Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Scientists discover serum biochemical signature that predicts Alzheimer's

Scientists from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland have recently discovered a serum biochemical signature which predicts progression to Alzheimer's disease months or even years before the first symptoms of the disease occur. The goal of the new collaboration between VTT and GE Healthcare is to validate this biomarker in a large patient cohort as well as to discover novel biomarker candidates.

27 Jun 2012

CAMH releases comprehensive reviews of most effective treatments for alcohol dependence

Scientists from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have released comprehensive reviews of the most effective treatments for alcohol dependence, one of the most prevalent addictions in Canada.

27 Jun 2012

How far will the ruling reach?

What the Supreme Court decides will impact the billions of dollars that have already been spent to implement the measure, as well as consumers, employers, small businesses, the health care industry, the insurance marketplace, and, of course, politics and K Street.

27 Jun 2012

Doctors' use of electronic records expanding quickly; Decline in malpractice claims also noted

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that the number of physicans and other providers using electronic health records doubled in three months. Meanwhile, a small study finds that the number of malpractice claims is lower among doctors using those electronic records.

27 Jun 2012

New FIRS data reveals lack of understanding and concern among public about lung disease

New data released by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) to coincide with World Spirometry Day today has revealed a lack of understanding and concern among the public about the world's biggest killer - lung disease, which now claims the lives of almost 4 million people a year.

27 Jun 2012

Women more likely to support health insurance requirements than men

As the Supreme Court prepares to issue its ruling on Thursday, Americans are divided along party, ideology and gender lines on a key provision of the healthcare law. A new National Agenda Opinion Poll by the University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication reveals women are significantly more likely to support health insurance requirements than men.

27 Jun 2012

MRI scans determine whether chemotherapy is working long before tumors shrink

Studies on some 55 U.S. men and women with potentially deadly liver or pancreatic cancers show that specialized MRI scans can tell within a month whether highly toxic chemotherapy is working and killing tumor cells long before tumors actually shrink – or fail to shrink.

26 Jun 2012

Positive results from Antares Pharma's VIBEX MTX human factors usability study for RA

Antares Pharma, Inc. today announced positive results from a human factors usability study for VIBEX Methotrexate (MTX), a proprietary auto injector product designed to self-administer a rapid subcutaneous weekly injection of methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

26 Jun 2012

Covidien acquires Oridion Systems

Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products and recognized innovator in patient monitoring and respiratory care devices, today said that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Oridion Systems Ltd. for an aggregate consideration of approximately $310 million, net of cash and investments acquired.

26 Jun 2012

Experts validate promising alternative to Framingham risk score for UK

Researchers have validated an alternative model to the Framingham risk equation for the prediction of 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in the UK, they report in the BMJ.

26 Jun 2012

Telemedicine could reduce admission rates

Patients with diabetes, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have fewer emergency hospital admissions when receiving a telehealth intervention than their counterparts who receive usual care, say UK researchers.

26 Jun 2012

Report on the global market for breast cancer diagnostics and drug technologies

Breast Cancer Diagnostic and Drug market are recovering after significant slowdown during the global recession. Having accurate market data and analysis will be essential to companies seeking to compete on the global stage as the market reemerges into success.

26 Jun 2012

Key issues in conducting research using electronic clinical data

Researchers participate in the Electronic Data Methods (EDM) Forum to maximize shared experiences and learning for using electronic clinical data to improve medical care and making informed health decisions. A July supplement to Medical Care is a special 'EDM Forum' issue, highlights key issues researchers are facing, and innovative approaches that have been developed to build the infrastructure and conduct research using electronic clinical data.

26 Jun 2012

First Edition: June 26, 2012

Today's headlines include reports setting the scene for Thursday's Supreme Court decision that will determine the health law's future.

26 Jun 2012

Survey of home healthcare practices related to infection control

A healthy boy was infected with antibiotic-resistant bacterium that was traced to his mother's nurse's bag left in the family's car after his mother's home healthcare visit to a patient with the same infection. Although the boy's infection and the patient's infection were never DNA tested, the coincidence was remarkable.

26 Jun 2012

LOGIC-Insulin software more effectively controls blood-sugar levels among critically ill patients

A computer-software program more effectively controlled blood-sugar levels among critically ill patients than nurse-directed care did, according to the first large clinical trial of its kind. The results will be presented at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston.

26 Jun 2012

Congressional eyes focused on the high court

Depending on how the decision shakes out, funding provided for the health law would be fair game during a time marked by difficult budget choices. Meanwhile, the GOP stays steady on its pledge to repeal the health law, or whatever remains of it.

26 Jun 2012

A new initiative explores what data can mean to patients

Two key elements necessary to turn this public data resource into better health and financial reward are 1) a robust private/public partnership and 2) a rethinking of the traditional roles of doctors and patients, who are increasingly taking greater responsibility for making decisions about their care.

26 Jun 2012

Stillbirth rates higher among least well off in England

The rate of stillbirths in England is twice as high among the least well off as it is among the most affluent, shows research published in the online journal BMJ Open.

26 Jun 2012

Care home residents denied right to consensual sex due to fears over safety and ageism

Concerns about safety, and ageism, are needlessly denying elderly care home residents what is often one of their few remaining pleasures - the right to consensual sex - say specialists in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

26 Jun 2012