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ARRA's legacies may solve challenges related to health, energy and environment

The presidents of six leading research universities and two higher-education associations joined Vice President Joe Biden and White House science advisor Dr. John Holdren this morning to discuss the scientific research and related activities that have been made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

22 Sep 2010

Safety net hospitals in Mass. face dire financial crises, seek federal money

WBUR (Boston, Mass.): The two main "safety net" hospitals in Massachusetts are facing the prospect of a financial crisis without federal assistance in the next few days to close their books. "Cambridge Health Alliance will break even if the feds approve a Medicaid waiver amendment worth $86 million this year.

22 Sep 2010

Study demonstrates why targeted therapies do not work in majority of people

In order for targeted therapies against cancer to be effective, scientists need to understand upfront what related proteins in a signaling "network" makes a cancer cell resistant to a drug and selectively target them as well, say researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Fox Chase Cancer Center.

22 Sep 2010

Study examines how much better hospitals and doctors would work if they ran like airlines

The National Science Foundation/U.S. News & World Report ask the question: "Airlines protect themselves from passenger 'no-shows' by overbooking. Could the same approach—overbooking patients—work in a doctor's office or hospital?" As part of a study examining such a question, the Center for Health Organization Transformation is looking at projects around the nation where "systems engineering" — the implementation of systems used in other industries — can reduce health care costs.

22 Sep 2010

Palomar Medical Technologies to introduce home-use laser device for cosmetic treatments

Palomar Medical Technologies Inc., a leading researcher and developer of light-based systems for cosmetic treatments, today announced that it would move the launch of its patented, home use laser for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles by a few months.

22 Sep 2010

Study links progressive osteoarthritis to IL-1Ra gene variations

Scientists from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Interleukin Genetics, Inc. announced today findings from a large clinical study to evaluate the role played by genetic factors in the worsening of osteoarthritis.

22 Sep 2010

UK researchers launches new house design tool for older people

A new housing design tool, which will help improve the quality of life for older people in the UK, has been launched by researchers at the University of Sheffield this week (21 September 2010).

22 Sep 2010

Physical or psychological stress before cancer treatment may sabotage therapy

Patients who experience physical or psychological stress - including rigorous exercise - one or two days before a cancer treatment might be unknowingly sabotaging their therapy, new research suggests.

22 Sep 2010

New research shows inner voice plays a key role in controlling impulsive behaviour

New research out of the University of Toronto Scarborough - published in this month's edition of Acta Psychologica - shows that using your inner voice plays an important role in controlling impulsive behaviour.

22 Sep 2010

Immunization is critical to reduce child deaths

Immunising children against preventable diseases is critical to achieving United Nations-led goals to reduce child deaths, global health and development chiefs said in New York today.

22 Sep 2010

Insuring your health: Coordinated care system helps physicians meet more patient needs

In her latest Kaiser Health News consumer column, Michelle Andrews writes: "If you get sick at night or the weekend, all too often the local emergency room is the only medical facility with an open door.

22 Sep 2010

Dogs can encourage children to be active, help combat rising childhood obesity

Children whose families own dogs are more active than those without, according to new research. Researchers from St George's, University of London studied 2,065 children aged nine to ten, and found that children from dog-owning families have higher levels of physical activity compared to children without.

22 Sep 2010

Novartis' SOM230 reduces cortisol levels in Cushing's disease patients

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced today that the results of a Phase III study of SOM230 (pasireotide) showed a reduction in cortisol levels in patients with Cushing's disease, a condition in which a benign (non-cancerous) pituitary tumor causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol and can be fatal. Results will be presented at the 14th Congress of the European Neuroendocrine Association (ENEA).

22 Sep 2010

Elder mediation emerges as tool to help families make decisions about aging parents

AARP Bulletin: This article tells the story of the Bayliss family. Four sisters found themselves "at an impasse" regarding how to care for their 83-year-old mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and experiencing other physical challenges.

22 Sep 2010

Individual costs of being overweight and obese in the U.S.

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services' Department of Health Policy today released a report that, for the first time, calculated the startlingly high individual costs of obesity to Americans.

22 Sep 2010

Merus partners with Innocoll to launch 3 advanced wound care products in Canada

Merus Labs International Inc. is pleased to announce that their wholly owned subsidiary, Merus Labs Inc. announces the execution of a definitive agreement with Innocoll Pharmaceuticals Limited to license in, on an exclusive basis, 3 advanced wound care products for the Canadian market. Furthermore, Innocoll agrees to grant to Merus a right of first refusal for all current pipeline advanced wound care products for the Canadian Market.

22 Sep 2010

Making self-control fun and enjoyable

When it comes to self-control, consumers in the United States are in trouble. But a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research says there's hope; we just need a little help to see self-regulation as fun.

22 Sep 2010

How Medicare changes are playing out for advocates and in the campaign season

News outlets track both concerns about how Medicare will fare as a result of the health law's changes and examine how other changes advanced by reform are being characterized during the election season.

22 Sep 2010

Catheter ablation benefits atrial fibrillation patients younger than 45

Patients under age 45 had fewer major complications than older patients and comparable improvement after a medical procedure to treat irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, in a study reported in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, an American Heart Association journal.

22 Sep 2010

Cardiac Cath Lab Director: New bimonthly journal from SAGE

Cardiac Cath Lab Director is a new bimonthly journal being launched in February 2011 by SAGE, the world's leading independent academic and professional publisher.

22 Sep 2010