November 5, 2007
Patients ‘denied intensive care’
Patients with chronic lung disease are being denied intensive care treatment because doctors are too pessimistic about their chances, research suggests. (BBC)
Monthly Archives: November 2007
November 4, 2007
I Shook Hands with Jesse Ramirez
I was speaking at a bioethics conference in Phoenix on Saturday. At lunch the sponsors asked me to come with them because somebody wanted to meet me. It was Jesse Ramirez and his sister and family! What a wonderful surprise. … Read More
November 2, 2007
Bystander Stem Cells Keep Original Neurons Humming
A new study finds that neural stem cells may be able to save dying brain cells without transforming into new brain tissue, at least in rodents. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, report that stem cells rejuvenated the learning … Read More
November 2, 2007
A Genetic Test for Diabetes Risk
When I was a destitute graduate student several years ago, I decided to earn a quick $75 by signing up for what sounded like a relatively innocuous clinical study. An I.V. in my left arm would feed precise amounts of … Read More
November 2, 2007
Artificial Joint Makers Lobby Hard
The hips and knees are synthetic, but it’s real money changing hands. Five makers of artificial joints have paid more than $200 million this year to doctors and hospitals, often the same ones who are deciding which company’s joints to … Read More
November 2, 2007
Newt protein may offer clues for human regeneration
Scientists have found a key protein that helps newts regrow severed limbs and which may guide future research into human regenerative medicine. (Reuters)
November 2, 2007
New child health fight for Bush
US President George W Bush faces a showdown with Congress after it passed a new version of a bill on child health insurance he has already vetoed. (BBC)
November 2, 2007
Spinal Stem Cells Offer Hope Against Back Pain
For the first time, researchers have found stem cells within the intervertebral discs of the human spine. (Washington Post)
November 1, 2007
National Institute of Mental Health’s Weak Anti-Suicide Guidelines
This document from the NIMH about preventing suicide seems rather weak to me. For example, in describing what to do if someone is suicidal, the NIHM states: If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. … Read More
November 1, 2007
Op-Ed: Xenotransplantation: the greater good or the greater risk?
Modern medicine has always found itself intertwined with ethics, not to mention the controversies that ethics draw out. Advancements of any sort set the groundwork for what our society chooses to adopt as controversial, and medicine never seems to catch … Read More
November 1, 2007
Anand: From milk capital to Womb Inc?
ANAND: Ask for directions to Dr Naina Patel’s clinic and you won’t get lost in this milk capital. Among the many Charotar Patels known for their entrepreneurial skills across the globe, this is one doctor who has globalised the phenomenon … Read More
November 1, 2007
Russia Pours Billions in Oil Profits Into Nanotech Race
After sleeping through the high tech revolutions of the late 20th century, the Russian government is dumping billions into the burgeoning science of nanotechnology. The Kremlin last June announced the creation of Rosnanotekh, a state nanotechnology corporation slated for $5 … Read More
November 1, 2007
Unlikely alliance forming on healthcare
The leading small-business organization, a lobbying juggernaut that helped kill President Clinton’s health plan in the 1990s, plans to announce today that it is signing up with a diverse political coalition promoting access to affordable healthcare for all. (Los Angeles … Read More
November 1, 2007
Scientists Decode Most of Mo. Cat’s DNA
Why add cats? They get more than 200 diseases that resemble human illnesses, and knowing the details of their genetic makeup should help in the search for vaccines and treatments, researchers say. The list includes a cat version of AIDS, … Read More
November 1, 2007
47 million Americans lack health insurance: report
The number of Americans lacking health insurance rose by nearly 8.6 million to 47 million from 2000 to 2006, with children and workers from every income level losing coverage, a new report said on Thursday. (Reuters)
November 1, 2007
Chinese Chemicals Flow Unchecked Onto World Drug Market
In January, Honor International Pharmtech was accused of shipping counterfeit drugs into the United States. Even so, the Chinese chemical company — whose motto is “Thinking Much of Honor†— was openly marketing its products in October to thousands of … Read More
November 1, 2007
Vietnam’s desire for baby boys skews gender
Vietnam’s preference for boys over girls is further tipping the balance between the sexes in Asia, already skewed by a strong bias for boys among Chinese and Indians. The trend could lead to increased trafficking of women and social unrest, … Read More
November 1, 2007
Poll: Most OK Birth Control for Schools
People decisively favor letting their public schools provide birth control to students, but they also voice misgivings that divide them along generational, income and racial lines, a poll showed. (AP)
