Technology News and Research

RSS

Exome sequencing improves speed, accuracy of neurogenetic disorder diagnosis

UCLA researchers have found that a state-of-the-art molecular genetic test greatly improves the speed and accuracy with which they can diagnose neurogenetic disorders in children and adults. The discovery could lead directly to better care for people with rare diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia, leukodsystrophy, spastic paraplegia and many other conditions.

6 Apr 2016

SymCel joins global initiative to combat antibiotic resistance

Following the global and joint initiative by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics industries this year to combat antibiotic resistance, demand for innovative solutions is especially high. The event took place in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

5 Apr 2016

Electrical stimulation of deep brain structures to ease chronic pain

Abuse of prescription opioid medicines used to treat chronic pain has reached epidemic proportions, so much that the White House has announced new efforts to combat addiction and prevent the thousands of overdose-related deaths reported in the U.S. each year.

5 Apr 2016

Two established atrial fibrillation ablation techniques show similar effects, safety outcomes

Two established techniques for correcting the root cause of the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation show similar effects and safety outcomes, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 65th Annual Scientific Session.

5 Apr 2016

Inhalable form of Ambrisentan drug could offer faster-acting treatment option for pulmonary edema

In a new study, researchers show an aerosolized, inhalable form of the drug Ambrisentan could offer a faster-acting treatment option for pulmonary edema, a life-threatening condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is a significant risk for anyone spending time at high altitudes, and also affects people with chronic conditions including congestive heart failure and sickle cell anemia.

5 Apr 2016

Cambridge Pharmaceutical Cryo-EM Consortium formed by FEI, five pharmaceutical companies, the Medical Research Council and the University of Cambridge

FEI (NASDAQ: FEIC) has partnered with five pharmaceutical companies: Astex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Heptares Therapeutics, and UCB; the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB); and the University of Cambridge’s Nanoscience Centre, to form the “Cambridge Pharmaceutical Cryo-EM Consortium,” which is the first of its kind worldwide.

From Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions 4 Apr 2016

Frequent TAVR to replace damaged aortic heart valve improves patient outcomes

The more frequently a hospital performs a minimally invasive technique called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, to replace a damaged aortic heart valve, the better patients fare, on average, immediately after the procedure, researchers reported at the American College of Cardiology's 65th Annual Scientific Session.

4 Apr 2016

Apple body shape linked to higher heart risk than pear-shape in diabetics

People with type 1 or 2 diabetes who have apple-shaped bodies with excessive fat around the abdomen and stomach, can be at higher risk of serious heart disease than patients with pear-shaped figures who store excess fat around their hips, according to a new study from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and John Hopkins University.

4 Apr 2016

Technology-based virtual race helps participants lose weight, exercise more

A competition that used technology to encourage and track physical activity was effective at helping participants lose weight and exercise more in both developed and developing countries, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology's 65th Annual Scientific Session.

4 Apr 2016

Wear and medical device testing seminars to be run by Lucideon and STC in China

US and UK-based Lucideon, the materials technology company, and Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre (STC), the testing, inspection and certification organization based in Hong Kong and China, are offering orthopaedic implant manufacturers in the Asia region, and their supply chain, a series of seminars on wear testing and medical devices testing.

From Lucideon 4 Apr 2016

Startupbootcamp introduces Digital Health accelerator in Berlin

Startupbootcamp, a global accelerator group with industry-focused programs, launches its first Digital Health accelerator in Europe today.

4 Apr 2016

Leading entrepreneurs, innovators to take part in Royal Society of Medicine's 12th Medical Innovations Summit

A group of leading entrepreneurs and innovators will be gathering at the Royal Society of Medicine on Saturday 16 April to take part in the Society’s 12th Medical Innovations Summit. Providing a twice-yearly platform for the presentation and discussion of inspirational ideas and developments in the field of medicine and healthcare, the Summits encourage innovators at the very beginning of their careers, as well as established clinicians and academics.

4 Apr 2016

Andor’s sCMOS camera leads to new microscopy method

An innovative microfabrication technique used to produce a mirror array that both directs the excitation beam and holds the sample may revolutionise the field of 3D super-resolution microscopy, according to an international group of scientists.

From Andor Technology Ltd. 4 Apr 2016

Researchers develop novel vaccine strategy to protect against Chikungunya virus

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted through mosquitoes and causes fever and joint pain that can sometimes become severe and disabling. Outbreaks of the virus have already occurred in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and in late 2013, the virus was first seen in the Americas with the number of cases dramatically increased. No vaccine to prevent or treat this virus currently exists.

2 Apr 2016

Novel method uses light-activated nanodrug to help fight antibiotic-resistant infections

A research team led by University of Arkansas chemist Jingyi Chen and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences microbiologist Mark Smeltzer has developed an alternative therapeutic approach to fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.

2 Apr 2016

GHIT Fund invests in two innovative malaria eradication tools

The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) announced today that it’s investing US$1,383,785 in a pair of innovative malaria eradication tools—a vaccine that could block transmission of two species of the deadly disease and a rapid field test that can reveal a malaria infection in minutes.

1 Apr 2016

Latest version of Moovit app now includes new features for blind community

Moovit, the world’s leading local transit app, has just released Version 4.10 on both Android and iOS, with accessibility functionality that will help the blind community travel on public transport with greater ease.

1 Apr 2016

Purdue University-led researchers determine structure of Zika virus

A team led by Purdue University researchers is the first to determine the structure of the Zika virus, which reveals insights critical to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines.

1 Apr 2016

New technologies go far beyond traditional use of contact lenses for vision correction

Imagine contact lenses that can deliver medicines directly to the eye, slow progression of nearsightedness in children, or monitor glucose levels in patients with diabetes.

1 Apr 2016

Understanding neuronal feedback could provide new insight into visual perception

Ever see something that isn't really there? Could your mind be playing tricks on you? The "tricks" might be your brain reacting to feedback between neurons in different parts of the visual system, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience by Carnegie Mellon University Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Sandra J. Kuhlman and colleagues.

31 Mar 2016