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October 2009

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Merck and Schering-Plough receive approval for merger from EC, US, Swiss and Canadian regulators
The transaction remains subject to approval from other regulators, including China and Mexico and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009. 30 Oct 2009

Eurogentec to acquire proteomics developer AnaSpec
Belgian biotechnology lab products supplier Eurogentec S.A. has announced it has entered a final agreement for the acquisition of california protemics developer AnaSpec, Inc. 30 Oct 2009

Mother and child wait for vaccineInvestment in global health is best way to save lives, say Bill and Melinda Gates
In a joint speech to US policymakers this week, Bill and Melinda Gates called for a global push to halve child deaths worldwide by 2025. They made the case that US initiatives to fight AIDS, malaria, and other diseases in poor countries are America's best investment for saving lives. 30 Oct 2009

Microbix and Hunan Biopharmaceutical to build Asia's largest flu vaccine facility
Canadian vaccine technology company Microbix, has signed a joint venture agreement with the Hunan Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for initial financing to construct a vaccine production facility with capacity for 100m doses of seasonal flu and 300m doses of pandemic flu. 27 Oct 2009

Sinovac obtains third H1N1 vaccine order from Chinese Government
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NYSE:SVA), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, has received its third purchase order for its H1N1 vaccine, PANFLU.1, from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for the national stockpiling plan. 29 Oct 2009

eBioscience acquires Bender MedSystems' immunoassay technology
eBioscience Corporation has acquired privately held Austrian immunoassay technology pioneer Bender MedSystems GmbH in an all cash transaction. 29 Oct 2009

Smiths Detection wins $3.2m in grants to develop tests for sepsis pathogens and flu
Smiths Detection has won two grants from the US National Institutes of Health for the development of tests using its Clinical Bio-Seeq instrument. 29 Oct 2009

Image of patient's skull after surgeryPatient's own stem cells used to grow facial bone
In a first-of-its kind procedure, stem cells taken from the fat tissue of a 14-year-old boy were combined with growth protein and donor tissue to grow viable cheek bones in the boy. 29 Oct 2009

Health Robotics ships first IV medication preparation robots to US and Spain
i.v.STATION represents a revolutionary approach in the quest for safe, accurate, efficient, and cost effective intravenous and ready-to-administer patient doses.

Antibody treatment for ulcerative colitis reduces need for colon surgery
Ulcerative colitis patients had a 41% reduction in removal of their colon (colectomy) after a year when treated with the artificial antibody infliximab, according to a study led by Mayo Clinic. 29 Oct 2009

SwitchGear Genomics launches novel high-throughput screening products for profiling biological pathway regulation. 29 Oct 2009

New MRI technique for diagnosing lung disease
A new type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that uses Xenon gas to highlight details of damage to the lungs is being pioneered at The University of Nottingham. It could lead to better treatment for people with chronic lung disease and asthma. 28 Oct 2009

High tech gas sensors for premium cars turned into diagnostic device for human diseases
High-tech gas sensors normally used to test components for premium cars have been used by researchers at Warwick University to analyse human blood and urine, and even cow dung samples to test their feasibility for diagnosing diseases. 28 Oct 2009

GE Launches $250m Healthymagination Fund for healthcare technology ventures
GE's new equity fund will make investments in highly promising healthcare technology companies globally that have innovative diagnostic, IT, and life sciences technologies. 27 Oct 2009

Northern Centre for Cancer Care upgrades radiotherapy services
The Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle, UK, is upgrading its five Siemens Oncor linear accelerators to 160 multileaf collimator (MLC) capabilities to improve conformal shaping of radiotherapy treatment beams and IMRT. 27 Oct 2009

TÜV Product Service extends medical device testing service in UK
The TÜV Active Medical Device Service includes safety testing for the first time and is responding to a surge in demand from UK customers preparing for the 2012 third Edition of the Medical Electrical Equipment Standard. 27 Oct 2009

Med tech programme at Genesis 2009 biotechnology conference
Genesis 2009, the UK's leading biotechnology networking conference (10-11 December 2009) will have a significant focus on the development and commercial aspects of medical technology. 27 Oct 2009

Institute of Biomedical Engineering wins prize for outstanding contribution to innovation and technology
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, has been honoured with a top prize for innovation at the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards 2009. 27 Oct 2009

Olympus offers complete instrument set for minimally invasive LESS Surgery
Olympus has produced a complete set of minimally invasive surgical instruments for laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Access through the navel is made using a TriPort or QuadPort, through which up to three hand instruments can be simultaneously guided. 27 Oct 2009

Siemens integrates Trumpf’s OR table in its Artis angiography systems
Siemens Healthcare has integrated the TruSystem7500 operating table from Trumpf with its C-arm systems Artis zee ceiling and Artis zeego. 27 October 2009

Devlin Electronics to launch Medical division at Medica
Devlin Medical will be launched at the Medica Exhibition in Dusseldorf in November (18-21). Devlin Medical is dedicated to the development of innovative point-of-care computing systems. 27 October 2009.

Cepheid wins grant to develop ten-colour real-time PCR detection technology
Cepheid has received a notice of grant award from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop new ten-colour detection technology for use in its GeneXpert System. 27 Oct 2009

Report: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for BMS in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009

Report: AstraZeneca plc: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for AstraZeneca in the Rx pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009

Report: Abbott Laboratories: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for Abbott in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009

3M Drug Delivery Systems expands with new Singapore lab
The Singapore lab will develop products in both the inhalation and transdermal drug-delivery categories for pharmaceutical customers and patients in the Asia Pacific region. 23 October 2009

Kinaxo and Bayer Vital collaborate in cancer biomarker identification
Kinaxo will apply its quantitative phosphoproteomics technology PhosphoScout for the identification of novel biomarkers in a clinical trial conducted by Bayer Vital. 21 Oct 2009

First Latvian patients treated with Varian's RapidArc radiotherapy system
Doctors in Latvia have begun treatments using the region’s first Novalis Tx radiosurgery platform from Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB. 21 Oct 2009

Siemens wins $135 million service contract from US health system
The University of Pennsylvania Health System has awarded Siemens Healthcare a $135 million contract for integrated service management for diagnostic systems and bio-medical devices. 21 Oct 2009 Deutsch

Ethicon Endo-Surgery launch one-handed articulating endocutter
The Echelon Flex Endopath Stapler is an articulating endocutter designed to be fully operated with one hand and is designed to provide surgeons with improved access and precision during surgery while reducing interruptions. 21 Oct 2009

UK campaign to raise awareness and funds for stroke research
Siemens plc and The Stroke Association have launched the third annual Stroke for Stroke campaign, in a bid to raise awareness of stroke and to highlight the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise in its prevention. 21 Oct 2009

A DNA strand passing through the DNA microchipIBM building microchip to read human DNA and advance personalised medicine
IBM scientists are designing a microchip with nano-sized holes that could thread single strands of DNA and read the genetic code as the strand passes through. 20 Oct

Affymetrix launches platform for next-generation genotyping
The Axiom Genotyping Solution is a high-throughput, automated platform that enables researchers to find novel genetic variations associated with complex disease. 20 Oct 2009

World Courier triples clinical trial storage capacity worldwide
World Courier has opened two purpose-driven investigational drug storage facilities in Melbourne and Johannesburg, bringing its network of GMP-compliant clinical trial depots to 11 worldwide. 20 Oct 2009

Emergent BioSolutions sponsors discussion on biopreparedness in Europe
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has sponsored the Security and Defence Agenda’s roundtable discussion, Raising Biopreparedness Levels in Europe, which examined European efforts in preparing and reacting to various biological threats and the potential for European cooperation in these areas. 20 Oct 2009

Medifacts wins $2.7m contract for cardiac monitoring in clinical trial
Medifacts International Inc, has been awarded the contract to provide comprehensive cardiac safety and efficacy services for a large late-stage clinical trial. 20 Oct 2009

Stemcell Technologies releases defined, animal-protein free maintenance medium for hESCs and hiPSCs. 20 Oct 2009

DNA Precision offers tools for healthcare research, gene discovery and analysis services
DNA Precision is offering services for genetic and healthcare research. These include gene discovery, Agilent microarray processing and bioinformatics. 20 Oct 2009

SynCardia’s companion driver system for artificial heart receives CE Mark
SynCardia Systems, Companion Driver System has received CE Mark approval to power the Total Artificial Heart in Europe. 20 Oct 2009

Linguamatics announces I2E 3.1 text mining tool for pharmaceutical companies
I2E is a high performance natural language processing (NLP)-based text mining platform that streamlines knowledge discovery from text. 20 Oct 2009

Cochlear and NXP Semiconductors collaborate to produce IC devices for advanced hearing implants
The agreement includes the definition, development and supply of ultra low power speech processor and wireless communication ICs to be used in Cochlear’s next generation products. 20 Oct 2009

Serametrix Partners with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research to develop and commercialize serum-based diagnostics
This new alliance will enable rapid development and commercialization of tests that predict and monitor drug response in cancer patients. 20 Oct 2009

Norway's aging population creating impossible demand for hospital beds
SINTEF has estimated that the health service in 2030 will need to employ every second young person in the country and increase hospital bed capacity by 5000, which cannot be achieved in the timeframe. 20 Oct 2009

GE's Developing Health Globally programme commissions three hospitals in Cambodia
The Developing Health Globally corporate citizenship program is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare by addressing critical gaps in existing developing-world healthcare facilities. 20 Oct 2009

Breakthrough in lab-on-chip for fast breast cancer detection
The EU-funded MASCOT project has developed a set of modular components for construction of a lab-on-chip system for detection of tumour cells in blood samples. The modules are now ready for integration into a single lab-on-chip and clinical evaluation. 14 Oct 2009

Mathematical tool links 11 genetic variations to diabetes
Mathematicians at Michigan Technological University have developed powerful new tools for winnowing out the genes behind some of humanity’s most intractable diseases. With one they have isolated 11 variations within genes associated with type 2 diabetes.

US Army awards LiveData grant to develop integrated clinical 'plug and play' patient safety system
The US Army Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center has awarded a $730,000 research grant to LiveData, Inc. to develop an integrated clinical environment (ICE). The results are expected to benefit patients throughout the continuum of care including improvement in workflow, reductions in medical errors in particular and healthcare costs in general. 14 Oct 2009

Diabetech selects Cinterion wireless modules for GlucoMON diabetes management system
The 4th generation GlucoMON device uses Cinterion’s TC65 Terminal and works in conjunction with Diabetech’s Automated Diabetes Management System (ADMS), which helps manage and control blood glucose levels and change behaviour to avoid potentially deadly consequences of diabetes. 14 Oct 2009

Systems Biology Ireland uses HP Extreme Data Storage technology to advance new drug development
IT company HP has announced it is collaborating with Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) on life sciences research aimed at providing a powerful new way to use the strength of computers and mathematics to understand biology. 14 Oct 2009 

Baxter receives EC approval for Celvapan H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine
Celvapan H1N1 is the first cell culture-based and non-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine to receive marketing authorization in the European Union. 14 Oct 2009 

Revolutionary fertility monitor helps couples conceive without IVF
DuoFertility is a groundbreaking new fertility monitor developed by Cambridge Temperature Concepts that helps women to maximise their chances of conceiving naturally without resorting to fertility treatment. 14 Oct 2009

Claros Diagnostics receives ISO 13485 certification for point-of-care blood-test system
Claros Diagnostics, a developer of novel point-of-care immunoassay systems, has reported the receipt of corporate ISO 13485 and CMDCAS certificates of registration issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). 14 Oct 2009

Medtronic launches improved delivery system for minimally invasive treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms
Medtronic's Captivia Delivery System features tip capture for enhanced control of the Valiant thoracic stent graft during deployment and a hydrophilic coating applied to the graft cover to facilitate iliac access and delivery through patients’ vasculature. 14 Oct 2009

First drug-eluting stent for femoral artery blockage available in EU
Created by Cook Medical, the new CE Marked Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent is widely expected to improve the standard of care for many patients with serious blockages in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) by creating an effective, new treatment option. 13 Oct

Mathematical modelling enables faster development of electrical stimulation devices customised for patients
The Cleveland FES Center in the US has used model-based design tools to develop technology that more quickly restores movement to individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. 13 Oct 2009

Blood flow blockages in heart measured using wireless fractional flow reserve technology
St Jude Medical, Inc. has announced the first use of the PressureWire Aeris technology, an interventional tool which measures Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) to evaluate the severity of blood flow blockages in the arteries. 13 Oct 2009

Technology to help visually impaired ‘watch’ television on show at TechnologyWorld09
Visually impaired people can ‘watch’ TV thanks to award winning technology developed by Bristol-based Ocean Blue Software. This UK innovation is one of hundreds being showcased to international buyers at TechnologyWorld09 from 23 to 24 November in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. 12 Oct 2009

Women asking for larger breast implants
UK surgeons say that the size of breast implants women ask for has increased in the last decade. Seven years ago the average implant size women were asking for was about 240cc but today the average is between 270cc and 310cc. However, the experts say big is not always best. 12 Oct 2009

GE Healthcare launches global initiative on 10th anniversary of digital mammography
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of digital mammography and its long standing commitment to fighting breast cancer, GE Healthcare has created a digital wall of personal stories from those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, as well as doctors, scientists and fundraisers who work tirelessly against the disease. 12 Oct 2009. Deutsch Español Francais

Siemens installs ultrasound systems in three UK community and acute hospitals
Siemens has announced installation of its Acuson ultrasound systems at three UK hospitals for use in outpatients, a range of maternity uses, foetal medicine and general medicine, in Malvern, Barnet and Wolverhampton. 9 Oct 2009

Wellcome Trust and Merck launch joint venture to develop affordable vaccines for low-income countries
The Wellcome Trust and Merck have created the MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories, a first of its kind research and development joint venture with a not-for-profit mission to focus on developing affordable vaccines to prevent diseases that commonly affect low-income countries. 9 Oct 2009

DSM Biomedical develops polymer platform for artificial hips and knees
DSM Biomedical has improved the properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) which has long been used in artificial joints, giving stronger implants with better long-term stability. 9 Oct 2009

Medtronic launches intraoperative nerve integrity monitors for surgeons
During minimally invasive or traditional open surgery them monitors enable surgeons to identify and confirm motor nerve function and monitor major motor nerves throughout the body, such as cranial nerves in a patient’s head, face and neck. 9 Oct 2009

Corning increases lab portfolio with acquisition of Axygen BioScience
Corning Incorporated has acquired all the shares of Axygen BioScience, Inc. and its subsidiaries from American Capital Ltd. (Nasdaq:ACAS) for approximately US$400 million in cash. 9 Oct 2009

Diagram showing eyetooth implanted in the eye as a base for holding a new lensBlind patient regains sight with 'eyetooth' implanted in eye
A woman blind for nine years has regained her sight through a surgical procedure called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis which implanted part of a tooth in her eye, as a base to hold a prosthetic lens. 9 Oct 2009

Phadia launches two diagnostic tests for celiac disease
Phadia's has developed the non-invasive serological tests for celiac disease with the aim to replace the biopsy procedure, especially in children. 9 Oct 2009

Philips upgrades Allura Xper cardio-vascular x-ray systems
Philips has launched a new upgrade program for its Allura Xper family of cardio/vascular x-ray devices. The complimentary upgrade will be provided globally to more than 2000 customers with Customer Service Agreements. 8 Oct 2009

Viatronix awarded Frost & Sullivan European medical imaging emerging company of the year
Frost & Sullivan has awarded the European Medical Imaging Emerging Company of the Year Award in the radiology applications market to Viatronix for its innovative 3D computer imaging technologies for diagnostic imaging. 8 Oct 2009

The Bioreactor remote control suite on iPhoneDASGIP launches bioreactor control system on iPhone
DASGIP AG, a provider of bioreactor systems at benchtop scale, has launched a Remote Control Suite to remotely observe and access running processes on an iPhone, iPod touch or notebook computer. 8 Oct 2009

Philips develops breakthrough photomultiplier for medical imaging and diagnostics
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has announced that its scientists have developed a highly innovative digital silicon photomultiplier technology that will allow faster and more accurate photon (the basic quantum unit of light) counting in a wide range of applications where ultra-low light levels need to be measured. 8 Oct 2009

French biotech companies seek UK partners: BIOMED-Connect Oct 12, London
The London Branch of Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon, with support from the London Technology Network, is holding BIOMED-Connect, a business convention, on Monday October 11th from 2.00pm to 9.00pm open to all companies in the medical technology sector. 7 Oct 2009

Half of people with type 2 diabetes suffer from 'hidden' hypos
Nearly half of people with Type 2 diabetes (excluding those treated with insulin) experienced at least one 'hypo' — an episode of low blood glucose that can result in symptoms ranging from sweating to a loss of consciousness — according to a new survey. 7 Oct 2009

BD launches expanded line of Visitec single-use microsurgical instruments
BD Medical — Ophthalmic Systems, a unit of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), has announced the worldwide launch of its expanded line of the BD Visitec stainless steel single-use instruments and customised trays. 7 Oct 2009

Biochemical pathways that could reverse aging of human muscle discovered
By manipulating the pathways, researchers were able to turn back the clock on old human muscle, restoring its ability to repair and rebuild itself. 5 Oct 2009

Promising results for rapid viral diagnosis tests in emergency rooms
Rapid viral diagnosis tests for respiratory diseases in children who arrive in emergency departments have the potential to reduce pressures on health systems by enabling doctors to reach a quicker diagnosis, according to Cochrane Researchers. 5 Oct 2009

Blindness in Nigeria set to rise 40% — mostly preventable
By 2020, 1.4 million Nigerians over age 40 will lose their sight, and the vast majority of the causes are either preventable or treatable, according to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Study Group. 5 Oct 2009

Measuring pancreatic fat with MRS may help predict diabetes
Measuring pancreatic fat content non-invasively using magnetic resonance spectroscopy could one day serve as an effective clinical tool to identify those at high risk of diabetes and monitor interventions designed to prevent the disease. 5 Oct 2009

New test identifies active TB in smear-negative patients
Researchers in the Tuberculosis Network European Trialsgroup have found that the enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot) can detect active tuberculosis in patients with negative sputum tests and give test results in one day. 5 Oct 2009

Breast cancer detector with a unique touch
Researchers at Drexel University in the US are developing a new portable, low-cost, breast cancer detector based on piezoelectric fingers that measure stiffness and mobility of breast tissue. 5 Oct 2009

Electrical nerve stimulation could complement medicinal pain management
A recent study on the short-term effects of high and low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on neuropathic pain following spinal chord injury showed that a significant amount of patients can gain benefit from the treatment. 5 Oct 2009

Omron unveils blood pressure monitor modules for OEM applications
Two new blood pressure monitoring modules can be easily integrated into new or existing medical device manufacturers' OEM systems, one aimed at hospital grade devices and a lower-cost option for high accuracy home and telemedicine environments. 2 Oct 2009

UTAS chooses ADI Blackfin processors for patient monitoring and diagnostics devices
Patient  monitoring and diagnostics device manufacturer UTAS has selected Analog Devices' Blackfin processors to ensure high-performance digital signal processing operations and robust functionality across its full line of products. 2 Oct 2009

InVivo licenses CEVEC pharmaceuticals' human CAP-T technology for production of recombinant proteins
This license enables InVivo to offer its customers the production of their diagnostic and preclinical grade material very fast and in highest quality, including authentic human glycosylation patterns. 2 Oct 2009

Sigma-Aldrich receives award from The Michael J Fox Foundation to develop clinical research models for Parkinson's disease
Sigma-Aldrich and The Michael J. Fox Foundation have announced a collaboration that is expected to develop more accurate preclinical research models of Parkinson’s disease based on the company's novel CompoZr zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology. 2 Oct 2009

The Micropaq monitorHandheld cardiac monitors reduce risk for cardiac surgery patients at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Handheld devices that monitor blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels, have been put in place in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) to prevent complications, such as cardiac arrest and deep vein thrombosis. 2 Oct 2009

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September 2009

Cancer awareness scheme launched at English football clubs
A new scheme launched today at five English football clubs will help educate men about the symptoms and risks of ‘male’ cancers — prostate, lung and bowel cancer — and encourage them to go to their doctor earlier when they show the symptoms. 26 Sept 2009

Scanning electron micrograph of HIV (green spheres) budding from cultured lymphocyte. Photo credit: C Goldsmith, US CDCThailand HIV vaccine trial first to show preventive effect
The world's largest clinical trial of an investigational vaccine regimen has shown that it is well-tolerated and has a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in strains present in Thailand. 25 Sept 2009

Revolutionary antibody technology gives hope for vaccine against genetically diverse HIV
For the first time an antigen has been created that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by genetically-diverse strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 25 Sept 2009

METRC calls for project proposals in the "science of everyday things"
METRC the N8 Molecular Engineering Translational Research Centre based at Sheffield University, has launched its Autumn 2009 Proof of Concept Funding Call for industry–academic partnership projects. Up to £50,000 is available for each project. 23 Sept 2009

InVitria launches Optiferrin for mammalian cell culture
Optiferrin is a cell culture supplement which supports cell growth by regulating the amount of iron transported to the cell. 23 Sept 2009

AorTech licenses heart valve to SynCardia for use in artificial heart
This agreement licenses the use of AorTech’s Elast-Eon polymer heart valve (PHV) in the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart, as well as the company’s future family of pulsatile products. 23 Sept 2009

An i-Limb handTouch Bionics wins silver medal in Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards
Scottish company Touch Bionics, developer of the world’s first multi-articulating bionic hand, has won silver in the 2009 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards and also won top honours in the Medical-Devices category for its i-LIMB Hand. 23 Sept 2009

Phico Therapeutics reaches first human clinical trials with novel MRSA-beating antibacterial technology
The new technology is based on the antibiotic protein SASP which is delivered into the target bacterial cells by bacteriophages. 23 Sept 2009

Siemens introduces dedicated ultrasound system for obstetrics and gynecology
Siemens Healthcare has introduced a dedicated ultrasound system for obstetrics and gynaecology, the Acuson X300 ultrasound system, PremiumEdition (PE) — Women’s Imaging. The system features exceptional clinical performance across all modes, including 3D/4D imaging. 23 Sept 2009

Hamilton launches ARC sensor technology for fluid measurement
Hamilton Company, a producer of precision fluid measurement devices, has announced the Hamilton ARC concept, a new sensor family for process control that includes pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity measurements. 23 Sept 2009

A cheeck swab being taken from a ChimpanzeeChimpanzees trained to help DNA research
Geneticists at Leicester University are receiving willing assistance from chimpanzees at Twycross Zoo. The chimps have been trained to enable keepers to take their DNA samples with cheek swabs. 23 Sept 2009

HIV vaccine a step closer with discovery of new potent antibodies
Two powerful new antibodies to HIV that reveal what may be an Achilles heel on the virus have been found. Researchers will now try to exploit the newfound vulnerability on the virus to craft novel approaches to designing an AIDS vaccine. 22 Sept

Cepheid accelerates development of rapid flu A panel test
Cepheid has announced the accelerated development of a Flu A Panel test for use on the GeneXpert System. The test will be designed to provide 45-minute identification of flu A infection, with specific presumptive identification of seasonal H1, seasonal H3, and H1N1 novel strain types. 22 Sept 2009

Pandemic flu H1N1 can cause more severe lung infection than seasonal flu
Pandemic swine flu can infect cells deeper in the lungs than seasonal flu, which may explain why people infected with the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza are more likely to suffer more severe symptoms than those infected with the seasonal strain of H1N1. 21 Sept 2009

Large differences in cardiovascular mortality and national prevention policies across EU
Research from a three-year programme to analyse cardiovascular health and prevention policies in 16 European countries shows heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Europe but there are huge differences in both national prevention policies and levels of cardiovascular mortality between countries. 21 Sept 2009

Functioning model of human brain could be built within 10 years
A model that replicates the functions of the human brain is feasible in 10 years, according to neuroscientist Professor Henry Markram of the Brain Mind Institute in Switzerland. 21 Sept 2009

Cardinal Health spin-off CareFusion starts trading on NYSE
CareFusion Corp. was launched as an independent, publicly traded company at the beginning of the month. CareFusion products include Pyxis automated dispensing systems, Alaris IV pumps, ChloraPrep V. Mueller surgical instruments. 21 Sept 2009

eBioscience corporation acquires NatuTec GmbH
eBioscience Corporation, a San Diego-based producer of cell analysis reagents to biotechnology laboratories has announced the acquisition of Frankfurt-based NatuTec GmbH, a distributor of high-quality biological research reagents. 21 Sept 2009.

Abbott to acquire cardiac valve device company Evalve
The acquisition provides Abbott with a presence in the growing area of non-surgical treatment for structural heart disease for a cost of up to $410 million. 21 Sept 2009

US FDA approves four vaccines for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. 21 Sept 2009

World Alzheimer's Day: report shows more than 35 million with dementia worldwide
Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) has released a new report to mark World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September 2009. It shows more than 35 million people will have dementia in 2010, a 10% increase over figures reported in 2005, and a doubling nearly every 20 years. 21 Sept 2009. Deutsch Français Español

Does government do enough for SMEs?
The UK Chartered Institute of Marketing has launched its latest Agenda Paper, Access all areas? which asks what kind of help does government really offer SMEs. 19 Sept 2009

New role discovered for vitamin C in protecting the skin
Researchers at the University of Leicester and the Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have discovered new protective properties of vitamin C in cells from the human skin. It could lead to development of better skin-regeneration products. 19 Sept 2009

12th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) London, 20-24 Sept. 19 Sept 2009

Sterilin secures laboratory supplies chain in case of disruption from pandemic flu
British manufacturer Sterilin Ltd has geared up to ensure ‘pandemic-proof’ production and distribution of essential laboratory testing supplies from its South Wales facility. 19 Sept 2009

Leica SCN400 slide scanner for optimal histological examinations
The new Leica SCN400 Slide Scanner offers an alternative to the microscope for the examination of histological samples in pathology, research, and teaching. 19 Sept 2009

PROdesign launches 96-well plate cell-feeding station for live cell imaging
PROdesign GmbH has launched the PROcellcare cell-feeding station  based on a 96-well plate. It supplies live cells (in vitro) under the microscope with biological nutrient and working solutions thus allowing the scientist/developer to execute efficient and automatic dispensing and controlling processes of the equipment. 18 Sept 2009

Birmingham Children’s Hospital completes development of laboratory system for newborn blood screening
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) has completed a project to improve laboratory services for screening of newborn babies in the West Midlands.  A new laboratory system is being used to manage the screening of bloodspots, taken by heelprick from 70,000 newborn infants each year. 17 Sept 2009

UK Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network supports €1 billion EC investment in technology
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, has announced its support for the €1bn that has been made available by the European Commission for new projects. 17 September 2009

PrimerDesign develops world's first test kit for Tamiflu-resistant swine flu
Gene detection specialists PrimerDesign have developed a swine flu test kit that identifies the Tamiflu-resistant strain within 2 hours compared to the usual three days. 11 Sept 2009

Gold-coated nanotubes used as imaging agent to detect tumour cells
The imaging agents could be used as a more efficient and less toxic alternative to nanoparticles and fluorescent labels used in targeted molecular detection of normal cells, cancer cells and bacteria. 11 Sept 2009

European pharmaceutical companies ahead of US in drug discovery
A new analysis of 20 years of data contradicts previously published claims that United States pharmaceutical companies are better innovators than their European counterparts, and questions whether Americans actually benefit from the higher prices they pay for many prescription medications. 11 Sept 2009

First evidence of virus in prostate cancer cells
A type of virus known to cause leukemia and sarcomas in animals has been found for the first time in malignant human prostate cancer cells. If it is proven to cause the cancer it would open opportunities for developing diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapies for treatment. 11 Sept 2009

Encap in colonic drug delivery licensing deal with London University
London University's drug delivery system, Phloral, has unique coating technology designed to target the release of drugs to the colon and will form part of a range of colonic delivery systems promoted by Encap under the name Encode. 10 Sept 2009

Siemens and SurgiVision to develop MRI-guided cardiac electrophysiology system
The companies will partner to develop and commercialize a real-time MRI-guided cardiac electrophysiology (EP) system.  They will also collaborate with the University of Utah to bring it to the clinic stage. 10 Sept 2009

First patient implanted with St Jude's Brio neurostimulator
St. Jude Medical, Inc. has announced the first implant of the Brio neurostimulator and the EU approval of the device, which it claims is the world’s smallest, longest-lasting rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device for treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 10 Sept 2009

Education and defibrillators needed to reduce sudden death during sport
More widespread availability of defibrillators and education of the general public could boost survival rates fourfold amongst athletes suffering cardiac arrest. 10 Sept 2009

Reperfusion therapy can cut risk of dying from heart attack by half
Effective reperfusion therapy provides a timely and sustainable reopening of the blockage. The wider use of reperfusion therapy in patients with heart attack (AMI) can save millions of lives. 10 Sept 2009

Mederi Therapeutics launches radiotherapy treatment for bowel incontinence
The Secca therapy delivers radiofrequency energy to the muscles of the anal canal, which tightens the muscles, producing better bowel control and reducing the symptoms of incontinence. 10 Sept 2009

PerkinElmer launches multiple steroid diagnostic kit for hormone and endocrine disorders
The Child Health System steroid profiling kit and data suite software can simultaneously measure ten different steroids in biological samples for diagnosing hormone imbalances or endocrine diseases in both children and adults. 10 Sept. Espanol

IDRI licenses NanoPass microneedle technology for intradermal delivery
IDRI has licensed NanoPass' proprietary MicronJet microneedle technology for the intradermal delivery of products against a number of diseases including tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, leishmaniasis and leprosy. 10 Sept 2009

Illumina delivers first individual's genome sequence through new service
Illumina, Inc. has delivered the genome sequence for the first customer of its new gene sequencing service. It points to a future where genome sequencing will become a routine practice that will enable physicians to make better healthcare decisions for the individual. 5 September 2009

St Jude Medical announces European launch of remote cardiac care network
The Merlin.net Patient Care Network (PCN) is a secure, Internet-based remote care system for patients with implanted medical devices. It gathers and stores data from the implant procedure, in-clinic follow-up visits and from remote transmissions sent from a patient’s home. 5 Sept 2009

NeuroLogica announces FDA clearance for inSPira HD: portable high resolution SPECT
The inSPira HD is a battery-powered, high resolution, portable SPECT designed primarily for brain imaging. 5 Sept 2009

TransEnterix lauds study results for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical platform
Surgeons from the United States and Paraguay have successfully performed first-in-man studies of TransEnterix's revolutionary single-incision, single-port, four-channel laparoscopic surgical platform called the SPIDER System. 5 Sept 2009

GE Healthcare and TomTec Imaging Systems co-operate in cardiology IT
GE Healthcare and TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH, have entered into a formal strategic co-operation contract to improve their echocardiography systems. 5 Sept 2009

New TRUST trial data confirms clinical benefits of home cardiac monitoring
Trial data demonstrates the benefits of the Biotronik Home Monitoring system in the early detection of patient clinical events as well as the safe reduction of in-office follow-up visits. 5 Sept 2009. Deutsch

PsychoGenics and AstraZeneca in agreement to identify new treatments for central nervous system disorders. 5 Sept 2009

Sectra signs multi-year contract with Nordic region’s largest radiology company
Sectra and Norwegian company Curato have signed a six-year partnership agreement for Sectra’s RIS/PACS products and services in a contract worth about SEK 100 million. 5 Sept 2009

Bruker announces availability of world’s first 18 Tesla FTMS magnet
This will open up new capabilities in mass spectrometry in a variety of research areas, including protein identification, petroleomics, metabolomics, small molecule tissue molecular imaging, and environmental sample analysis.  5 Sept 2009. Deutsch

Swansea Centre for Nanohealth awarded £1m to study safety of nanoparticles
Researchers at Swansea University’s Centre for NanoHealth have been awarded a £1 million grant to analyse the levels at which nanoparticles can be deemed safe within cells. 5 Sept 2009

World-first swine-flu vaccine trial reveals one dose provides 'strong immune response'
A clinical trial in the UK of Novartis MF59-adjuvanted cell-based A (H1N1) vaccine indicates that the vaccine is well-tolerated and one dose elicits a strong immune response. 5 Sept 2009

Cause of neurological interference by carbon nanotubes discovered
A team of Brown University researchers in the US has found that the cause is the metal catalysts used to form the tubes, especially the metal yttrium. 1 September 2009

Diagnostic Hybrids releases Thyretain for specific detection of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin
Thyretain is the first FDA-cleared test that specifically detects TSI and is to be used as an aid in the differential diagnosis of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder.1 September 2009

The space shuttleSpace Shuttle carries vaccine processing platform to International Space Station
The Space Shuttle Discovery carried a scientific payload for the International Space Station from Austin-based Astrogenetix that will help develop vaccine candidates for MRSA and Salmonella. 1 September 2009

Opsonic Therapeutics to develop RAS and mRNA technology from Tripep and Cosmix. 1 September 2009

MicroPhage opens clinical trial on bacteriophage-based platform to identify MRSA
The MicroPhage platform is based on bacteriophage amplification to rapidly identify bacterial infections and determine antibiotic susceptibility. 1 September 2009

The US NIH awards Advaxis $210,000 for the development of dual antigen vaccine
Advaxis has been awarded the grant from the US National Institutes of Health to develop a single bioengineered Listeria monocytogenes vaccine to deliver two different antigen-adjuvant proteins. 1 September 2009

Cerus’ Intercept blood system receives Swiss approval. 1 September

3M introduces first electronic stethoscope with Bluetooth wireless
3M has introduced the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, a next-generation auscultation device featuring Bluetooth technology that wirelessly transfers heart, lung and other body sounds to computer systems software for further analysis. 1 September 2009

The Gambia launches national vaccination campaign against child-killing disease
The Gambia has launched a national immunisation programme with the help of the GAVI Alliance to eradicate pneumococcal disease, one of the leading causes of child death worldwide. 1 September 2009 Francais

CLC bio delivers specialised immunoinformatics solution to Symphogen
CLC bio has completed a specialized immunoinformatics system that is fully customized to fit into Symphogen’s proprietary Symplex technology for high throughput identification of antibodies with diversity and specificity customized to a particular therapeutic application. 1 September 2009

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