Screenings beneficial in common tuberculosis areas
In areas of the UK where tuberculosis has a high prevalence, screenings could increase diagnosis both of active and latent forms of the disease and therefore could help prevent its spread.
A simple blood test may reduce mortality in heart failure patients
Researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles found out that the blood level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a neurohormone released by the heart when it is stressed or damaged, provided a direct relationship with in-hospital mortality. So a simple blood test can predict in-hospital mortality risk for heart failure patients.
Article • Blood products and radiofrequency identification (RFID)
Bar coding saves blood products
The Sato Corporation specialises in barcode printing - established in Japan, it pioneered the first hand labellers in 1962 and, in 1974, developed a printer able to print barcodes and OCR characters.
A new study could revolutionise drug testing
Researchers have made a breakthrough by detecting the electrical equivalent of a living cell's last gasp. The work takes them a step closer to both seeing the 'heartbeat' of a living cell and a new way to test drugs.
New quick test for MRSA delivers results in just 5 hours
The methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common causes of life threatening infections among hospital patients. What makes the bacterium that dangerous is the fact, that due to unspecific symptoms and long lasting testing procedures its detection takes too long. A new test that delivers results in just five hours now offers the possibility of a MRSA screening for…
Better records reveal more bugs
UK - According to new figures obtained from death certificates by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) deaths involving Clostridium difficile rose by 69% to 3,800 in the 2004-05 period, whilst MRSA increased by 39% to 1,629. (In two hospitals in one city, C. difficile was linked to the deaths of 12 patients in just four weeks and, in another city, in one eight-month period, at least 49 people…
Seeking life's chemical processes
Since the human genome was mapped 'systems biology' centres have sprung up all over Europe, including Bioquant in Heidelberg, Germany.
For use with microscopes
The new Olympus E-330 micro-imaging system for microscopy includes the world's first digital SLR camera to show real-time frame images on the LCD, the company reports. `The system is based around a 7.5 Megapixel sensor, which together with an array of unique features delivers incredibly sharp and vibrant images directly onto a 2.5 inch high-resolution colour LCD. Other features of the micro…
Norovirus epidemic in Germany
Fortunately, the influenza virus has not swapped over to Germany yet because the country has enough to do with the norovirus which is expected to attack up to one million people during the next weeks. People affected by the virus suffer from strong nausea and diarrhoea that last at least two days.
Influenza season has begun
Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland are the first European countries affected by an increase of the influenza virus. Other countries will follow over the coming weeks and should prepare.
Top-Class scientific lectures and lively discussions in Heidelberg
Four times a year, the “Leica Scientific Forum — Advances in Life Science” offers top-class lectures, with eminently respectable speakers in the field of medicine like Noble prize winner Professor Dr. Erwin Neher from the Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, who was guest speaker at the last Forum this year on December 5. The Forum – which takes place in Heidelberg…
Live cell imaging
Bio-imaging Facility at the University of Manchester ordered three new Nikon eC1 confocal microscopes.
Molecular diagnostics
Human genetic testing centre gains international quality accreditation.
Automated analyses
Advia LabCell Modular Automation Systems integrate clinical chemistry, immunodiagnostics, haematology, urinalysis, and other hospital and laboratory areas.
Analysis made easier
The Leica DMD108 has been designed to ease the growing workload in histopathology laboratories.
Blood test may detect Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear
A new blood test is under development that has detected two kinds of proteins found in people suffering Alzheimer's.
Electro-medical safety tester meets new IEC 62353 standard
Rigel Medical, part of the Seaward Group, has launched a new biomedical electrical safety analyser.
Ever expanding rapid diagnostic products
Inverness Medical Innovations develops and manufactures rapid diagnostic products for use in preventive as well as interventional therapies.
Community acquired pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major health problem globally. A new test now quickly identify pathogens. BinaxNOW tests quickly identify pathogens
DNA copying
Researchers have made a significant new discovery about how cells copy their genetic information accurately and efficiently to avoid cancers and other diseases.
Advancements in Telepathology
Professor Werner Schlake, President of the German professional association of pathologists, described teleconsultation as the most significant application of telepathology.
Stem Cells
By Professor Gustav Steinhoff MD, director of the Department for Cardiac Surgery, and Christof Stamm MD, co-ordinator of clinical studies, at Rostock University, Germany
Appendicitis complicated by chickenpox
Surgeons Sergey V Stonogin, specialist in infectious cases, Eugeny V Dvorovenko, Head of Emergency Surgery, and Vladimir A Chaplin, endoscopy specialist - report on results from their study to assess the most effective, safe combination of antibiotics to treat patients with acute appendicitis complicated by chickenpox
