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Monitoring blood glucose levels with contact lenses may soon be a reality for diabetes patients

Diabetics may soon be able to wear contact lenses that continuously alert them to variations in their glucose levels by changing colours - replacing the need to routinely draw blood throughout the day.

22 Dec 2009

TB bacterium does not contain genes needed for spore formation

But a new study by researchers at Loyola University Health System and other centers casts doubt on the TB spore theory. Researchers were unable to detect spores in TB cultures and demonstrated that the TB bacterium doesn't even contain genes related to those needed to produce spores. Researchers also failed to find any spores in frogs infected with TB bacteria, which would have been expected if TB bacteria produced spores in the course of infection.

22 Dec 2009

Wood pallet: A source of food poisoning bacteria

In a random sampling of wood pallets used to ship food in Portland, ME, and Philadelphia, PA, numerous pallets tested positive for Listeria and abnormally high counts of bacteria that could potentially create health hazards for consumers.

17 Dec 2009

Advanced Plasma Products launches its new TriClean Pro air sanitizer

Applied Science Products, Inc., announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Advanced Plasma Products Inc., has introduced its new TriClean Pro air sanitizer product powered by the company's newest advanced plasma generator design.

15 Dec 2009

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to be released by CDC

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) expected to be released today by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is on the right track with a focus on testing people's bodies for chemical contamination, say environmental health advocates working on chemical exposure issues.

11 Dec 2009

FDA clears AdvanDx' 90 minutes PNA FISH protocol for S. aureus and CNS tests

AdvanDx today announced that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a fast, 90 minutes protocol for its S. aureus PNA FISH® and S. aureus/CNS PNA FISH® tests. The faster protocol reduces the PNA FISH turn-around time from the original 2.5 hours to 90 minutes by reducing PNA probe hybridization from 90 minutes to 30 minutes.

10 Dec 2009

BIOGUARD barrier gauze dressings offer high antiviral efficacy against H1N1

Derma Sciences, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI), a specialty medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on advanced wound care, today released an independent laboratory report indicating that the company's BIOGUARD barrier gauze dressings exhibit high antiviral efficacy against the H1N1 virus.

10 Dec 2009

Roche launches new automated clinical laboratory system for HPV and CT/NG tests

Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the launch of a new clinical laboratory system designed to increase laboratory testing efficiency and to accommodate current and long-term molecular diagnostic needs.

10 Dec 2009

Vestagen Technical Textiles introduces Nanotechnology-Based Healthcare Specialty Textiles

Vestagen Technical Textiles today announced its entry into the advanced performance textile arena with the introduction of the first of a new class of Nanotechnology-Based Healthcare Specialty Textiles.

9 Dec 2009

RIVA System effective in automatically compounding IV doses in syringes with minimal contamination

A recent study demonstrated the RIVA System (Robotic Intravenous Automation) - a self-contained unit for aseptic compounding from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems) - is an effective tool in automatically compounding IV doses in syringes and bags with minimal drug contamination.

8 Dec 2009

BIOGUARD barrier gauze dressings exhibit high antiviral efficacy against H1N1 virus

An independent lab report demonstrated that BIOGUARD™ barrier gauze dressings exhibit greater than 99.9% inactivation rates against swine flu virus after exposure for 24 hours.

8 Dec 2009

ERSPC study shows PSA screening reduced prostate cancer deaths by 20%

The effectiveness of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening on reducing prostate cancer mortality has been given a boost with new data from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). This shows the true impact to be far higher than previously reported - up to 31%.

8 Dec 2009

Also in global health news: Clean water in India; cholera in Kenya; Zuma, Gates discuss HIV/AIDS; MDR-TB in Marshall Islands; sanitation in Jakarta

India's Tata Group on Monday "unveiled a new low-cost water purifier, which it hopes will provide safe drinking water for millions and cut the toll of deadly diseases," Agence France-Presse/mysinchew.com reports.

8 Dec 2009

Hospira launches VisIV containers for intravenous medications and solutions

Hospira, Inc., a leading global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, today announced the launch of its next-generation 50 mL and 100 mL VisIV(TM) containers for intravenous (I.V.) medications and solutions, and now offers a complete size range (50 mL to 1 L) of the award-winning, environmentally responsible VisIV product.

5 Dec 2009

Lung disease linked to the use of contaminated well water in a CPAP machine

Many people rely on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines as a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea. But a new case report describes a rare complication—a lingering inflammatory disease of the lungs, apparently related to the use of contaminated well water in a CPAP machine. The report appears in the December Southern Medical Journal, official journal of the Southern Medical Association.

3 Dec 2009

Study reveals current cleaning methods can do more harm than good to school environments

A study performed by Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System(SM), a leading franchisor of commercial cleaning businesses, revealed that methods used by outside cleaning contractors could actually do more harm than good to indoor environments.

2 Dec 2009

Canadians with hemophilia A can use new treatment option, XYNTHA

Canadians with hemophilia A - a rare, inherited blood-clotting disorder - now have a new treatment option with the introduction of XYNTHA(TM), a recombinant factor VIII product for both the control and prevention of bleeding episodes and surgical prophylaxis.

2 Dec 2009

New patented technology to combat healthcare-associated infections

Independent testing performed at ATS Labs, an internationally recognized antimicrobial testing laboratory, demonstrated that PerfectClean with Micrillon wipers eliminated biological contaminants in a very short time. This promising technology has the potential to impact disinfection practices in the healthcare market.

2 Dec 2009

PanGenex plans to expand its retail product line with the addition of spirulla

PanGenex Corporation, a global nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturer and marketer, announced today that it has solidified plans to expand its retail product line with the addition of spirulla.

1 Dec 2009

Hamilton Thorne announces financial results for third-quarter 2009

Hamilton Thorne Ltd., formerly Calotto Capital Inc., a leading provider of advanced laser systems and instruments for the stem cell research and fertility clinic markets, today reported operational and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009

24 Nov 2009