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New clues into genomic complexity of Mimivirus

A study published online today in the journal Genome Research offers surprising new clues into the genomic complexity of the giant Mimivirus, the largest known virus in the world. Previous studies have shown that unlike most viruses, the Mimivirus has more genes than many bacteria and performs functions that normally occur only in cellular organisms.

2 Apr 2010

Role of membrane cholesterol in late keratinocyte differentiation analyzed

In a recent study initiated by Beiersdorf AG, Florian Spörl and colleagues evaluated the use of Roche Applied Science's xCELLigence System as a viable system to monitor not only cholesterol extraction and repletion but also cholesterol reorganization in human keratinocytes in real time. The xCELLigence System offers a novel approach to non-invasive long-term observation of membrane cholesterol dynamics in primary human keratinocytes.

1 Apr 2010

Cambridge Heart's fourth-quarter total revenue down 20%

Cambridge Heart, Inc., today reported results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. Full financial statements and corresponding commentary can be found in the Company's Form 10-K, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2010.

31 Mar 2010

Single-incision laparoscopy reduces postoperative complications

Surgeons at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report what is believed to be the nation's first single-incision laparoscopy to perform a combined colectomy and kidney-preserving therapy.

26 Mar 2010

SENSIMED Triggerfish developed to diagnose and treat patients with glaucoma

STMicroelectronics, the world's leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) devices for consumer and portable applications, has announced that it will develop and supply a wireless MEMS sensor that acts as a transducer, antenna and mechanical support for additional read-out electronics in a breakthrough platform developed by Swiss company Sensimed AG.

26 Mar 2010

UC engineering researchers create tiny pools with programmable microfluidic systems

As just published as the cover story in "Lab on a Chip," in "Virtual electrowetting channels: electronic liquid transport with continuous channel functionality," engineering researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a paradigm shift - and moved some tiny channels in the process.

24 Mar 2010

Opinion: Repurposing wastewater; expanding global fund; financing global health needs

In an Economic Times opinion piece, Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute at Columbia University outlines what he sees as "two huge challenges facing" the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria:

24 Mar 2010

Microbiology of the oceans, gut microbes and STIs to be discussed at SGM spring meeting 2010

Microbiology of the oceans, gut microbes and STIs are just some of the topics reflecting modern microbial science that will be covered next week at the Society for General Microbiology's spring meeting 2010.

23 Mar 2010

SensAble Technologies to showcase PHANTOM haptic devices at Haptics Symposium

SensAble Technologies, Inc®, a leading provider of haptic devices, 3D modeling software, and dental CAD/CAM solutions, is showcasing a wide range of haptically-enabled computer applications using its industry-leading PHANTOM® haptic devices, at the 18th Haptics Symposium starting Thursday, March 25th.

22 Mar 2010

Lab on a Chip for research on oxygen impact on brain cells

A mini-laboratory that makes it possible, among other things, to study how brain cells in stroke patients are affected by lack of oxygen is being developed by a research team at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. Lab on a Chip is what the scientists are calling their mini-lab, which is expected to facilitate studies of all sorts of biological cells and how they are affected by different medicines, chemical substances, etc.

22 Mar 2010

Opinions: U.S. foreign aid effectiveness; Faith-based groups' work abroad

Although "foreign assistance is a very small proportion of the overall budget, its effectiveness is both measurable and priceless," Sheila Nix, the executive director of ONE, writes in a Roll Call opinion piece.

19 Mar 2010

Low-cost insurance policies aim to prevent poverty among small-scale farmers in Kenya

A pilot crop insurance project recently launched in Kenya, aims to compensate small-scale farmers when crops fail, in an effort to break the cycle of poverty, Business Daily reports.

19 Mar 2010

Solos Endoscopy secures U.S. Trademark for MammoView name

Solos Endoscopy, Inc. is pleased to announce the Company has secured the U.S. Trademark for the MammoView® name. The MamoView® Breast Endoscopy System offers a state-of-the-art endoscopic technology for detecting early stage breast cancer. The Company's Breast Endoscopy System employs advanced micro endoscopes and optical technology to give physicians sharp, clear images of the milk ducts, where the majority of breast cancers arise.

18 Mar 2010

Tissue micro-processing solutions at volumes <1mL

At Analytica 2010 in Munich, Germany, Seward Ltd will demonstrate its small tissue processing solutions in Hall B2, Stand 130. This range includes the Stomacher® 80 microbag, designed specifically for use in the Stomacher 80 microBiomaster to prepare and process biological samples at volumes as low as 250µL to 5 mL.

18 Mar 2010

ACCORD Lipid trial: New research into atherogenic dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes

Cardiovascular risk can be reduced by an additional 31 percent in type 2 diabetes patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia, the common combination of elevated triglycerides (TG, 204 mg/dL or 2.3 mmol/L or higher) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 34 mg/dL or 0.88 mmol/L or lower).

15 Mar 2010

$Bisphosphonate treatments may affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures of femur$

Bisphosphonate treatments may affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures of femur

Bisphosphonate treatments, proven to enhance bone density and reduce fracture incidence in post-menopausal women, may adversely affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures of the femur when used for four or more years, according to preliminary research presented today at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

12 Mar 2010

$Stryker's Orthopaedics Division releases three new plating systems for bone fracture repair$

Stryker's Orthopaedics Division releases three new plating systems for bone fracture repair

Stryker Corporation's Orthopaedics Division today announced the release of three new plating systems: the VariAx Elbow Locking Plate System, the VariAx Fibula Locking Plate System and the AxSOS Extremity Plating System, which are all designed to expand the range of treatment options for bone fracture repair.

From Stryker 12 Mar 2010

ADI’s 20-bit DAC enables superior image clarity, resolution, and contrast in medical imaging systems

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans provide extraordinarily clear images of the human body and are commonly used to diagnose a wide range of illnesses and injuries, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancerous tumors, and torn ligaments. Analog Devices, Inc., the leading provider of data conversion technology and longtime collaborator with the medical imaging industry, today introduced a breakthrough in data conversion that gives clinicians and radiologists the superior image clarity they need to see smaller anatomical structures and abnormalities, such as breast cancer cells, than ever before.

11 Mar 2010

$Long-term use of bisphosphonates may adversely affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures$

Long-term use of bisphosphonates may adversely affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures

10 Mar 2010

Sonova Group broadens portfolio of hearing solutions with launch of Sona

By launching Sona, the Sonova Group is introducing a novel business concept combining a specialized product portfolio with easy fitting and simplified logistic processes, which are unique in the industry. The new brand broadens the portfolio of the established hearing solutions of Phonak and Unitron and is aimed at the market segment for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It features mainly the integrated service concept providing audiologists with new opportunities to make their hearing solutions more accessible to consumers.