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Holding onto insurance that works

As part of the continuing series, "Are You Covered?" Kaiser Health News and NPR profile Dave Koenig. He has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage" (Weiss, 9/28). Watch the video.

30 Sep 2009

Non-domestic air pollution is a major concern, says report

Plumes of harmful air pollutants can be transported across oceans and continents -- from Asia to the United States and from the United States to Europe -- and have a negative impact on air quality far from their original sources, says a new report by the National Research Council.

30 Sep 2009

AP examines low- cost lobbying effort for birthing centers

The Associated Press/The Boston Globe reports on Karen Fennell, a lobbyist who lacks the typical "fat expense account and clients paying six-figure fees," but has still managed to secure "some coveted federal money" for her clients: birthing centers. "How she did it is a case study in how Washington's influence game can work, even for those without bottomless checkbooks. She cultivated key allies in Congress, crafted an argument that aligns with the prevailing political winds, and represents a constituency no lawmaker could shun: mothers-to-be."

30 Sep 2009

One third of women avoid routine mammogram tests

On the eve of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Research UK today sends out a warning that if thousands of women continue to ignore invitations to breast screening they could be putting their lives at risk.

30 Sep 2009

Better TV to feature show on Thermofocus 5-in-1 thermometer

Kidz-Med Inc., a subsidiary of American Scientific Resources, Inc. (Pink Sheets: ASFX) is pleased to announce that the Kidz-Med Thermofocus 5-in-1 Non-Contact Thermometer and Pacifier Medicine Dispenser will be featured on Better TV airing live from 10-11am EST on CBS - TV channel 3 Connecticut Tuesday, September 29.

30 Sep 2009

Employers provide health coverage for most Americans

Kaiser Health News and NPR report on employer-based health insurance by examining the experience of a 49-year-old Californian: "Dave Koenig gets private insurance through his employer and couldn't be happier.

29 Sep 2009

Flooding in the Philippines could spread infectious diseases, Health Department says

The Health Department in the Philippines "warned Monday of a possible spread of infectious diseases" in the capital of Manila, which has had the largest rainfall "in nearly half a century, according to the government weather bureau," the New York Times reports. Rains have flooded "80 percent of this metropolis of 12 million people" and killed at least 240 so far.

29 Sep 2009

Ontario government files cost-recovery litigation against tobacco companies

The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased the Ontario government is suing tobacco companies to recover tobacco-related health care costs.

29 Sep 2009

Africa's agricultural sector grew in '08, 'concerted' policy action needed for growth to continue, FAO paper says

The growth of sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural sector in 2008 is a "a break with the past," but "concerted and purposeful policy action" is required for developments to continue, according to a new U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) paper, VOA News reports (De Capua, 9/28).

29 Sep 2009

Eclipsemed establishes new manufacturing and international sales entity

Eclipsemed Ltd., a leading national supplier of advanced medical and aesthetic equipment, has announced the formation of Eclipse Global, its new manufacturing and international sales entity.

29 Sep 2009

Study: Role of genetics and environment in autism spectrum disorders

Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of the West Indies have joined forces to launch a study of Jamaican children that they hope will unlock the secrets of how genetics and environment may interact to cause autism spectrum disorders.

29 Sep 2009

New oral health information program from American Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) is launching "Straight from the Mouth," a new video podcast series for the public, to provide oral health information in amusing three to five-minute Webisodes.

29 Sep 2009

California's failed health reform attempts offer useful lessons

California's failed attempt at remaking the state's health care system provides useful lessons for participants in the current federal health care debate.

29 Sep 2009

MabCures develops monoclonal antibodies against Colorectal Cancer

MabCure, Inc., a biotechnology company that has developed a series of highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to combat various types of cancers, has reached another development milestone, with the creation of its MAbs against Colorectal Cancer (CRC). After further characterization the company plans to explore the utility of these MAbs in terms of both the early diagnosis of CRC (in blood or feces specimens), as well as imaging agents for detecting micrometastatic disease during surgery and the detection of cancerous polyps during colonoscopy.

29 Sep 2009

State Republicans attack health reform bill

Republican state officials are escalating their opposition to elements of the proposed health care overhaul.

29 Sep 2009

Response Genetics launches new genetic diagnostic test for gastric cancer

Response Genetics, Inc., a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today the availability of its ResponseDX: Gastric™ genetic test panel, a proprietary PCR-based diagnostic test. By analyzing the expression of genes that correlate with response to commonly used chemotherapy agents, physicians can better tailor treatment for their patients with gastric cancer and gastroesophageal (GE) junction cancer.

29 Sep 2009

Medicare commission proposal and MedPAC data shape reform

A proposal for a Medicare Commission passes through the Senate Finance markup while MedPAC data may help rework Medicare spending.

29 Sep 2009

Vitae receives 11Beta-HSD-1 program milestone payment from Boehringer Ingelheim

Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an integrated discovery and development company, today announced that it has earned an $8 million milestone payment from Boehringer Ingelheim for achievement of a performance milestone in their 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)-1 diabetes and metabolic disease strategic alliance.

29 Sep 2009

Illinois nursing homes mix seniors and mentally ill patients, some criminals

Some Illinois nursing homes create dangerous and unsafe environments by mixing seniors and younger mentally ill residents, the Chicago Tribune reports: "More than any other state, Illinois relies heavily on nursing homes to house mentally ill patients, including those who have committed crimes. But a Tribune investigation found that government, law enforcement and the industry have failed to adequately manage the resulting influx of younger residents who shuttle into nursing facilities from jail cells, shelters and psychiatric wards."

29 Sep 2009

SAIC-Frederick and Roche collaborate on technology advancements in sequencing cancer genes

National Cancer Institute contractor SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation, and Roche Applied Science, a division of Roche Diagnostics Corporation, have signed a collaboration agreement to assess Roche’s advanced technologies to sequence the genomes of cancer research samples.

From Roche Sequencing and Life Science 29 Sep 2009