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Scientists identify genetic variants that increase asthma susceptibility

An international study looking at DNA from over 26,000 people has identified several genetic variants that substantially increase susceptibility to asthma in the population. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, will help scientists to focus their efforts to develop better therapies for the illness.

23 Sep 2010

Kim Hames says case was not euthanasia

Western Australia has been debating euthanasia for a while and in a new development, Health Minister and Deputy Premier Kim Hames has admitted that as a GP he administered the painkiller morphine to hasten a cancer patient's death. He said in his statement that what he had done was legal and not euthanasia – which he opposed. His reasoning was that the pain relieving medication was intended to ease a patient's suffering rather than end their life.

23 Sep 2010

ImThera Medical releases interim results of clinical study on neurostimulation device for treating OSA

ImThera Medical, Inc. today announced interim results from its OSA European clinical study. For the study, ten patients have been surgically implanted with ImThera's aura6000 hypoglossal nerve neurostimulation device for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The target population for ImThera's neurostimulation device is moderate and severe OSA patients who are non-compliant with or cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

22 Sep 2010

Specific orofacial characteristics can lead to accurate diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol while pregnant. Each year, FASD affect an estimated 40,000 infants in the United States—more than spina bifida, Down syndrome, and muscular dystrophy combined.

22 Sep 2010

Researchers explain how nerve cells transmit electrical signals

Billions of brain cells are communicating at any given moment. Like an organic supercomputer they keep everything going, from breathing to solving riddles, and "programming errors" can lead to serious conditions such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

22 Sep 2010

Study reveals molecular steps for pneumonia therapy

A structural molecule and the cellular pump that regulates its levels influence the severity of pneumonia and could provide new ways of treating the lung infection, which is a leading cause of hospitalization and death, according to scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Iowa. Their findings are available online in Nature Medicine.

21 Sep 2010

Stanford Cancer Center announces successful treatment of 5,000th patient with CyberKnife system

When Lori Brownell's first tumor appeared − on her left carotid artery − it was surgically removed, leaving an inches-long incision to heal. It was eight years before the feeling returned to that side of her neck, and for a time, she couldn't drive because she couldn't turn her head far enough.

21 Sep 2010

Twin deaths trigger calls for an inquiry into Northam Hospital, WA

After the recent deaths of two children at Western Australia's rural Northam Hospital, there are calls for an inquiry.

20 Sep 2010

Researchers identify new target for cystic fibrosis

The lab of Kevin Foskett, PhD, the Isaac Ott Professor of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has found a possible new target for fighting cystic fibrosis (CF) that could compensate for the lack of a functioning ion channel in affected CF-related cells. Their finding appears in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

18 Sep 2010

Accuray Incorporated showcases CyberKnife VSI System at ESTRO Annual Congress

Accuray Incorporated, a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced today that for the first time in Europe the company showcased its latest offering, the CyberKnife VSI System, at ESTRO 29, the Annual Congress of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Barcelona, Spain.

18 Sep 2010

ResMed's new CPAP device increases patients' compliance with sleep therapy

ResMed, a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of sleep and respiratory medical equipment today announced the results of a clinical study confirming that patients' compliance with sleep therapy increases when using ResMed's new CPAP device.

From ResMed Corp 17 Sep 2010

Parents struggle to balance emotional, rational aspects of immunization: Poll

Back-to-school is in full swing and parents are breathing a collective sigh of relief now that their kids are back in the classroom. But with the back-to-school rush comes the reminder that immunizations must be updated - and that thought has parents filled with anything but relief. In fact, according to a new poll of Ontarians, parents struggle emotionally with immunizing their children - and themselves - before making the decision to do so.

14 Sep 2010

Emergency physicians to present research studies at Research Forum 2010

The risks associated with boarding admitted patients in the emergency department – including patient mortality – as well as proposed solutions will be key themes of Scientific Assembly, the annual meeting of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In addition, emergency physicians will present more than 450 research studies during 2010 Research Forum, the premier, annual scientific research event focused on the latest advances in the practice of emergency medicine.

14 Sep 2010

$Bisphosphonates drug may lead to atypical femur fractures in osteoporosis patients: Report$

Bisphosphonates drug may lead to atypical femur fractures in osteoporosis patients: Report

A widely prescribed class of drugs is highly effective in reducing common bone fractures in people with osteoporosis, but an expert panel announced today that these same drugs - when used long term - may be related to unusual but serious fractures of the thigh bone.

14 Sep 2010

McGill researchers pioneer anesthetics via videoconferencing

Videoconferences may be known for putting people to sleep, but never like this. Dr. Thomas Hemmerling and his team of McGill's Department of Anesthesia achieved a world first on August 30, 2010, when they treated patients undergoing thyroid gland surgery in Italy remotely from Montreal. The approach is part of new technological advancements, known as 'Teleanesthesia', and it involves a team of engineers, researchers and anesthesiologists who will ultimately apply the drugs intravenously which are then controlled remotely through an automated system.

10 Sep 2010

Varian to highlight new TrueBeam medical linear accelerator at ESTRO 2010

Varian Medical Systems is spotlighting its new TrueBeam™ medical linear accelerator for fast, powerful and efficient cancer treatments at the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology exhibition in Barcelona next week. A fully-featured TrueBeam system will be the centerpiece of Varian's booth at the annual ESTRO meeting (Booth No. 320).

10 Sep 2010

FDA approves pediatric use of Protopam Chloride

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the pediatric use of Protopam Chloride (pralidoxime chloride), a drug used to treat poisoning by organophosphate pesticides and chemicals (e.g., nerve agents). The drug is approved to be administered either by intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections.

10 Sep 2010

Experts examine impact of two cardiac rescue strategies: chest compressions first vs. defibrillation first

Chest compressions before defibrillation in patients with sudden cardiac arrest is equally successful as immediate treatment with an electrical defibrillator, according to a new study by the University of Michigan Health System.

9 Sep 2010

Consumption of medications for treatment of insomnia or anxiety increases mortality risk

Taking medications to treat insomnia and anxiety increases mortality risk by 36%, according to a study conducted by Genevi-ve Belleville, a professor at Universit- Laval's School of Psychology. The details of this study are published in the latest edition of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

9 Sep 2010

ResMed completes two-for-one stock split of common stock

ResMed Inc. announced today that its two-for-one stock split of the company's outstanding shares of common stock, payable in the form of a 100% stock dividend was completed on August 30, 2010.

From ResMed Corp 9 Sep 2010