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Maltodextrin-based imaging probes could improve diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections

A new family of contrast agents that sneak into bacteria disguised as glucose food can detect bacterial infections in animals with high sensitivity and specificity. These agents -- called maltodextrin-based imaging probes -- can also distinguish a bacterial infection from other inflammatory conditions.

21 Jul 2011

Humans and zebrafish share mechanisms that regulate the circadian system

Circadian rhythms - the natural cycle that dictates our biological processes over a 24-hour day - does more than tell us when to sleep or wake. Disruptions in the cycle are also associated with depression, problems with weight control, jet lag and more. Now Prof. Yoav Gothilf of Tel Aviv University's Department of Neurobiology at the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences is looking to the common zebrafish to learn more about how the human circadian system functions.

21 Jul 2011

Gene-based test for distinguishing harmless from precancerous pancreatic cysts

Johns Hopkins scientists have developed a gene-based test to distinguish harmless from precancerous pancreatic cysts. The test may eventually help some patients avoid needless surgery to remove the harmless variety.

21 Jul 2011

Genetic ID introduces new 96-well extraction kit for isolation of pure DNA

Genetic ID, the global leader in GMO identification, introduces its new FAST ID 96-Well Extraction Kit for isolation of exceptionally pure DNA from a variety of agricultural and food products.

21 Jul 2011

Pfizer enters definitive merger agreement with Icagen

Pfizer Inc. and Icagen, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Pfizer, which currently owns approximately 11% of Icagen's fully diluted shares, will acquire the remaining 8.3 million shares at a price of $6.00 per share.

21 Jul 2011

Malvern and Paraytec enter into development and technology licensing agreement

Malvern Panalytical (Malvern Panalytical, UK) and Paraytec Ltd (York, UK) have entered into a development and licensing agreement that will see Paraytec’s ActiPix® technology being added to Malvern Panalytical’s materials characterization portfolio. The agreement will give Malvern Panalytical exclusive rights to further develop, market and sell ActiPix® UV area imaging technology in specific fields of use related to the characterization of complex fluids for applications in biopharmaceuticals, foods and personal care industrial sectors.

From Malvern Panalytical 20 Jul 2011

FDA to monitor medical apps

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped in to regulate the rapidly expanding field of medical applications, or apps, for smart phones and other handheld devices. With the rise of the iPhone, Android and other mobile devices has come a flood of applications designed to help people stay healthy. Industry analysts estimate there are already more than 17,000 medical applications available, ranging from calorie counters to programs that let doctors view medical scans on their phones.

20 Jul 2011

MDL announces HPV-16 Status reflex test

Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L.L.C. (MDL) is a CLIA certified infectious disease laboratory which specializes in high-complexity, state-of-the-art, automated DNA-based molecular analyses.

20 Jul 2011

DJO Global launches Turon Modular Shoulder System

DJO Global, Inc., a global provider of medical device solutions for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management, today announced the introduction of the Turon Modular Shoulder System developed by the Company's surgical division, DJO Surgical.

20 Jul 2011

Portable robotic device, videogames can help patients to recover from stroke

Today 15 million persons throughout the world suffer from an ictus every year and 5 million are left with chronic disabilities. FIK designed a system for alleviating neuromuscular disability amongst these patients from their homes and by which these can be permanently supervised by the therapist who will be able to carry out a quantitative evaluation of the therapy. To this end, they have brought together new technologies and entertainment and a greater quality of rehabilitation.

20 Jul 2011

Software uses Twitter to track dengue outbreaks in Brazil

The New Scientist reports on a software program that is being used "to identify a high correlation between the time and place where people tweet they have dengue and the official statistics for where the disease appears each season."

20 Jul 2011

MDI, Eldan partner to distribute Detect-Ready MRSA Panel in Israel

Molecular Detection Inc. (MDI), a company developing Detect-Ready tests designed to increase the speed and accuracy of infectious disease diagnosis, and life sciences and diagnostics distributor Eldan, a part on the Neopharm Group, today announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement for distribution of MDI's Detect-Ready MRSA Panel in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

20 Jul 2011

U.S. News ranks NewYork-Presbyterian as sixth best hospital in the nation

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital ranks #1 in New York and among the top six in the U.S. out of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated by U.S. News Media & World Report for their 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings.

20 Jul 2011

Speed and efficiency of response to outbreaks are key to tackling epidemics

In an age where the next pandemic could leap continents in the hours it takes for an international flight to take off and land, University of Utah Professor Paul Hu fears the death toll may depend on how fast and efficiently world health officials can respond to an outbreak.

20 Jul 2011

Scientists discover new dominant gene linked to Parkinson's

The newly discovered gene is known as VPS35, the sixth one which has been associated with Parkinson's disease and the third dominant gene.

20 Jul 2011

U.S. News ranks Mount Sinai Medical Center among America's Best Hospitals for 2011-2012

Mount Sinai Medical Center is among the nation's top hospitals for the fifth year in a row according to U.S. News & World Report's 2011-2012 Best Hospitals. Mount Sinai was the only hospital in South Florida to receive a prestigious national ranking in geriatric care and one of only three hospitals in South Florida to rank on a national level.

20 Jul 2011

U.S. News provides top rankings to five UVA Health System specialties

Five medical specialties at the University of Virginia Health System are ranked among the top in their field in U.S. News & World Report's annual "Best Hospitals" guide.

20 Jul 2011

Promega PowerPlex 18D System receives approval for generating DNA records for NDIS

Promega PowerPlex® 18D System is now approved for use in laboratories generating DNA records for the National DNA Index System (NDIS). NDIS is the U.S. national database containing over seven million offender and forensic DNA profiles used to help authorities identify criminals nationwide.

20 Jul 2011

New technology for processing human waste in developing countries

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded Delft University of Technology, a grant to 'Reinvent the toilet'. Aim of this project is to develop new technology for processing human waste without links to water, energy, or sewer lines, and at costs affordable to the poor in developing countries.

20 Jul 2011