MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'in the news'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:50:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181947&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F5QHxJReEZo0%2Fwhat-do-mri-machines-and-wind-turbines-potentially-have-in-common.html This is not your typical Medgadget story but interesting nonetheless – medical technology applied to a non-medical field.  General Electric has announced that it begun work on a $3 million project from the U.S. Department of Energy to create a next generation wind turbine generator to economically scale up wind power.   What’s unique about this project is that the plan is to apply superconducting magnet technology that’s widely used in medical MRI machines to wind turbines to generate increased electrical power at lower cost. Currently, most wind turbines use conventional generators and gearboxes.  Staying with that technology will result in increased size, weight, and additional costs as larger wind platforms are developed.  GE hopes that with superconducting magnet technol... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181947 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:17:07 +0100 5181947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181701&cid=t_100092_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2011%2F08%2Finterviewed-kathy-freston-for-blogher-shes-awesome-httpwwwbloghercominterview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-au.html Interviewed Kathy Freston for BlogHer. She's awesome: http://www.blogher.com/interview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-author-kathy-freston (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181701 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5181701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174801&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FIcCtb6QLZ98%2Fif-you-cant-pass-physicaltherapy-legislation-investigate-its-board.html Call it sour grapes or waste of tax payer's money but the good friend of California's Medical Association, legislator Mary Hayashi has requested a full blown audit of the California Physical Therapy Board at a cost of $188,00.  In her letter, she cites that it is "....warranted to determine if the Board is misappropriating public funds, abusing its authority, and failing to carry out its mission."  Speaking of government misappropriations of money, perhaps Ms. Hayashi is unfamiliar with the government's own reporting that showed that 90% of PT services in POPTS did not meet professional standards.  Now that would be an audit well worth taking.   @physicaltherapy (Source: MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com) MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174801 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:08:30 +0100 5174801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169591&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Ftidt4-jMuD8%2Facoustic-shock-wave-technology-receives-patent.html Sanuwave Health, a company out of Alpharetta, GA that develops noninvasive devices used in regenerative medicine, has received a U.S. patent for its acoustic shock-wave technology. Treatments using the technology apply shock waves, which cause micro-injury to the targeted area of the body, stimulating growth factors and resulting in an increase in new blood vessel formation. Patent 7,985,189, which is titled “Method For Using Acoustic Shock Waves in the Treatment of Medical Conditions,” covers the treatment of a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as tendinitis, osteoporosis, and stress fractures. The patent will protect intellectual property related to the company’s Pulsed Acoustic Cellular Expression (PACE) and orthoPACE technology, which are used to treat various m... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169591 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:08:08 +0100 5169591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169592&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FrlAcPE4Noaw%2Fvancomycin-reengineered-to-kill-resistant-bacteria-once-again.html Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have successfully reengineered vancomycin. They have reported their findings in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. This research could be a solution in the treatment of patients infected with highly resistant bacteria. Vancomycin is often considered the antiobiotic of last resort, if other antibiotics have failed to do the job. But the emergence of vancomycin-resistant bacteria is becoming a major health problem. Vancomycin works by binding the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminal dipeptide of peptidoglycan precursors, used by bacteria for constructing their cell walls. By binding it, the bacteria can not use the peptidoglycan anymore and they die. But certain bacteria have altered their peptidoglycan by replacing an amide with an ester, res... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169592 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:50:44 +0100 5169592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139924&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FdSHfw_ro0ZE%2Fimaging-suite-to-help-develop-novel-methods-of-spotting-infectious-diseases.html The Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas is getting a new high tech imaging suite designed to eventually handle patients with dangerous highly contagious diseases. The technology, co-developed with Philips, will allow a patient to go through pretty much every modern imaging modality without exposing clinicians, machines and the rest of the suite to the contagion. The center expects to use the new technology, which includes an MRI, PET-CT scanner, SPECT-CT scanner, and a C-arm fluoroscope, among other things, to study how imaging can help identify various infectious diseases.  Philips has been contracted to supply the various imaging systems. From the announcement: Air-tight containment vessels make it possible for samples and infected research models to be imaged withou... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139924 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:24:59 +0100 5139924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139925&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FE-txo6MuUn0%2Fecho-therapeutics-non-invasive-glucometer-and-skin-permeation-system-demonstrated.html We’ve been covering Echo Therapeutics‘ non-invasive glucose monitoring technology as it’s working its way toward regulatory approvals on both sides of the Atlantic. You might recall that Echo’s Symphony wireless glucometer relies on a special transdermal permeation system, called Prelude, to prep the skin. To better demonstrate how a patient would use the system, Echo has released a video outlining the main features: More: Echo Therapeutics Unveils Symphony tCGM Demonstration Video … Product page: Symphony tCGM System … Flashbacks: Prelude SkinPrep Transdermal Permeation System Does Well in Clinical Trial ; Symphony Transdermal Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Going to Clinical Trials; Positive Results for Echo Therapeutics’ Noninvasive Glucometer... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139925 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:10:38 +0100 5139925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139927&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F987bkahCASg%2Fdual-color-sted-microscopy-resolves-living-cell-interactions-at-80nm.html Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED), an optical microscopy technique not limited by light diffraction, has become an indispensable tool for studying cellular function at a resolution unattainable with traditional optical methods.  Yet, there has been a considerable limitation using STED to study dynamic interactions because one needs to use different colors to label the players, but until now STED has been monochromatic. Researchers from Yale University with the help of New England Biolabs have developed a method of attaching specialty dyes to proteins that turn out to be compatible for doing dual color STED microscopy. From an Optical Society announcement: The key to their success was in overcoming the challenges in labeling target proteins in living cells with dyes optimal for two-colo... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139927 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:29:56 +0100 5139927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139931&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FO4gddXrSpJY%2Fspatial-light-interference-microscopy-gives-a-new-look-at-living-cells.html Scientists at University of Illinois have reported a new method of monitoring cell behavior over a large optical resolution range (micrometers to millimeters) and at time scales from seconds to days.  Known as Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM), the technique can resolve mass to one femtogram, and monitor the behavior of single living cells within a larger collection. Gabriel Popescu, the lead author of the study, says: “By using a fluorescence reporter in conjunction with this novel optical technique, we were also able to differentiate how the cells regulate their growth in different stages of their lifecycle. Aside from the basic science interest, this technology could have broader implications in understanding the effects of cancer treatments and other forms of therapy on t... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139931 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:37:41 +0100 5139931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139932&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FA7S21sn_TwE%2Fbattle-of-the-bacteria-genetically-modified-e-coli-vs-p-aeruginosa.html Biochemical engineers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have genetically modified a strain of the Escherichia coli bacteria to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By inserting DNA fragments into the E.coli, the engineered bacteria strain produced pyocin S5, a toxic protein which kills P.aeruginosa strains. Pyocins are produced by P.aeruginosa itself to compete with its own species, so they are species-specific antibiotics. Next to this first enhancement, Matthew Chang and his team also engineered their E.coli strain to only release the pyocin when it detects P.aeruginosa bacteria. They exploited the organic chemical signaling cascade of P.aeruginosa and engineered their E.coli in such a way that it would only release pyocins when it detected the chemical signals that Pseudomonas... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139932 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:48:15 +0100 5139932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130850&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F_DQvFKVNwnE%2Fmit-lincoln-lab-researchers-develop-draco-a-new-technique-for-attacking-a-broad-range-of-viruses.html Researchers at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory have developed a new antiviral technique for the treatment of a large number of viruses. Currently, most available antiviral therapies are highly specific for one virus, can be ineffective against resistant strains of the virus, or can have adverse effects for the patient. The new technique, called DRACO (Double-stranded RNA [dsRNA] Activated Caspase Oligomerizer), was designed to overcome these limitations. DRACO selectively triggers apoptosis in cells containing viral dsRNA (double-stranded RNA), rapidly killing infected cells without harming uninfected ones. Consequently, the researchers anticipate DRACO should be effective against virtually all viruses, rapidly terminating a viral infection while minimizing adverse effects to the patient. ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130850 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:07:09 +0100 5130850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125821&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FcLYIYcbr06w%2Fsticky-news-electronic-skin-patch-promises-simpler-monitoring.html A skin-like electronic device has been engineered by a team of scientists led by professor John A Rogers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They have introduced to the world an “ultrathin, low-modulus, lightweight, stretchable skin-like membrane”, inside which they embedded various electronic sensors. It can be applied directly to the skin like a temporary tattoo and the sensors will move along with the skin. The researchers describe in their article, published in the latest issue of Science, the importance of the mechanophysiology of the skin for this project and how they engineered their device. It contained several kinds of sensors and matched the physical properties of the epidermis. After application on the skin they successfully tested their sensor by measuring electrica... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125821 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:54:09 +0100 5125821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118735&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FTewCD6lvXPw%2Fmicrowaves-could-prove-effective-against-malaria.html Malaria is a major problem in some parts of the world, killing almost one million people annually, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, the disease is becoming difficult to treat as problems due to drug resistance worsen. To combat the problem, researchers at Penn State are investigating the use of low-dose microwaves to destroy malaria in vivo. Supported by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scientists are now working on the second phase of the research, which involves testing the treatment in mice and investigating the mechanism enabling microwaves to kill malaria parasites. The previous phase of their studies demonstrated, in a laboratory culture, that microwaves could destroy the malaria plasmodium without damaging normal blood cells. “Microw... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118735 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:43:12 +0100 5118735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118736&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FXl9R6iNh-xE%2Finterview-with-alivecor-founder-dr-dave-albert.html We recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Dave Albert, the founder of AliveCor – which just announced earlier this month that it raised $3 million in its first round of funding – and inventor of the iPhone ECG, about his plans for releasing the product as well as his general views of the medical device space. Shiv Gaglani, Medgadget: Congratulations on your successful and healthy first round of funding. When do you expect to receive FDA and/or CE approval for the iPhone ECG? Dave Albert: We will be CE Marked when we start production in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2011, as our manufacturing partner is CE self-certifying and we are in the testing process and quality system validation process. FDA 510(k) approval will come afterwards and we suspect that will be in 2012. &nbs... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118736 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:43:53 +0100 5118736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118737&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fy1Vp3ibcGtU%2Fpromising-diagnostic-test-developed-for-alzheimers.html Affecting nearly 36 million people worldwide, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most elusive chronic diseases in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The only definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s is through a brain autopsy or post-mortem. That may change because scientists at Durin Technologies and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey have developed a test that can differentiate between the blood sera of those with AD and those in the non-demented control (NDC) group. The test uses a protein microarray to detect a group of 10 autoantibody biomarkers that the researchers showed could be used as specific and accurate indications of AD: It demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity (detects positives correctly) of 96% and specificity (detects negatives correctly) ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118737 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:31:16 +0100 5118737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118739&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F7yIXFhW2AwE%2Fto-treat-brain-tumors-new-compound-delivers-both-diagnostic-and-therapeutic-agents.html Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Tech have developed a molecule that could be used to help diagnose as well as treat brain tumors. One of the most deadly and common brain tumors, glioblastoma, is difficult to visualize using standard imaging modalities. By simultaneously imaging and attacking the tumor cells, the compound could delay or avert a relapse of the tumor. The researchers demonstrated in an animal study that a nanoparticle, when used with an MRI contrast agent, could facilitate imaging of the brain tumor while also providing radiation therapy. Some details from the announcement: The nanoparticle filled with gadolinium, a sensitive MRI contrast agent for imaging, and coupled with radioactive lutetium 177 to deliver brachytherapy, is known as a theran... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118739 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:01:40 +0100 5118739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118741&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FmmzaAFV55z8%2Fartificial-mouse-sperm-created-using-stem-cells.html For the first time sperm cells created with stem-cell techniques have been successfully used to fertilize eggs and produce offspring. Japanese scientists, led by Professor Mitinori Saitou from the Kyoto University, have published their findings in journal Cell. It is not the first time a study like this has been conducted. Scientists have tried to create sperm by using stem cells in earlier in vitro studies using mice and human cells, but up until now they haven’t been successful. The Japanese team of scientists used embryonic stem cells of mice to make primordial germ cells, which are the precursors for sperm cells. They then transplanted them into the testicles of infertile mice, after which the cells produced normal-looking sperm. The mature sperm cells were used to fertilize eggs and... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118741 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:19:29 +0100 5118741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107638&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FUCNj4pxoltQ%2Fnew-polymers-to-capture-nicotine-molecules.html A new polymer to capture nicotine molecules and analogue structures has been designed and fabricated by researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS) and the Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, USA. The polymer contains a structure of molecular pincers designed several years ago by the US research team. Now the Polish-American collaboration has resulted in the fixation of the pincers inside a polymer. This substance is solid, so it can be used to construct chemosensors for determination of nicotine for industrial or biomedical purposes. The polymer has a durable but reversible binding to nicotine. This would make the nicotine determinating chemosensors reusable.  Besides nicotine, this polymer can also capture alkaloid pro... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107638 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:54:07 +0100 5107638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096390&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FSmKnr1-_cEk%2Fbite-counter-device-tracks-your-every-bite.html Researchers from Clemson University in South Carolina have created the Bite Counter, a measurement device for monitoring how much you eat. The watch-like device tracks a pattern of wrist-roll motions to identify when the wearer has taken a bite of food. It then uses sophisticated filters and heuristics to determine whether the movement really represented the user taking a bite of food or a drink of a liquid, reaching about 90% accuracy. Calories are calculated from bite count based upon a formula similar to what is used in exercise equipment for estimating calories burned. The real-time bite count can be observed while eating, or the daily total can be checked, with a count-based alarm buzzer to cue yourself to stop eating. The device also has a USB connection for downloading the data log ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096390 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:31:59 +0100 5096390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096391&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FP8VqaC4m_eI%2Fgene-fusion-test-could-lead-to-earlier-prostate-cancer-diagnosis.html After non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most-common cancer afflicting men in the United States. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 U.S. men will be diagnosed with the cancer this year. A new urine test could give men some hope in fighting the cancer by enabling earlier diagnosis. According to researchers at the University of Michigan, the test can be used to complement screening for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and could provide some men with an alternative to needle biopsy. In addition, the test could identify men that have the highest risk for clinically significant prostate cancer. The new test works by diagnosing a genetic anomaly, present in roughly half of all prostate cancers, in which two genes swap places and fuse togeth... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096391 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:36:47 +0100 5096391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086302&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FZ_cDiBQ1v8E%2Finside-the-magic-watch-interview-with-basis-ceo-jef-holove.html Health tech enthusiasts have been recently gushing over the promise of the Basis watch, a sensor-filled arm band that’ll keep an eye on your pulse, your caloric burn, your movement, the degree in which you’re sweating, and then upload these data via Bluetooth to your computer and the Basis web service. A lot of companies selling consumer-centered connected health devices and services have popped up in the last few years (Ftibit, Direct Life, Zeo, Withings, BodyTrace, Jawbone, BodyMedia) but Basis is different in two key ways: 1. It’s the first watch product in this category of companies, and 2. It’s the first device that has the ability to tie pulse, caloric burn, sweat, and movement together. This capability has some potentially interesting consequences, making Ba... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086302 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:42:15 +0100 5086302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086268&cid=t_100092_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2Fthe_death_of_amy_winehouse.php Tragically another music icon ends an incredibly creative life at age 27. Besides the uncanny fact that so many (10) incredibly talented musicians who died at 27, there is the other apparent truth that they all had everything their peers could have wanted. They were incredibly successful, had huge fan base, and were selling albums and tickets to concerts galore. What could possibly have gone wrong? Ms. Winehouse said living dangerously generated her creativity, and she was often photographed half-dressed, wild-eyed and disheveled. The English tabloids reported she had suffered brain damage from excessive use of drugs and alcohol." Image via Wikipedia Teresa Wiltz's early 2007 profile of Winehouse foreshadowed the singer's brief career, noting that her song "Rehab," seemed all too poigna... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086268 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:38:50 +0100 5086268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086307&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FMvx06NzFUfM%2Fcool-it-no-really%25e2%2580%25a6it-may-make-a-difference-between-life-and-death.html Remember the Arctic Sun, a non-invasive system designed to rapidly manage the core temperature of critically ill patients? Further studies continue to demonstrate its positive role in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients via therapeutic hypothermia. In the July 12, 2011 issue of Circulation, Michael Mooney, et al. from  Minneapolis Heart Institute and Northwestern University in Chicago published data on 140 consecutive OHCA patients who were treated and transferred to a central therapeutic hypothermia-capable hospital. Patients were initially cooled in the ambulances or referring hospitals with ice packs and then transferred to the central hospital where they were further cooled and maintained at 33°C (92°F) for 24 hours with the Arctic Sun device (Medivance, Louisvil... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086307 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:47:21 +0100 5086307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086308&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fwzw-VQW34kM%2Fdoximity-grows-to-nearly-5-of-us-physicians.html We’ve previously written about Doximity, Jeff Tangney’s new venture that aims to be the LinkedIN for doctors. Launched about 10 months ago, Doximity seems to be progressing quite nicely with a well designed, useful service (your Medgadget editors have been playing around with it). We had a chance to chat with Jeff (co-founder of Epocrates) at a recent health meet-up and he gave us a tour of their most recent iPhone app, told us about  Doximity’s progress and, most interestingly, let us know that Doximity has now grown to include nearly 5% of US physicians (~25,000 registered docs). Kudos to them. Key features as described by a Doximity representative: Doximity has a suite of communication tools for Doctors including HIPAA -compliant text messaging, easy sharing of priva... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086308 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:24:28 +0100 5086308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086309&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FOXHDZHdTBFE%2Freport-on-fda-510k-clearance-now-available.html The Institute of Medicine’s 280-page report on the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process for medical devices was released yesterday. Commissioned by the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the report aimed to answer two fundamental questions:   “1. Does the current 510(k) clearance process protect patients optimally and promote innovation in support of public health?   2. If not, what legislative, regulatory, or administrative changes are recommended to achieve the goals of the 510(k) clearance process optimally?” Divided into seven informative sections, the report is worthy of at least a skim because it begins with an interesting summary of key medical device legislation (i.e. regulation began in 1938; Congress passed the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 w... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086309 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:06:09 +0100 5086309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086310&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fzm1HZgOGddo%2Fminiature-centrifuge-on-a-chip-opens-diagnostic-possibilities.html The centrifuge. Almost every medical research laboratory has one, and it is probably one of the most generally identifiable pieces of lab equipment. The fundamental theory behind a centrifuge is to spin a sample in a circular plane fast enough in order to separate the heavier constituents – whatever they may be – from the lighter ones. For example, in 1864 Antonin Prandtl invented a centrifuge to separate cream from milk. Fifteen years later the first continuous centrifugal separator was developed and made commercially available. The basic operation of a centrifuge has not changed much since a hand-cranked version was first developed in the 18th century. Until now.  Researchers at UCLA and the California NanoSystems Institute have developed the “Centrifuge-on-a-Chip,” which does n... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086310 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:17:03 +0100 5086310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077804&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FhgVDQID3-_0%2Felectronic-tongue-identifies-cava-wines-aspires-to-be-the-next-master-sommelier.html It may take a sophisticated palate to identify fine wines, but research from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Spain accomplishes this with a sensor. Well, somewhat. Researchers from UAB’s Group of Sensors and Biosensors have developed an “electric tongue”, a device consisting of sensors and sophisticated algorithmic software to quantify the amount of sugar in Spanish cava wines and classify them into groups similar to their actual classification. So far, the electronic tongue is able to identify three of the seven classifications of cava, but with further training the researchers believe it will soon be able to identify them all. Here’s a bit about how UAB’s electronic tongue (and the technology as a whole) works: Electronic tongues are bio-ins... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077804 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:34:12 +0100 5077804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077805&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FKt32MjSLxGQ%2Fflexible-biosensors-could-be-used-to-monitor-heart-or-brain.html Nanowire electronics recently developed by researchers at Stanford can bend to accommodate almost any shape and can be used on virtually any material. The electronics can attach to a surface and be released from it repeatedly without any damage. The researchers tested the nanowire electronics on a variety of materials including paper, textiles, plastics, glass, aluminum foil, and latex gloves. Potential applications of the circuitry include ultrasensitive biosensors that can be attached to organs like the heart and brain, flexible computer displays, and wearable electronics. When developing the electronics, the researchers used a polymer layer 15 times thinner than plastic wrap to insulate and support the electronics mechanically. The polymer’s high level of flexibility enables it... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077805 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:50:10 +0100 5077805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077807&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FmT-G_0zJIuw%2Fcell-phone-based-imaging-cytometry-device-for-developing-countries.html Researchers at UCLA have developed a cell phone–based imaging cytometry device, which they built with a very simple optical design that is very cost-effective and easy to operate and could be used in resource-limited regions. The optofluidic platform integrates imaging cytometry and florescent microscopy that can be attached to a cell phone. The resulting device can be used to rapidly image body fluids for cell counts or cell analysis. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining cells, bacteria and other microscopic particles. Conventional flow cytometers are large and cost tens of thousands of dollars, and are thus not practical when resources are limited. The device created by the researchers uses a simple lens, a plastic color filter, 2 LEDs and basic batteries. In total ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077807 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:51:57 +0100 5077807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077808&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FQkxFmYP6P2o%2Fnew-videos-released-from-last-years-tedmed.html TEDMED has released four more videos of talks from last year’s conference.  Our readers will be particularly interested in hearing Craig Venter describe how his research team developed the world’s first synthetic cell. And here’s Greg Luciere from Life Technologies introducing Ion genomic sequencing technology and discussing how miniaturization of DNA sequencing equipment will affect healthcare. More videos at TEDMED… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077808 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:21 +0100 5077808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077809&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F68YW4BR3gcg%2Fscientists-create-beating-cilia-like-structures-out-of-microtubules-and-molecular-motors.html An interdisciplinary group of nanotechnologists from the departments of physics and biology at Brandeis University developed self-assembling bundles, composed of microtubules and molecular motors, that exhibit beating motion similar to those shown by cilia and flagella of eukaryotic cells. This research is being reported in the latest issue of Science. The big idea, besides learning how clicia and flagella function, is to be able to create nanovesicles loaded with organ-specific drugs and attach these particles to artificial nanocilia so they can deliver the payloads to a distant site. Here’s more from Brandeis: Their experimental system was comprised of three main components: microtubule filaments — tiny hollow cylinders found in both animal and plant cells, motor proteins called ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077809 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:57:37 +0100 5077809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069559&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FjsWqZW-XzNE%2Fbiodegradable-pellets-deliver-antibiotics-to-help-treat-glue-ear-infection.html Clinical researchers at The University of Nottingham have been studying how to improve the treatment of glue ear, a condition common in children during which mucus amasses behind the ear drum and impairs hearing. Typically, grommets are inserted for ventilation, but a considerable number of patients return with infections. To directly combat this, the researchers developed biodegradable pellets that can be implanted during grommet surgery to deliver antibiotics right to where the infections happen. Following research by this group and others, it is now recognised that glue ear is caused by biofilms — bacteria which grow together in a protective ‘slime’. They are very difficult to treat because they are capable of turning off target sites for common antibiotics, becoming up to 1,000 ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069559 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:45:28 +0100 5069559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069564&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FxJXXFidFo1g%2Fpersonal-glucose-meters-used-to-measure-everything-from-cocaine-to-uranium.html Chemists from the University of Illinois have combined simple, portable and inexpensive glucose meters with molecular sensors to measure a number of target molecules in blood, serum, water or food. Glucometers are among the few widely available and affordable devices that can provide quantitative measurements. By using enzymes indirectly activated by the presence of a target molecule, sucrose is converted into glucose, and the final glucose reading can be used to quantify the amount of target molecule: Functional DNA sensors use short segments of DNA that bind to specific targets. A number of functional DNAs and RNAs are available to recognize a wide variety of targets. The DNA segments, immobilized on magnetic particles, are bound to the enzyme invertase, which can catalyze conversion of ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069564 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:24:14 +0100 5069564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062319&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FSqK3Q0clnAs%2Fa-look-at-ocularistry-the-making-of-artificial-eyes.html Back during simpler times, those wanting to enter a professional trade had their father sign them up for apprenticeship with a local brasiator, bobbin turner, or bower, and about five to ten years later they became acknowledged professionals in the field. Traditional apprenticeship is just about dead, but it turns out that glass eye making, or ocularistry, continues to be a five year apprenticeship commitment. CNN profiles the work of one of the few ocularists in the nation, a women with the same last name and residing in the same state as an ocularist we featured in the past. Seems like this craft is also an example of a traditional family profession. From CNN: Erickson and her son Todd Cranmore are two of the six ocularists in the state of Washington and among the few hundred in the coun... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062319 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:52:57 +0100 5062319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062321&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FMNUhYSYSP4c%2Ftoyota-to-integrate-ecg-sensors-into-steering-wheels.html Toyota is working on a multitude of technologies that will make driving safer, and showed some of its up and coming safety innovations in a demonstration to reporters last Thursday at its facility in Japan. Among the exhibits were a pre-collision system with a steering-control feature, a pop-up hood and blocking of high-beam headlights, but also an ECG detecting driving wheel. Whereas Ford is opting for a contactless ECG-sensing driving seat, Toyota is going the more obvious way, by direct contact sensors in the steering wheel. Of course this depends on the driver keeping hands on the steering wheel long enough to detect any abnormal heart rhythm, which might not be the case in more acute conditions such as VF. An optical sensor mounted in the steering wheel picks up a single-lead ECG sign... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062321 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:38:53 +0100 5062321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057789&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FNGEyPdVLEQI%2Fdisabled-man-builds-tethered-lift-for-wheelchair-access-to-fifth-floor.html UK’s Daily Mail has a fascinating story out of Russia of bureaucratic promises and a man without functional legs who bought an apartment on the fifth floor of a building that has no elevator. Amazingly, instead of finding a first floor apartment for the man, the local council promised to install an elevator in the building. After six years of waiting and requiring someone to carry him up and down, Dmitry Bibikow installed his own lift.  Being experienced in rock climbing (the cause of his injury), Dmitry can now get up to his apartment faster than his biped neighbors. From Daily Mail: It was like being in a prison – so I decided to sort it out myself.’ With a little the help from his friends, the former sky diver and mountaineer built his own personal lift to haul him u... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057789 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:27:07 +0100 5057789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057791&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FiRh_8Skudgg%2Fnanoparticles-iphone-team-up-to-detect-glucose-sodium-in-body.html MIT Technology Review is reporting that scientists from Northeastern University presented a new system at the BioMethods Boston conference to detect a number of compounds in the body. The technology relies on special nanoparticles that fluoresce when bound to a target molecule. This fluorescence is then detected using an iPhone modified with extra lights, light filter, and lens. Currently the technology has been adapted to spot glucose and sodium molecules, but researchers believe it can be translated to detect a wide range of compounds. A snippet from Tech Review: The tattoo developed by Clark’s team contains 120-nanometer-wide polymer nanodroplets consisting of a fluorescent dye, specialized sensor molecules designed to bind to specific chemicals, and a charge-neutralizing molecule... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057791 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:32:35 +0100 5057791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057792&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FmTi-CyjPs_c%2Fviberect-device-fda-cleared-for-erectile-dysfunction.html Reflexonic out of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania has announced receiving FDA approval of its VIBERECT device indicated to promote erection in men with erectile dysfunction, as well as help men with spinal cord injury achieve ejaculation. Men or women (or both) who’d like to help out, use the VIBERECT to vibrate both sides of the penis with the goal of achieving desired results. From the product page: The proprietary Viberect® method mimics rapid and repetitive manual/vaginal stimulation of the penis, which is a natural aspect of sexual behavior of humans and higher mammals. Simultaneous vibratory stimulation of both surfaces of the penis at high frequency (70-110 Hz (hertz) for about 7-10 minutes can lead to reflexogenic activation of sexual pathways that initiate gradual filling of th... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057792 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:59:10 +0100 5057792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050781&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fili9SwcTOwU%2Fhealth-infoscape-from-ge-mit-visualizes-millions-of-health-records.html GE, having access to 7.2 million anonymized electronic medical records from all kinds of people, has teamed up with MIT’s SENSEable City Lab to do a little data mining on all this information. The results have been turned into an interactive map of associations between various conditions. This is an early phase of the project, dubbed Health InfoScape, and researchers plan on adding more visualization tools and options to the system. Link to the interactive map with further info : Health InfoScape… GE announcement: The Magic of Big Data: GE, MIT Unveil New Way of Visualizing Disease… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050781 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:48:11 +0100 5050781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050783&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FqKsGXlEdLMs%2Fswivel-chair-wheel-makes-for-perfect-tortoise-leg-prosthesis.html Another day, another heart warming story about a turtle saved with a bit of ingenuity.  Today’s tortoise is named Gamera and he had his front leg amputated due to thermal injury.  Counter to the disinformation that Warner Bros. spread in its animated propaganda, turtles really are slow, and life without a leg would be nearly impossible for Gamera.  The Washington State University veterinarians that treated him decided to attach a traditional swivel chair wheel to the bottom of his shell and as you can see in the following video it’s working out pretty well: Press release: WSU veterinarians replace tortoise leg with wheel Flashback: Medical Technology Helps Save Andre The Turtle… (hat tip: Gizmodo) (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050783 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:15:48 +0100 5050783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050784&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F551pYVef_DQ%2Fscientists-create-artificial-neural-network-from-dna.html Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have successfully created an artificial neural network using DNA molecules that is capable of brain-like behavior. Hailing it as a “major step toward creating artificial intelligence,” the scientists report that, similar to a brain, the network can retrieve memories based on incomplete patterns.  Potential applications of such artificially intelligent biochemical networks with decision-making skills include medicine and biological research. The researchers predict that, eventually, neural networks could be developed that operate within cells to gather information for disease diagnosis. More details from Caltech: Consisting of four artificial neurons made from 112 distinct DNA strands, the researchers’ neural network... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050784 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:33:15 +0100 5050784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051012&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2Fucy8QcfNcGc%2Fno-free-lunch.html As a boy growing up, I still remember my granddad always telling me that there is no such thing as a free-lunch; somebody is paying  Tim and several other colleagues have discussed the current travesty occurring in the area of spine surgery in general and spinal fusion in particular (it used to be scalene-ectomy’s, 1st rib resections, and who knows what the next surgical fad will be---maybe sacroiliac joint fusion?  Stay tuned for that one).  Needless to say, there are many contributing factors on the provider and hardware manufacturer’s side. However, one of the factors on the patient side is the expectation of  “quick-fix” and often unrealistic view of what surgical intervention offers; a one-sided trade or free-lunch of sorts: “I trade my pain for pain free function a... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051012 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:11:07 +0100 5051012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036303&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fsn5aRtm4_v4%2Fa-peek-inside-the-worlds-largest-human-cell-biobank.html IBM was recently hired by Coriell Institute, the world’s largest biobank of living human cells, to help manage their massive database and keep an eye on the cryogenic freezers. IBM made a video touting their partnership with the institute, which gives us a quick look inside the facility: More from IBM: Coriell Institute Teams With IBM to Advance Personalized Medicine (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036303 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:45:49 +0100 5036303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036304&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FmONPGaIjy4U%2Farmy-develops-home-made-leg-prostheses.html The DIY spirit is so strong these days that even the U.S. Army is now building home made leg prostheses and planning on teaching Afghans how to make more from readily available parts. A team of soldiers developed a custom prototype for an eight year old boy who lost both legs, with the idea that locals should be able to make their own prostheses so that people injured by mines and bombs can get on their feet quickly, without having to wait for a distant charity to help. The prototype consists of a simple cast attached to a sturdy metal rod with a flat hook. The cast can be fitted in as little as one day and recast to accommodate the growth of an individual. The metal rod and flat hooked foot are easily reproduced and allow a patient to walk more naturally. An 8-year-old child who lost both... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036304 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:22:11 +0100 5036304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036305&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FP2r8oO39-HE%2Frobots-for-humanity-project-studies-ways-for-machines-to-assist-severely-disabled-at-home.html Willow Garage, a group that develops robots and related open source software for personal applications, has announced a partnership with the Healthcare Robotics Lab at Georgia Tech, called Robots for Humanity, to learn how the PR2 robot developed at the “garage” can help a person with serious post stroke disabilities. Henry Evans, a stroke victim who’s only able to move his head and one finger, is now controlling the robot using a computer interface and it looks like he’s able to overcome the most pressing initial problem – how to scratch an itch. More from Willow Garage… (hat tip: Engadget) (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036305 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:13:48 +0100 5036305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036325&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FJHKNVK0SLcI%2Fdrug-facts-boxes-featured-in-new-york-times.html Last week, the New York Times published an op-ed by the Dartmouth Institute’s Steven Woloshin and Lisa M. Schwartz that discussed the critical need for a redesign of something that can empower consumers to make informed decisions about their health care – the information that accompanies prescription drugs. As stated in their own words: “Bombarded with pharmaceutical ads listing what seems like every conceivable side effect, American consumers might think they are already getting too much information. But they — and their doctors — are not getting what arguably matters most: independent, plain-English facts about the medication.” Prescription medication labels are hard to read, confusing and often leave out crucial information contained in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rev... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036325 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5036325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028526&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FVGJpex29opM%2Finductive-system-may-lead-to-wireless-power-for-implanted-medical-devices.html High energy consuming implants like total artificial hearts or ventricular assist devices require a power cable to penetrate the skin, often causing infections and further complications. Inductive power, like that used to charge electric toothbrushes so that no wires are exposed to water, would be very useful to power implants to prevent complications, but uniformly beaming the energy over an effective distance has been a challenge. Recently, though, scientists at University of Washington have reported building a new system that allows for consistent transmission of energy to a depth equivalent to the diameter of the coil. Using a 4 inch coil to beam down 4 inches into the chest should be sufficient to power most devices in average sized people and larger coils can go deeper. From a U of ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028526 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:33:52 +0100 5028526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028528&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F42m2InGgZsM%2Fmethod-lights-up-beta-amyloid-for-alzheimers-research.html Rice University researchers have developed a method of illuminating amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which are related to the onset of Alzheimer’s, by using metallic complexes of dipyridophenazine ruthenium(II). These complexes naturally stick to beta amyloid proteins called fibrils and the combination becomes highly photoluminescent. The technique should allow for better pathophysiologic studies and tracking of effectiveness of anti-Alzheimer’s drugs in laboratory experiments. Molecules of beta amyloid naturally aggregate in a solution, as they appear to do in the brain. Ruthenium-based molecules added to the amyloid monomers do not fluoresce, Cook said. But once the amyloids begin to aggregate into fibrils that resemble “microscopic strands of spaghetti,” hydrophobic pa... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028528 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:19:02 +0100 5028528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028530&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fs-4xj09jBs4%2Fnew-technology-paves-way-for-low-energy-cardiac-defibrillation.html One of the most dramatic scenes in medicine is reviving a patient in ventricular fibrillation using a defibrillator.  An international team of scientists however has developed a new low-energy method that may take a lot of the drama out of the procedure. Their technique, called LEAP (Low-Energy Anti-fibrillation Pacing), reduces the energy required for defibrillation by 84%. LEAP, tested in dogs, works by applying a series of five small shocks, instead of one large one. It takes advantage of the shape of the heart’s vasculature, which affects spatial patterns of electric currents, creating ‘virtual electrodes’ that essentially amplify the voltage applied to the tissue. The technique was first developed and tested in isolated pieces of dog atria and ventricles, and then l... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028530 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:04:43 +0100 5028530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028531&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FuotdU9R5FPs%2Fnina-tandon-caring-for-engineered-tissue.html This week, we’ve posted several entries about the development and use of artificially engineered organs. Are you curious how these medical marvels are made? In a short talk released by TED, Nina Tandon, a biomedical engineer from Columbia University, explains how she engineers organs, such as artificial hearts . She also explains the importance of cells in tissue engineering and in life. Link @ TED: Nina Tandon: Caring for engineered tissue (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028531 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:17:17 +0100 5028531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008353&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FgLxAIDLfbTE%2Fadvamed-2011-calling-for-company-presentations.html AdvaMed 2011, the big executive medtech conference to be held in Washington, DC in September, is calling on companies to submit presentation proposals. There are about sixty spots available and the deadline for submissions is Monday, July 11. Company presentations connect innovative MedTech companies with established industry business development leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners. Innovative MedTech companies are competitively selected to make 9-minute business development and investor presentations. If selected, the fee to present is $800. Link: AdvaMed 2011… Company presentation submission page… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008353 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:59:56 +0100 5008353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008354&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FDiMAu_ixNiw%2Fflexible-robotic-endoscopy-allows-for-scarless-surgeries-via-mouth.html A new flexible robot developed by researchers from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and National University Hospital has just been successfully used in performing three gastric tumor removal procedures in India. MASTER (Master And Slave Transluminal Endoscopic Robot), as the system is called, involves inserting an endoscopic robotic arm into the stomach via the mouth, which is then controlled remotely by the surgeon.  The team members involved in the project believe this was the world’s first flexible endoscopy robotic surgery in the stomach. From the announcement: A flexible endoscope (small tube inserted in intestinal tracts) which had small robotic arms, was inserted through the patient’s mouth to the stomach, while the surgeon monitored it on a computer s... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008354 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:41:48 +0100 5008354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008355&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F4NYA-iUfets%2Fhow-the-diffraction-barrier-was-broken-to-achieve-sub-80-nm-optical-microscopy.html A recent article in BioTechniques tells the story of how the diffraction barrier, that’s been long thought to fundamentally limit the possible resolution of far-field fluorescence microscopy, was overcome with fresh scientific thinking and solid engineering. It starts with initial theoretical work of physicist Stefan Hell and how it led to the technology that Leica later licensed and proceeded to commercialize into a real microscope. A snippet: Hell, though, had a gut feeling the barrier was less solid than imagined. He suspected it might be possible to overcome it by manipulating the “light-driven state transitions” of fluorescent dyes: in other words tinkering with the process by which the dyes absorb and release energy. He pursued the idea in the early 1990s, first at the Euro... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008355 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:24:31 +0100 5008355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008356&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FsVrQI9JuT-E%2Fge-to-send-cardiovascular-ultrasound-system-to-space.html GE Healthcare yesterday announced that NASA has selected the company’s Vivid q cardiovascular ultrasound system for use by its human research program aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The laptop-sized device will be used to study the effects of long term space flight on astronauts’ bodies. GE also announced that the Vivid q might be used in underwater space simulation in addition to its use on the ISS. From the press release: NASA plans to use the equipment to replace and upgrade a 10-year-old ultrasound unit that stopped operating earlier this year in its Human Research Facility. The Vivid q device will be used for general crew health assessment, and in NASA space research investigations such as Integrated Cardiovascular, which looks at the weakening of heart muscles assoc... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008356 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:25:18 +0100 5008356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008357&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F06Iv0nHEVMM%2Fpolymer-based-gene-therapy-for-brain-cancer-eliminates-need-for-viral-vector.html Gene therapy has been around as a promising new treatment for a while now, however it is plagued with safety concerns because of the use of viral vectors, and a lack of efficiency with non-viral vectors. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed a technique that delivers gene therapy into human brain cancer (glioblastoma) cells using non-viral nanoparticles that can be freeze-dried and stored for up to three months prior to use. The team tested various commercially available DNA-binding polymers, identifying polymers efficient in delivery to glioblastoma cells but also in healthy cells, as well as polymers that affect only glioblastoma cells and brain tumor stem cells without affecting healthy cells. A second advantage of these poly(beta-amino ester) nan... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008357 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:05:40 +0100 5008357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984521&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fq8sTUbskcmM%2Ftaking-a-look-at-innovations-in-bionics.html The PBS NewsHour recently ran a piece that looks at how bionics are changing the lives of people with disabilities. In the piece, PBS NewsHour correspondent Miles O’Brien interviews two well-known bionics designers, Dean Kamen, founder of Deka Research & Development and creator of the DEKA “Luke” Arm, and John Fogelin, VP of Research and Development at Berkeley Bionics, which is developing the eLegs device. O’Brien also speaks with a couple individuals who have benefited from bionic technology, including an Iraq veteran and a double amputee paralympian. Link @ PBS: Minds, Machines Merge to Offer New Hope for Overcoming Impairments Medgadget coverage on some of the technologies mentioned in the video: DEKA Arm, eLegs, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago arm, UP... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984521 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:39:10 +0100 4984521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984524&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FzRBdAXA5v84%2Fthe-future-of-connected-health-devices-interview-with-ibms-heather-fraser.html IBM has just released a groundbreaking executive report that discusses the future of connected health devices, by analyzing who will most benefit from them, what kind of people will be the early adopters, and how to go about developing new products. In a nutshell, the IBM study predicts that the next generation of healthcare devices “will increasingly come to the aid of the world’s one billion adults who are overweight, the 20 percent of smokers globally who are trying to quit, those who are suffering from hypertension and 14 percent of the elderly worldwide who live alone.” The study forecasts that this consumer segment is ready for connected health devices and that users are willing to pay up to $100 for them, a critical price point in almost 75% of people surveyed. Based o... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984524 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:02:56 +0100 4984524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975975&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FW36g4JxeEX0%2Fmeducation-a-multi-lingual-drug-regiment-app-wins-harvard-challenge.html Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Med School just announced the winner of their “SMART” Platform Apps Challenge, a contest of web applications that take advantage of data within electronic medical records. Meducation, made by Polyglot Systems, is a simple tool for clinicians and pharmacists to print out easily understood personal medication instructions, including a choice for those instructions to be in any one of twelve languages. There are also demo videos available when referencing something a little more complicated than oral pills, such as asthma inhalers. Some features of the app from the product page: generates a printable CMI sheet containing both the SIG (instructions for use) and a medication-specific drug monograph for each medicine; provides such information at... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975975 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:59:08 +0100 4975975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975919&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fyou-can-put-price-on-everything.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975919 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:30:00 +0100 4975919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975980&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FIF0pD2p46TA%2Fbiotroniks-new-single-chamber-icd-detects-atrial-arrhythmias.html BIOTRONIK has launched a new single-chamber implantable cardiac defibrillator and lead system. The Lumax 540 VR-T DX is capable of detecting atrial fibrillation in addition to traditional ventricular rhythm monitoring that other single-chamber ICD’s perform.  This is done thanks to the new Linoxsmart S DX ICD leads that feature a floating atrial dipole (side image) that can sense electrical activity in the atrium.  Like other BIOTRONIK implants, the new device is supported by the company’s HOME MONITORING system that will communicate any adverse events or detected conditions (like AF) straight to the physician. More details about the new system from the press release: Signals coming from the atrial chambers of a patient’s heart can now be sensed by the floating atrial dipol... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975980 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:10:24 +0100 4975980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975981&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FMbPZxcfyt9M%2Fnew-fabrication-method-mimics-cortical-bone.html Korean researchers at Soonchunhyang University developed a new method of creating artificial osteal material that more closely resembles hard cortical tissue found on the outside of bones. The technique involved sponge replica and electrospinning to produce material with osteon structure of the cortical bone. According to investigators, the polymer material has high cytocompatibility properties. More from the press release: Bundles of polymer-based biomaterials were wrapped around 0.3mm diameter steel wires by the method of “electrospinning”, whereby fine fibres of material are drawn out by electric charge. These bundles were used to cover a scaffold of cancellous bone structure, made by the standard “sponge replica method” out of zirconia (ZrO2) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975981 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:45:35 +0100 4975981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968625&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsbriforum.org%2Fvideo%2FWINFOCUS-OVERVIEWnasaVersion-2.mp4 A press release from the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) lays out some recent progress in the development of ultrasound imagery atlases for spaceflight that might have benefits for rural and underserved communities here on Earth. Dr. Scott A. Dulchavsky, the lead investigator for the NSBRI/NASA study, describes why spaceflight helps remote medicine: “The ultrasound imagery techniques came from space program constraints of not having a trained radiologist on orbit or having a CAT scan or an MRI available, forcing us to use ultrasound for things in which we would not normally use it,” he said. “Also, time limitations forced us to put some tight brackets around what is absolutely required for training to be able to obtain a high-quality ultrasound image ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968625 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:53:55 +0100 4968625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960138&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FWELvLqfM3N8%2Fparathyroid-glands-discovered-to-autofluoresce.html The tiny parathyroid glands must be carefully identified during thyroid and other neck surgeries, so to prevent removal of these important organs, as the resultant hypoparathyroidism can cause severe hypocalcemia and even death. Because of their size and coloration, visual identification can be a challenge, which is why it is so fascinating that scientists from Vanderbilt University discovered that parathyroid glands actually fluoresce all on their own. The researchers have shown that this autofluorescence, detected to peak around 820 to 830 nm, can be identified intraoperatively and used to spot the glands. Full story: Glowing gland can reduce endocrine surgery risk … Abstract in Journal of Biomedical Optics: Near-infrared autofluorescence for the detection of parathyroid glands (So... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960138 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:47:23 +0100 4960138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960139&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fig1Yh_Jrqj0%2Funiversity-of-sydney-utilizing-virtual-reality-and-mri-to-study-parkinsons.html In research that is said to be the first of its kind, researchers at the University of Sydney are combining MRI and virtual reality (VR) to study a phenomenon that occurs frequently in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. “Freezing of gait” (FOG) is an effect found in a majority of Parkinson’s patients. Those experiencing FOG suddenly find themselves unable to move their feet when approaching narrow doorways and passages, which often causes them to fall. The University of Sydney study uses a VR environment consisting of a series of corridors and doorways. Subjects navigate the VR space using foot pedals while lying down in an MRI scanner that concurrently images the brain. The results have been extremely promising, as Dr. Simon Lewis, director of the Brain a... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960139 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:25:21 +0100 4960139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960140&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F8vgKf5d-aCM%2Felsevier-apps-for-science-contest.html Elsevier is calling on software developers to design applications that take advantage of the vast stores of scientific data in the company’s repository. $35,000 in prizes is being offered and participants don’t lose any intellectual property rights. To facilitate development, Elsevier has provided an API (application programming interface) that can be used to access the company’s scientific repository. Elsevier’s trusted content and meta-data integrates more than 10 million full text articles from over 2,500 journals and 11,000 books as well as over 42 million abstracts, citations and web content covering 18,000 titles from over 5,000 publishers. Developers are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to develop the best apps to enhance the customer experience. Develo... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960140 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:19:36 +0100 4960140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960141&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FHwkDiq2RWcw%2Fquantum-mechanics-opens-new-window-on-functions-of-life.html The study of quantum mechanics has helped to explain a number of strange physical phenomena and is a tool for scientists to study the world at the smallest scale. For decades there’s been a healthy amount of skepticism about the role of quantum mechanics in biological processes. Recent scientific findings, though, are pointing to quantum mechanics’ important role in various fundamental functions of life on Earth. Nature News published a story summarizing the latest in the study of quantum biology, including speculation about what it could all mean in understanding the living world and how it could benefit man made technology of the future. Read on at Nature News: Physics of life: The dawn of quantum biology… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960141 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:58:20 +0100 4960141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960142&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Faa1YiR_zQxs%2Fmermaid-the-swimming-capsule-endoscope.html Researchers from Ryukoku University and Osaka Medical College in Japan have developed a self-propelled remote-controlled endoscopic pill. The Mermaid, as the device is called, is 1 centimeter wide and 4.5 centimeters long and has a tail fin-like magnetic driving gear that allow it to “swim” through the digestive tract. It is controlled using a joystick and can be swallowed or inserted rectally. The Mermaid can examine the whole human digestive canal from the esophagus to the colon in a few hours, while taking two shots per second. The battery for the endoscope’s camera lasts around eight to 10 hours, and the device can move tens of centimeters per second outside the human body. The driving gear is powered by an electromagnet, although it is unclear to us whether this impl... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960142 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:38:41 +0100 4960142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953036&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FrlAmf8qa1dM%2Fbrain-implant-restores-and-enhances-memory-formation.html Theodore Berger, professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering, is developing what is essentially an artificial hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain responsible for long-term memory formation. Berger hopes that his neural implant will benefit those with brain injuries or diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Most recently, in a joint study with Wake Forest University, experiments demonstrated that an early prototype of the artificial hippocampus works in the brains of rats. In one of the experiments, researchers had rats learn a task, pressing one lever rather than another to receive a reward. Electrical probes recorded the rats’ brain activity between CA3 and CA1, two regions of the hip... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953036 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:25:56 +0100 4953036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953037&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FaU0tqwZ0Zm8%2Fbiobolt-brain-implant-transmits-neural-signals-through-skin-conduction.html Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a brain implant, called the BioBolt, that captures neural signals from within the brain and transmits them to an external device by using the skin as a conductor. The BioBolt is embedded within the skull directly under the skin. It is about the circumference of a dime, with a thumbnail-sized film of microcircuits attached to the bottom that makes direct contact with the brain surface. Neural signals are amplified and filtered, and then transmitted through the skin to a computer. Because it does not penetrate the cortex and uses the skin to transmit data, it is minimally invasive (although it still needs a hole to be drilled in the skull) and uses little power. The researchers aim to use it as a brain-computer interface to operate a c... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953037 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:16:16 +0100 4953037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953038&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FuFUsBjcg1ZA%2Fultrasound-provides-non-invasive-measurement-of-blood-pressure.html Investigators at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have developed a non-invasive method of measuring localized blood pressure within the vascular system.  The technique was developed with help from Esaote engineers, on company’s machines.  Using ultrasound to precisely measure blood flow and movement of vessel walls, the investigators were able to apply a newly constructed mathematical algorithm to extrapolate the intravascular pressure. More details from a TU/e announcement: They can also see the variations in blood pressure and flow in time as a result of the beating of the heart. The simultaneous knowledge of pressure and flow also provides information about ‘downstream’ parts of the vascular system. The new technique will allow physicians to carry out preventive inv... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953038 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:06:47 +0100 4953038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953039&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fiv0Yp0Lza28%2Fhappy-100th-birthday-to-ibm-the-healthcare-technology-company.html IBM, the company famous for reinventing itself from a typewriter maker into a leader in computer development, has just turned 100 years old.  We’ve been big fans of the blue giant for its previous work on hard drives and laptops, as well as their latest fame in supercomputer design, and we were happy to find out about the centennial.  But, it should be noted that IBM has been a major player in medical technology development for many years.  For example, IBM built the first continuous blood separator, the first heart-lung machine, and developed the excimer laser used in LASIK surgeries. Lately, the company has been doing important work in electronic medical records, helping doctors diagnose and treat patients, as well as applying supercomputers to the development of new drugs and t... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953039 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:38:19 +0100 4953039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953218&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FvLMWo_qqzcU%2Ffull-page-physicaltherapy-ad-in-california.html (Source: MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com) MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953218 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:01:00 +0100 4953218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934403&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FBJTxzkUcRBg%2Fnew-tedmed-videos-from-talks-by-jay-walker-david-agus-aj-jacobs.html As promised, the folks at TEDMED are releasing new select videos from last year’s conference. The latest batch includes talks by David Agus, AJ Jacobs, and short presentations by Jay Walker about the history of medicine as relayed through the various books and objects found in his amazing library. There being over a dozen of new videos to watch, we thought we’d get you started with Jay Walker talking about the earliest medical devices, how war gave rise to practical and effective surgery, and how medicine was hijacked to maximize pain during the Inquisition. Link: TEDMED videos… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934403 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:22:49 +0100 4934403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934405&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FpWKlGN4jsXQ%2Fkeep-a-cool-head-for-a-better-sleep.html Are hot, summer nights keeping you awake? There’s a simple cure – keep a cool head! According to research from the Sleep Neuroimaging Research Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, insomnia is associated with increased metabolism in the brain’s frontal cortex, and the metabolism can be reduced by literally cooling that part of the brain, via regional cerebral hypothermia. A study was conducted in which 12 subjects with primary insomnia received frontal cerebral thermal transfer (cooling of the brain) using a special cap containing tubes that were filled with circulating water at precisely controlled temperatures. The results were that the insomniacs were able to fall asleep in 13 minutes on average, compared to 16 minutes for a 12 subject control... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934405 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:13:33 +0100 4934405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934508&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FkUgtP3_omCg%2Fproject-echo-a-game-changer-for-patient-care.html Note: This post originally appeared on The Health Care Blog June 14, 2011 By BRIAN QUINN, Pioneer Team Director I met Sanjeev Arora as part of the RWJ crowd at TEDMED last year and was pretty impressed with his approach–especially given the lack of access to care in poor and minority regions. Now there’s proof his approach works –Matthew Holt On June 1 the New England Journal of Medicinepublished a study about how primary care providers can treat very sick patients who previously did not have access to specialty care.  The piece described Project ECHO, a disruptive model of health care delivery based on collaborative practice that has the potential to transform health care.  Supported by Robert Wood Johnson’s Pioneer Portfolio and b... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934508 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4934508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934408&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FUZVvTFCw3CQ%2Fpfizer-integrating-telemedicine-into-clinical-trials.html Pfizer is starting enrollment of its first ever investigational drug trial with remote patient participation. The trial, aptly named Research on Electronic Monitoring of OAB Treatment Experience (REMOTE), is a study to assess the safety and efficacy of Detrol LA (tolterodine tartrate), a treatment for overactive bladder. The main goal is to determine whether the results of the pilot REMOTE “virtual trial” can replicate the results of a previously completed conventional phase IV Detrol LA trial. From the press release: The randomized clinical trial manages study participation entirely using electronic tools and allows patients to participate in the clinical trial regardless of their proximity to clinical sites. The pilot project, initiated following review from the FDA, uses mo... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934408 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:42:27 +0100 4934408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934411&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FaAjal6J8ObU%2Fphilips-unveils-respironics-alice-6-sleep-diagnostic-system.html This week at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies meeting in Minneapolis, Philips Respironics is introducing a new sleep diagnostic system in its Alice line, the Alice 6. The offering includes a choice of three head boxes ranging from the Alice LDE for routine sleep studies to the full-featured LDx base station with either the LDxS or LDxN head box. The LDxS head box provides 19 EEG inputs while the LDxN headbox offers a full 32 EEG. The Alice 6 enables sleep lab managers to meet today’s clinical and business challenges. The systems combine flexibility with ease-of-use features, such as automatic Chin EMG referencing and integrated RIP drivers, to enhance the technician’s ability to focus on the patient. The companion to the Alice 6 technology, the Sleepware G3 software, helps l... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934411 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:28:55 +0100 4934411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921540&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Ffs7A-_xbt_c%2F2011-bmeidea-competition-winners-announced.html The BMEIdea competition, like a medical device nerd’s Christmas, is an annual event that gifts us with innovative and exciting inventions. It’s been hosted by the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA) since 2004. The competition pairs university students with academic and industry mentors to solve clinical problems with designs that must be practical and have potential for commercialization. This year’s first place winner, receiving $10,000, is the team from the University Of Michigan with their device Magneto: Magnetic Induction Internal Bleed Detector. The device is designed to detect femoral artery bleeding following a catheterization procedure. Post-catheterization bleeding is a major issue in the world of interventional procedures. Concern for... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921540 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:26:28 +0100 4921540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921545&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FFxQpPvXKIyw%2Flasers-visualize-arterial-plaques-in-3d.html Purdue researchers have developed a new method of imaging the 3D structure of plaques within arteries using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser. Currently tested in a laboratory environment, the researchers are now working on miniaturizing this technology for 3D visualization of arteries in clinical settings. The research is scheduled to be published next week in Physical Review Letters. The imaging reveals the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds making up lipid molecules in arterial plaques that cause heart disease. The method also might be used to detect fat molecules in muscles to diagnose diabetes and for other lipid-related disorders, including neurological conditions and brain trauma. The technique also reveals nitrogen-hydrogen bonds making up proteins, meaning the imaging tool al... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921545 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:47:02 +0100 4921545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921546&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fw42aIIyjUo0%2Fpatientslikeme-unveils-clinical-trial-matching-tool.html PatientsLikeMe, the social network for people with medical conditions, has unveiled a new online tool for discovering clinical trials that may be relevant to an individual’s unique situation. Using data updated daily from ClinicalTrial.gov, the tool matches patients to appropriate trials being conducted in their area. More from the announcement: PatientsLikeMe is also improving its clinical trial awareness service for companies, nonprofits, and academia. Trial investigators can now find their trial listed on PatientsLikeMe, see and search for eligible patients that match their criteria, as well as purchase enhanced listings that include the ability to message eligible patients anonymously through targeted email. Link: PatientsLikeMe Clinical Trials … Press release: PATIENTSLIKE... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921546 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:28:23 +0100 4921546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911603&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fq70PqWhEvAE%2Fge-mayo-clinic-working-on-dedicated-head-mri.html GE and Mayo Clinic have received a nearly $6 million NIH grant to research a standalone MRI machine dedicated to scanning of the brain.  The research would focus on both the development of the device and how it would be implemented in a clinical setting.  Because up to a third of all MRI scans today are performed on the brain, a dedicated stand-alone unit that is smaller and cheaper may help improve clinical outcomes and be more cost efficient. The intention is that a dedicated high-field scanner could offer a more specialized imaging approach and a greater range of functionality for neurological imaging compared to the current one-size-fits-all concept of whole-body MRI imaging. The goal of the program is ultimately to understand and address the technical issues involved in dedicated MR... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911603 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:59:09 +0100 4911603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911605&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FFoCa9ORDIOg%2Ffraunhofer-develops-3d-herpes-model-to-test-potential-treatments.html Approximately 90 percent of people are carrying the herpes simplex virus, but the virus spends most of its time in a dormant state which has proven difficult to research. Now, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a 3D herpes infection model which they are now using to study the virus’ dormant state. The investigators claim their research will aid in the testing of future cold sore treatments by reducing the need for animal testing. From the press release: To date the skin models used for drug testing and to detect the virus have been very simple and unable to simulate the dormancy state of the virus. “We have integrated a neuronal cell line into the certified skin model of the IGB and are able to detect this latency sta... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911605 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:41:41 +0100 4911605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902510&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FoplnvZUmW1U%2Fresearchers-create-2d-google-maps-like-interface-of-brain-connectivity.html Using data from diffusion-weighted brain imaging, researchers from Brown University have created a navigation interface of human brain connectivity. Diffusion imaging measures water diffusion within and around nerves, allowing for the reconstruction of neural pathways. Usually, diffusion imaging is represented by very complex images lacking any anatomical reference, showing all neural connections throughout the brain. The goal of the researchers was to create a more simple view by extracting the neural bundles from the imaging data and present them in a 2D image. The 2D neural maps combine visual clarity with a Web-based digital map interface, and users can view 2D maps together with 3D images. The visualization method can both be used as a standalone interactive application and as an onli... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902510 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:23:28 +0100 4902510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902454&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fobvious-news-day.html So... flooding is caused by too much water? That's news to angry doc...Almost all smokers are aware of the harmful effect of secondhand smoke to others, but still they continued to smoke in front of their families and friends who do not smoke? Well, if they are concerned about the family and friends to begin with, why would they do something that harmed their own health to begin with? (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902454 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:49:00 +0100 4902454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893597&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FMqOdnAo_qSA%2Fhigh-resolution-nmr-without-any-magnets.html Scientists at UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and National Institute of Standards and Technology demonstrated the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals without setting up a magnetic field at all.  Not having to use powerful superconducting magnets in future NMR devices will allow them to be considerably smaller, more portable, cheaper, and safer. PhysicsWorld explains: First, the problem of spin coupling without an applied magnetic field can be overcome by employing a technique known as “parahydrogen-induced polarization”. Parahydrogen is a spin isomer form of hydrogen with the anti-parallel spin alignment, forming a “singlet state” (see image above). The technique used by them transfers a special kind of polarization from to the sample... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893597 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:56:48 +0100 4893597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893604&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FjkRhUVhd5eQ%2Fmasimos-smaller-signal-extraction-pulse-oximetry-platform.html Masimo is miniaturizing its pulse oximetry offerings thanks to a tiny new sub-45 milliwatt board that offers “the same proven unprecedented Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, and perfusion index (PI) measurement capabilities of Masimo SET® pulse oximetry, in addition to Pleth Variability Index (PVI).”  The board is half the size and eats a third of the electricity of previous comparable boards, which will bring advanced pulse oximetry to smaller and more portable devices.  The device is now available as a component for medical device developers to integrate into new products or as a “board-in-cable” solution to expand the capabilities of existing devices. Using less than 45 milliwatts of power, Masimo MS-2040 boards are... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893604 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:01:45 +0100 4893604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883697&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FLXECL-6bFQA%2Flensfree_highresolution_3d_optical_imaging_on_a_chip.html Researchers at UCLA have developed a lensless microscope-on-a-chip. Overcoming many of the limitations of traditional microscopy, they have put a sensor on a chip which can take three-dimensional tomographic images of miniscule samples. Images are obtained by placing the object of interest on top of the chip and subsequently illuminating the object from many different angles. The chip then reconstructs a three-dimensional tomographic image from the observed shadows. From the press release: An optical imaging system small enough to fit onto an opto-electronic chip provides a variety of benefits. Because of the automation involved in on-chip systems, scientific work could be sped up significantly, which might have a great impact in the fields of cell and developmental biology. In addition, ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883697 Tue, 31 May 2011 16:07:10 +0100 4883697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883648&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fthere-is-no-abuse.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883648 Tue, 31 May 2011 14:15:00 +0100 4883648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862655&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FHZQ-8DH9WtA%2Fnew-stanford-wound-dressing-significantly-reduces-scarring.html Scar tissue is an ever-present, unavoidable side effect of surgery. Besides the fact that most people find the raised, pinkish mark largely unattractive, scars can cause functional problems, as they doesn’t contain sweat glands or hair follicles, and large amounts of scar tissue or keloid can limit motion. Current methods of removing scars include surgery, drugs, and laser therapy, but none have been shown to be consistently effective and practical. Researchers at Stanford University have developed a special wound dressing that significantly reduces the amount of scar tissue that develops post surgical incisions. Scar tissue forms when the edges of an incision are pulled taut by the surrounding skin. The new dressing, described as a “stress-shielding device”, removes the ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862655 Tue, 24 May 2011 19:10:38 +0100 4862655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862656&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FAryUj4DbGgs%2Fibm-watson-shows-off-its-medical-knowledge.html IBM’s Watson, the supercomputer known for handily beating human contestants on Jeopardy! a few months ago, started to show off its more practical skills medical knowledge. It recently gave a demonstration to the Associated Press. According to the AP, Watson was gradually given information about a fictional patient with an eye problem. As more clues were unveiled — blurred vision, family history of arthritis, Connecticut residence — Watson’s suggested diagnoses evolved from uveitis to Behcet’s disease to Lyme disease. It gave the final diagnosis a 73 percent confidence rating. The medical version of Watson was trained with medical textbooks and journals, electronic health records, and sample questions from medical students. However, unlike Jeopardy!, where Watson was r... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862656 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:56:51 +0100 4862656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862658&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FQ4QOwNDEvEc%2Fbd-max-open-molecular-platform-coming-to-u-s.html BD has released its BD MAX bench-top molecular system that can run both BD developed assays and ones created in the laboratory. As such it can be a powerful tool in detecting emerging new pathogens. The BD Max automates the testing process by enabling technicians to simply load user-defined primers/probes to reagent strips along with a group of samples and walk away. The system’s simplified user-defined protocols allow technicians to mix different samples and assays within a single run. BD MAX is the first and only fully automated, bench-top molecular system designed to perform a broad range of molecular tests. This includes in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays, but also user-defined protocols and life science research applications. The BD MAX System gives clinical laboratory professiona... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862658 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:23:38 +0100 4862658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862659&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FovwIQ6p_YJ4%2Fvuvuzelas-may-spread-disease.html Credit: Álvaro Felipe on Flickr Vuvuzelas themselves have spread almost like a disease, but now it is becoming clear that they may also spread disease by creating a shower of aerosols from the lungs. A study in PLoS ONE has investigated the quantity and size of aerosols emitted when a vuvuzela is played. They used a six channel laser particle counter to detect the amount of emitted particles and compared that to the amount emitted during shouting. The vuvuzelas expelled 658,000 lung particles per litre of air at a rate of four million per second, while shouting resulted in only 3,700 particles per litre at a rate of 7,000 per second. The authors cautiously recommend that people with respiratory infections avoid blowing vuvuzelas in enclosed spaces and where there is a risk of infecting ot... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862659 Tue, 24 May 2011 17:42:58 +0100 4862659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852968&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FS5YmEMaS-L4%2Fphyscient-aims-to-create-a-gentler-surgical-toolbox.html The New York Times has an interesting article on Physcient, a startup medical company that wants to reinvent surgical instruments by integrating advanced electronics and robotics. Hand-held surgical instruments for the most part have not changed for decades and Physcient wants to apply biomechanical priniciples to create smarter instruments that reduce iatrogenic damage and speed up recovery. First up is the thoracic retractor, or rib spreader, the rather brutal instrument surgeons use to open the sternum and thoracic cavity. During these procedures, immense pressures are built up that can lead to rib fractures or other damage to nerves, joints and ligaments. Physcient has build a better and more gentle retractor, based on knowledge of physics of bone and other tissues. The Assuage Smart R... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852968 Mon, 23 May 2011 15:24:44 +0100 4852968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852969&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F7QOhcAc-2zI%2Fdna-sequencing-beating-moores-law.html Although Moore’s Law mainly applies to computing hardware, predicting a doubling of computing power every two years, DNA sequencing cost has followed a similar pattern for many years, approximately halving each two years. However since January 2008 there has been a break in that trend, with sequencing costs rapidly declining after that date. This applies to both the cost per megabase of DNA sequence and the total cost per genome. Data from the National Human Genome Research Institute, including the graph shown above, show that sequencing a whole genome costs little more than 10,000 dollars where it cost about 100,000,000 at the start of the millennium. At this rate it will not be long before a whole genome will go for less than 1,000 dollars. Yet despite these amazing advancements, a... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852969 Mon, 23 May 2011 05:30:35 +0100 4852969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852970&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FB375eZ7ollo%2F145-highlights-from-futuremed.html Although we have already extensively covered FutureMed, here is some more coverage we do not want to withhold from you. Lincoln Cannon has composed a list of 145 highlights, consisting of exciting and thought-provoking observations from FutureMed. It contains one-liners ranging from “evidence-based medicine will transition to data-driven healthcare within ten years” to “we need a Google Cell”. The list is published on his blog linked below. Link: 145 Highlights from FutureMed Singularity University… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852970 Mon, 23 May 2011 05:23:00 +0100 4852970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853081&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FVPd_L1bV3ss%2Fmanipal00za-2011.html Lot's happening......follow us at #Manip11   Rob   (Source: MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com) MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853081 Sun, 22 May 2011 21:37:17 +0100 4853081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848013&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FQg7JiwRLjxM%2Fford-partners-with-medtronic-others-for-in-car-health-management.html Time has come for when your car not only tells you when it’s low on coolant, but also when you’re low on sugar. In addition to warning you about road construction on the way, how about a notice when you’re entering a high pollen zone? Ford is partnering with a number of medical technology companies to address some health issues relevant to driving. A sudden drop of blood glucose, for example, can force a diabetic to lose consciousness, a particularly dangerous situation when behind the wheel. By wirelessly linking Medtronic‘s Bluetooth-enabled continuous glucose monitor to Ford’s Sync hands-free entertainment and control system, a driver can receive real-time warnings when glucose levels go out of predefined bounds. Using WellDoc‘s disease management pla... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848013 Fri, 20 May 2011 21:17:41 +0100 4848013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848018&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F2zQKC_EH1hg%2Fspinal-neurostimulation-helps-paraplegic-man-stand-step-and-move-legs.html When we last wrote about  UCLA’s attempts at using drugs and spinal neurostimulation to restore motor movement they had succeeded in bringing back leg movement in paraplegic rats. Since then, the drug component has been removed, the study has been expanded to include researchers from the University of Louisville as well as the California Institute of Technology, and the subject has changed to 25-year old Rob Summers who became completely paralyzed below the chest in a hit-and-run car accident in 2006. Remarkably, the researchers have succeeded in restoring considerable movement to Summers’ paralyzed legs. The results were achieved using a Medtronic stimulator through continual direct “epidural electrical stimulation” of the lower spinal cord to mimic the signals t... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848018 Fri, 20 May 2011 17:18:12 +0100 4848018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841644&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F5gOLBw2eqCo%2Fexpanding-our-twitter-feed.html For those of you who are following us on @Medgadget, we are pleased to announce that we are expanding our coverage of medtech developments on Twitter. We will include more news and more breaking stories, even if they don’t make it to our homepage. So don’t miss a headline, and follow us: @Medgadget. (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841644 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:19:52 +0100 4841644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841645&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FKjKuiqtmcCM%2Fadvamed-2011-calls-for-company-presentations.html AdvaMed 2011, a major medical device conference slated for September in Washington, DC, is putting out a call for company presentations.  This is a good opportunity to get your products and ideas before an influential audience of industry players. Innovative medical technology companies in all stages of development are eligible to apply to make a 9-minute business development presentation during AdvaMed 2011: The MedTech Conference. The conference will take place in Washington D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, September 26-28, and the deadline to apply to present to strategic partners, venture capital firms and angel investors is July 11. Company presentations will be competitively selected and will focus on innovations in the blood, cardiovascular, dental, diagnostics,... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841645 Thu, 19 May 2011 17:51:45 +0100 4841645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829025&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fm4SzO5YczAY%2Flatest-x-prize-foundation-competition-offers-10-million-for-a-tricorder.html Image credit: Medgadget family collection X Prize Foundation, the non-profit organization that has awarded millions of dollars for sub-orbital spacecraft and ultra-efficient automobiles, has announced a new competition in collaboration with Qualcomm. The competition (which is actually called the Tricorder X PRIZE) will award a $10 million prize to the developer of a mobile solution to diagnose patients as well, or better than, a panel of physicians. According to the X Prize Foundation and Qualcomm, the winning design should integrate the latest in wireless sensors, medical imaging, microfluidics, and cloud computing. It should allow a user to assess health conditions anywhere, determine if they need further professional help, and overall answer the question, “What do I do next?&#8221... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829025 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:01:37 +0100 4829025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829027&cid=t_100092_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FECta_RC2o0Q%2Fwhats-new-at-medgadget.html Welcome to the newly remodeled Medgadget! This is the first major update of the site in the last 6 years, and we hope you like it. We tried to keep the site clean, lean and easy to use. We also have some new features that our readers should know about. Thanks to the latest WordPress install, Medgadget has all the major functionalities of modern blogs, and then some more. For example, you can view our posts in regular blog format, or by pressing on a little square widget below the rotating carousel you can view posts in a grid view. We also have a mobile site, that will automatically run on all the major mobile platforms, such as iOS, Android, Blackberry, Palm OS and Samsung touch mobile. We have a new commenting system, new author profile pages, new ways to display posts on our home page, ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829027 Mon, 16 May 2011 16:19:26 +0100 4829027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789300&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fshadowy-health-plan.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789300 Wed, 04 May 2011 10:00:00 +0100 4789300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780331&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fcoming-soon-to-hdb-flat-near-you.html Blogger's impression of the James Gomez Wing of the Chee Soon Juan Memorial HospitalDetails here... (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780331 Tue, 03 May 2011 16:30:00 +0100 4780331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753884&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FFkYanAJwa0A%2Faccountability-in-physicaltherapy-rc-03-11.html Roughly one year ago, we had 2 blog posts here and here regarding RC 15-10  that the Private Practice Section was moving forward to the 2010 House of Delegates.  For a variety of reasons, the RC was withdrawn. The good news that it is back as RC-03-11.    I have taken the liberty to edit that post and have pasted it below with the addition of a few additional arguments that have materialized-most notably the lack of trust that PT's have for each other. Our national association espouses PT’s to be autonomous practitioners in its vision 2020 statement.  At the same time, it maintains positions that restrict PT’s ability to practice within their scope of practice.  These positions are then represented to third parties-including medicare and other payors in a variety of ways inc... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753884 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:47:20 +0100 4753884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753818&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F5LxPoXf3Iv4%2Fare-we-the-source-of-knowledge.html We started hearing about it a couple years ago: an ALS member of Patients Like Me had seen (and translated—it was in Italian) a medical conference poster with results showing lithium carbonate could slow the disease’s progression.  That study was a single-blind trial of 16 treated patients and 28 controls.  The results spread through the ALS community and soon, patients began talking their physicians into prescribing lithium carbonate off-label. PLM soon had 348 members reporting on the effects of their use of the drug.  PLM realized they had an opportunity to study the experience of their members who were—effectively—experimenting with the drug.  PLM couldn’t randomize, so they developed an algorithm and matched 149 treated patients to 447 controls based... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753818 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4753818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734431&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FoMjAveeK2Q8%2Fmusculoskeletal-disorders-its-drugs-surgery-or-usagain.html Ever get the feeling that the more things change the more they stay the same?  The links below to two recent medical headlines remind me of the fact that despite our health care system being bro ken (and the Affordable Health Care for America Act has not and will not fix it), the following Pied-piper tune within the culture seems to only grow stronger:  a. More surgery (at ever younger ages, more extensive procedures, and for increasingly “elective” reasons and b. More drugs. In the first case, total joint replacement and resurfacing procedures have transitioned from being the last intervention option after all other means of relief have been exhausted to becoming a primary option for getting folks back to kite-boarding and basketball (make sure to view the video link on that page t... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734431 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:17:43 +0100 4734431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704767&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FKw4aOhPBmNA%2Fresistancemap-shows-rise-in-dangerous-bacterial-infection-online-tool-tracks-the-emergence-of-resist.html This guest post was submitted to Pioneering Ideas by Extending the Cure Research Analyst Nikolay Braykov. Extending the Cure researches policy solutions to prolong the useful life of antibiotics, an approach to fighting the rising trend of antibiotic resistant bacteria that was discussed by several prominent news outlets (The Guardian, Christian Science Monitor, Health Affairs) during last week's World Health Day. The online tool ResistanceMap has released a new video that shows the spread of a deadly microbe able to survive treatment with the newest and most potent antibiotics in the current arsenal. That microorganism, called carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), can cause potentially fatal pneumonia, bloodstream, or wound infections among elderly... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704767 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4704767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696848&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F836ty26Xxl0%2Fapril-physicaltherapy-stuff.html Barely into April, we see lots of interesting news items happening in our PT world: Hypocrisy  Calif AMA Charlie Sheen wasn't the only piece of work out of California these past several weeks.  The debacle known as AB 783 stoppopts has taken an interesting twist.  Calif AMA is coming out in strong opposition of AB 1360 which in essence allows healthcare districts to directly hire physicians.  Why might you ask?  Cause of course this would allow hospitals undue influence on doctors  and would compromise care.  However, Calif AMA strongly supports what looks like a revised bill AB 824-per their argument "cleans" up language that doesn't allow PT's to be solely independent contractors and thus be rightfully employed in physician's corporations  where they of course would never be und... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696848 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:20:13 +0100 4696848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696590&cid=t_100092_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fplanned-parenthood-health-care-and-me.html Hi. I've used Planned Parenthood. In fact, for at least 4 years (not sure I fully remember how long) Planned Parenthood was my sole health care source. I used the student health center when in college, but then I moved to NYC, and like any of us who don't go right from college (or high school) to full-time employment with a company big or progressive enough to provide employees with health care, I was out of luck. I was doing part-time temp work while pursuing my dream, and even when I transitioned to full-time work, there was no health care. And no I didn't buy heath insurance. I'm not sure at the ripe old age of 21 I had a good concept of why I would need it or how to get it. What I did know, what had been sort of burned into my consciousness, was that I need to get an an... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696590 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4696590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626975&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FOq_dPZkWbiY%2Fmarch-madness-filings-for-physicaltherapy.html Lots of miscellaneous activities in the PT world that I need to file in my Evernote with appropriate tags: #revisionisthistory  Several years ago, a chief nurse told me that all ancillary services including physical, occupational therapy, respiratory, speech therapy as well as dietetics are all offshoots of nursing and that a well trained nurse fulfills all of those roles adequately.  When I asked her for historical references, she said they were in all of the nursing history books.  After listening to this California orthopedists testimony, I am to believe that physical therapy was invented by them! Can we likewise erase the visions of the outfits of reconstruction aides from our history as well? #legalcase  While we have OIG reports and many other publications documenting the abuse... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626975 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:44:10 +0100 4626975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545118&cid=t_100092_131_f&fid=35007&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbooks.mcgraw-hill.com%2Fmedical%2Fommbid%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1357 Genetic Alliance is a nonprofit health advocacy organization that improves health through the authentic engagement of communities and individuals. This year, they are celebrating their 25th anniversary as a journey toward novel partnerships, connected consumers, and smart services. They are hosting a variety of events throughout the year, including monthly salons around the country and the 25th Anniversary Annual Conference in June. If you cannot attend an event in person, you can still learn all about genetics, health, and advocacy with their webinar series. In addition, they are honoring innovators in the genetics community and post new videos weekly. Find out how to get involved:  http://www.geneticalliance.org/25anniversary. Molly Brenner, Network Coordinator of Genetic Al... The OMMBID Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545118 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:11:21 +0100 4545118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477796&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fshould-doctors-check-daily-horoscopes.html (Posted on the Singgapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477796 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:30:00 +0100 4477796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445952&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FUskPOsevamU%2Fclinical-transformation-hard-work-big-payoff.html   Virginia Mason as an example, from today's Health Affairs Blog.   THE BEST sentence is at the end:  "ultimate accountability is not to Medicare, or health insurers, but to patients and their families" You should engage outcomes, patient loyalty, customer service, and clinical excellence because it is the right thing to do.  Compliance has never driven service. If it did, we would all enjoy going to the license bureau. larry@physicaltherapist.com (Source: MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com) MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445952 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:00:46 +0100 4445952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419342&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FV1ECrKelXVM%2Fphysical-therapists-as-hot-spotters.html   A few weeks ago, New Yorker ran an excellent, must-read article by Dr. Atul Gawande entitled Hot Spotters with a subtitled question: Can we lower medical costs by giving the neediest patients better care?  While physical therapy is not part of the article per se, there are lots of implications for us.   The article essentially highlights distinct efforts to save significant money in healthcare costs by focusing on a subset of patients-those that consume massive costs to the system thru hospital re-admissions, frequent ER visits, and excessive medication.  While this strategy appears incredibly obvious, the article details the obstacles to successful execution which include correctly identifying these patients thru good data mining, the counterintuitive fact that these patients req... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419342 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:22:21 +0100 4419342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405897&cid=t_100092_125_f&fid=38880&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brooksidedental.com%2Fblog%2Ftop-dentists-2011-say-no-more-gummy-smiles This article quoted Bellevue Cosmetic Dentists at Brookside Dental in Bellevue, WA, as the source of information for this interesting article. The article is shown here exactly as it appeared in Seattle Met Magazine. Now matter how straight, pearly white, and healthy your teeth are, your overexposed gums may prevent your smile from showing its fullest potential. That’s where the Odyssey soft-tissue laser comes in. Invented with the aim of improving a “gummy smile,” the laser reshapes gum lines with precision and with less bleeding and discomfort than other methods. Brookside Dental, a family-owned practice with a relaxed, spalike environment has used the laser for over five years. Dr. Pat Pauley, now retired, says, “It’s a great way to improve the shape of gums, and healing time... Brookside Dental's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405897 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:48:43 +0100 4405897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382870&cid=t_100092_125_f&fid=38880&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brooksidedental.com%2Fblog%2Fusa-topdentists-selects-dr-cynthia-pauley Dr Cynthia Pauley, a Bellevue WA family and cosmetic dentist has recently been listed as one of the Top Dentists for 2010-2011 by USAtopdentists website. Dr Cindy received a letter from USAtopDentists that stated, “We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected by a vote of your peers to be included in the 2011 list of topDentists. The listings from your area will appear online immediately [2010] at www.usatopdentists.com and will [also] appear on www.seattlemet.com during 2011.” Selection into USAtopDentists is based on an extensive peer-review process which includes a survey of hundreds of dentists and specialists throughout the Seattle Area. These dentists and specialists cast votes on the abilities of other dentists and specialists and these votes were tabulated t... Brookside Dental's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382870 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:05:52 +0100 4382870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318360&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Flipstick-on-pig.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318360 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0100 4318360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298599&cid=t_100092_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhappinesslowered-expectations.html Medical Lessons pointed me to an article in The Economist that discusses the "U-bend" of happiness. Apparently, once into middle age, we get happier. Much of this, it is proposed,is because ambition dies, and acceptance is born. We realize we're never going to make it big; we accept that fact; our expectations are lowered, meaning our life is more apt to meet those expectations. Met expectations=happiness. Reminds me of the time I got a new boss. He had no experience in Marketing and yet was temporarily managing my team...Product Management and Product Marketing. I delivered this awesome presentation on all the phases of Marketing (Inbound Product Management, Outbound Product Marketing, Marketing Communications, etc.)...and where we were performing well, and where we were una... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298599 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4298599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285300&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FKi6jtsf-gpc%2Feim-daily-dose.html Along with our recent EIM web revision, EIM is pleased to announce a new change to the EIM blog emails.  We have updated the format to be more reader friendly and added some bells and whistles for all of you who can't get enough PT news!  The email is called "EIM's Daily Dose".You will still see the same blog updates, but you also will be able to get the top 5 academic searches for "physical therapy" and the top 5 twitter physical therapy posts, along with EIM educational updates.  You can still get the blog via your favorite reader/RSS.  If you are already a subscriber, you don't have to do anything and you will be automatically become a susbscriber.  If you don't already get blog emails, and would like to sign up, you can do so on the left side tool bar of the blog (look down and t... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285300 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:43:50 +0100 4285300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281454&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F-XjQGoJCOLY%2Fmedicare-abuse-reported-in-wsj-the-issue-behind-the-issue.html Dear WSJ: I loved your article Confidentiality Cloaks Medicare Abuse regarding physical therapy billings and your previous article Top Spine Surgeons Reap Royalties on the questionable payments by spinal implant companies .  By the way, I spend a lot of time in Louisville, KY and now feel fortunate that apparently I am one of a handful of folks who don't have an incision on their back.  I do think your article on physical therapy could have gone deeper. The issue behind the issue is conflict of interest via self referral to entities in which the doctor benefits financially.  All of the examples as best that can be told are physician's billing for "in house" physical therapy (or "office girls" per Rock Doc).  The Russian PT who appears to be doing home care is an exception and it looks... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281454 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:24:40 +0100 4281454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266084&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FpMSpW9jRdX0%2Fand-the-3rd-annual-elevator-pitch-winners-are.html     1st Place: Amy Lee from Physical Therapy Central   2nd Place: Jonathan Weber & Denver Lancaster from Regis Univeristy  3rd Place: Kristen Martin from Texas State UniversityWe had many great submissions this year and thank every PT and PT student who participated!Thanks,Larry (Source: MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com) MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266084 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:38:24 +0100 4266084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266085&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FvzniIibQUEE%2Ffoundation-for-physical-therapy-awards-2010-florence-p-kendall-doctoral-scholarships.html ALEXANDRIA, VA, December 8, 2010 — Four physical therapists were awarded a total of $20,000 as recipients of the Florence P. Kendall Doctoral Scholarships, from the Foundation for Physical Therapy for the 2010-2011 academic year. The $5,000 Kendall Doctoral Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding physical therapists as they begin their first year of graduate studies toward a doctorate degree. The scholarships are funded by the Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Endowment Fund. Scholarships were awarded to: Ruth Chimenti, DPT, University of Rochester; Dan Cobian, DPT, University of Iowa; Nora Fritz, DPT, The Ohio State University; and Kristan Leech, DPT; Northwestern University. ”We are very proud to support these individuals as they begin their careers in physical therapy res... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266085 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4266085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265881&cid=t_100092_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fmja-review-january-2011-should-the-law-on-assisted-dying-be-changed%2F This is a report I wrote for the Medical Journalist’s Association January 2011 newsletter.  In the above picture taken at the debate I’m the devilishly good looking chap in the front row. The MJA discussed this contentious issue on November 25 at the Medical Society of London. Four speakers, ‘widely respected for their integrity but divided by their beliefs’, in the words of John Illman, who organised and chaired the meeting, spoke for and against modification of the law on assisted dying. Stephen Ginn reports. Support for a change in the law came first from GP and MJA member Dr Ann McPherson. She is behind a new group called Healthcare Professionals for Change, set up to challenge the medical establishment’s stance against assisted dying for terminally i... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265881 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:46:52 +0100 4265881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237924&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fpenny-for-your-thoughts-2.html Q1: What does it take to claim that doctors charge "excessively" for writing medical report?A1: A Blogger account.Q2: What does it take to write a medical report?A2: Five years of medical school, a year of housemanship, several years of relevant post-graduate training, time to read through a patient's medical records and investigation results, knowledge to understand the significance of each, the ability to synthesise all that information and present it in a format that addresses the relevant issues required by the side requesting the medical report, and finally the balls to stand by and back up what you wrote in a court of law if necessary. (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237924 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4237924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229189&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fstanding-up-for-godless.html angry doc wasn't aware this special report (who reads newspapers these days anyway?), but thanks to this letter in the ST Forum, he is clued in:You don't need faith to be goodTHE Saturday Special report last week ('God wants youth') stated that religious groups were determined not to lose a generation to godlessness, especially now with youth gangs in the news.It also noted that what is at stake is the potential of losing the youth to cynicism, violence and even fanaticism.These remarks suggest a prejudice against those without any religious affiliation.The last census in 2000 showed that roughly 15 per cent of Singaporeans did not have any religious affiliation. The article essentially suggested that this group, 'the godless', are cynical and prone to violence.As a society for non-believe... Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229189 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:30:00 +0100 4229189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225355&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fmy-foot.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225355 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:20:00 +0100 4225355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207318&cid=t_100092_105_f&fid=39181&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangrydr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fcaveat-emptor.html (Posted on the Singapore MD blog) (Source: Angry Doctor) Angry Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207318 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 04:30:00 +0100 4207318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168127&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FGeUAusFPEV0%2Fnovember-time-to-file.html Lots of stuff sitting on my desk and time to do the mid month file cabinet routine and am now incorporating hashtags #: -file under "Plunger"  #Dr. Oz While I think a better use of the plunger would be for an Ipad stand, according to Dr. Oz's orthopedic PT during the Over 40 survival guide (approx 3 minutes into it) you should use to "lift the fascia from your knee-but be careful too long and you will get a knee hickey".  Would have been nice to follow the evidence and not the sizzle on such a consumer oriented show-at least get the lady exercising! -file under "rebranding" #ethicsirrelevant Thanks to comments made on my Beware of the Ethical Physical Therapy Association post apparently even the word "Ethical" can be problematic to opportunistic, bloated PT's and their henchmen in t... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168127 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:57:37 +0100 4168127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119465&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FHtsZxTmKwMQ%2Fsecrets-of-the-system.html WSJ has been running a series on Medicare entitled "Secrets of the System".   The first article focused on medicare's database and the problem with transparency and its lack of completeness.  While we may know that somewhere in NY City there is a female family practice doc who pockets more than $2 Million in medicare, the journal doesn't mention the physician by name but reports that the physician does a hands on treatment called "manipulative therapy" and likes to do a lot of EMG and nerve conduction studies along with sleep analysis-all of which have been identified by antifraud authorities as requiring special scrutiny.  We don't know whether a PT is doing any of the EMG stuff or for that matter if a hired PT is doing the "manipulative therapy".   Most of the article details the h... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119465 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:32:27 +0100 4119465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098492&cid=t_100092_160_f&fid=36193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aloha-dermatology.com%2Faloha-dermatology-blog%2Fmaui-county-37th-annual-senior-citizens-health-fair%2F Doctor Micki Ly MD, her staff, and her kids and friends man the Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center "Skin Cancer Awareness Booth" at the 2010 Maui County Senior Fair. (Source: aloha-dermatology.com) aloha-dermatology.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098492 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:04:53 +0100 4098492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040625&cid=t_100092_111_f&fid=34911&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseanesthetist.org%2Ffuture-of-nursing-leading-change-advancing-health-the-ioc-report%2F This study, which examined nearly 500,000 individual cases in 14 states that removed the federal physician supervision requirement for nurse anesthetists between 2001 and 2005, revealed that patient outcomes did not differ between the states that do not require physician supervision and states that do. Further, the study confirmed that there are no differences in patient outcomes when anesthesia services are provided by CRNAs, physician anesthesiologists, or CRNAs supervised by physicians. In addition, the Lewin Group published a study titled “Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Anesthesia Providers” in the May/June issue of The Journal of Nursing Economic$. This study considered the different anesthesia delivery models in use in the United States today, including CRNAs acting solo, physici... Nurse Anesthetist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040625 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:05:11 +0100 4040625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040658&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FBinuZMCiQCY%2Fand-the-winners-are.html As I mentioned back in August, RWJF joined the Health 2.0 Developer Challenge by offering small prizes for three different challenges:  1) building apps that leveraged the Blue Button initiative; 2) apps that bring the data from County Health Rankings into everyday decisions; and 3) bringing Project HealthDesign designs to life by building apps that work on commercial PHR systems.  At the time I said that we wouldn’t know what to expect – that we might not get anything useful at all from this exercise.  WRONG! The response was terrific.  I won’t say overwhelming, but given the modest amount of prize money (okay, Markle scored coffee with Clay Shirky, which is no small deal) and the relative short amount of time to respond (barely a month), I’d say pretty dar... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040658 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4040658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999128&cid=t_100092_125_f&fid=38880&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brooksidedental.com%2Fblog%2Fbrookside-dental-patient-review-websites BROOKSIDE DENTAL PATIENT REVIEWS Brookside Dental Home Page BROOKSIDE DENTAL in Bellevue, Washington, along with other dentistry websites is listed on dozens of web review sites. How valuable these various review listings are is very difficult to comprehend. It seems that each day new local search sites appear on the web. Sometimes I get emails that are requesting to have advertising of our cosmetic dentistry practice on a local or national website. Other times I just find sites that have our listing and I need to go in and claim it. The obvious places that one sees their site listed in is Google Local, Yahoo Local or Bing Local. These have been outlined very well in a book by my friends Richard Geasey and Shannon Evans that is titled, “GET FOUND NOW! LOCAL SEARCH SECRETS EXPOSED.” I... Brookside Dental's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999128 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:12:13 +0100 3999128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993829&cid=t_100092_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F09%2Faids-is-still-a-political-football-in-this-country-even-as-most-of-think-it-no-longer-impacts-our-lives-a-new-documentary-c.html AIDS is still a political football in this country, even as most of think it no longer impacts our lives. A new documentary called "The Other City" explores that...and how it reflects America's issues around race, class and more. Written and co-produced by Jose Antonio Vargas, a sharp journalist I met in NYC last year. Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/TheOtherCity?v=info (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993829 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907657&cid=t_100092_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fchilean-miners-to-get-antidepressants%2F There are 33 miners who are trapped deep underground in Chile.  Although lucky, in that they are still alive, by the standards of mining accidents they now face a four underground month wait until they can be brought to the surface. Media and public interest has been running high and concern has been inevitably been raised about the psychological effect of the prolonged incarceration on the miners.  The Chilean health minister addressed this: "We expect that after the initial euphoria of being found, we will likely see a period of depression and anguish," he told reporters. "We are preparing medication for them. It would be naive to think they can keep their spirits up like this." As a result alongside food and clothing, the Guardian reports that antidepress... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907657 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:03:06 +0100 3907657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867039&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FPdmRdsFTi6U%2Fat-the-risk-of-being-conservative.html I figured with this title I could at least get my EIM partners to read this. OK, I grant you that yesterday being Friday the 13th was truly a scary day!   However, I think that Dr. R. Craig Christianson in the Seattle Times yesterday took it to a new level.  He was suggesting that when it comes to Low Back Pain perhaps conservative care might be a potentially good thing at least for a little while and you should discuss this with your physician.  He then states: "It could result in therapy for maybe a week or two, and if bad things happen, then we can always go to the operating room.  It may prevent some percentage of failed back operations because of that one little intervention."   WOW! I didn't know that in a week or two so many bad things can happen in conservative care.  The... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867039 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:17:02 +0100 3867039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862206&cid=t_100092_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F08%2F12%2Fnpr-interviews-pa-about-new-study-of-girls-puberty.aspx This item from the AAPA about a report I heard on NPR's "All Things Considered" show on Monday jogged my memory about why the interviewee's name was so familiar. Marcia Herman-Giddens, PA, DrPH contributed to the August 9th edition of National Public...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862206 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:23:00 +0100 3862206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831575&cid=t_100092_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F08%2F06%2Fu-s-news-top-3-tips-to-pa-wannabes.aspx U.S. News and World Report today posted an article about the PA profession in the “Best Graduate Schools” section of its website. “Why Physician Assistant School May be Right for You,” the subhead of which proclaims, “It's one of the fastest growing careers...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831575 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:33:00 +0100 3831575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794900&cid=t_100092_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FBWA6qSKgOCI%2Fconversation-continues-around-opennotes-let-the-researchers-know-what-you-think.html A week after the Annals of Internal Medicine published a Perspective Paper on OpenNotes, the Pioneer-supported project is continuing to generate a robust discussion online. Notably, The New York Time’s “Doctor and Patient” columnist Dr. Pauline Chen’s piece, “Should Patients Read the Doctor’s Notes,” has catalyzed a thought-provoking discussion on the Times’ Well blog. Although there were more than 100 comments the last time we checked, most of the debate focuses on a single theme that matches the same concerns raised in the Annals paper – the patient’s “right” to access their information vs. the doctor’s “right” to determine what information is appropriate for their patients to receive. Each “side” has a variety of reasons behind their stance, from the d... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794900 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3794900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060654&cid=t_100092_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fmore_mentally_ill_persons_are_in_jails_and_prisons.php Image by RightBrainPhotography via Flickr Unfortunately, this headline is very true. And it's not because the mentally ill are more likely to commit crimes. In fact they are no more likely and often less likely to commit crimes than the general population. You might wonder, why are they in jail? The reason appears to be that though they are very much in need of treatment, they are not getting it. In my experience, it's not because they don't want it, it's because they have to endure considerable time, hassle and indignities just to get in the door for treatment. Then, they often have no job and so no insurance. And because it's just as much a hassle to qualify for disability, they often don't have that as well. So they are often expected to pay for treatment out of pocket. Money they ofte... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060654 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:53:47 +0100 4060654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754118&cid=t_100092_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fgapa-s-educates-about-emergencies-151and-pas-too.aspx Georgia has one of the most visible state PA chapters, and if you were in Atlanta for the AAPA conference earlier this year, you likely noticed GAPA’s huge welcoming billboard near the Georgia World Congress Center. As a part of its patient awareness...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754118 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:39:00 +0100 3754118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3747008&cid=t_100092_160_f&fid=36193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aloha-dermatology.com%2Faloha-dermatology-blog%2Fdr-micki-ly-assists-at-the-american-cancer-society-relay-for-life-at-the-maui-war-memorial-stadium%2F She's assisted by her sons Charley and Mitchell. (Source: aloha-dermatology.com) aloha-dermatology.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3747008 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:40:17 +0100 3747008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740745&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F9OfDyid08-k%2Fthe-60-minutes-rule-private-practice-pt-special-edition.html How would you like a rep from the CBS show to come to your private practice office with the following questions: 1. Tell me about your partnership with the local orthopedist who is 12 miles away? We have a deal that when they send me a patient, I get a percent of what the doc collects. 2. What the doc collects for you seeing the patient at your location? Yes, we are a franchise operator for a big time company that says it is fair market value and legal. 3. What if the doc group doesn't collect anything for you seeing their patient? I don't get a nickel. 4. Even though you had to see the patients and had cost involved? That is correct. Aren't I lucky to have an exclusive franchise. 5. How is this legal? Because it is fair market value and my franchise is protected and the group... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740745 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:30:32 +0100 3740745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710518&cid=t_100092_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fnew-book-i-want-to-read-the-white-house-doctor.html Recently saw Connie Mariano on The Daily Show, and now I have a hankering to buy her book, The White House Doctor. She served as the family physician in the White House for a part of the first Bush presidency, the entire Clinton presidency and part of the Dubya presidency.She seems to have a dry sense of humor, and gives a peek into something I knew nothing about. I guess it's totally logical, if you stop to think about it, that the President would always have a doctor no more than a few feet away. But I never really imagined there'd be someone whose job it was to follow the President everywhere 24/7.  And what that would be like.It sounds fascinating. And I'm also kind of fascinated to see how much she can really share. I mean, isn't there doctor-patient confidential... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710518 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3710518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3703047&cid=t_100092_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F5hNa38ui7Nw%2Fnational-physical-therapy-news-month.html The last several days there has been several news items impacting physical therapists: -we had over a drop of 21% in Medicare with claims withheld and then another temporary fix thru Nov which resulted in a 2.2% increase -Medpac  released a significant report telling us what we already know-physicians overutilize PT services when they are "in office ancillary". -MD/PT partners in an email style that is a combination of Publisher's Clearinghouse, Ronco, and Shamwow released their response to Medpac data assuring their current and future clientele that regardless of any changes in law that their will be some type of  legal "work around" for private practices to "partner" (share in revenue) with referring physicians (but of course any legal agreements and potential liability, fraud an... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3703047 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:46:53 +0100 3703047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683918&cid=t_100092_175_f&fid=37867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fpa_1%2Farchive%2F2010%2F06%2F21%2Fafghanistan-civilians-to-be-trained-as-pas.aspx Interesting post today to the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan Blog, from U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez, about how nearly 200 Afghan civilians (including four women) showed up today as applicants to a new program that will admit 50 of them...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Blog for PAs) ADVANCE Blog for PAs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683918 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:26:00 +0100 3683918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671885&cid=t_100092_125_f&fid=38880&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brooksidedental.com%2Fblog%2Fbellevue-dentist-elected-new-president-of-seattle-king-county-dental-society NEW DENTAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT A BELLEVUE WASHINGTON DENTIST Dr Cynthia Pauley Elected New President of Seattle-King County Dental Society Dr Cynthia Pauley, Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist, recently was elected as the new President of the Seattle-King County Dental Society (SKCDS) in April 2010. She has served as Secretary of SKCDS and also as a member of the SKCDS Executive Council for 8 years, during which time she was a delegate to the Washington State Dental Association for two terms. During her time on the Executive Council, she been involved in several projects to help the under served citizens of King County, including working on the Smile Mobile which serves people in out lying areas. Currently, she is involved with projects that include “The Northwest Kidney Foundation” and SKCDS Den... Brookside Dental's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671885 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:51:26 +0100 3671885