News archive
November 2008
Draeger DrugTest 5000 rapidly detects
addictive drugs from saliva
The Dräger DrugTest 5000 can detect up to six different drug classes
from samples of saliva within minutes. The system is compact, simple and
hygienic to use. It also has data management capabilities to ensure
sample documentation is easy to create. 26 November 20008
Staffordshire hospital modernises radiotherapy
department with Varian RapidArc linear accelerator
Cancer patients will receive faster, more advanced cancer treatments as
part of a major project to modernize the University Hospital
radiotherapy department serving North Staffordshire in central England.
26 November 2008
Dickson launches recorder for independent
monitoring of ultra-low freezers
Dickson has launched an Ultra-Low Recorder for validating freezer
temperatures for storage of essential materials with critical
requirements for ultra-low temperatures. 26 November 2008
Toshiba develops novel biosensor array with
individually coded microparticles
Cambridge Research Laboratory of Toshiba Research Europe Ltd has
developed a novel, label-free biosensor platform that is expected to
significantly shorten the time taken to screen molecules for biomedical
applications, saving days or even weeks of research time. 26 November
2008
Philips announces breakthrough in
point-of-care testing using nanotechnology
Philips’ new Magnotech technology uses magnetic nanoparticles to measure
target molecules. The ease of use and accuracy of this new technology
could speed up the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases and bring
complex in-vitro diagnostic tests out of the laboratory to the patient’s
bedside and at home. 25 November 2008
Philips acquires Indian x-ray manufacturer in
further expansion in emerging markets
This deal follows recent healthcare technology acquisitions in India,
China and Brazil. 24 November 2008
Marillion Pharmaceuticals licenses Bracco
Imaging's novel targetted prostate and breast cancer treatments
Bracco’s treatment for hormone-resistant prostate and advanced
(metastatic) breast cancers has unique targeting capability that enables
it to home in on tumour cells and spare normal tissues. 24
November 2008
Clinical Data launches genetic test for
arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
The company also announced plans to make its databases of genetic
mutations associated with inherited cardiac conditions, such as ARVC,
available to the public. 24 November 2008
PerkinElmer realigns business to focus on
human and environmental health
PerkinElmer’s Human Health Business will be based on developing
diagnostics, tools and applications to fight illness, provide better
medical insight and more rapidly create critical new therapies. It will
include the company’s Genetic Screening, Bio-discovery and Medical
Imaging operating units. 24 November 2008
ArQule and Daiichi-Sankyo in strategic partnership to develop novel anti-cancer compounds. 24 November 2008
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry uses
MathWorks parallel computing tools for cancer research
The Institute studies the relationship between the structure and
activity of macromolecular protein complexes, which requires processing
of vast amounts of data. 24 November 2008
Evonik industries licenses ERGO genomics platform for production of specialty chemicals from microbial genomes. 24 November 2008
Neurostimulation provides sustained leg pain
relief and improved quality of life
New data from a study published in the journal Neurosurgery show that spinal cord stimulation (neurostimulation therapy) provides sustained, significant improvement in otherwise intractable, chronic leg pain, quality of life and functional capacity out to 24 months of therapy.
20 November 2008
Illumina launches the HumanCytoSNP-12 BeadChip
to screen for genetic abnormalities
The HumanCytoSNP-12 BeadChip contains nearly 300,000 genetic markers per
sample that target all known cytogenetic abnormalities found in genes
and disease pathways linked to mental retardation, autism, and other
common chromosome anomalies. 20 November 2008
Houston doctor launches online auction for
teleradiology services
Telerays is a web-based auction approach to contracting out
teleradiology services where facilities that need radiology
interpretation services put the work up for bid to be awarded to the
lowest bidder. 20 November 2008
Canadian Supreme Court upholds selection
patents
The Canadian Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold selection
patents earlier this month helps keep the biotechnology sector
competitive as it seeks international investment during these difficult
economic times, says BIOTECanada, an intervener in the case. 20 November
2008
Invitrogen launches microarray to study
non-coding RNA
Invitrogen's NCode Human and Mouse non-coding RNA microarrays consist of
both non-coding RNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) content on the same array.
Non-coding RNA represents a new frontier of molecular genetic, molecular
biological, physiological and cell biological research. 20 November 2008
Cabernet Pharmaceuticals and Lilly in alliance to develop patient-tailored therapeutic drugs. 20 November 2008
Developer of revolutionary non-invasive blood
glucose monitor relocates 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
Portuguese scientists discover new mechanism
regulating formation of blood vessels
This finding has implications for wound healing including chronic
wounds, such as those found in diabetic patients and those suffering
from morbid obesity. 18 November 2008
Celgene Cellular Therapeutics receives FDA clearance for
first
placenta-derived stem cell clinical study
Celgene Cellular Therapeutics has received US FDA clearance for a clinical trial using PDA001, an immunomodulatory therapy utilizing human placenta-derived
stem cells obtained via CCT’s proprietary processes.
A multi-centre clinical trial will begin with a group of with Crohn’s
disease patients. 18 November 2008
First demonstration of telomerase activator
enhancing antiviral function of immune cells in HIV patients
Geron Corporation has announced the publication of preclinical data on
TAT2, a small molecule telomerase activator. The studies show that human
CD8+ T-cells from HIV-infected donors exposed to TAT2 exhibited
increased telomerase activity, resulting in retardation of telomere
shortening, an increase in T-cell proliferation, and enhancement of
critical antiviral functions against HIV-1. 18 November 2008
Ingen Technologies signs distribution
agreement for oxygen flow meters in Saudi Arabia
Ingen Technologies, Inc. has signed a three-year exclusive distribution
agreement with Batterjee Medical Services to distribute its Oxyview and
OxyAlert respiratory assist products within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
18 November 2008
Global Therapeutics initiates trial of stent
with RNA therapeutic agent to prevent artery closure
Global Therapeutics has announced initiation of the world’s first
clinical trial of a drug eluting stent that uses an antisense RNA
therapeutics agent aimed at silencing one of the genes (c-myc)
responsible for causing arteries to reclose after stenting (restenosis).
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
Illumina announces breakthrough human genome
sequencing studies
Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) has announced the sequencing results of the
first Yoruban human genome. The study, published in the 6 November 2008
issue of Nature was completed by Illumina scientists and
collaborators at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and generated
greater than 30x average coverage of the genome. 12 November 2008
Honda
unveils walking-assist device with
body support
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled its second
experimental walking assist device that helps support
bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual's
legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a
semi-crouching position. 12 November 2008
BioReliance introduces new protein array platform
BioReliance has introduced a new protein-array platform that offers
greater sensitivity, reduced testing time and reliable results. The
platform, brand-named ReliArray, can simultaneously screen for four
non-human pathogens in animal serum. 12 November 2008
Signature Genomic Laboratories makes Genoglyphix microarray visualization program available to full-service clients. 12 November 2008
Nanogen partners with Menarini to market
molecular diagnostic kits in Europe
Under the agreement, Menarini will commercialize CE marked IVD
infectious disease kits based on Nanogen’s proprietary MGB technology.
12 November 2008
Masimo launches first non-adhesive pulse
oximetry sensor for extremely low birth weight babies
Masimo's new SofTouch disposable pulse oximetry sensor is designed
for the fragile skin and size of extremely low birth weight infants
(<500 grams-1,000 grams). 12 November 2008
UK Royal Commission calls for more
safety measures for nanotechnology materials
A new report by the UK's Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP)
says that there is an urgent need for more testing, extending existing
governance arrangements and creating new arrangements to control the
development of nanomaterials. 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 route for development of a malaria
vaccine
Researchers from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre,
Nijmegen, the Netherlands and LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands have
discovered a potential new route for genetically modifying the malaria
parasite and developing a new malaria vaccine. 12 November 2008
New chemical key could unlock hundreds of new
antibiotics
Researchers at The University of Warwick and the John Innes Centre, UK,
have found a novel signalling molecule that could be a key that will
open up hundreds of new antibiotics, unlocking them from the DNA of the
Streptomyces family of bacteria. 12 November 2008
New genetic test for baldness launched by
HairDX
PharmaGenoma, Inc. and its subsidiary HairDX, LLC have unveiled the next
generation of its genetic screening test for male pattern baldness,
which can tell a man who tests positive for the high risk genetic
variant that he has approximately a 70% chance of going bald. 12
November 2008
Health Robotics announces contract for its
CytoCare and IV Station robots with Arabian Health Care Supply
Corporation
Italian company Health-Robotics has signed an exclusive 5-year strategic
partnership with Arabian Health Care Supply Corporation (AHCSC-OLAYAN),
the leading medical device provider within the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) countries.
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
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
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
CNSystems receives FDA approval for CNAP blood
pressure monitor
Austrian company CNSystems Medizintechnik AG, has received US FDA
approval to market its CNAP non-invasive and continuous blood pressure
monitor 500 in the United States. 10 November 2008
Kinaxo and Boehringer Ingelheim to collaborate
in drug discovery
Kinaxo Biotechnologies GmbH, a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of
Biochemistry, has entered into a two-year collaboration with Boehringer
Ingelheim to study drug mode of action and target identification. 9
November 2008
Musgrove Hospital extends cardiac procedures
with new imaging system
Musgrove Hospital in Southwest England has installed a floor-mounted
AXIOM Artis zee interventional cardiac imaging system from Siemens for
coronary angiography, angioplasty and cardiac resynchronisation therapy
(CRT). 9 November 2008
Radiometer adds NT-proBNP and Troponin T to
its cardiovascular point-of-care portfolio
Radiometer has added assays for NT-proBNP and Troponin T to the panel of
cardiovascular markers that can be assessed at the point of care using
its new AQT90 FLEX POC immunoassay platform. 9 November 2008
Leica releases first inverted routine
microscope with LED light source
Leica has released a new microscope, the DM IL LED, the first inverted
routine microscope to combine high quality Leica HC optics with
state-of-the-art LED illumination. 9 November 2008
UK leads worldwide sales of Siemens Ysio
digital radiography system
The Siemens Ysio product team in the UK has achieved the highest number
of sales worldwide of the new digital radiography (DR) system with
wireless detector. 9 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
Elsevier expands eclinical solutions in Europe
Elsevier is increasing its efforts to provide interactive clinical
reference and clinical decision support (CDS) tools to new markets in
Europe. It has launched DoctorConsult — the German language version of
MD Consult. 5 November 2008
Nonin Medical showcases first pulse oximeter
pre-certified by Continua Health Alliance
Meeting Continua's guidelines for medical devices enables simple 'plug
and play' integration, resulting in streamlined communications to help
consumers and healthcare providers better manage personal health and
wellness. 5 November 2008
Time magazine recognizes Touch Bionics' i-Limb
hand as a 2008 top invention
The i-Limb Hand developed by Scottish company Touch Bionics has been
recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Top 50 inventions of 2008. 5
November 2008
Alzheimer Research Forum releases overview of
Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
The Alzheimer Research Forum (Alzforum), an authoritative Web resource,
is releasing a six-part series on the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging
Initiative (ADNI), the largest study ever to fill a central knowledge
gap in the Alzheimer disease field. 2 November 2008
First minimally invasive hernia repair through
vagina
Surgeons at the University of California (UC) San Diego Medical Center
have performed what is believed to be the world’s first hernia repair
using the vagina as the path to the surgical site. 2 November 2008
Sectra and DIPS co-operate to provide IT systems for Norwegian hospitals. 1 November 2008
Médecins Sans Frontières prevented from
treating refugees in Italy
Médecins Sans Frontières medical teams have been forced to stop
providing medical care to refugees at the harbour of the Italian island
of Lampedusa after the Italian Interior Ministry refused to sign a new
Memorandum of Understanding. 1 November 2008
Welch Allyn and ZOLL Medical Corporation announce strategic alliance. 1 Nov 2008
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