or medicines in transit. 11 Feb 2010

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Trust launches online resource
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Trust, a not-for-profit, international organisation, has launched a website as a global resource on hyperbaric oxygen treatment for the public and medical professionals. 11 Feb 2010

New high performance ENT instruments from Riester
Riester has launched a range of ENT (ear, nose, throat) diagnostic instruments, the ri-scope L otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes. The instruments feature Riester’s brand new LED technology that provides a whiter light. 9 Feb 2010

New guide for intra-operative fluid management
The Guide from the UK's NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC) informs clinicians, particularly anaesthetists, and managers how to successfully implement intra-operative fluid management into routine clinical and operational practice. 9 Feb 2010

Tissuemed partners with Sheffield University to develop adhesive polymer technology
Surgical sealant film manufacturer Tissuemed Ltd is ponsoring a PhD student from the University of Sheffield’s world leading Polymer Centre to optimising adhesive polymer technology for different tissue applications. 9 Feb 2010

MR spectroscopy can locate sperm in infertile men non-invasively
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to determine if men with no sperm in their ejaculate still have sperm in their testes. It may remove the need for invasive procedures. 9 Feb 2010

Drinking beer can improve bone strength
A new study suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. 8 Feb 2010

Brain research finds new appetite-suppressing nutrient
A vitamin-like nutrient called citicoline could be the next weapon in the battle against the obesity epidemic in developed countries. 21 Jan 2010

Coloplast offers online ordering service for continence and ostomy products
Continence and ostomy care specialist Coloplast has launched an online ordering site to give both healthcare professionals and users of its products a new way of ordering. 19 Jan 2010

Use of disinfectants may promote bacterial resistance to antibiotics
Using disinfectants could cause bacteria to become resistant to both the disinfectant and also antibiotics they have not been exposed to, according to research conducted by the University of Ireland. 13 January 2010

Garment-based electrotherapy system for recovery from knee conditions
Mobilis Rolyan has launched in the UK a garment-based EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) system, the Kneehab, which is designed to treat thigh muscle wastage, or quadriceps atrophy. 17 Dec 2009

Zyomyx point-of-care test selected for initiative to treat HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries
Zyomyx, Inc. has announced that its readerless CD4 point-of-care (POC) technology was selected by Imperial College London’s CD4 Initiative as the best-performing point-of-care test method for measuring CD4 T-cell count in HIV/AIDS patients. 17 December 2009

World first cartilage treatment at UK hospital
Spire Alexandra Hospital in Kent is providing a groundbreaking new treatment for cartilage defects — the first of its kind worldwide.
The treatment enables damaged cartilage to be replaced by a specially developed purified atelocollagen gel. 17 Dec 2009

Blood clot prevention measures will prevent 25,000 UK hospital deaths a year
The UK Department of Health (DH) has made venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention mandatory for NHS trusts in the Operating Framework for the NHS in 2010/11. 17 Dec 2009

iMDsoft launches MVexpress anaesthesia system for European market
It supports and enhances the workflow from pre-op through intra-op to the post anaesthesia care unit and generates a billable anaesthesia record. 9 December 2009

Online tool for teaching medical staff how to spot a sick child
Spotting the Sick Child is aimed at all front line professionals in the field of child health and teaches the basic facts and relevant examination of the seven commonest presenting complaints in acutely ill children. 9 Dec 2009

Minimally invasive disc treatment gives long-term relief from chronic back pain
A comparison of standard medication-based therapy to a minimally invasive treatment called percutaneous disc decompression for painful herniated disc revealed that while both treatments help patients in the short run, only disc decompression kept patients pain free up to two years later. 2 December 2009

Carbon monoxide monitors for smokers show level of poison in blood
MD Diagnostics Ltd is exhibiting its carbon monoxide (CO) monitors for measuring CO concentrations in smokers' breath at the Medica trade fair this week. These new devices are crucial in highlighting the dangers of the deadly habit.  17 Nov 2009

Signs of the times — fighting infection with silver technology
A range of signs capable of killing 99.99% of ‘superbug’ bacteria will be unveiled at Medica 2009  by British-based Centurion Europe. Its pioneering range of ‘Biosigns’ uses silver ionisation to provide a robust anti-microbial protection. 17 Nov 2009

Patient wristbands rolled out across Europe
Brenmoor, whose printed identification wristbands are used in eight out of 10 UK hospitals, is looking to roll out its products in Europe and globally using trade fair Medica in Dusseldorf as a launch platform. 17 Nov 2009

Mother and child wait for vaccineInvestment in global health is best way to save lives, say Bill and Melinda Gates
In a joint speech to US policymakers this week, Bill and Melinda Gates called for a global push to halve child deaths worldwide by 2025. They made the case that US initiatives to fight AIDS, malaria, and other diseases in poor countries are America's best investment for saving lives. 30 Oct 2009

Health Robotics ships first IV medication preparation robots to US and Spain
i.v.STATION represents a revolutionary approach in the quest for safe, accurate, efficient, and cost effective intravenous and ready-to-administer patient doses.

Antibody treatment for ulcerative colitis reduces need for colon surgery
Ulcerative colitis patients had a 41% reduction in removal of their colon (colectomy) after a year when treated with the artificial antibody infliximab, according to a study led by Mayo Clinic. 27 Oct 2009

3M Drug Delivery Systems expands with new Singapore lab
The Singapore lab will develop products in both the inhalation and transdermal drug-delivery categories for pharmaceutical customers and patients in the Asia Pacific region. 23 October 2009

US Army awards LiveData grant to develop integrated clinical 'plug and play' patient safety system
The US Army Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center has awarded a $730,000 research grant to LiveData, Inc. to develop an integrated clinical environment (ICE). The results are expected to benefit patients throughout the continuum of care including improvement in workflow, reductions in medical errors in particular and healthcare costs in general. 14 Oct 2009

Diabetech selects Cinterion wireless modules for GlucoMON diabetes management system
The 4th generation GlucoMON device uses Cinterion’s TC65 Terminal and works in conjunction with Diabetech’s Automated Diabetes Management System (ADMS), which helps manage and control blood glucose levels and change behaviour to avoid potentially deadly consequences of diabetes. 14 Oct 2009

Baxter receives EC approval for Celvapan H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine
Celvapan H1N1 is the first cell culture-based and non-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine to receive marketing authorization in the European Union. 14 Oct 2009 

Revolutionary fertility monitor helps couples conceive without IVF
DuoFertility is a groundbreaking new fertility monitor developed by that helps women to maximise their chances of conceiving naturally without resorting to fertility treatment. 14 Oct 2009

Blindness in Nigeria set to rise 40% — mostly preventable
By 2020, 1.4 million Nigerians over age 40 will lose their sight, and the vast majority of the causes are either preventable or treatable, according to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Study Group.

Thailand HIV vaccine trial first to show preventative effect
The world's largest clinical trial of an investigational vaccine regimen has shown that it is well-tolerated and has a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in strains present in Thailand. 25 Sept 2009

Pandemic flu H1N1 can cause more severe lung infection than seasonal flu
Pandemic swine flu can infect cells deeper in the lungs than seasonal flu, which may explain why people infected with the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza are more likely to suffer more severe symptoms than those infected with the seasonal strain of H1N1. 21 Sept 2009

Large differences in cardiovascular mortality and national prevention policies across EU
Research from a three-year programme to analyse cardiovascular health and prevention policies in 16 European countries shows heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Europe but there are huge differences in both national prevention policies and levels of cardiovascular mortality between countries. 21 Sept 2009

US FDA approves four vaccines for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. 21 Sept 2009

World-first swine-flu vaccine trial reveals one dose provides 'strong immune response'
A clinical trial in the UK of Novartis MF59-adjuvanted cell-based A (H1N1) vaccine indicates that the vaccine is well-tolerated and one dose elicits a strong immune response. 5 Sept 2009

3M introduces first electronic stethoscope with Bluetooth wireless
3M has introduced the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, a next-generation auscultation device featuring Bluetooth technology that wirelessly transfers heart, lung and other body sounds to computer systems software for further analysis. 1 September 2009

The Gambia launches national vaccination campaign against child-killing disease
The Gambia has launched a national immunisation programme with the help of the GAVI Alliance to eradicate pneumococcal disease, one of the leading causes of child death worldwide. 1 September 2009 Francais

Norovirus outbreak aboard cruise ship eradicated by revolutionary vaporisation process
The cruise ship Marco Polo, whose round-Britain cruise had to be cancelled because hundreds of passengers became ill with the vomiting bug Norovirus, has been disinfected by SitexOrbis' revolutionary infection control fogging service in just 5 hours at the Tilbury docks. 28 August 2009

Baxter completes production of first commercial batches of A(H1N1) flu vaccine
Baxter International Inc. completed production of its first commercial batches of Celvapan A(H1N1) flu vaccine using its proprietary Vero cell culture technology in late July and is discussing plans for distribution with national health authorities, subject to obtaining appropriate authorizations. 20 August 2009

Formal education lessens impact of Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers at the Department of Psychiatry, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München have shown that education diminishes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on cognition even if a manifest brain volume loss has already occurred. 20 August 2009

Britain conducts first swine-flu vaccine trials
Britain’s first swine flu vaccine trials are taking place at the Leicester Royal Infirmary using 175 volunteers. 20 August 2009

Germgard's room-temperature surgical instrument sterilizer achieves three-minute cycle time
Germgard Lighting LLC of New Jersey has demonstrated a breakthrough advancement of its gas-based, room-temperature surgical instrument sterilization system. 20 August 2009

Elan's NanoCrystal technology approved for long-acting injectable formulation
Elan Drug Technologies, a business unit of Elan Corporation has announced the first approval of a long-acting injectable formulation using its proprietary NanoCrystal technology. 9 August 2009

Dutch researchers discover way to give complete protection against malaria
Researchers from the Medical Centre of the Radboud University of Nijmegen have successfully induced complete protection against malaria in a group of volunteers, opening the way for the development of a vaccine. 29 July 2009

H1N1 flu virus infectionSwine flu H1N1 virus more virulent than previously thought
In contrast with run-of-the-mill seasonal flu viruses, the H1N1 virus exhibits an ability to infect cells deep in the lungs, where it can cause pneumonia and, in severe cases, death. Seasonal viruses typically infect only cells in the upper respiratory system. 23 July 2009

Blood glucose meter for kids connects with Nintendo DS to help diabetes management
The Didget meter is designed to help kids manage this lifelong condition by rewarding them for building consistent blood glucose testing habits and meeting personalised glucose target ranges. 22 July 2009

Improper use of canes and walkers causes 47,000 falls in US
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is urging elderly people who use canes and walkers as walking aids to be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid fall-related injuries. 22 July 2009

EU project to assess the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks of NSAIDs
The SOS project aims to assess the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events among NSAIDs users to guide the selection of NSAIDs that have minimal harmful side effects. 15 July 2009

Poorer countries with no access to antivirals in pandemic could use generic drugs to prevent deaths
Almost 90% of the world’s population will not have timely access to affordable supplies of vaccines and antiviral agents in the current influenza pandemic, but it is possible that inexpensive generic drugs that are readily available, even in developing countries, could save millions of lives. 29 June 2009

UK tops list of 213 countries at extreme risk to spread of swine flu
A Warwick Business School professor and one of the founders of global risks specialist, Maplecroft, has released three new maps and indices revealing the countries most at risk from an influenza pandemic. 29 June 2009

Cancer screening fear is fuelled by lack of information
Fear plays a major role in whether women decide to go for cancer screening or not, but healthcare providers underestimate how much women need to know and wrongly assume that they will ask for information if they want it. 29 June 2009

sanofi-aventis donates 100m doses of A(H1N1) flu vaccine to WHO
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, will reserve 10 percent of its output for the WHO as a donation to help address the influenza pandemic in developing countries. 18 June 2009

Covidien launches alarm management system for Nellcor pulse oximeter
Covidien has announced the global launch of its Alarm Management System for the Nellcor OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter. It alerts hospital staff to periods of desaturation and potentially worrisome signal patterns. 17 June

Genomic data shows swine flu infectivity will increase but lethality will remain low
Boston-based biotech firm Replikins Ltd has analyzed the most recent peptide genomic sequence data available and determined that the infectivity of the H1N1 virus will increase markedly, while its lethality will remain relatively low for the immediate future. 16 June 2009

Artificial liver using human liver cells may extend lives
The first artificial organ for liver patients that uses immortalized human liver cells, the Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device (ELAD), is undergoing clinical trials in the US. ELAD is a bedside system that treats blood plasma, metabolizing toxins and synthesizing proteins like a real liver. 15 June 2009

Impaired vision costs billions in lost productivity worldwide
Nearly 158 million people globally suffer with vision impairment resulting from uncorrected refractive error, which can usually be eliminated with a pair of eyeglasses and an eye examination. 15 June 2009

New rapid cognitive screening test could help diagnose early Alzheimer's
A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early dementia, according to researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. 10 June 2009

Diabetes care not improved by pay incentives for primary care doctors
The care of patients with diabetes in the UK has improved over the last decade, but this does not seem to be a direct result of the Quality and Outcomes Framework — the scheme that rewards UK general practices for delivering quality care. 5 June 2009

Spanish project develops microfluidic chip for regulating diabetes
Scientists of the Electronic Technology Group of the University of Seville (US) have completed the first phase of Mireia, a research project to develop a microfluidic chip to monitor and medicate diabetes. 5 June 2009

MEMSCAP and OrthoMEMS team up to develop biomedical sensor
MEMSCAP and OrthoMEMS have entered a multi-year strategic partnership and development agreement to manufacture a MEMS sensor for the assessment and treatment of mechanical low back pain. 5 June 2009

European online obesity survey launched
With excess weight and obesity increasing across Europe at an alarming rate, the online survey seeks to understand to what degree this is of concern to European citizens and what steps we think should be taken to address this pressing issue. 28 May 2009

Canopus BioPharma studies use of statins for treating flu
Canopus BioPharma Inc. has commissioned a team of experts to assist with its plans for major collaborations to license, manufacture and distribute its H1N1 Swine flu statin antiviral. It is in negotiations to initiate large scale clinical trials and gaining marketing approval. 28 May 2009

Clinical decision support system for iPhone
Wave Medical has expanded its clinical decision support applications for general practitioners, nurses, emergency doctors and medical students to the iPhone and iPod Touch. 27 May 2009

Horiba Medical launches Pentra SAfe for POC haematology
HORIBA Medical has launched Pentra SAfe to provide secure and remote access to its bench top haematology analyser, the ABX Pentra 60 C+ in point-of-care environments. 27 May 2009

Warning over 6-month time lag to develop pandemic flu vaccine
Research from the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust warns of a six-month time lag before effective vaccines can be manufactured in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak. 11 May 2009

Swine flu having powerful impact in Sweden
Sales of face masks are breaking records in Sweden. Before the outbreak of the A(H1N1) flu in Mexico, few Swedes were concerned about pandemics, previously unknown diseases, or diseases related to animals, such as mad cow disease or BSE. 11 May 2009

Stem cell transplantation helps diabetics become insulin free
The majority of patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent a certain type of stem cell transplantation became insulin free, several for more than three years, according to a new study. 8 May 2009

New TB vaccine clears important hurdle
An urgently needed new tuberculosis vaccine cleared a vital step in testing, an important advance at time when a third of the world’s population is believed to be have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), which, when re-activated, can cause full-blown disease. 8 May 2009

Energex proposes HemoModulation therapy for treatment of H1N1 swine flu
Energex Systems Inc. has announced that it has notified the FDA of its interest in applying for an Emergency Use Approval that would permit the company to offer its HemoModulation therapy for the treatment of influenza type A(H1N1), otherwise known as swine flu. 8 May 2009

New rodent virus implicated in human sudden infant death syndrome
Ljungan virus which was only discovered in the 1990s in rodents, has been found in 11 of 12 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or (SIDS) by investigators from Sweden and the USA. 8 May 2009

Medication Management Canada offers decision support and electronic record system for pharmacists
The system provides pharmacists a clinical decision support system and electronic therapeutic record to promote common practice standards, document therapeutic outcomes, and improve patient care. 7 May 2009

PerkinElmer becomes exclusive distributor for ID Biological Systems’ newborn screening sample collection cards. 7 May 2009

Ventilator controlled by brain signals helps infants in critical condition
Patient case reports from several hospitals show that a revolutionary technique for assisted breathing by mechanical ventilation called NAVA can improve the interaction between a child and the ventilator. 6 May 2009

Hospital infection control will be critical in preventing spread of swine flu
The severity and extent of the current swine flu outbreak (now officially named influenza A(H1N1) by WHO) are unknown, but the SARS outbreak (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003 taught that rigorous infection control in hospitals may be key to limiting deaths from any disease outbreak. 1 May 2009

Preparing for pandemic flu — guides for families, businesses, healthcare providers
Trust for America's Health (TFAH) has re-issued its series of It's Not Flu As Usual guides on pandemic flu preparedness for families, businesses, medical providers, and community groups. The guides are applicable to all countries. 1 May 2009

Swine flu could be a disaster for weak public health systems in developing countries
A potential spread of swine flu to developing countries without adequate means to track the outbreak or to treat those infected could prove disastrous, says humanitarian agency World Vision. 1 May 2009

Smart material technology helps repair skeletal malformations
Innovative technology developed in co-operation between the Electronics Department of the Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) and the Orton Invalid Foundation is a significant step in the repair of skeletal malformations. 24 April 2009

McKesson acquires LMS Medical Systems' perinatal information system
McKesson has strengthened its enterprise Horizon Clinicals solution with the acquisition of LMS Medical Systems’ intellectual property for obstetrics surveillance and archival capabilities. 23 April 2009

Cerus expands Intercept product line with new set for platelets
Cerus Corporation has received CE mark approval for a new configuration of its Intercept Blood System, allowing a single treatment procedure to produce two pathogen inactivated platelet units for transfusion. 23 April 2009

Bioject gains US clearance for  Zetajet needle-free injection system
Bioject’s new Zetajet system offers an array of unique product features and patient benefits that can provide highly competitive differentiation to a wide variety of injectable market segments. 23 April 2009

St Mary’s Hospital unveils advanced intensive care units
St Mary’s Hospital in London, has opened a leading-edge intensive care unit that enables 24/7 patient observation and monitoring, automated visitor management and videoconferencing between staff and consultants, operated from the patient's bedside. 10 April 2009

The International Diabetes Federation’s 20th World Diabetes Congress
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will organize its 20th World Diabetes Congress this year in Montreal, Canada from 18-22 October. The Congress is held every two years and is one of the world’s largest medical congresses. More details about the event and venue ... 9 April 2009

FluGen secures exclusive rights to novel vaccine-delivery technology
Flugen Inc., has secured rights to vaccine-delivery technology being commercialized by Ratio Inc. The easy-to-use, disposable micro-device painlessly delivers seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. 7 April 2009

Intel and GE form $250m alliance to develop home healthcare technology
GE and Intel Corporation have entered into an alliance to market and develop home-based health technologies that will help the elderly live independently and patients with chronic conditions manage their care at home. 6 April 2009

Rats dying from type 1 diabetes restored to health without insulin
Terminally ill rodents with type 1 diabetes have been restored to full health with a single injection of a substance other than insulin. The rats were given a single injection of the hormone leptin. 23 February 2009

Training the brain to avoid falls
Training people to avoid falls by repeatedly exposing them to unstable situations in the laboratory helped them to later maintain their balance on a slippery floor. The research could eventually help people, including the elderly, for whom falling is an important health issue. 21 February 2009

WHO approves Coldpack Antifreeze Vaccine Backpack for vaccine transport
Coldpack has announced that it has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an approved vaccine transportation provider. Coldpack was selected based on its AntiFreeze Vaccine Backpack’s capability to help maintain and transport temperature-sensitive immunizations. 16 February 2009

New online resource to support children with type 1 diabetes
Sanofi-aventis US has announced the availability of the diabetes KidCare Kit, a multimedia resource that will provide children and their families with valuable tools and information to help guide them through the difficult but crucial first 30 days following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 12 February 2009

International collaboration to develop ultrasound-activated drug-delivery nanoparticles
Nanobiotix, an emerging nanomedicine company has announced that it will collaborate with the SonoDrugs project consortium to develop new nanoparticulate drug carriers that can be activated for localized drug release using focused ultrasound. 10 February 2009

Navigenics launches portal to give doctors access to patients' genomic information
For patients choosing to receive a Navigenics service through their physician, this portal allows the physician to integrate patients’ genetic information into personalized health plans designed to help diagnose early or prevent a number of health conditions. 10 February 2009

TwistDx’s rapid test for MRSA winner in NHS Smart Solutions Programme
TwistDx, a DNA diagnostics company based in Cambridge, UKI, has been selected as a winner in a National Health Service competition to find new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). 10 February 2009

Sodium MRI shows arthritis long before physical symptoms
Dr Garry Gold, an associate professor of radiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine has improved an old imaging technology called sodium MRI to diagnose osteoarthritis as long as decades before the onset of physical symptoms. 9 February 2009

Philips and Immunetrics to combat infectious diseases in critical care
Royal Philips Electronics and Immunetrics Inc. have entered into a joint development agreement to explore new approaches to the growing problem of infectious disease in critical care. 4 February 2009

Under-skin sensor to monitor blood glucose of Type 1 diabetics
Diabetes experts based at Southampton General Hospital will fit the tiny devices to participants' stomachs and use them in conjunction with watch-like armbands, which will check participants' physical activity. 31 January 2009

Telehealth users forecast to exceed 55m worldwide by 2016
A new report from InMedica forecasts exceptional growth in the number of telehealth subscribers over the next decade due to the increased use of telehealth services for chronic disease management. 31 January 2009

Philips leads €15.9m project to develop image-guided drug-delivery technology
By delivering drugs directly to disease sites via the patient’s bloodstream that are then activated by focused ultrasound pulses, the SonoDrugs project aims to maximize the therapeutic efficiency and minimize the side effects of drug treatments for cancer and cardiovascular disease. 31 January 2009

New Venture Partners and Unilever Ventures invest in personalised weight management system
New Venture Partners LLC, the global venture capital firm dedicated to corporate technology spinouts, and Unilever Ventures, the early stage venture arm of Unilever, have jointly invested in MiLife, a company focused on providing technology solutions for personalised weight management. 25 January 2009

High power pocket ultrasound device opens way for new therapeutic uses
A prototype of a therapeutic ultrasound device, developed by a Cornell University graduate student, fits in the palm of a hand, is battery-powered and packs enough power to stabilize a gunshot wound or deliver drugs to brain cancer patients. 13 January 2009

Interactive report maps out useful technology for the aging
The US Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released an interactive version of its State of Technology in Aging Services Report that lays out the categories of technologies that exist and are under development to meet the needs of aging consumers and highlights what companies are doing to serve this growing market segment. 13 January 2009

Autism and schizophrenia show common disorders in pregnancy
Dutch developmental psychologist Annemie Ploeger has demonstrated that both mental diseases have similar physical abnormalities that are formed during the first month of pregnancy. 8 January 2009

Bruker Daltonics introduces five minute melamine food safety testing solution
Bruker Daltonics has released a robust, fast and highly sensitive high-capacity ion trap HCT solution for the detection and quantification of melamine and cyanuric acid (CA) by food safety laboratories. 8 January 2009

Neuromonics awarded $1m to study tinnitus treatment for soldiers
Neuromonics, Inc. has been awarded $1 million from the US Department of Defense to study the treatment of tinnitus among military service members. Tinnitus is one of the top medical complaints for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, primarily due to excessive noise exposure during combat. 7 January 2009

Cold-induced blood vessels could help obese burn more fat
Mice exposed to low temperatures develop more blood vessels in their adipose tissue and metabolise body fat more quickly. It could lead to ways to control blood vessel development in humans to combat obesity and diabetes. 7 January 2009

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

 

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