Unique Device Identification: "Global interconnectedness makes uniform traceability systems necessary"

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[23/04/2012] In order to design safety standards and traceability of medical devices more professionally in the future, international committees are currently working on a new identification system that could apply worldwide in the future. In doing so, products could be identified during their entire life cycle. Unique Device Identification: "Global interconnectedness makes uniform traceability systems necessary" - read more

The Slightly Different Kind of Flu: Pneumonia as reflected in modern medicine

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[02/04/2012] Pneumonia is a classic among infectious diseases. Hippocrates already described an illness whose symptoms included coughing followed by pneumonia but today would more resemble an influenza virus. Sir William Osler, considered to be the father of modern medicine, characterized it as “Captain of the Men of Death“ at the start of the 20th century. And what about today? The Slightly Different Kind of Flu: Pneumonia as reflected in modern medicine - read more

Astronauts: Prolonged Space Travel Causes Brain and Eye Abnormalities

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[13/03/2012] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the eyes and brains of 27 astronauts who have spent prolonged periods of time in space revealed optical abnormalities similar to those that can occur in intracranial hypertension of unknown cause, a potentially serious condition in which pressure builds within the skull.  Astronauts: Prolonged Space Travel Causes Brain and Eye Abnormalities - read more

Guideline: Monitoring Spinal Cord During Surgery May Help Prevent Paralysis

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[12/03/2012] The American Academy of Neurology is issuing an updated guideline that recommends monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries to help prevent paralysis, or loss of muscle function, related to the surgeries. Guideline: Monitoring Spinal Cord During Surgery May Help Prevent Paralysis - read more

New Study: More Children Living with 'Life-limiting' Conditions

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[12/03/2012] The number of children with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, neurodegenerative disorders or severe cerebral palsy who are surviving into adulthood has been underestimated, a new study led from the University of Leeds shows. New Study: More Children Living with 'Life-limiting' Conditions - read more

Sensor-Chip for Tumour-Monitoring: "Changes can be well detected"

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[08/03/2012] For cancer patients, chip implants could play an important role in the future - especially, when it comes to difficult to operate tumours. The chip technology will help doctors to monitor the tumour, because it measures the oxygen content in the tissue fluid. Once the oxygen level drops, the tumour threatens to accelerate its growth.  Sensor-Chip for Tumour-Monitoring: "Changes can be well detected" - read more

Product development: “If you fail early, you will reach your goal faster“

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/03/2012] Medical devices are becoming increasingly complex and develop faster and faster technically. Modern medicine would be unthinkable without the use of new and more delicate equipment. But there can also be risks to patients, since a comprehensible handling cannot be guaranteed in all cases – it can’t even be excluded in experienced medical specialists.  Product development: “If you fail early, you will reach your goal faster“ - read more

Health Care: Tell Me How You Are – and I Know How Long You Will Live

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[10/02/2012] The way people rate their health determines their probability of survival in the following decades. Researchers from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Zurich demonstrate that for ratings ranging from “excellent”, “good”, “fair” and “poor” to “very poor”, the risk of mortality increases steadily. Health Care: Tell Me How You Are – and I Know How Long You Will Live - read more

Immunological Defense Mechanism: Malaria Patients Vulnerable to Deadly Infection

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[20/12/2011] The link between malaria and salmonella infections has been explained for the first time, opening the way to more effective treatments. Immunological Defense Mechanism: Malaria Patients Vulnerable to Deadly Infection - read more

Sensor Mat: Lying and Sitting More Comfortably

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[13/12/2011] People who have to sit at work often have back pain. People permanently confined to bed are even worse off – they frequently develop bed sores. New smart cushioning is intended to eliminate the discomforts of lying and sitting. An integrated sensor system equalises pressure selectively. Sensor Mat: Lying and Sitting More Comfortably - read more

Germany’s Electronic Health Insurance Card: “Data protection for the insured person is unquestionably guaranteed”

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[08/12/2011] Since October 2011, Germany’s electronic health insurance card (“elektronische Gesundheitskarte” eGK) has been adopted into the everyday lives of patients and physicians for good. After a long and tedious process, it finally meets the required regulations to ensure data protection for the insured. Germany’s Electronic Health Insurance Card: “Data protection for the insured person is unquestionably guaranteed” - read more

More Europe for Medicine System: First Steps to a Uniform Health Policy

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[18/11/2011] A total population of 495 million people in 27 Member States in the European Union take advantage of different national health systems, because health policy is still the responsibility of individual Member States. More Europe for Medicine System: First Steps to a Uniform Health Policy - read more

Disturbance of the Rhythm: Atrial Fibrillation Threatens Life

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[17/11/2011] Atrial fibrillation is most common in a middle and advanced age and can have many triggers. Many people are suffering from this increase, however, the origin is still unknown.  Disturbance of the Rhythm: Atrial Fibrillation Threatens Life - read more

USA: Guns in the Home Part of Comprehensive Preventive Health Care

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[11/11/2011] This June, a law took effect in the state of Florida limiting physicians' ability to ask patients about firearm ownership. In September, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of the law, citing that the law impeded doctors' Constitutional right to freedom of speech. Now researchers analysed available data around firearm injuries and prevention. USA: Guns in the Home Part of Comprehensive Preventive Health Care - read more

Better Living: A well-cared for and lovingly furnished home also benefits your health

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[02/11/2011] Few people likely wonder whether their apartment and its furnishings are also good for their health. At best, such questions are normally asked when mold and mildew ruin the walls or water runs down the windows on the inside. Better Living: A well-cared for and lovingly furnished home also benefits your health - read more

Sexuality: First Evidence That Anal Cancer Is Preventable

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[28/10/2011] An international clinical trial led by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco indicates that a vaccine to prevent anal cancer is safe and effective. Though anal cancer is less common than other forms of the disease in the United States, the number of cases has increased in recent years, and is particularly common among men who have sex with men and HIV-infected individuals. Sexuality: First Evidence That Anal Cancer Is Preventable - read more

Drug Delivery: Gene Therapy Without a Needle

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[19/10/2011] For the first time, researchers of Ohio State University have found a way to inject a precise dose of a gene therapy agent directly into a single living cell without a needle. The technique uses electricity to “shoot” bits of therapeutic bio molecules through a tiny channel and into a cell in a fraction of a second. Drug Delivery: Gene Therapy Without a Needle - read more

New Study: Falls Prevention in Parkinson's Disease

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[13/10/2011] A study carried out by the Primary Care Research Group at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and NIHR PenCLAHRC, has analysed the results of an exercise programme to prevent falls in those with Parkinson's disease. New Study: Falls Prevention in Parkinson's Disease - read more

Restless Legs Syndrome: Raising High Blood Pressure Risk?

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[12/10/2011] If you're a middle-aged woman with Restless Legs Syndrome, you may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Restless Legs Syndrome: Raising High Blood Pressure Risk? - read more

Humans: Why Carbon Nanotubes Spell Trouble for Cells

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[23/09/2011] It's been long known that asbestos spells trouble for human cells. But scientists had been unable to understand why cells would be interested in asbestos fibers and other materials at the nanoscale that are too long to be fully ingested. Now a group of researchers at Brown University explains what happens.  Humans: Why Carbon Nanotubes Spell Trouble for Cells - read more

Radiation Sickness: "There is no specific treatment"

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[08/09/2011] Many years ago in Chernobyl, now Fukushima (Japan) - when it comes to nuclear accidents, human lives are in danger. Not only in the moment of the accident, but for many years later. Because the disease-causing rays have a life-long effect on our health and can be the cause of cancer even in the following generation. Radiation Sickness: "There is no specific treatment" - read more

Probiotics Industry: New Polymer Research

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[06/09/2011] A protective delivery vehicle that shuttles friendly bacteria safely through the stomach to the intestines could provide a major boost for the probiotics industry. The new technology could also be used for the delivery of certain drugs and even increase calcium absorption, according to research at the University of York. Probiotics Industry: New Polymer Research - read more

EurSafety Health-net: "You can learn a lot in many different areas from each other"

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/09/2011] To be able to fight resistant hospital bacteria effectively and for the long term, it is getting more and more important to collaborate throughout Europe and internationally with different stakeholders of medical facilities. Now one European project is making this its primary goal. The German-Dutch collaboration is meant to strengthen patient safety and protection against infections. EurSafety Health-net: "You can learn a lot in many different areas from each other" - read more

Hygiene in Hospitals - "Germ-free zone"

( Source: Medica.de )

[01/09/2011] Avoiding dangerous infections and making sure, that patients and staff in the hospital get better or stay healthy - that is the job of hygiene experts who are responsible for this sensitive task in the hospital. Partly, just little things have to be taken into account, but sometimes sophisticated equipment is needed. Hygiene in Hospitals - "Germ-free zone" - read more

Attack of the microorganisms: Medical Science and Technology against hospital-acquired Infections

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/09/2011] Time and again it sweeps through the media and we hear of serious diseases, like for instance MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which attack patients in hospitals. Needless to say these diseases happen, but they have long ago come to the forefront of hygiene experts, who fight with a vengeance to prevent essentially “man-made” infections in clinics and hospital facilities. Attack of the microorganisms: Medical Science and Technology against hospital-acquired Infections - read more

Robotic device: Recovery of the Hand Functions of Stroke Patients

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[05/08/2011] Scientists have developed a hand robotic training device to recover the hand functions of stroke patients.  Robotic device: Recovery of the Hand Functions of Stroke Patients - read more

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Hepatitis C: Unprotected Sex Between HIV-Infected Men

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[27/07/2011] Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus, HCV, is considered rare. But a new study by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, provides substantial evidence that men with HIV who have sex with other men, MSM, are at increased risk for contracting HCV through sex. Hepatitis C: Unprotected Sex Between HIV-Infected Men - read more

Dyshidrosis: “A diagnosis and classification is still difficult“

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[02/05/2011] Multifaceted clinical patterns hide behind skin blistering. The different types of skin rashes can be caused by infections, allergies as well as internal diseases and are often beyond a reliable diagnosis.  Dyshidrosis: “A diagnosis and classification is still difficult“ - read more

MRI: Researchers May Predict Which Adults Will Develop Alzheimer's

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[06/04/2011] Using MRI, researchers may be able to predict which adults with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to progress to Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a study. MRI: Researchers May Predict Which Adults Will Develop Alzheimer's - read more

Stress Response Mechanism: Call of the Riled

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[05/04/2011] Researchers say a "stress response" mechanism used by normal cells to cope with harsh or demanding conditions is exploited by cancer cells, which transmit the same stress signal to surrounding cells, triggering an inflammatory response in them that can aid tumor growth. Stress Response Mechanism: Call of the Riled - read more

Stem Cells: Promise for People With Rapidly Progressing MS

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[22/03/2011] A long term study reports about the effectiveness of replacing bone marrow, purposely destroyed by chemotherapy, with autologous (self) stem cell rescue for people with aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis.  Stem Cells: Promise for People With Rapidly Progressing MS - read more

Awareness: “The risk varies depending on the research“

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[08/03/2011] As a patient about to go under general anesthesia for surgery, you are understandably nervous. Although complications in anesthetics have become rare, patients still fear two things in particular – to not wake up again after the surgery or to wake up during the surgery, respectively. The latter phenomenon is called awareness or also intra-operative awareness.  Awareness: “The risk varies depending on the research“ - read more

Discovery: Genetic Switch Increases Muscle Blood Supply

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[04/03/2011] Many people suffer from a devastating condition known as critical limb ischemia (CLI) that can lead to muscle wasting and even amputation. The disease is linked to the blockage of blood flow to the skeletal muscle and current treatment options include rehabilitative exercise and surgical bypass of blood vessels.  Discovery: Genetic Switch Increases Muscle Blood Supply - read more

Gene Fuelled Transporter: Causing Breast Cancer Cells to Self-destruct

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[28/02/2011] Scientists have shown that they can deliver a gene directly into breast cancer cells causing them to self-destruct, using an innovative, miniscule gene transport system.  Gene Fuelled Transporter: Causing Breast Cancer Cells to Self-destruct - read more

Fetal Surgery: Huge Step Forward in Treating Children with Spina Bifida

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[11/02/2011] Performing delicate surgery in the womb, months before birth, can substantially improve outcomes for children with a common, disabling birth defect of the spine. Fetal Surgery: Huge Step Forward in Treating Children with Spina Bifida - read more

Safety Concerns: Experimental Cancer Approach

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[26/01/2011] The strategy takes aim at a key signaling pathway, called Notch, involved in forming new blood vessels that feed tumor growth. When researchers targeted the Notch1 signaling pathway in mice, the animals developed vascular tumors, primarily in the liver, which led to massive hemorrhages that caused their death. Safety Concerns: Experimental Cancer Approach - read more

Culprit Found: Increased Stroke Injury with Diabetes

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[24/01/2011] Strokes are a leading cause of mortality and adult disability. Those that involve intracerebral hemorrhage are especially deadly, and there are no effective treatments to control such bleeding.  Culprit Found: Increased Stroke Injury with Diabetes - read more

Proteins Need Chaperones: Newly Discovered Processes in Production of Proteins

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[10/01/2011] A research group of Freiburg biochemists studies how the chaperones at the end of the ribosomal tunnel influence the fate of newly synthesized proteins and how their functioning is coordinated in time and space. Proteins Need Chaperones: Newly Discovered Processes in Production of Proteins - read more

Brain Study: Coma and General Anesthesia Demonstrate Similarities

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[03/01/2011] The brain under general anesthesia isn't "asleep" as surgery patients are often told - it is placed into a state that is a reversible coma, according to three neuroscientists. This insight could eventually lead to new approaches to general anesthesia and improved diagnosis and treatment for sleep abnormalities and emergence from coma. Brain Study: Coma and General Anesthesia Demonstrate Similarities - read more

Pregnancy: Perinatal Bisphenol-A Exposure May Affect Fertility

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[03/12/2010] Exposure to a ubiquitous environmental chemical during pregnancy may impair reproductive capacity of female offspring, according to a study.  Pregnancy: Perinatal Bisphenol-A Exposure May Affect Fertility - read more

The immune system‘s memory: “A targeted switch off of only the disease-enhancing memory cells would be desirable“

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/12/2010] As the core of the adaptive immune system, our memory assumes a central function. The human immune system recognizes a myriad of exogenous agents and scans new pathogens after they invade the body. Subsequently, our immunological memory will remember these pathogens, identify them faster and effectively destroy them.  The immune system‘s memory: “A targeted switch off of only the disease-enhancing memory cells would be desirable“ - read more

Hygiene: When Too Much Cleanliness Makes People Sick

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[29/11/2010] Young people who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer more allergies. The exposure to higher levels of Bisphenol A among adults may negatively influence the immune system, a new University of Michigan School of Public Health study suggests. Hygiene: When Too Much Cleanliness Makes People Sick - read more

Early Urine Test: Predicting Pregnancy Complication

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[25/11/2010] Research has provided a new advance in predicting a potentially serious pregnancy complication. Early Urine Test: Predicting Pregnancy Complication - read more

Gonorrhoeae Bacteria: Waiting For The Right Moment

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[26/08/2010] Pathogens make themselves feel at home in the human body, invading cells and living off the plentiful amenities on offer.  Gonorrhoeae Bacteria: Waiting For The Right Moment - read more

Nurses: Can Wage Regulation Be Deadly?

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[17/05/2010] A new study links regulated wages for nurses with increased deaths in UK hospitals. It suggests that government regulation of nurses' pay leads to higher death rates in U.K. hospitals. Nurses: Can Wage Regulation Be Deadly? - read more

Medical Design: “Aesthetics Is Not Everything“

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[08/04/2010] Coco Chanel, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld – they all cause a big stir in the fashion world. Design is also a topic in medical science. Here, it’s not just the visual appearance that counts. In medical design, it’s primarily about ergonomics of equipment and more safety for the patient.   Medical Design: “Aesthetics Is Not Everything“ - read more

Fungus: Athlete's Foot in the Laundry Basket

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[30/03/2010] Lower washing temperatures in domestic washing machines are not sufficient to ensure the reliable and effective removal of skin fungi, researchers report. Fungus: Athlete's Foot in the Laundry Basket - read more

Costs: Going Green in the Hospital

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[05/03/2010] Recycling medical equipment could save hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars annually and curb trash at medical centers, the second-largest waste producers in the United States after the food industry. Costs: Going Green in the Hospital - read more

Smart Labels: Big Brother Is Integrated

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/03/2010] In former times, folded cartons were sufficient: pills were packed in boxes and given to the patient. This has not complied with modern standards for a long time. Medicine packaging is advancing and Smart Labels are all the rage: they are able to assure product quality as well as to protect against drug fakers.  Smart Labels: Big Brother Is Integrated - read more

Simulation Training: Communication Was Successful, Patient Is Alive

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/03/2010] Medical study is full of dull theory. After completing their final University semester, most graduates have become walking medical encyclopedias. Still, mistakes in the operating room happen time and again. Usually the reason is not a physician‘s lack of medical knowledge. Communication is the key word here- and simulation dummies can help. Simulation Training: Communication Was Successful, Patient Is Alive - read more

Radiation: Six-Point Patient Protection Plan

( Source: MEDICA.de )

[01/03/2010] The American Society for Radiation Oncology has committed to a six-point patient protection plan that is to improve safety and quality and reduce the chances of medical errors, Board Chairman Tim R. Williams said. Radiation: Six-Point Patient Protection Plan - read more