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Photo Galleries 2010
“We offer hospitals an independent sustainability certification”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/05/2013] Just because green plants sprout from the ground, it doesn’t mean that the sky is blue. There are numerous green areas in Shanghai for example, yet the air is very polluted. To act in an ecologically conscious manner, you need to focus on sustainability. Hospitals and clinics also want to achieve this at this point and are being certified through different processes. “We offer hospitals an independent sustainability certification” - Read more
“With brain stimulation, you reach ethical limits to some extent”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/04/2013] Deep brain stimulation is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, tremor or dystonia, but also in cases of psychiatric disorders like depressions or addictions. But the procedure is not only able to heal: Stimulating the human brain with implanted electrodes can also improve cognitive performance. “With brain stimulation, you reach ethical limits to some extent” - Read more
Filling Gaps in Bones
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[05/04/2013] For many patients the removal of several centimeters of bone from the lower leg following a serious injury or a tumor extraction is only the beginning of a long-lasting ordeal. Autologous stem cells have been found to accelerate and boost healing. Filling Gaps in Bones - Read more
Hospital Hygiene: Large Sterilization Plant Against the Tiniest Danger
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/04/2013] Sterilization is among the most important aspects of hospital hygiene. This is why facilities have Central Sterilization Supply Departments (CSSD) and face the invisible dangers posed by viruses, spores and bacteria. Since October 2012, the Marienstift Hospital in Braunschweig fights the tiny culprits on a grand scale with its new CSSD (ZSVA in German).Hospital Hygiene: Large Sterilization Plant Against the Tiniest Danger - Read more
World Kidney Day - 03/14/2013
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[14/03/2013] World Kidney Day is celebrated the second thursday in march since 2006. It is intended to raise awareness for the importance of our kidneys to overall health. “Kidneys for Life – Stop Kidney Attack!” – this is the slogan 2013.World Kidney Day - 03/14/2013 - Read more
Intimately in Tune with the Latest Technology
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2013] Progress in medical fields has been enormous. The skills physicians and other medical personnel acquired during their studies or training is no longer sufficient for their daily job routine. Medical technology in particular is constantly evolving. Many colleges and universities have discovered this market niche and offer continuing education in medical technology. Intimately in Tune with the Latest Technology - Read more
Wanted in Medical Technology
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2013] Data processing is essential for medical devices. For the development process, experts have to know data processing, but also need to have knowledge about medicine, biology, processes and management. They acquire these skills in medical informatics. Wanted in Medical Technology - Read more
Women Suffer from the Male Patient Pattern
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/01/2013] Gender medicine was born in the U.S. in the 90s. Since 2003, German researchers have also been focusing on gender differences for therapies. When it comes to a heart attack for instance, men generally complain about chest pain. Women on the other hand describe several symptoms, which often results in a delayed diagnosis. Women Suffer from the Male Patient Pattern - Read more
”The wounds are cleaner and the wound edges can grow closer together“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/01/2013] Whether it is due to a chronic condition or after surgery – wound healing often gives patients a hard time. Several therapies promise relief, but which of them really keep their word? Negative pressure wound therapy is currently examined very closely and carefully. ”The wounds are cleaner and the wound edges can grow closer together“ - Read more
Pair of Proteins Gets Brain Cells into Shape
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[21/12/2012] Scientists at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn have gained new insights into the early phase of the brain’s development. They identified two proteins that control the formation of cell protuberances. The typical ramifications through which nerve cells receive and forward signals ultimately originate from these outgrowths. Pair of Proteins Gets Brain Cells into Shape - Read more
“The health insurance companies will be compensated”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[10/12/2012] It annoys patients, physicians and the medical staff in Germany: the quarterly medical co-pay. After nine years, on January 1, 2013, it will now be abolished again much to the delight of all involved. However, this decision raises some concerns. MEDICA.de asked Christian Albrecht, spokesperson for the German Federal Ministry of Health, what consequences the abolition bears. “The health insurance companies will be compensated” - Read more
Traffic Cops of the Immune System
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[30/11/2012] A certain type of immune cell – the regulatory T cell, or Treg for short – is in charge of putting on the brakes on the immune response. In a way, this cell type might be considered the immune system’s traffic cop. Now, German scientists have looked into the origin of Tregs and uncovered a central role played by the protein IκBNS. Traffic Cops of the Immune System - Read more
„We are very pleased with the fair. We had lots of visitors at our stand every day”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/11/2012] CompuGroup Medical is one of the biggest exhibitors on MEDICA from the field of medical IT. In this year again, they have presented their products and solutions at a shared stand in hall 15. In the concluding interview from the last fair day, Volker Hess, Head of Marketing & Communications CER of CompuGroup Medical, told MEDICA.de that he is very pleased with the way the trade fair has gone. „We are very pleased with the fair. We had lots of visitors at our stand every day” - Read more
COMPAMED 2012: Inside the halls
From 14.-16. November 2012 the trade fair halls 8a and 8b were occupied by 500 COMPAMED-exhibitors and their products. "High tech solutions for medical technology" was the claim.COMPAMED 2012: Inside the halls - Read more
MEDICA 2012: Concluding Statement
Horst Giesen, Project Director of MEDICA and COMPAMED, resumes the two trade fairs, summarizes the highlights and gives a short outlook for 2013. MEDICA 2012: Concluding Statement - Read more
From Payer to Player - Health Insurance in Germany
The statutory health insurance offers protection and a comprehensive medical care for about 70 million insured people in Germany. The object of the statutory health insurance is to assure against the financial risk of the costs coming along with an illness. MEDICA.de had a closer look at the role of the health insurances.From Payer to Player - Health Insurance in Germany - Read more
MEDICA 2012: The Congress
A multitude of seminars, presentations and practical courses make the MEDICA CONGRESS a unique event! Here you find some Impressions of it.MEDICA 2012: The Congress - Read more
Welcome to MEDICA 2012
MEDICA 2012 opened its doors today. For four days, the medical technology industry will meet here in the Exhibition halls in Düsseldorf. We asked the first visitors, what expectations they have.Welcome to MEDICA 2012 - Read more
Fewer Hospitalizations and Deaths
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/11/2012] Laws that end smoking at work and other public places result in significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attacks, strokes, asthma and other respiratory conditions, a new analysis from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) has found. Fewer Hospitalizations and Deaths - Read more
"Migraine is a complex disorder"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/11/2012] A global collaboration of scientists with participation by a team of researchers from the Headache and Pain Center Kiel (“Schmerzklinik Kiel”) has decoded four new gene locations whose changes significantly increase the risk of migraines. Recently in the world’s largest migraine study, the genes of more than 5,000 migraine patients were being examined and compared to 7,000 control persons. "Migraine is a complex disorder" - Read more
CeramTec: “Every 30 seconds a hip joint prosthesis by CeramTec is implanted”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/11/2012] High quality ceramic products play an increasingly important role in medical technology. From lithotripters about hip prosthesis up to anesthesia devices – Advanced Ceramic is used in a variety of medical equipments, but also in the human body.CeramTec: “Every 30 seconds a hip joint prosthesis by CeramTec is implanted” - Read more
Revolution in Drug Therapy?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/11/2012] Many experts are seeing it as a „megatrend“ – personalised or individualised medicine. Therapy strategies are aiming at using drugs only for patients who will profit most and have to suffer only from very few side effects. Today, there are already more than 20 approved medications in Germany, which are prescribed only after a diagnostic test. Revolution in Drug Therapy? - Read more
“Higher education is needed more and more“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/10/2012] Since the demands on medical personnel keep increasing, more and more hospital facilities are looking for higher educated staff. High-school graduates (“Abiturienten”) and prospective specialists also wish for new possibilities to study for jobs such as medical technician, surgical assistant, physiotherapist or midwife. “Higher education is needed more and more“ - Read more
CSA Group: ”We do everything to make our customer’s entry into a new market as easy as possible“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2012] A lot needs to be considered when medical device manufacturers want to successfully launch new products in global markets. Hans-Werner Zeller from CSA Group, which among other things is specialized in certification procedures, explains the special challenges to MEDICA.de that companies are faced with at this juncture. CSA Group: ”We do everything to make our customer’s entry into a new market as easy as possible“ - Read more
Triaging: Keeping Track During an Emergency
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2012] Whether it is the Tsunami in Thailand or the 2010 Love Parade in Duisburg – in emergency situations, every second counts when it comes to taking care of the injured. Paper-based tags like the ones used in Germany until now are considered not practical and outdated by experts. That is why the SOGRO project studies the efficiency of RFID wristbands in emergencies.Triaging: Keeping Track During an Emergency - Read more
“People take a reserved stance towards naturopathic procedures"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[24/09/2012] When people talk about fasting, they often mean caloric restriction in terms of a dietary regimen. Yet medically supervised fasting is so much more than this. Fasting has a positive effect on the human body in many different ways and could provide new perspectives for chronically sick people in the future. What mechanisms are behind all this – what is psychology and what is scientifically proven? “People take a reserved stance towards naturopathic procedures" - Read more
Disaster Medicine – Rescue Operations under Extreme Conditions
In case of a disaster, rescue teams have to act in a speedy and safe fashion – there is no room for uncertainties in such emergencies! That is why medical rescue teams and paramedics have to regularly participate in further training to practice for the safety required in case of an emergency.Disaster Medicine – Rescue Operations under Extreme Conditions - Read more
Hospital Facility Management – Successful Hospital Leadership
Maintaining quality of care in exceptional situations, planning the efficient use of floor space, managing building and renovation projects and the oversight of external service contractors are all responsibilities of a hospital facility manager.Hospital Facility Management – Successful Hospital Leadership - Read more
Postgraduate Training: Wound Experts in Greater Demand than ever
The number of chronic wounds increases and by now it has become clear that only special expert knowledge can help to counteract against this development. Therefore, uniform guidelines concerning wound care shall guarantee the optimum treatment of the patients.Postgraduate Training: Wound Experts in Greater Demand than ever - Read more
IT comes to the bedside
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[10/09/2012] MEDICA.de spoke with Bernhard Calmer, Director of IT Sales Healthcare Germany for Siemens AG Medical Solutions and President and Chief Executive Officer of the German Association for Healthcare IT (bvitg e. V). IT comes to the bedside - Read more
The Hospital is his Patient
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[03/09/2012] Past attempts to describe the job of a facility manager often ended with the words: “…he/she is something like a janitor“. Yet in reality, there is a lot more to this occupational group. The Hospital is his Patient - Read more
”A unique benchmarking database for hospitals has been developed over the past ten years“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[03/09/2012] Hospitals have to fulfill many requirements, for instance in the area of hygiene, but at the same time they are supposed to work efficiently. This balancing act is easier to master with so-called hospital facility management. Professor Kunibert Lennerts from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a database with which hospitals are able to get information about their costs. ”A unique benchmarking database for hospitals has been developed over the past ten years“ - Read more
”When Something Goes Wrong, a Human Life Is at Stake“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[03/09/2012] Bacteria control, hygiene regulations, fire prevention – a hospital facility manager deals with very different topics, duties and responsibilities. The goal behind every one of his/her efforts is a smooth hospital process – from a patient’s point of view as well as in terms of economic aspects. ”When Something Goes Wrong, a Human Life Is at Stake“ - Read more
“Bruce Lee helps us to fight lung tumors”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/08/2012] In many movies, Bruce Lee fights against different villains with Asian fighting methods. Even though scientists at the GSI Helmholz Center for Heavy Ion Research (GSI Helmholzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung) use other techniques to fight lung cancer, they work at least as effectively as the 70’s movie icon with their thorax model “Bruce Lee”. “Bruce Lee helps us to fight lung tumors” - Read more
Physiotherapist – More than just a job
Physiotherapists mobilize after a hip surgery and limber people up after a sporting accident. Young and old put themselves faithfully in the hands of these experts and depend on the great education of therapists and their practical experience. Physiotherapist – More than just a job - Read more
Acute Stress Alters Control of Gene Activity
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/08/2012] Acute stress alters the methylation of the DNA and thus the activity of certain genes. This is reported by researchers at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, together with colleagues from Basel, Trier and London for the first time. Acute Stress Alters Control of Gene Activity - Read more
”An absolutely reliable function has to be guaranteed over a long period of time“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/08/2012] It is the dream of those who are on the waiting list for a donor heart: an artificial heart that can be immediately implanted as needed and thus saves lives. ReinHeart is the name of the artificial heart system that is currently being developed at the Institute for Applied Medical Technology at RWTH Aachen University (AME). ”An absolutely reliable function has to be guaranteed over a long period of time“ - Read more
New Approach to Treat Acute Failure
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[06/08/2012] Now the physicians of the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) Berlin, Germany, have developed a new treatment of liver failure approach based on a mouse model. In their current study the liver failure was reversed and the mice recovered completely. The researchers hope to soon be able to test their new approach in clinical trials. New Approach to Treat Acute Failure - Read more
"Active therapy can ultimately delay the mobility disability"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2012] For the longest time, a specifically developed physiotherapy treatment for Parkinson’s patients was not being adequately considered. Yet goal-oriented therapy can alleviate and delay mobility disability. The sooner you start these newly developed types of physiotherapy training, the faster you can get results. "Active therapy can ultimately delay the mobility disability" - Read more
Well stuck on is half the cure
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2012] Colorful, elastic, sticky – we are not talking about a new chewing gum here, but about Kinesio tapes. Physiotherapists increasingly use the colorful soft tape for pain treatment. MEDICA.de took a closer look. Well stuck on is half the cure - Read more
“On an international level, people have long since recognized that academization is necessary“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2012] Until a few years ago, you could become a physiotherapist in Germany if you went through a 3-year vocational training while attending a technical school. Today, you can also study this discipline, similarly like in the U.S., where people who study physiotherapy are the norm. “On an international level, people have long since recognized that academization is necessary“ - Read more
Nanotechnology - Tiny Worlds
Nanoparticles, nanotechnology, nanomedicine. Modern science can hardly avoid the minuscule particles. But where does the research in medical technology stand and which specific applications are there. MEDICA.de went looking for answers.Nanotechnology - Tiny Worlds - Read more
"We see findings we perhaps would not discover otherwise"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/07/2012] The virtual examination of a dead person’s body is a new field in forensic medicine. The procedure, also called virtopsy, performs the autopsy via computer and enables detailed insights into the body of a deceased. This way, injuries can be analyzed to scale from different angles. "We see findings we perhaps would not discover otherwise" - Read more
Virus Throws a Wrench in The Immune System
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[17/07/2012] The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes virus family. Although most people carry CMV for life, it hardly ever makes them sick. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and from the USA have now unveiled long term consequences of the on-going presence of CMV. Virus Throws a Wrench in The Immune System - Read more
“An overview for science and the public”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/07/2012] Every day, patients and test persons give blood or tissue samples. Every day this increases the material quantities and data volumes in biobanks. The German Biobank Registry (Das Deutsche Biobanken-Register) now gives scientists and the interested public an overall view of the national inventories. “An overview for science and the public” - Read more
Feel-good Glass for Windows
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[04/07/2012] Daylight acts on our body clock and stimulates the brain. Fraunhofer researchers have made use of this knowledge and worked with industry partners to develop a coating for panes of glass that lets through more light. Above all, it promotes the passage through the glass of those wavelengths of light that govern our hormonal balance. Feel-good Glass for Windows - Read more
"We can arrive considerably faster at the patient-specific mutations"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/07/2012] Some scientific problems cannot be solved by using simple means. They require a fast “superbrain“ to be able to process and draw conclusions from extremely complex data. Now scientists at the Charité in collaboration with the Hasso-Plattner-Institute have launched a high-performance computer that could become important for personalized medicine. "We can arrive considerably faster at the patient-specific mutations" - Read more
”The term is imprecise and misleading“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/07/2012] Increasing the effectiveness of treatment, improving patient safety and reducing costs – personalized medicine has made these ambitious goals their slogan for some time now. However, all that glitters is not gold. ”The term is imprecise and misleading“ - Read more
Following Oxygen
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[25/06/2012] How single cell organisms like bacteria manage to react to their environment is not yet completely understood. Together with colleagues from Japan, Doctor Samir El-Mashtoly from the Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has gained new insights into the molecular interactions. Following Oxygen - Read more
”It can be used for many different applications“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/06/2012] Tracking magnetic particles through the human body – this is one potential application for a new sensor that was developed by Professor Franz Faupel and his team at the Christian Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU) in Germany. In a conversation with the project manager, MEDICA.de found out what makes it different from other sensors and what benefits it can have for medical technology. ”It can be used for many different applications“ - Read more
Auxiliary Means: Until the Prosthesis Fits
After accidents and amputations, prosthetics help in replacing missing body parts. However, for the devices to function optimally, they have to be fitted well to the wearer. A comprehensive process – from manufacturing to walking training. Auxiliary Means: Until the Prosthesis Fits - Read more
"There is an enormous automation in laboratory techniques"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/06/2012] The function of systems biology is to treat organs and biological organisms as a whole. In doing so, researchers among other things examine interactions and different aspects of the human cell. This still young discipline creates interfaces to biology, mathematics and physics to be able to understand regulatory processes for cells, tissues and organisms and thus get an integrated idea. "There is an enormous automation in laboratory techniques" - Read more
Hospital Communication 2.0 still in its Infancy
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2012] Facebook, Twitter, YouTube – by now, Social Media has become an integral part of daily life for many of us. That is why more and more companies call attention to themselves and their products via social networks. The health care sector is also a part of this. Yet it is primarily hospital facilities that still lag behind.Hospital Communication 2.0 still in its Infancy - Read more
”Implants are being developed that are meant to communicate with their surroundings“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2012] It is like a scene from a Hollywood movie: a man with a pacemaker collapses in broad daylight. The reason: malicious software installed onto his cardiac pacemaker that made his heart stop beating. ”Implants are being developed that are meant to communicate with their surroundings“ - Read more
”Interoperability is still not developed“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2012] Exchanging medical topics through digital media is rapidly on the rise. Health apps in particular, offer interested people and patients a medical overall service package: whether it is measuring vital signs, the prevention of falling in patients with Parkinson’s disease or providing recommendations for healthy eating. ”Interoperability is still not developed“ - Read more
Laser for Minimally Invasive Surgery
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[29/05/2012] Researchers from the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) were involved in the development of a table-top solid-state laser system that could cut brain tissue with unprecedented precision. Laser for Minimally Invasive Surgery - Read more
“We can convert skin cells into nerve cells more efficiently”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/05/2012] Until now, curing neurological disorders has been a vision of the future. Scientists at the LIFE & BRAIN Centre in Bonn, Germany, however have come a bit closer to achieving this with a new procedure and are now able to convert skin cells into nerve cells. “We can convert skin cells into nerve cells more efficiently” - Read more
Prenatal Medicine - Safely Through Pregnancy
Providing the best conditions for the unborn life - that is the goal of prenatal medicine. However, a lot of questions have to be considered, because a diagnosis does not always offer an opportunity for therapy.Prenatal Medicine - Safely Through Pregnancy - Read more
World Hypertension Day
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[16/05/2012] May the 17th 2012 was World Hypertension Day. Every year the World Hypertension League calls for this special campaign day in order to raise public awareness for hypertension and its health consequences.World Hypertension Day - Read more
”We are not limited to one active ingredient group or one active ingredient“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/05/2012] Drugs that treat brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis are most effective directly where they are needed – in the brain. Unfortunately, it is difficult to develop drugs that are capable of getting there specifically, since the so-called blood-brain barrier prevents this from happening. However, now a team led by Doctor Heiko Manninga succeeded in doing precisely that. ”We are not limited to one active ingredient group or one active ingredient“ - Read more
"The understanding for the respective other side is missing in part"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/05/2012] For some time, the German Crisis Pregnancy Act that regulates the information and advice for the prenatal diagnosis in special cases, for example evidence of damage to the physical and mental health of the unborn child, is integrated into the German day-to-day practise. However, slowly, criticism is growing on the part of physicians. Bureaucracy and the daily workload seems to be increasing. "The understanding for the respective other side is missing in part" - Read more
”It was and is our aspiration to structure residency training and education“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/05/2012] What can future medical specialists expect during the time of their training and education, which areas will they have gotten to know and what quality is attached to the apprenticeship. Depending on the hospital and location in Germany, this question has to be answered differently. ”It was and is our aspiration to structure residency training and education“ - Read more
Single-neuron Observations Mark Steps
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[26/04/2012] Studying a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, neuroscientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), Germany, have observed correlations between increases in both soluble and plaque-forming beta-amyloid – a protein implicated in the disease process – and dysfunctional developments on several levels: individual cortical neurons, neuronal circuits, sensory cognition, and behaviour. Single-neuron Observations Mark Steps - Read more
Dementia - Understanding the Patient Brings Better Care
Patients suffering from dementia often cannot articulate themselves clearly. If they constantly shout out incomprehensible words or even react aggressively towards their surrounding, it can be a difficult situation for the people caring for them. Scientists are therefore researching support possibilities to unburden the interaction for both parties.Dementia - Understanding the Patient Brings Better Care - Read more
"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. "Global interconnectedness makes uniform traceability systems necessary" - Read more
“Intersexuality is not a disease“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[10/04/2012] Most people are clearly female or male. Nature however – human nature as well – also knows other gender types. Intersexuality has always been around in the world and now it is time for society and medical science to finally accept it. “Intersexuality is not a disease“ - Read more
Therapeutic Approach for Patients with Severe Depression
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[05/04/2012] Brain pacemakers have a long-term effect in patients with the most severe depression. This has now been proven by scientists from the Bonn University Medical Centre. Eleven patients took part in the study over a period of two to five years. A lasting reduction in symptoms of more than 50 per cent was seen in nearly half of the subjects. Therapeutic Approach for Patients with Severe Depression - Read more
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? Pneumonia as reflected in modern medicine - Read more
“The anatomical maturation of the lung makes a gas exchange possible after the 22nd week of pregnancy at the earliest“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/04/2012] In the event of a premature delivery, the lung of a newborn child is often not able to assume its function. One reason for this: it lacks a tenside called surfactant (surface active agent), that makes sure that the lungs don’t stick together during the breathing process. MEDICA.de spoke to Professor Peter Bartmann, Director of Neonatology at University Hospital Bonn, on how preemies can be helped. “The anatomical maturation of the lung makes a gas exchange possible after the 22nd week of pregnancy at the earliest“ - Read more
“The lungs are no longer airtight“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2012] Across Germany nationwide there are currently 12,000 patients waiting for an organ transplant, but available donor organs, like lungs for instance are still in short supply. In addition, transport to the patient is tricky: oftentimes organs get damaged. Why is that? Now researchers discovered why. “The lungs are no longer airtight“ - Read more
BVMed Annual Report 2011/12
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[28/03/2012] The German Medical Technology Association BVMed advocates for a better coordination and promotion of advances in medical technology. "The comprehensive and coordinated cooperation of governmental departments must be further advanced”, states BVMed chairman Doctor Meinrad Lugan in the newly published Annual Report 2011/12. BVMed Annual Report 2011/12 - Read more
Somatic Stem Cells Obtained from Skin Cells
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/03/2012] Breaking new ground, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Münster, Germany, have succeeded in obtaining somatic stem cells from fully differentiated somatic cells. Stem cell researcher Hans Schöler and his team took skin cells from mice and have managed to induce the cells' differentiation into neuronal somatic stem cells. Somatic Stem Cells Obtained from Skin Cells - Read more
“Many patients feel blindsided by individual health benefits“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/03/2012] Individual health benefits, so-called IGeL in Germany, are more and more often offered to German patients at their doctor’s office. Many recipients however are unsure whether the benefit is really necessary or whether their health really depends on paying for some benefits out of their own pocket. “Many patients feel blindsided by individual health benefits“ - Read more
Product Development - The Long Road to the Medical Device
Often, years pass from the first idea to the finished medical product, as medical devices are only allowed to be released onto the market and can be implanted into humans after sufficient research and a sometimes tedious search for the right cooperation with different disciplines, as well strict control on the part of the legislator. Product Development - The Long Road to the Medical Device - Read more
Antidepressant Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[13/03/2012] A retinoid called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is used to treat a rare sub-type of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML); however, this drug has not been effective for the more common types. Doctor Arthur Zelent and colleagues at the ICR have been working to unlock the potential of retinoids to treat other patients with AML. They show that the key could be an antidepressant called tranylcypromine (TCP). Antidepressant Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment - Read more
"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. "Changes can be well detected" - Read more
From concept to successful applications
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2012] Manufacturers of medical technology devices don’t just develop entirely new equipment, but they also have to make sure that products are constantly being optimized. It’s not just enough that a device has to meet the technical requirements, but it is also essential that users of these devices are able to handle them safely and easily. From concept to successful applications - Read more
Tomorrow’s Laboratory Technology
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2012] Biomedical laboratories have to be safe, ergonomic and flexible. At the same time, labs need to be able to deal with a high throughput of samples while reliably documenting each step in the testing process. Fraunhofer researchers are working to fully automate the processing of samples in tomorrow’s laboratories. Tomorrow’s Laboratory Technology - Read more
View on Causal Mechanism in ALS
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2012] In a study Munich-based researchers refute a widely accepted hypothesis about a causative step in neurodegenerative conditions. These results deal specifically with animal models of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease) but also raise questions for research on other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease. View on Causal Mechanism in ALS - Read more
“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. “If you fail early, you will reach your goal faster“ - Read more
“You can have an endoscope patented, but not the minimally invasive surgery procedure“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2012] Anesthetics, intracardiac catheters and computer tomography – all of these are milestones in medicine. Some inventors had their discoveries patented, while others are completely denied the possibility. “You can have an endoscope patented, but not the minimally invasive surgery procedure“ - Read more
”We can reduce the number of animal experiments“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/02/2012] Animal experiments are a part of everyday life in medical research, yet they have been the subject of criticism for decades. Even though scientists all over the world are searching for alternative methods, the complexity of physical processes in the human body however makes this very difficult. ”We can reduce the number of animal experiments“ - Read more
“A systematic approach to product naming saves both time and money“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/02/2012] The number of national brand applications has increased by 9 percent in the medical technology and pharmaceutical leading classes in 2010 compared to the previous year. And yet in many companies there is a lack of a long-term branding strategy. The consequence of which is an unsystematic growing brand portfolio that offers little orientation and gets in the way of successful product marketing. “A systematic approach to product naming saves both time and money“ - Read more
Why the Middle Finger Has Such a Slow Connection
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/02/2012] Each part of the body has its own nerve cell area in the brain –we therefore have a map of our bodies in our heads. The functional significance of these maps is largely unclear. What effects they can have is now shown by Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, neuroscientists through reaction time measurements combined with learning experiments and “computational modelling”. Why the Middle Finger Has Such a Slow Connection - Read more
Recognising the Early Stages of Alzheimer‘s Disease
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2012] Diagnosing advanced Alzheimer‘s nowadays is no longer difficult. And yet, to detect the so-called “progressive neurodegenerative brain disease with memory loss as the leading symptom“ early on, basic diagnostic methods are not sufficient. Recognising the Early Stages of Alzheimer‘s Disease - Read more
“The risk of patients dying from sepsis increases the longer the diagnosis takes”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2012] On the website of the German Sepsis Society (Deutsche Sepsis-Gesellschaft) you can find the following definition for the disease called sepsis: A modern definition of sepsis was published in 1989 by Bone. He wrote: Sepsis is defined as an invasion of microorganisms and / or their toxins into the blood stream along with the reaction of the organism to the invasion. “The risk of patients dying from sepsis increases the longer the diagnosis takes” - Read more
"Cancer patients suffer significantly from fatigue syndrome"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/01/2012] Debilitating fatigue has probably encountered everybody once in a lifetime. In this mood one tries to find innocuous reasons for this mental state: the weather, the season or a sleepless night. However, chronic fatigue, the fatigue syndrome, is a pathological condition that one should take quite seriously. "Cancer patients suffer significantly from fatigue syndrome" - Read more
ECMO as a Bridge to Lung Transplantation
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/01/2012] Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in awake, non-intubated patients may be an effective strategy for bridging patients to lung transplantation, according to a new study of the Hannover Medical School in Hannover, Germany. ECMO as a Bridge to Lung Transplantation - Read more
“The System Is to Enable Patients to Do Rehab Exercises at Home”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/01/2012] MEDICA.de talked to Professor Didier Stricker of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and leader of the project about delighted physiotherapists, motivated patients and the advantage towards simple interactive sports games on the computer. “The System Is to Enable Patients to Do Rehab Exercises at Home” - Read more
Ion Channel Makes African Naked Mole-Rat Insensitive to Acid-Induced Pain
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/12/2011] Researchers of the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) Berlin-Buch have found out why the African naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), one of the world’s most unusual mammals, feels no pain when exposed to acid. Ion Channel Makes African Naked Mole-Rat Insensitive to Acid-Induced Pain - Read more
Neuroscientists Decode Mechanism of Nerve Cell Communication
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/12/2011] By researching fruit flies, neuroscientists of the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence in Berlin were able to gain a better understanding of a meaningful mechanism of neuronal communication. Neuroscientists Decode Mechanism of Nerve Cell Communication - Read more
“We offer traumatised women holistic support“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/12/2011] Sexual violence against women is a taboo subject in many countries around the world. Especially in war zones and regions of conflict, violence and rape is a part of the horrific and traumatizing every day experience of women and girls. The victims are being ignored in society and rarely find support and sympathy for their situation. “We offer traumatised women holistic support“ - Read more
Creating Awareness of Rare Diseases
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[20/12/2011] “Rare diseases”, by their very definition, occur in no more than 5 people out of every 10,000 inhabitants. Barely noticed by the general public, only around 1,000 of the currently 6,000 or so different rare diseases currently listed on the Internet platform Orphanet are treatable nowadays. Creating Awareness of Rare Diseases - Read more
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. Lying and Sitting More Comfortably - Read more
“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. “Data protection for the insured person is unquestionably guaranteed” - Read more
An Eye on Stem Cells
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[06/12/2011] A single stem cell has the potential to generate offspring that differentiates into a variety of specialised cell types. This has now been shown by a team of biologists at the Heidelberg University (Germany) in the adult retina of the medaka fish as a model system. An Eye on Stem Cells - Read more
Survival Rates in Germany are Better than in the U.S.
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[05/12/2011] In complex cases of kidney failure, medical care in Germany evidently operates better than in the United States. Scientists at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin were able to show that German patients who have an increased risk of rejection reactions due to prior immunisation have better survival rates than people with diseases of similar severity in the US. Survival Rates in Germany are Better than in the U.S. - Read more
Recognising Blood Poisoning Quickly
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/12/2011] Is the patient suffering from blood poisoning? To answer this question, the doctor draws a blood sample and sends it to a central laboratory for testing. In future, physicians will be able to analyse blood there and then and have the results within twenty minutes. This is made possible by a biochip, developed by scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM. Recognising Blood Poisoning Quickly - Read more
“During times of stress, our inner autopilot tTakes the lead“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2011] You are on the edge of your nerves and you can no longer think clearly - stress is a phenomenon that all of us have probably experienced at one point or another. The way individual people deal with stress may be different, but the body processes always work the same way. “During times of stress, our inner autopilot tTakes the lead“ - Read more
“The goal is to help the affected person in solving problems“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2011] In the mornings you are always right and in the afternoons you have time off – this prejudice about teachers is always quoted when teachers describe the struggles of their jobs. And yet it’s this profession in particular that’s acutely threatened by stress-related diseases such as burnout for instance. “The goal is to help the affected person in solving problems“ - Read more
Researchers Decode a Puzzling Movement Disorder
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[28/11/2011] Neurodegenerative diseases represent one of the greatest challenges of our aging society. However, investigation into these diseases is made particularly difficult due to the limited availability of human brain tissue. Scientists from the Life and Brain Research Centre and Neurology Clinic of Bonn University (Germany) have now taken a roundabout path. Researchers Decode a Puzzling Movement Disorder - Read more
Protection from Severe Malaria Explained
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/11/2011] Why do people with a hereditary mutation of the red blood pigment haemoglobin (as is the case with sickle-cell anaemia prevalent in Africa) not contract severe malaria? Scientists in the group headed by Professor Michael Lanzer of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany) have now solved this mystery. Protection from Severe Malaria Explained - Read more
“Nerves cannot be compared with telephone wires“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/11/2011] Chronic neuropathic pain has many reasons and is often poorly diagnosed - at the same time, the origin of the pain has not been fully understood. Therefore scientific pain research has been trying to analyse specific neuropathic pain for some time. “Nerves cannot be compared with telephone wires“ - Read more
Imaging Methods: The View Inside
Imaging methods offer doctors the opportunity to find out what happens inside the patients body in shortest time. No matter if fractures, venereal activity or brain structures - the recording of the highly complex machines describe even tiny changes accurately. Combined with digital data processing diagnoses can be made more precise and faster than ever. Imaging Methods: The View Inside - Read more
MEDICA 2011: Concluding Statement by the MEDICA Project Director
Four exciting days come to an end. Four days the main subject an theme was medical technology. Horst Giesen, Project Director of MEDICA draws a balance.MEDICA 2011: Concluding Statement by the MEDICA Project Director - Read more
MEDICA 2011: The Congress
The MEDICA CONGRESS offers interesting lectures and medical education and training of a special class. In various courses, seminars and discussion forums current issues and developments in medical practices and clinics will be discussed by attendees and experts.MEDICA 2011: The Congress - Read more
Newlyborn: A safe start into this world
Wonders never cease - and that daily in maternity wards all over the world. But birth is still a risky matter. But the risks can be minimized greatly through modern medical technology, as they accompany mother and child from pregnancy to childbirth and the care afterwards.Newlyborn: A safe start into this world - Read more
Preview MEDICA 2011
Saving lives, detecting diseases earlier, more precise diagnoses - that is what the trade fair MEDICA is all about. But it becomes really impressive, when nascent life is to be displayed. As live videos, ultrasound machines now show in an almost photorealistic manner, what is happening inside the belly of a pregnant woman. Preview MEDICA 2011 - Read more
COMPAMED 2011: Inside the halls
627 suppliers from 40 countries showcase their innovations in the exhibition halls 8a and 8b at the COMPAMED 2011. The products, ranging from small tubing to complete packaging systems, show the great diversity of the medical device industry. See for yourself!COMPAMED 2011: Inside the halls - Read more
MEDICA 2011 - A Special Experience
As every year, exhibitors and visitors will meet at the MEDICA for fascinating discussions, demonstrations and visits to the MEDICA FORUMS. We have let them draw a balance and asked what it is, that often makes them come back to the world's largest medical trade fair for many years in a row.MEDICA 2011 - A Special Experience - Read more
MEDICA 2011: Inside the halls
An overwhelming variety awaits visitors at MEDICA 2011. For you we have gone through the halls and looked closely at the most exciting novelties.MEDICA 2011: Inside the halls - Read more
Therapies of the Future
How will the therapies of the future look like? Research relating to embryonic stem cells will certainly play a role - even after the European Court of Justice ruled against the patentability of these therapies. For too many diseases, scientists are convinced of a real chance of recovery - such as with the Parkinson or Alzheimer disease. Therapies of the Future - Read more
MEDICA 2011 + COMPAMED 2011 Start with a Record Number of Participants
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[11/11/2011] In the week ahead, from 16 - 19 November 2011, the attention of health and medical care professionals from around the world will once again focus on Düsseldorf, as the world's largest medical trade fair, MEDICA 2011, World Forum for Medicine, and COMPAMED 2011, High tech solutions for medical technology, the leading trade fair for the suppliers market in medical manufacturing, get underway. MEDICA 2011 + COMPAMED 2011 Start with a Record Number of Participants - Read more
“The cell activity can be modulated as desired“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/11/2011] What exactly happens in the brain during an epileptic seizure? And can this knowledge help in finding better therapies for patients in the future? “The cell activity can be modulated as desired“ - Read more
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. A well-cared for and lovingly furnished home also benefits your health - Read more
“Junk DNA” May Give Rise to Evolutionary Innovation
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/11/2011] The vast majority of the human genome consists of DNA without any apparent function, so-called “junk DNA”. A study of Heidelberg University's Centre for Organismal Studies now highlights this “dark matter” of the genome as a resource for evolutionary novelty. “Junk DNA” May Give Rise to Evolutionary Innovation - Read more
“You must not underestimate the capability of these viruses“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/10/2011] Tropical diseases used to appear almost exclusively in remote countries – hence the name. The mosquito bite was annoying, but nevertheless harmless in European regions. But the flying pests keep spreading and spreading. And they carry tiny, but dangerous pathogens. Scientists now found out that these viruses are now settling down in Europe. They are called Sindbis, Batai or Usutu. “You must not underestimate the capability of these viruses“ - Read more
Early Detection and Immediate Treatment
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[21/10/2011] A blood test can help to assess whether a pregnant woman who suffers from pregnancy-induced hypertension, so-called preeclampsia, is at risk for an imminent delivery. This knowledge can be used to determine the due date as well as avoid complications for mother and child. This report scientists at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Early Detection and Immediate Treatment - Read more
Dioxin-like Chemical Messenger Makes Brain Tumours More Aggressive
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/10/2011] A research alliance of Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ), jointly with colleagues of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, have discovered a new metabolic pathway which makes malignant brain tumours (gliomas) more aggressive and weakens patients’ immune systems. Dioxin-like Chemical Messenger Makes Brain Tumours More Aggressive - Read more
Telemedicine is slowly being accepted
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[04/10/2011] Whether it’s video-based Parkinson’s therapy or monitoring of diabetes patients – by now there are many telemedicine applications in Germany. Some of them are still in the test stage, while others have made the leap into practice. But how do physicians and patients rate the use of telematics applications in health care models? Telemedicine is slowly being accepted - Read more
Telemedicine - Cross-linked Paramedics
In the day-to-day medical care, telemedicine is seen as a sensible complement to classic care situations. Especially in times if massive staff shortages and a rising number of deployments of rescue services, a reliable and fast telemedical care, that transmits vital data and other information beforehand, can save lives. Telemedicine - Cross-linked Paramedics - Read more
“It is an investment in our economic development“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/09/2011] Prevention is the best medicine, according to the proverb. To internalise this wisdom into as many people as possible is the most important goal of the health prevention. With a view to rising illnesses such as diabetes, mental disorders or adiposity, it is becoming more and more important. “It is an investment in our economic development“ - Read more
"Faces of Dementia"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[21/09/2011] The theme for World Alzheimer's Day 2011 is 'Faces of dementia'. In much different materials and activities Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) and Alzheimer associations across the world will focus on the many issues surrounding the 'Faces of dementia'. "Faces of Dementia" - Read more
Intensive Care Medicine; a Multidisciplinary Approach!
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[19/09/2011] Intensive Care is the care of seriously ill patients from all medical fields. Coupled with this are very special challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration, at the same time with rapid development of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Intensive Care Medicine; a Multidisciplinary Approach! - Read more
GPS in the Head?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[16/09/2011] Professor Motoharu Yoshida and colleagues from Boston University investigated how the rhythmic activity of nerve cells supports spatial navigation. The research scientists showed that cells in the entorhinal cortex, which is important for spatial navigation, oscillate with individual frequencies. These frequencies depend on the position of the cells within the entorhinal cortex. GPS in the Head? - Read more
Researchers Successfully Complete Genetic Expedition
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/09/2011] Scientists at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) have succeeded, in collaboration with 23 research teams from 15 different countries, in discovering a total of 29 new genetic variants that are involved in the genesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disease of the nervous system. Researchers Successfully Complete Genetic Expedition - Read more
"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. "There is no specific treatment" - Read more
Researchers Investigate the Attachment of the Bacteria in Detail
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/09/2011] Scientists from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, HZI) in Braunschweig, Germany, have now in cooperation with German and American colleagues uncovered new details of how canonical "entero-hemorrhagic Escherichia coli" bacteria (EHEC), serotype O157:H7, attach to intestinal cells. They deciphered at the atomic level how this binding works. Researchers Investigate the Attachment of the Bacteria in Detail - Read more
Hiring Index jumps 17.6 Percent in the Second Quarter with Research and Development Spending on the Rise
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/09/2011] The ZRG Global Life Science Hiring Index posted a surprising jump in Q2 hiring, logging a 17.6 percent increase from Q1. The Index now stands at 90.9, a 34 percent increase from average 2010 hiring levels. Hiring Index jumps 17.6 Percent in the Second Quarter with Research and Development Spending on the Rise - Read more
Endogenous Approach to the Prevention of Allergies
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[05/09/2011] Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz have clarified an endogenous mechanism that can prevent the development of allergies. They were able to show that certain cells of the immune system, so-called killer dendritic cells, are capable of eliminating allergy cells. The results of the study open up new perspectives for strategies to protect against allergies. Endogenous Approach to the Prevention of Allergies - Read more
Hygiene in Hospitals - "Germ-free zone"
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
"Currently things progress in major steps"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/08/2011] The goal of personalised medicine is to be able to provide an individual disease forecast and to implement an accurate and fast treatment. Today new genetic and molecular findings, as well as the analysis of individual patient characteristics, already make first conclusions on the individual course of disease possible. "Currently things progress in major steps" - Read more
“We hope it will soon be included in the list of covered services by health insurance companies“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/08/2011] Patients, who suffer from hypertension despite undergoing drug therapy, according to a study that was conducted with the participation of the Department of Nephrology and the Institute for Radiology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, may benefit from renal nerve ablation, a catheter-based denervation of renal nerves. “We hope it will soon be included in the list of covered services by health insurance companies“ - Read more
Dementia: An underestimated problem
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2011] Dementia is a disorder caused by malfunctions in brain performance, from which in Germany alone approximately 1.2 million people are suffering from. Since dementia mostly appears in the third phase in one’s life and the number of affected people is increasing constantly, all industrial nations are facing entirely new challenges.Dementia: An underestimated problem - Read more
Multimedia in Hospitals: IT-revolution at the Patient's Bedside
The day-to-day life is barely conceivable without technological innovations. Nearly everything is connected – the same applies increasingly to the health sector. Intelligent technical integration of patients’ beds into a hospital network allows more comfort for the patients and better working conditions for the medical staff.Multimedia in Hospitals: IT-revolution at the Patient's Bedside - Read more
“So far different countries have responded quite differently to the psychosocial needs of immigrants“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2011] Those who leave their home country to live in another one always take a part of their own culture with them – even in a global community that appears more and more linked to us. But how much does our native country still affect us in foreign lands and how do we handle it if professional or everyday situations lead us to feeling stressed out? “So far different countries have responded quite differently to the psychosocial needs of immigrants“ - Read more
“The procedure is minimally traumatic“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/07/2011] The da Vinci Surgical System revolutionizes the job in the operating room. For several months, surgeons at the RWTH Aachen University have worked with the da Vinci Surgical System. Here, the surgeon no longer stands alongside the patient, but instead works at a console from which he operates the surgical instruments inside the patient. “The procedure is minimally traumatic“ - Read more
New Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Cellular Sorting
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[20/07/2011] Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Technische Universität München working in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna have identified a mutation associated with a inherited form of late-onset Parkinson’s disease. The mutation occurs in a gene that plays a role in intracellular protein sorting. New Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Cellular Sorting - Read more
‘Cord-stopper’ Protein Complex Makes Easier to Move
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[20/07/2011] In a study scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, have discovered how a protein complex called condensin keeps chromosome arms folded and easy-to-transport, potentially acting as a cord-stopper. ‘Cord-stopper’ Protein Complex Makes Easier to Move - Read more
"Research has to be interdisciplinary"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/07/2011] The number of heart failure disease has increased for years. Drugs and a change in lifestyle can help the affected person, but a cure is still not in sight. That’s why it is all the more important to research the origins of heart disease as well as develop suitable strategies for prevention. These are some of the objectives the German Center for Heart Failure has committed itself to. "Research has to be interdisciplinary" - Read more
Process to Improve Storage Stability of Probiotics
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/07/2011] Process engineers, together with microbiologists from Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), have now developed a particularly gentle method that allows the use of thus far unutilised probiotics in the future. The outcome is beneficial for both manufacturers and consumers: On the one hand, it is both energy and cost efficient; on the other, it makes probiotics less perishable. Process to Improve Storage Stability of Probiotics - Read more
Scientists Develop Sensitive Skin for Robots
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[05/07/2011] Robots will soon be able to feel heat or gentle touching on their surfaces. Researchers of the Excellence Cluster CoTeSys at the Technical University Munich are now producing small hexagonal plates which when joined together form a sensitive skin for “machines with brains.” This will enable robot self-perception for the first time. Scientists Develop Sensitive Skin for Robots - Read more
Mental afflictions are the new civilization disease
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2011] The illness of depression affects about 121 million people worldwide and is among the most common causes of impending work incapacity. According to a WHO forecast, the number of affected people in the industrial nations will actually continue to rise – in the same way four other mental diseases will increase: alcohol addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and dementia. Mental afflictions are the new civilization disease - Read more
“There is a worldwide advance”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2011] Despite continuing technological and pharmacological advances, physicians are still faced with several medical mysteries. Oftentimes however there is no time to intensely devote to the research for innovative possible solutions of modern diseases. “There is a worldwide advance” - Read more
Aurora Proteins in Cell Division
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[29/06/2011] When a cell divides, the genetic information in the chromosomes must be passed on error-free to the daughter cells. Researchers at the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory in Tübingen are studying this process using fission yeast as a model organism. Aurora Proteins in Cell Division - Read more
Life Science Hiring Index Highlights Growth In Medical Device Jobs
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[28/06/2011] An industry indicator has reported that medical device and diagnostics segment and the European market is driving job growth in the life science sector. Life Science Hiring Index Highlights Growth In Medical Device Jobs - Read more
Tapeworm Drug Inhibits Colon Cancer Metastasis
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[21/06/2011] A compound that for about 60 years has been used as a drug against tapeworm infection is also apparently effective against colon cancer metastasis, as studies using mice have shown. The compound silences a gene that triggers the formation of metastases in colon cancer. Tapeworm Drug Inhibits Colon Cancer Metastasis - Read more
“Tough women who know exactly what they want“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/06/2011] During pregnancy and childbirth, midwives are irreplaceable attachment figures for expectant mothers. That’s why it makes no sense that their position in society is disputed more and more, by paying them poorly and making their profession unnecessarily expensive through horrendous liability insurance premiums. “Tough women who know exactly what they want“ - Read more
“There is still a significant need for research“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/05/2011] Someone who dies of brain death for instance due to an aneurysm, can save lives with his organs – if he, depending on state specifications, owns a organ donor card, has not excluded himself from organ donation or relatives express the probable wishes of the deceased. Yet there are still too few organ donors compared to potential organ recipients. “There is still a significant need for research“ - Read more
Separate Methods for Handling Evidence Neither Identifiable Nor Required
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/05/2011] People with rare diseases have the same right to high-quality health care in line with current medical knowledge as other patients do. However, relevant and reliable clinical studies on rare diseases are often lacking. Among other things, this makes the development of corresponding guidelines more difficult, but precisely such guidelines could help improve treatment quality. Separate Methods for Handling Evidence Neither Identifiable Nor Required - Read more
Thinking Outside the Column
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/05/2011] For more than 50 years, a dominating assumption in brain research was that nerve cells in the cortex of the brain are organised in the form of microscopically small columns. Subsequently, it became a textbook standard that connections are created predominantly between nerve cells within these columns. Thinking Outside the Column - Read more
“Sadly, humanity will fall by the wayside“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/04/2011] Rural exodus is not just a well-known German problem, but happens all over the world. In the foreseeable future, this development will have a negative impact on the rural infrastructure and with it also on medical care. The fact remains: Many physicians prefer the city and a country atmosphere doesn’t do much for them. “Sadly, humanity will fall by the wayside“ - Read more
What’s Your Gut Type?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[21/04/2011] In the future, when you walk into a doctor’s surgery or hospital, you could be asked not just about your allergies and blood group, but also about your gut type. What’s Your Gut Type? - Read more
Fighting Inflammation Reactions
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/04/2011] Researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have succeeded in finding a new therapeutic approach to certain inflammatory reactions of the body. Fighting Inflammation Reactions - Read more
Processed Tubes Prevent Risk of Thrombosis
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[25/03/2011] Small artificial tubes in the veins dilate the veins and allow the blood to circulate again without hindrance. But after a while, the deposit of cells and blood components starts at these tubes, as well, and the blood vessel narrows again. In a project, scientists from are now investigating the feasibility, how to change the surface so that no unwanted components may no longer be deposited there. Processed Tubes Prevent Risk of Thrombosis - Read more
Learning to handle emergencies
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2011] An emergency is a situation that requires immediate assistance – this is how the Duden, Germany’s definitive directory on orthography specifies it. However, this cut and dry sentence cannot reflect the amount of feelings people are subjected to in emergency situations. All the more admirable are those people who stay calm in the face of an emergency. Learning to handle emergencies - Read more
Detect Burnout Before It Happens
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/02/2011] Your blood and the level of a hormone in your spit could reveal if you're on the point of burnout, according to research undertaken at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress of Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital and the University of Montreal. Detect Burnout Before It Happens - Read more
“What always counts is a holistic view of the human being“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/02/2011] In case of a tumor disease, a deformity or an accident, parts of the body or face of a person need to be reconstructed, often an epithetics specialist/ anaplastologist comes into play. His craft does not just require high empathy, but also the highest degree of technical skills. “What always counts is a holistic view of the human being“ - Read more
Overview of the topics of the year
MEDICA.de informed, researched and asks for. Are you looking for information about health policy, medicine, technology or research? In our archive you will definitely find them. Just find out more about the topics of the month in the overview of the year. Overview of the topics of the year - Read more
How The Immune System is Regulated
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/02/2011] Asthma, diabetes, rheumatism: Such diseases can arise when the immune system does not work properly. Researchers from the Universities of Würzburg and Mainz have discovered new findings about the regulation of the immune defense. How The Immune System is Regulated - Read more
Linked to Cancer and Septicaemia
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/02/2011] In our not-so-distant evolutionary past, stress often meant imminent danger, and the risk of blood loss, so part of our body’s stress response is to stock-pile blood-clotting factors. Scientists in Heidelberg have now discovered how stressed cells boost the production of the key blood-clotting factor, thrombin. Linked to Cancer and Septicaemia - Read more
The Accidental Fight Against a Butterfly-shaped Gland
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2011] When the body’s own immune system attacks its own organs like they are foreign invaders, it is called an autoimmune disease. There are many different forms. If for example antibodies turn against the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, the thyroid gland tissue is being destroyed and the hormonal balance changes. The exact causes for this are not fully researched yet. The Accidental Fight Against a Butterfly-shaped Gland - Read more
"We are not just dealing with dead bodies“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/01/2011] It’s well-known that reality and fiction sometimes are much farther apart than you would think. Popular US crime drama series have long since shown us that and sketch a smart image of the job of forensic pathologists: they perform autopsies, identify and solve homicide cases like clockwork. Everyday life in a forensic medical Institute though is reflected to a lesser extent in this case. "We are not just dealing with dead bodies“ - Read more
Increasing Life Expectance and Quality for Incurable Childhood Diseases
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/12/2010] Alpha-mannosidosis is a rare childhood disease which causes symptoms such as mental retardation or hearing loss and is linked to a lower life expectancy. Increasing Life Expectance and Quality for Incurable Childhood Diseases - Read more
“We do not view ourselves as competition, but rather as a complement to technical colleges“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/12/2010] What does great nursing care look like and what kind of skills do prospective nurses and elderly care nurses actually have to acquire, so patients feel completely comfortable later? MEDICA.de spoke with Professor Anke Fesenfeld from the University of Health Sciences in Bochum about the new Nursing Degree program, its focal points and set of objectives. “We do not view ourselves as competition, but rather as a complement to technical colleges“ - Read more
Lower Blood Lipid Levels Beneficial for Kidney Patients
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[30/11/2010] Good news for kidney patients: Blood lipid lowering drug treatment reduces the risk of life threatening in these patients as well. This is the result of a clinical trial, involving almost 10,000 patients. Lower Blood Lipid Levels Beneficial for Kidney Patients - Read more
A Molecular Switch for Memory and Addiction
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[29/11/2010] Scientists from Germany, UK and Italy identify a molecular switch that leads to a sustained increase of calcium in nerve cells and plays a crucial role in the formation of memory and addictive behaviours. A Molecular Switch for Memory and Addiction - Read more
"There is a long waiting list for donated organs“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/11/2010] Death is an unpopular subject that is often not talked about. Many people have an especially tough time to confront the issue of their own death while they are still in the midst of their life. Particularly when it comes to the question of whether to donate their organs, people are at a loss. "There is a long waiting list for donated organs“ - Read more
Exhibitor Statements 2010
How do the exhibitors experience the MEDICA, were they able to make new contacts for example? We visited them at their booths and met people who praised the very special atmosphere of the Dusseldorf fair. Enjoy reading!Exhibitor Statements 2010 - Read more
International Pavilions at MEDICA 2010
As the world's largest exhibition for the medical industry, MEDICA attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the world. An important part of the fair are therefore the exhibition pavilions of the country representatives. International Pavilions at MEDICA 2010 - Read more
Visitor Statements 2010
What attracts visitors to MEDICA, what topics do they find particularly interesting? We asked the visitors. Visitor Statements 2010 - Read more
Neanderthals and Modern Humans Developed Differently
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[10/11/2010] Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany have documented species differences in the pattern of brain development after birth that are likely to contribute to cognitive differences between modern humans and Neanderthals. Neanderthals and Modern Humans Developed Differently - Read more
Present Innovative Projects During 11th Fresenius Inventors’ Fair
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/11/2010] Promising innovations from a variety of medical specialties will be on display during the 11th Fresenius Inventors’ Fair. Present Innovative Projects During 11th Fresenius Inventors’ Fair - Read more
“It Is Really Exciting“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/11/2010] Computer simulations are indispensable in many industry sectors. The advantage is obvious: Before a part goes into production, it can already be thoroughly “put through its paces”. Defects are noticed much faster and production can be adapted at any time. “It Is Really Exciting“ - Read more
MRI May Help Determine Time of Stroke Onset
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/11/2010] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain could expand the number of stroke patients eligible for a potentially life-saving treatment, according to a new study. MRI May Help Determine Time of Stroke Onset - Read more
Every fifth physician is suffering from burnout!
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2010] More and more doctors suffer from burnout during the course of their professional career. According to the report titled “Mental health at the work place“, currently already every fifth physicians is affected and the trend continues. Every fifth physician is suffering from burnout! - Read more
Status quo of Telemedicine
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2010] This year the Theme Park MEDICA MEDIA once again offers an information and discussions forum on Telemedicine. A look beyond to other places like China and India is also on the agenda. Status quo of Telemedicine - Read more
When the heart skipped
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2010] It is the Number One disease and rapidly growing in Western industrial nations: coronary heart disease and with it heart attacks. The impulse generator of the human organism, the heart as our “muscle pump“, accomplishes a lot: it is only as big as a fist, beats about three billion times in a life time and daily pumps approximately 8,000 liters of blood through the body. When the heart skipped - Read more
“We clearly put the emphasis on an integrated sustainable view of the buildings”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2010] In other countries, they exist already, soon they will be available in Germany. We are talking about so-called "Green Hospitals", hospitals that were designed and realized under an ecological point of view. “We clearly put the emphasis on an integrated sustainable view of the buildings” - Read more
Antibodies Gone Astray
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[29/10/2010] A rare disorder, called stiff person syndrom, of the central nervous system whose causes still puzzle scientists. A research team from the Department of Neurology at the University of Würzburg (Germany) has now made a new discovery about this disease. Antibodies Gone Astray - Read more
Act as Oncogene in Some Cancers
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[28/10/2010] Researchers at Mayo Clinic in Florida have found that a molecule long believed to be a beneficial tumor suppressor — and thus a potential cancer drug target —appears to act as an oncogene in some lethal brain tumors. Act as Oncogene in Some Cancers - Read more
“Communication is the central tenet in medical science“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/10/2010] Just like in modern society, the image of physicians is also subject to different developments. The physician’s profession has to constantly meet new challenges. It is particularly difficult to reconcile role perceptions, which have increasingly become more differentiated due to the modern science- and health care system. “Communication is the central tenet in medical science“ - Read more
How Genes Are Selectively Silenced
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[20/10/2010] Cells read only those genes which are needed at a given moment, while the others are chemically labeled and, thus, selectively turned off. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) have now been the first to discover how these labels are placed at exactly the right spot in the genetic material. How Genes Are Selectively Silenced - Read more
On The Trail of The Epigenetic Code
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[12/10/2010] Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen have succeeded in creating an experimental system for testing the function of such chemical histone modifications and their influence on the organism. On The Trail of The Epigenetic Code - Read more
“We feel the economic pressure enormously“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/10/2010] If you are referred to a hospital as a tumor patient, you will need complete treatment care and usually intensive therapy. Administrative proceedings and political requirements on the hospital end are added, all of which are not always easily carried out. “We feel the economic pressure enormously“ - Read more
Between Hope And Reality
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2010] If you envision what your life might look like at old age, there are certain images shared by most people: for instance the hope to live healthy for as long as possible, to continue being in a familiar environment and be surrounded by friends and family. But how much of these dreams are reality? Between Hope And Reality - Read more
“If the ‘care-TÜV’ would be inspected by the TÜV, it would flunk due to technical deficiencies“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2010] Age is something that concerns all of us, because sooner or later it catches up with everyone. All too often we forget about this fact. Similar to aging, topics like nursing care and its quality receive little attention. Now the “care-TÜV”(the German Technical Inspection Authority) is scheduled to examine nursing care carefully and reveal any problems. But how reliable is this process really? “If the ‘care-TÜV’ would be inspected by the TÜV, it would flunk due to technical deficiencies“ - Read more
Neuronal field simulates brain activity
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[29/09/2010] RUB Scientists of the Bernstein Group for Computational Neuroscience developed a computational model, which allows a mathematical description of far reaching interactions between cortical neurons. Neuronal field simulates brain activity - Read more
Immune Cells Also Attack Neurons Directly
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[24/09/2010] Researchers in Germany have gained new insight into how the immune system causes damage associated with multiple sclerosis. Using imaging tools which enable investigation of processes in living organisms, they were able to show a direct interaction between immune cells and neurons which plays a significant role in neuronal injury. Immune Cells Also Attack Neurons Directly - Read more
“It Is Important That The Methodology Is Right“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/09/2010] Initially it is a puzzle made up of small pieces or an assumption that question established diagnostics and therapy methods. Yet not always do the individual components add up to the desired shape. Being the core of evidence-based medicine, clinical trials are admittedly indispensable for the systematic development and quality inspection of pharmaceuticals and surgical- and radiation methods. “It Is Important That The Methodology Is Right“ - Read more
Not Breastfeeding Increases Risk
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[27/08/2010] Mothers who did not breastfeed their children have significantly higher rates of type 2 diabetes later in life than moms who breastfed, report University of Pittsburgh researchers. Not Breastfeeding Increases Risk - Read more
Anxious About Coffee?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/08/2010] Würzburg scientists under psychiatrist Professor Jürgen Deckert, working with a team led by Peter Rogers from the University of Bristol, have now discovered that the extent of this anxiety also depends on how regularly coffee is consumed. Anxious About Coffee? - Read more
“There Are No Registered Sleep Experts in Private Practice“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[23/08/2010] Sleep makes up a third of our life and thus is a very important part of us. Even so, we foster a paradoxical relationship with it. For many people the natural need for sufficient sleep is either a forced recovery or a longed-for desire, usually in the knowledge that a life of constant sleep deprivation is unhealthy. “There Are No Registered Sleep Experts in Private Practice“ - Read more
Breakthrough in Research on the Molecular Mechanisms
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[20/08/2010] Scientists at the University Medical Center Mainz have taken a further step towards improving our understanding of how asthma develops. Breakthrough in Research on the Molecular Mechanisms - Read more
Mouse With Components of the Human Immune System
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[11/08/2010] Researchers of the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) and Charité Universitätsmedizin in Berlin have modified T cell receptors, so that that they would no longer ignore cancer cells, but instead specifically track and recognize them. Mouse With Components of the Human Immune System - Read more
Prosthesis with information at its fingertips
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/08/2010] Hope for patients who suffer from phantom pain: Scientists from Jena University develop a hand prosthesis that eases the pain. Prosthesis with information at its fingertips - Read more
Identification of Key Target Molecule
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/08/2010] Researchers from the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich have shown that the ADAM10 protein can inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid, which is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Identification of Key Target Molecule - Read more
Progress through cross linking
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2010] Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases often have been on a veritable Odyssee. Compared to heart diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are less in the spotlight, and consequently the care provisions are not great either. The Competence Network for Bowel Diseases has taken on the task to publish current therapy concepts and speed up the transfer of new research results into practice. Progress through cross linking - Read more
Helps to Observe Protein Movement
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[28/07/2010] Scientists have shown that a variant form of a fluorescent protein (FP) originally isolated from a reef coral has excellent properties as a marker protein for super-resolution microscopy in live cells. Helps to Observe Protein Movement - Read more
“The Body of Experts Needs to Close Ranks“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/07/2010] It’s the “I” rather than the “we” that’s most important in personalised medicine. After all, new methods should offer an individually targeted treatment for patients. Many developments however are still in their infancy. Several players are cavorting in the subject, but what is the central theme here and where are knowledge and new research results being exchanged? “The Body of Experts Needs to Close Ranks“ - Read more
Successful Using Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplation
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[14/07/2010] The transplantation of stem cellsf (allogeneic) offers the chance of cure for patients with an aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), irrespective of genetic prognostic factors. The German CLL Study Group proved this in a multicentric clinical phase II study. Successful Using Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplation - Read more
“We want to help patients until the end to achieve the best possible quality of life or to maintain it.“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/07/2010] If you receive the diagnosis of a disease with a high probability of death, it feels like you are standing on the edge of an abyss. Palliative health care professionals attend to critically ill patients until the end of their lives, so they will not fall into this abyss. “We want to help patients until the end to achieve the best possible quality of life or to maintain it.“ - Read more
Click Me – Fair Grades for Doctors
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2010] With its suggestion to grade doctors on the Internet, the German National Health provider AOK caused a big stir one year ago. Supporters expected more transparency and quality health care from this. Critics feared that physicians are being put on a digital chopping block. Now the first step was made. Whether hopes are being fulfilled or fears prove to be true: MEDICA.de has taken a closer look. Click Me – Fair Grades for Doctors - Read more
Exorbitance Creates a Mess
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2010] Lately, framed certificates are hanging on the walls of many doctor’s offices. These are certificates, which thus far we were used to seeing at an auto-dealer’s garage and craft enterprises. Here as well as there it’s all about quality, i.e. the quality of offered services. Exorbitance Creates a Mess - Read more
Listening to the Patient
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2010] Nobody can deny the need for quality-assured care in medical science. The only question is: Which measures are really suited to guarantee comprehensive and good quality medical care? Listening to the Patient - Read more
“Quality Requires Transparency“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2010] The introduction of quality standards in hospitals is in vogue. This does not just apply to legally required records, but also for “self-imposed“ quality management. For some hospitals the competition has just started: They publish and analyze data and face direct comparison. It still is disputed how quality can be measured best. “Quality Requires Transparency“ - Read more
"There Are More Heart Attacks Due to Stress“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/06/2010] A game lasts 90 minutes, a cardiac infarction mere seconds. The Soccer World Cup is the marriage of frenzied enthusiasm and great emotions, during barbecues and public parties. With increasing happiness and tension, unfortunately also the number of cardiac incidents increases. During the World Cup 2006, on some match days, there were three times as many suspicious cases for acute heart attacks. "There Are More Heart Attacks Due to Stress“ - Read more
“Extensive service does not automatically mean higher premiums“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/06/2010] Many patients get the feeling that they have to keep paying more for increasingly worse service. This is why all the commotion over the additionally levied premiums by the statutory health insurance was high in the past and remains so now. “Extensive service does not automatically mean higher premiums“ - Read more
First common gene found
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2010] Researchers have discovered a genetic variant on chromosome 5 that strongly raises the risk of congenital heart disease. First common gene found - Read more
Shortened Therapy Leads to Success
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2010] You have breast cancer. A sentence, that is life changing and one that more and more women get to hear. Yet there is reason for hope: According to early research results, a new treatment method could prove more effective than the standard therapy – and it could also prevent women from having nasty side effects. Shortened Therapy Leads to Success - Read more
Blood flows differently
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[31/05/2010] Researchers of the University Bonn in Germany have used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called continuous arterial spin labelling (CASL) to map cerebral blood flow patterns in schizophrenic patients quickly and without using radiation or contrast agents. Blood flows differently - Read more
“The System Remains Fragmented"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[25/05/2010] The American health care system includes latest and state-of-the-art methods of treatment - as well as the highest health care costs per capita worldwide. In December 2009 the US-Senate passed officially President Obama's most important domestically aim: the health care reform. “The System Remains Fragmented" - Read more
“Patients Have a Lot of Rights“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/04/2010] In the past, doctors were unchallenged authorities, but times are changing. These days, if patients are in doubt about the right treatment, they voice their concern. If they have become the victim of a medical malpractice, they also don’t shy away from going to court. A new law soon intends to inform them about their patient rights even more. “Patients Have a Lot of Rights“ - Read more
"A Better Quota Than Rehabilitation for Back Pain"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2010] It’s a physician’s dream: Individualized therapy. Every patient receives the drug that works best for him. At least as far as treatment for alcohol addiction is concerned, researchers have come closer to customized medicine. MEDICA.de spoke to Karl Mann, President of the German Society for Addiction Research and Addiction Treatment about two types of alcoholics and the chances of getting healthy. "A Better Quota Than Rehabilitation for Back Pain" - Read more
Little Addiction Risk if Rightly Taken
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2010] Many hesitate to take opioids for fear of addiction. A new review finds that taking opioids long term is associated with clinically significant pain relief in some patients with a very small risk of addition. Little Addiction Risk if Rightly Taken - Read more
Potential Realized, Danger Not Averted
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2010] Higher, faster, farther. It’s not just athletes who occasionally give their performance a little kick, but also students and professionals. They want to improve their concentration with pills, which are actually intended for sick people - and possibly become addicted. Potential Realized, Danger Not Averted - Read more
“It Works Primarily Through Networks“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/03/2010] In times of financial crisis money is tight. Nobody has anything to give away. This is also evident in everyday life at a hospital. There are some exceptions: Some private individuals or companies are helping clinics out financially and therefore help themselves and the hospital to gain more recognition. “It Works Primarily Through Networks“ - Read more
“Learning Early on that Everybody Makes Mistakes”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2010] “A man, who has made a mistake and doesn't correct it, just made another mistake.” This quote from Confucius also applies to doctors, since only being open-minded and dealing with mistakes prevents them. Matthias Schrappe is the Director of the Institute for Patient Safety in Bonn – the first facility of its kind in Germany. MEDICA.de talked with him about forgotten swabs, students and pilots.
“Learning Early on that Everybody Makes Mistakes” - Read more
"Creativity Is Essential When Working In Troubled Regions"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/02/2010] Civil wars, floods or an earthquake like the recent one in Haiti – Catastrophes like these demand a lot of hard work from doctors. Surgeries are performed in piece work under poor hygienic conditions while missing anaesthetics and drugs. "Creativity Is Essential When Working In Troubled Regions" - Read more
"Relatives Are Left Alone In Front Of Their Computer Screens"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/02/2010] What used to be a secret journal is today a public Blog. One can find more and more private and personal information on the internet that is accessible to everyone. In the USA, there are even hospitals that give live accounts of every incision made in an operation, on the internet. "Relatives Are Left Alone In Front Of Their Computer Screens" - Read more
"It Is Essential That a New Leader Is Really Neutral"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2010] It was briefly mentioned in the coalition agreement, now it is out in the open: the Institute for Quality and Economy in the Health System (IQWIG) is losing its infamous leader Peter Sawicki. MEDICA.de talked with health economist Juergen Wasem about the relevance of this decision for the future of the IQWIG and the successor of this position.
"It Is Essential That a New Leader Is Really Neutral" - Read more
The Future Lies in A Fixed Premium
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2010] Well over four months ago, the power in Berlin was handed over – since then, the Union (of CDU/CSU) and Free Democratic Party (FDP) have been in charge. The coalition intends to create a new structure for the Health Care System in the long run. Just exactly how this is going to be done is still a bit hazy in the coalition contract and leaves a lot of room for speculation.
The Future Lies in A Fixed Premium - Read more
„Top Earners Will Not Necessarily Get to Pay Less“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2010] The controversial per capita premium is coming. That is what the Black-Yellow coalition in Germany intends to implement. Unfortunately, politicians are still fairly mum about further details. MEDICA.de spoke with Thomas Drabinski, member of the Chair for Finance, Social Politics and Health economics at the University of Kiel, about what a per capita premium could actually look like.
„Top Earners Will Not Necessarily Get to Pay Less“ - Read more
"Innovations must also make economic sense."
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/01/2010] Due to an ever growing demand, the market for medical technology is an attractive one. At the same time, such innovations become increasingly complex, and their marketing is tied to the consent of medical insurance companies to cover the costs. A recent study describes the behaviour of medical technology companies in regards to innovations. "Innovations must also make economic sense." - Read more
More Voluntariness, Less Obligation
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2010] Only six months of civilian service in Germany. This is the declared intention of the governing coalition from the beginning of 2011. The reason for shortening the alternative civilian service is the interlinking to the duration of the compulsory military service which will be reduced by a third. Many social services fear cuts in the assistance of elderly and people who are in need of care. More Voluntariness, Less Obligation - Read more
Pilots on Rough Sea
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2010] Sometimes it happens very fast. The partner or parents fall ill and become a case for nursing care. Families in difficult situations do not have to be desperate. Specialists with a special further education can help them – the family health nurses. Pilots on Rough Sea - Read more
„Doctors Have to Accept that Life Is Limited.”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2010] For decades, dealing with dying patients was no topic for German medical students, even though most doctors have to face death. Finally the subject palliative care has become part of the curriculum. MEDICA.de spoke to Christof Müller-Busch, President of the German Association for Palliative Medicine, about the rising number of patients with old-age diseases and actors in palliative seminars. „Doctors Have to Accept that Life Is Limited.” - Read more
“It’s Easy to Be Happy”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2009] Christmas is the celebration of love – actually. But for many people, it remains only a celebration of gifts. There is hardly anyone who knows better why this does not make us happy than the German “Happiness Doctor” Eckart von Hirschhausen. MEDICA.de spoke with the medical cabaret artist about good moods, van Gogh and medal winners. “It’s Easy to Be Happy” - Read more
„I Hope That I Will Have Only Few Patients“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2009] No Advent without Christmas tales! Who does not know the story of the heart- and ruthless Ebenezer Scrooge who is converted by three Christmas ghosts? It is imaginary though. The people of the German town Bad Segeberg can tell a fully true Christmas story: Shortly after the holidays, a socially engaged physician will open a local practice for poor people – and treat completely free of charge. „I Hope That I Will Have Only Few Patients“ - Read more
Parasites Lend Helping Hand (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/11/2009] by Wiebke Heiss/MEDICA.de
The illness may cause severe disabilities in youngish people. Why? Scientists do not know. Multiple sclerosis is a mysterious neurological disease and the search for new therapeutic approaches is an urgent issue. Now, attention has been drawn towards worms. Parasites Lend Helping Hand (Part 1) - Read more
Parasites Lend Helping Hand (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/11/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de Parasites Lend Helping Hand (Part 2) - Read more
„There Is Sufficient Work For Everybody“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[09/11/2009] The problem in Germany is that in many rural regions a lack of doctors persists. The solution may be that mobile assistants relieve general practitioners by rendering home visits on the doctor's behalf. The idea was realised successfully, received a lot of criticism – and has been part of general care for six months. „There Is Sufficient Work For Everybody“ - Read more
Fabrics in the Belly
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2009] It is not just fashion victims that cherish cotton, viscose and polyester. Also medicine takes advantage of the variability of textile fibres inside and outside the human body. This is one topic of this year's special show MEDICA VISION at MEDICA 2009. Fabrics in the Belly - Read more
Job Ladder for Nurses
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2009] New occupational fields in care - this is one topic at MEDICA Congress. There exist many possibilities how everyone can adapt competences and climb up the greasy pole by doing further trainings or studies. Professional carers tell how they made it. Job Ladder for Nurses - Read more
„We Pin Our Hopes on a Change of the Political Style“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2009] „Angie“ remains Chancellor. Yet this seems to be the only analogy between the old grand coalition and the new black-yellow one in Germany. As it remains to be seen how federal politics will develop, the hospital employees at MEDICA 2009 will discuss hard what to expect of the new government. „We Pin Our Hopes on a Change of the Political Style“ - Read more
"A Lack of Expert Knowledge Prevents Right Treatment“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/10/2009] In Germany, people normally relate the occurrence of a 2-class system in healthcare to the different treatment of patients with a statutory health insurance and a private health insurance. But there is more to it. Another 2-class system exists concerned with medical treatment of people with a learning disability compared to those without. "A Lack of Expert Knowledge Prevents Right Treatment“ - Read more
„The TÜV-Approved Lasik Is Not More Than A Kind Of Promotion“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2009] Anastacia and Elton John – their trademark are large eyeglasses. This truly is not for everybody since many spectacle wearers would like to get rid of the glasses the sooner the better and fancy a laser surgery of the eyes. „The TÜV-Approved Lasik Is Not More Than A Kind Of Promotion“ - Read more
„A Cost-Benefit Analysis Has Not Been Prepared Yet”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/09/2009] If one needs a goldfish for its aquarium, one needs a plastic bag full of water for transport. This is similar to the medical procedure involved when heart, kidney or liver from organ donors need to get to the intensive care patient. However, there is one serious problem limiting transport: the time. „A Cost-Benefit Analysis Has Not Been Prepared Yet” - Read more
The Unknown (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/09/2009] by Wiebke Heiss/MEDICA.de
It hits people that lie in hospitals, nursing homes or at home. Nobody knows how many exactly suffer from a bedsore but experts estimate that the costs sum up to many millions of Euros. However, it is possible to prevent a decubitus - not always, though. The Unknown (Part 1) - Read more
The Unknown (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/09/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de The Unknown (Part 2) - Read more
„The Basic Problem Remains“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/09/2009] Self-determination is important to most people - also when approaching the end of their lives. Up to now, it has not always been clear whether an advance directive is absolutely valid when being challenged. A new law coming into effect on 1st September is supposed to establish legal clarity - and to strengthen the patient's wishes. „The Basic Problem Remains“ - Read more
Appearances Can Be Deceptive
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2009] Coma patients lie motionless in bed. Nothing can awake them. Do they hear? Can they feel anything? And another question rises: Does communication with them make sense? Researchers assume that the answer is “yes”. Appearances Can Be Deceptive - Read more
Seek and You Will Find
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2009] German experts estimate that about 50,000 people each year contract MRSA that are immune against conventional antibiotics. They estimate since nobody really knows the real number. A new obligation to inform is supposed to provide more transparency which in turn should help to systematically fight the dangerous germs. Seek and You Will Find - Read more
Care with Stumbling Blocks (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/08/2009] by Wiebke Heiss/MEDICA.de
A stroke is like a bolt from the blue. Many times the consequence is a lifelong disability. Research into prevention and rehabilitation of the disease makes progress but the results reach the patients in clinical everyday life only slowly. Care with Stumbling Blocks (Part 1) - Read more
Care with Stumbling Blocks (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/08/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de Care with Stumbling Blocks (Part 2) - Read more
„We Do Not Expect Heavy Side-Effects“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[10/08/2009] More and more people contract the swine flu virus every day. In Germany, over 9000 patients have been registered until now. Thus, over 25 million Germans are supposed to be vaccinated this autumn. However, critics worry about potential side-effects. „We Do Not Expect Heavy Side-Effects“ - Read more
Crumbling in Secrecy
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2009] Osteoporosis – that is an elderly women’s problem, they think. Far from it! Even though more women suffer from porous bones, every fifth osteoporosis patient is male. A lot of physicians still do not know that. Crumbling in Secrecy - Read more
„As if a Pedestrian Should Judge a Car Driving Past“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/07/2009] Teachers and lecturers, but also hotels and restaurants – a lot of persons and objects can be rated via internet. As from 2010, physicians may be next in line since the German health insurance company AOK wants to install a rating portal. Critics fear that doctors could be in the digital pillory that way. „As if a Pedestrian Should Judge a Car Driving Past“ - Read more
„We Need to Prevent Conditions like those on American Idol”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/07/2009] Teachers and lecturers, but also hotels and restaurants – a lot of persons and things can be rated via internet. As from 2010 physicians may be next in line since the German health insurance company AOK wants to install a rating portal. Supporters see many advantages for patients in such a website. „We Need to Prevent Conditions like those on American Idol” - Read more
Cow Dung Makes the Difference
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2009] In spring and summer, many people suffer from allergies. They often take drugs to alleviate the symptoms. There may be better help for it, yet, as researchers have found special bacteria in cowsheds which are able to immunize children against hay fever and asthma.
Cow Dung Makes the Difference - Read more
What Stirs Up The Kid?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2009] If a child continuously disrupts class, always fidgets and annoys everybody, the diagnosis ADHD will be obvious in the eyes of many doctors. The reason of the disease is still unknown. Although it is also unclear how Ritalin works, a lot of little patients are medicated with this drug.
What Stirs Up The Kid? - Read more
„You Can Achieve a Lot Only by Changing Drinks”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/07/2009] 20 years ago type 2 diabetes was unknown in paediatrics. In the beginning of the nineties the first cases of the disease appeared in children and teenagers. Today there are about 500 cases of illnesses in Germany – and the rising trend continues.
„You Can Achieve a Lot Only by Changing Drinks” - Read more
„It Is the Extension of the Surgeon”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/06/2009] Robotic minimally invasive surgery slowly captures our operating theatres. Originally developed by the U.S. Army to operate on war victims from afar, they might be increasingly used in thoracic surgery, urology and gynaecology as they promise more precision. „It Is the Extension of the Surgeon” - Read more
Little Certainty with Risks (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/06/2009] by Wiebke Heiss/MEDICA.de
Screenings for cervical, breast, colorectal and skin cancer are all part of public health insurance in Germany, millions of healthy people go routinely to the doctor. Despite the fact, that the benefit for most measures has not yet been proven. Even worse: Most patients do not get proper information about the risks. Little Certainty with Risks (Part 1) - Read more
Little Certainty with Risks (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/06/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de Little Certainty with Risks (Part 2) - Read more
When One Forgets That One Forgets
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2009] Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is important because drugs can decelerate the process in the beginning of the disease. However, the problem is that patients do not recognise their illness. And even medical staff often does not react if the first symptoms appear. When One Forgets That One Forgets - Read more
„None of My Graduates Has Searched For More Than Two Months“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/05/2009] Studying pays off – but which subject to choose? One of the professions that offers bright future prospects even in the long-term in Germany is engineer in medical technology. Apparently, even the crisis cannot change that. „None of My Graduates Has Searched For More Than Two Months“ - Read more
After Surgery into the Rollercoaster
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2009] University hospitals in Hamburg and Munich have specialized on foreign patients for many years. Now, other regions also want to profit from these people. One of them is the area around Bonn, the former capitol of Germany. After Surgery into the Rollercoaster - Read more
“By Passing the Directive the Trouble Starts”
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2009] Better health care, shorter waiting times, reduction of costs – that is what supporters of an EU directive, which is to facilitate medical tourism in Europe, hope for. However, the facilitation also entails problems and risks. “By Passing the Directive the Trouble Starts” - Read more
„Many Of The Smaller Hospitals Have Potential That Lies Idle“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2009] Boosting medical tourism in Germany – this is the aim of a university project group in Aachen. Three years and a half engineers, together with IT experts and clinics, researched how hospitals could do better in winning over international patients. „Many Of The Smaller Hospitals Have Potential That Lies Idle“ - Read more
„The Physician Should Have Blond Hair And Blue Eyes“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2009] For many foreigners, „made in Germany“ is also in the fields of medicine a sign of quality. Especially Arabs and Russians enter Germany to get treatment from a specialist - with somehow different demands regarding the hospital stay than the German patients. „The Physician Should Have Blond Hair And Blue Eyes“ - Read more
Of Potency and New Organs (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/04/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de Of Potency and New Organs (Part 2) - Read more
Of Potency and New Organs (Part 3)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/04/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
Of Potency and New Organs (Part 3) - Read more
„It Is Too Early to Pass a Law“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/04/2009] Surgeons at Helios Kliniken in Germany use a checklist during surgery since 1 April. The WHO developed the surgical safety checklist which is to lead doctors and nurses through the surgery process systematically. By using the checklist surgery should get more safety. „It Is Too Early to Pass a Law“ - Read more
Ice Cubes in the Head
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2009] They appear suddenly and paralyse someone. It is difficult to control migraine attacks. However, many people do not know that such attacks can be controlled in training minds.
Ice Cubes in the Head - Read more
Jack of Medical Trades (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/03/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
Actually, it is a made-up-word: microsystems technology. In fact, the term describes many things as long as they are optical, mechanical or electrical and as long as the systems are tiny. Moreover they hover around everywhere: In CD players, airbags or printers - and with great potential in medical applications. Jack of Medical Trades (Part 1) - Read more
On The Killer’s Trail
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2009] Sepsis, better known as blood poisoning, kills almost as many people as heart attacks do each year. This is due to the fact that it is often diagnosed too late and, moreover, wrongly treated. New tests are to change that.
On The Killer’s Trail - Read more
Pills Instead of Injection
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2009] Heparin injections to prevent thrombosis have proven after surgery. But the syringe gets competition – from pills. Pills Instead of Injection - Read more
The Medical All-Rounder Called Light (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/02/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de The Medical All-Rounder Called Light (Part 2) - Read more
Old Virus as Friend and Helper
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2009] In 1918, the Spanish flu raged. The disease is said to have killed between 20 and 50 millions of people – more than the First World War. Researchers in the USA reconstructed the virus and now analyse its properties. The research with the old genetic material might turn out as a gold mine if it should come to an avian flu pandemic.
Old Virus as Friend and Helper - Read more
Out of Sight, out of Mind
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2009] Diseases from long ago are slowly disappearing from our minds. Wrongly, however, as only one deadly disease, smallpox, has been eradicated throughout the world. Out of Sight, out of Mind - Read more
„If Nothing Changes We Are at the Beginning of a Supply Problem“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[22/01/2009] Ten years ago in Germany, laws aimed to avert a physician surplus. Now, the tide has turned –especially in many rural areas it has become difficult to find successors for practices of retiring physicians. The situation is so tense that 68-year-old doctors now do not have to return their license which means: physicians work as long as they consider it appropriate. „If Nothing Changes We Are at the Beginning of a Supply Problem“ - Read more
Bits and Bytes in Doctors's Robes (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/01/2009] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
The revolution began slowly: At the beginning, computer weighing tons filled whole rooms – with time they turned into tiny microprocessors. Then, the Internet and wireless communication conquered the world. Information technology changed our lives. Also that of doctors – today and tomorrow. Bits and Bytes in Doctors's Robes (Part 1) - Read more
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2009] The quest for supporters of the health fund is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The politicians who were mainly involved in the implementation of the fund refused an interview in unison. Only the statuory health insurancy AOK who is seen as one of the winners of the health fund agrees to an interview. The insurancy, however, does not show enthusiasm about the changes. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Read more
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2009] The quest for supporters of the health fund is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The politicians who were mainly involved in the implementation of the fund refused an interview in unison. Only the statuory health insurancy AOK who is seen as one of the winners of the health fund agrees to an interview. The insurancy, however, does not show enthusiasm about the changes. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Read more
An Overview of the Health Care Reform
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2009] Long before the introduction on 1 January 2009, a great many critical voices occurred in regard of the German health fund which is the principal item of the health care reform that came into effect in 2007. The consequences the reform has for insured people and which areas of the whole reform package is already valid – an overview. An Overview of the Health Care Reform - Read more
„Many People Are Losing“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2009] Everybody being insured through compulsory health insurance in Germany now pay the same fee regardless which services are being offered or which ones the clients make use of. This is supposed to be a kind of public solidarity – claims the Federal Ministry of Health. Critics are not so sure about this. „Many People Are Losing“ - Read more
„Many People Are Losing“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2009] Everybody being insured through compulsory health insurance in Germany now pay the same fee regardless which services are being offered or which ones the clients make use of. This is supposed to be a kind of public solidarity – claims the Federal Ministry of Health. Critics are not so sure about this. „Many People Are Losing“ - Read more
„We Want to Achieve Something on the Market “
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/12/2008] Growing markets, more and more jobs – these are just two attributes describing medical technology. Making sure that the situation remains like this, the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) supports the innovation potential of the sector with a special competition that honors the winners with an award for innovation. „We Want to Achieve Something on the Market “ - Read more
Muscle Training Prevents Falls
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2008] One out of three people over 65 fall down at least once a year, over 80 year old ones even more often. These falls often result in a fracture of the bone between thigh and femoral head. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of falls and subsequently the fracture of the femoral neck. Muscle Training Prevents Falls - Read more
Science of Ageing in Its Infancy
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2008] One thing we know for sure by now: ageing cannot be viewed from one angle alone. Hence, gerontologists try to combine the results from different disciplines. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle in order to get a complete picture. Science of Ageing in Its Infancy - Read more
„High Age is Not Very Sexy“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2008] People who talk about specific medical care for old people are often being ignored in Germany. But the German population becomes older and geriatricans become more and more important - today and especially in the future. „High Age is Not Very Sexy“ - Read more
Molecules, Technique and Therapies (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/11/2008] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
Detergents, plants resistant to bugs, drugs - chemistry, physics, biology – in the country, at sea or in the air. Biotechnology is everywhere since it is one of the most interdisciplinary branches of research – and helps medicine to combat diseases formerly known as not being treatable. Molecules, Technique and Therapies (Part 1) - Read more
„A lot of Movement Takes Place on the Market at the Moment“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[07/11/2008] Rapid Prototyping finds its way on the market for medical technology. It is not anymore just a process that creates prototypes, it is by now a also a process developing end products. The method is promising and nine German research institutes joined - all being engaged in generative manufacturing technologies. „A lot of Movement Takes Place on the Market at the Moment“ - Read more
From the Lab to Clinical Everyday Life
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2008] „News from health research of the Helmholtz Association“ – this will be a topic on the Congress at MEDICA 2008. Current results of research to therapies against cancer are on the programme as well as news on the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. From the Lab to Clinical Everyday Life - Read more
Tug of War in the Health Care Sector
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2008] Are 3.2 billion Euros a cash injection or a cheat? On the 31st German Hospital Conference at MEDICA 2008, practitioners and politicians discuss about this, and how it should go on with hospitals in Germany of which about one third is in the red. Tug of War in the Health Care Sector - Read more
Young Physicians with Good Chances
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2008] Physicians are much sought after in Germany. The number of job offers is rising. There are more and more new occupational areas and forms of activities. Good chances and new challenges for young physicians. This is the topic of a special event at MEDICA 2008. Young Physicians with Good Chances - Read more
„Technology Cannot Substitute Staff“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2008] In future, more and more people will need assistance but fewer nurses will be available. New technologies may help to overcome this gap. Lectures at MEDICA to the topic are held in the forum MEDICA MEDIA. „Technology Cannot Substitute Staff“ - Read more
To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 1)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/10/2008] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
Word has it that back in the ancient world those sentenced to death sometimes had been cut open in order to catch a glance of the insides of living men. About 100 years ago, science succeeded to allow this look without hurting people. The discovery of X-rays started a rapid development in medical imaging. To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 1) - Read more
To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 2)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/10/2008] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 2) - Read more
To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 3)
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/10/2008] by Wiebke Heiss / MEDICA.de
To Be in the Know with Every Detail (Part 3) - Read more
„The Patient Must Remain in Charge of Its Data“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[08/10/2008] A chip - hanging down from the wrist or being inserted in the arm – contains data related to the person or its medical history. This sounds like a futuristic vision but some hospitals in the USA have made it come true. The intention: a better treatment for the patients and more efficient localisation of doctors. In Europe, RFID and health care are connected only in research projects so far. „The Patient Must Remain in Charge of Its Data“ - Read more
Is It Really Mine?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2008] Transplantations are complex operations. Trying to cope psychologically with the intervention is almost as complicated as the surgery itself. Before the body part of a stranger is accepted as one’s own, patients often have to cope with an emotional rollercoaster. Is It Really Mine? - Read more
„Role of Doctors Underestimated“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/10/2008] In 2007, 12,000 patients waited for a donor organ in Germany but only 1,313 people donated an organ. „Role of Doctors Underestimated“ - Read more
„Sick Room Should Rather Look Like a Hotel Room“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[15/09/2008] Germany gets older and older, health care becomes more and more expensive – new structures in care are needed. This is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has tendered the competition „health region of the future“. The aim: regions should elaborate their strengths and thus lead to new concepts in health economy. The best ones will be promoted from 2009 onwards. „Sick Room Should Rather Look Like a Hotel Room“ - Read more
After Vaccination Early Diagnosis Still Necessary
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2008] The recommendations to vaccinate girls and young women against cervical cancer have been in action for two years. The discussions if this measure makes sense continues since vaccinated women still need early stage diagnosis. After Vaccination Early Diagnosis Still Necessary - Read more
In the End a Matter of Feeling
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2008] Each country has its special customs - this sometimes also applies to medicine. International data concerned with high genetic breast cancer risk show that more Dutch women opt for a preventive removal of both breasts than German women. The reason: It is still not clear how to best prevent breast cancer in high risk groups. In the End a Matter of Feeling - Read more
Surgery - Only If Absolutely Necessary
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2008] More and more children are being born through a Cesarean section. Although this can have advantages for mothers and hospitals, experts believe that a surgery imposes higher risks than a natural birth. Surgery - Only If Absolutely Necessary - Read more
„Those Affected Fall Ill in Younger Age“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/09/2008] The discussion about breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy started in the USA years ago. Back then, a study stated that hormones raised the risk of falling ill. Critics pointed out flaws of the investigation. Hence, German researchers took up the subject once again. „Those Affected Fall Ill in Younger Age“ - Read more
Checking the Genotype through Click and Buy
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2008] Genetic tests offer big potential in the fight against illnesses – if they are used sensible. However, a few years ago the first tests appeared on the internet and now everybody can determine his personal risk to fall ill one day with osteoporosis, high blood pressure or Parkinson - so it seems. It rather is an expensive and unreliable glimpse in the future. Checking the Genotype through Click and Buy - Read more
Scientists Develop Insulin-Producing Cells
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2008] An international team of scientists found adult stem-cells in the pancreas of mice and created insulin-producing cells. Now they hope to apply this method to humans. Scientists Develop Insulin-Producing Cells - Read more
„The Environment always Influences Health“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/03/2008] Scientists know much about type-1-diabetes, but many things they have not a clue about such as the cause for this metabolic disease. Is it a hereditary disease or play environmental influences also an important role? Even though scientists do a lot of research addressing these questions, the answers remain scarce. „The Environment always Influences Health“ - Read more
New Study Finds that COPD on the Rise
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2008] Doctors and federations warn to underestimate the chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). A new report verifies these concerns: more people as assumed until now are affected. New Study Finds that COPD on the Rise - Read more
„It Will Take Three to Five Years“
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2008] The non-smoker protection in Germany is not regulated uniformly by law: In Bavaria for example it is forbidden to smoke in public since the first of January 2008, while people in Northrhine-Westfalia are allowed to smoke in public until July. „It Will Take Three to Five Years“ - Read more
Schooling Program for Patients for Better Quality of Life
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/01/2008] The cardiac insufficiency is one of the most internistic disseases. For the affected people it is usually combined with a high limitation of their quality of life. With the help of a telemedicine training scheme for patients this problem should be solved. Schooling Program for Patients for Better Quality of Life - Read more
Bioactive Curtains Possibly not Able to Establish within Hygiene
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2007] Infections with antibiotics-resistant germs in hospitals are dangerous. Germany meanwhile declared war on these bacteria by launching hygiene principles. Bioactive curtains come onto the market. They are to provide more hygiene by killing bacteria. Experts are rather skeptical. Bioactive Curtains Possibly not Able to Establish within Hygiene - Read more
Challenge for Hospital Staff and Technology
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/12/2007] More and more people become more and more thick. If this trend continues hospitals have to prepare and to take steps forward to assure a good acommodation. But often the financial capital is missing. Challenge for Hospital Staff and Technology - Read more
The Introduction of the Electronic Health Insurance Card
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2007] Dr. med. Franz-Joseph Bartmann, Chairman of the Telematics Committee of the German Medical Association, comments in the following interview on the status quo of the electronic health insurance card. At MEDICA 2007 the electronic health insurance card makes up an important part of the Special Show MEDICA MEDIA. The Introduction of the Electronic Health Insurance Card - Read more
Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) call for efficient document management processes
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/11/2004] The introduction of German DRGs (Fallpauschalengesetz, DRG law) has meant that the time it takes for patients to be treated is having a direct effect on a clinic's cost-effectiveness. Efficient document management workflows in the medical sector can help to reduce waiting and idle time to an absolute minimum.Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) call for efficient document management processes - Read more
Anton J. Schmidt new chairman
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/04/2004] Anton J. Schmidt (50) was elected as the new BVMed chairman of the board at the German Medical Technology Associations annual members meeting in Berlin. Anton J. Schmidt new chairman - Read more
There’s more to it than silicone breasts!
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2003] Aesthetic plastic surgery has become a growth industry. While there is always a great deal of discussion on the need for breast implants and facelifts, we tend to forget that this medical discipline implies plenty more than that. There’s more to it than silicone breasts! - Read more
How to Find True Online-Beauty
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/08/2003] There’s no other medical discipline as suitable for the internet as plastic surgery. Thus, the variety of information on the world wide web is hardly manageable. Acknowledged associations are therefore vantage points of any systematic research. How to Find True Online-Beauty - Read more
Current Research and Projects in Telemedicine
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/06/2003] Many universities and research institutes are working on telemedicine project - MEDICA.de presents a sample of current efforts.Current Research and Projects in Telemedicine - Read more
Prevention and Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2003] Diet is an important factor in the treatment of diabetes type I and II. Especially in diabetes type II, where drug treatment often is unnecessary if a strict diet is followed.Prevention and Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus - Read more
Product News at CeBIT 2003
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[11/03/2003] We provide an overview of the latest innovations in IT and EDP applications for healthcare professionals.Product News at CeBIT 2003 - Read more
Interventional Cardiology Online
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/02/2003] Technical advances have widened the possiblities in interventional cardiology. Here are some online-resources to keep you up-to-date with the latest research and developments.Interventional Cardiology Online - Read more
Facts and Figures on Assisted Reproduction Techniques
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[06/01/2003] Did you know it? Here is some fresh stastical data on ART.Facts and Figures on Assisted Reproduction Techniques - Read more
Difficulties and Dangers of Multiple Pregnancies
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[06/01/2003] The continuing high rate of multiple pregnancies in assisted reproduction stays a major medical, psychosocial and economic problem.Difficulties and Dangers of Multiple Pregnancies - Read more
Birth Defects due to IvF?
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[06/01/2003] 25 years after the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first ‘test-tube baby’, the risks of assisted reproduction are back in focus, due to new studies on risk of birth defects after IvF. Birth Defects due to IvF? - Read more
Protheses between Function and Imagination
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[17/09/2002] Protheses between Function and Imagination - Read more
Heartfelt Technical Innovations
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[01/05/2002] Heartfelt Technical Innovations - Read more
E-Learning Resources for the medical profession
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[27/03/2002] E-Learning Resources for the medical profession - Read more
German Conference on Bioinformatics
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[02/10/2001] German Conference on Bioinformatics - Read more
The use of surgical robots in heart surgery
( Source: MEDICA.de )
[26/09/2001] The use of surgical robots in heart surgery - Read more
