Electronic Implant Dissolves in the Body by Susan Young. Technology Review. September 27, 2012.
Researchers at the University of Illinois, Tufts, and others have developed sensors and drug delivery devices that dissolve after they are no longer needed. The researchers tested the concept on a device that heated a surgical cut area in order to prevent bacterial growth. Materials are being tested to speed the dissolving process.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Key Molecule in Autoimmune Disease
Scientists Find a Molecule That Puts the Brakes on Inflammation Science Daily. September 28, 2012.
Autoimmune disease are increasingly prevalent. So, the findings of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine are significant. Regulatory t cells function to check an immune system out of control, the definition of autoimmune disease. The molecule call IL-27 has been identified by the researchers as the check needed to control the immune system. This molecule may have potential for developing treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and in lupus.
Autoimmune disease are increasingly prevalent. So, the findings of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine are significant. Regulatory t cells function to check an immune system out of control, the definition of autoimmune disease. The molecule call IL-27 has been identified by the researchers as the check needed to control the immune system. This molecule may have potential for developing treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and in lupus.
Type of SARS Virus Appears Not Easily Spread
Potentially Deadly Virus Related to SARS Appears Not Easily Spread by Marc Santora. The New York Times. September 30, 2012.
While a newly discovered strain of a virus related to SARS has been discovered, public health officials have indicated that it seems not easily spread from person to person. World Health Officials are pressing to develop a diagnostic test which they advise to be used only in the case of severely ill patients so as to not overload the healthcare system. SARS is an disease of concern after a 2002 outbreak in China that affected 8,000 and killing one in ten victims. However that variant of the SARS virus differs from the new discovered strain.
While a newly discovered strain of a virus related to SARS has been discovered, public health officials have indicated that it seems not easily spread from person to person. World Health Officials are pressing to develop a diagnostic test which they advise to be used only in the case of severely ill patients so as to not overload the healthcare system. SARS is an disease of concern after a 2002 outbreak in China that affected 8,000 and killing one in ten victims. However that variant of the SARS virus differs from the new discovered strain.
Transition for the Developmentally Disabled
After Decades in Institutions, a Bumpy Journey to a New Life by Rachel L. Swarns. The New York Times. September 30 2012.
In response to Justice Department pressure, states are integrating the developmentally disabled into society. The Department's view is that these individuals are needlessly segregated from society in public hospitals, nursing homes, and day programs. Georgia has been, as a result, releasing hundreds of back into society mostly into small group homes with up to 4 residents. This article traces the family and personal transitions of one developmentally disabled resident of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA. which is now mostly empty after housing up to 13,000 patients in the 1950's.
In response to Justice Department pressure, states are integrating the developmentally disabled into society. The Department's view is that these individuals are needlessly segregated from society in public hospitals, nursing homes, and day programs. Georgia has been, as a result, releasing hundreds of back into society mostly into small group homes with up to 4 residents. This article traces the family and personal transitions of one developmentally disabled resident of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA. which is now mostly empty after housing up to 13,000 patients in the 1950's.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Georgia Ranks 44th
Georgia Ranks Low In Health Coverage by Orlando Montoya. GPB News. August 20, 2012.
Key Ideas/Summary. Georgia ranks 44th in overall coverage with approximately 25% of adults between 18 and 64 uncovered.
Key Ideas/Summary. Georgia ranks 44th in overall coverage with approximately 25% of adults between 18 and 64 uncovered.
Pain Killer Restrictions Impact Doctors, Patients, Pharmacists
Making the "Pharmacy Crawl" by Timothy W. Martin. The Wall Street Journal. September 27, 2012.
Key Ideas/Summary. Several states now make doctors criminally liable and revoke their licenses for writing prescriptions for painkillers that lead to overdoses. As a result some physicians do not write such prescriptions at all. These laws arose as a result of the skyrocketing number of deaths by prescription drugs which in 2011 exceeded death from heroin and cocaine combined (Centers for Disease Control). As a results of restrictive laws some pharmacies have stopped carrying pain-killers or limited their supply, sometimes forcing patients to "crawl" from pharmacy to pharmacy to fill their prescription.
Key Ideas/Summary. Several states now make doctors criminally liable and revoke their licenses for writing prescriptions for painkillers that lead to overdoses. As a result some physicians do not write such prescriptions at all. These laws arose as a result of the skyrocketing number of deaths by prescription drugs which in 2011 exceeded death from heroin and cocaine combined (Centers for Disease Control). As a results of restrictive laws some pharmacies have stopped carrying pain-killers or limited their supply, sometimes forcing patients to "crawl" from pharmacy to pharmacy to fill their prescription.
Venture Capital Healthcare Firms Ranked
Looking for the Next Big Thing? Ranking the Top 50 Start Ups by Zoran Basich and Emily Maltby. The Wall Street Journal. September 27 2012.
Key Ideas/Summary. The Wall Street Journal ranks annually start-up firms backed by venture capital. The purpose of this ranking is to identify trends and emerging areas. While healthcare firms faded somewhat this year in the ranking, there were several firms of interest: Glaukos Corp, has developed a device to treat glaucoma; NeuroPace Inc. specializes in implantable devices treating neurological disorders; PatientSafe Solutions develops patient-safety systems for hospitals; Achaogen Inc. focuses on antibiotics for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections; Acceleron Pharma Inc. Drugs to treat cancer and rare diseases
Key Ideas/Summary. The Wall Street Journal ranks annually start-up firms backed by venture capital. The purpose of this ranking is to identify trends and emerging areas. While healthcare firms faded somewhat this year in the ranking, there were several firms of interest: Glaukos Corp, has developed a device to treat glaucoma; NeuroPace Inc. specializes in implantable devices treating neurological disorders; PatientSafe Solutions develops patient-safety systems for hospitals; Achaogen Inc. focuses on antibiotics for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections; Acceleron Pharma Inc. Drugs to treat cancer and rare diseases
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)