Information and communications technology news

Analog Devices’ new data acquisition chip gives faster, clearer images for CT scanners
The new current-to-digital converter chip that enables high slice count CT systems to capture real-time moving images with a high degree of accuracy and detail. 16 February 2009

Website for patients to share diagnostic-quality medical images
US company Heart Imaging Technologies (HeartIT) has launched a free website allowing patients to upload and share diagnostic-quality medical images using just a standard web browser.  16 February 2009

Computerised brain exercises improve memory and attention
Computerised brain exercises can improve memory and lead to faster thinking according to a new study of commercial brain training software. 14 February 2009

Anvita Health launches mobile viewer for Google Health
Anvita Health, formerly known as SafeMed, an integrated partner of Google Health, has released a new mobile viewer for Google Health that is built on the Android mobile device platform. 12 February 2009

New online resource to support children with type 1 diabetes
Sanofi-aventis US has announced the availability of the diabetes KidCare Kit, a multimedia resource that will provide children and their families with valuable tools and information to help guide them through the difficult but crucial first 30 days following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 12 February 2009

Bluegiga provides health device profile for Bluetooth OEM modules
The Bluetooth Health Device Profile (HDP) significantly simplifies and reducing the need for engineering and testing time for any type of health or medical device. 11 February 2009

Navigenics launches portal to give doctors access to patients' genomic information
For patients choosing to receive a Navigenics service through their physician, this portal allows the physician to integrate patients’ genetic information into personalized health plans designed to help diagnose early or prevent a number of health conditions. 10 February 2009

Ontario grants Agfa Healthcare $29.6-million to create jobs for developing radiology software
The award is to help create 100 new jobs and support existing jobs by supporting Agfa in the development of new software that allows radiologists to share digital images across a regional network. 31 January 2009

Under-skin sensor to monitor blood glucose of Type 1 diabetics
Diabetes experts based at Southampton General Hospital will fit the tiny devices to participants' stomachs and use them in conjunction with watch-like armbands, which will check participants' physical activity. 31 January 2009

Medusa Siren ePCR Suite integrates with Philips HeartStart MRx monitor/ defibrillator
Medusa Medical Technologies Inc. has announced that its electronic patient care reporting software, the Siren ePCR Suite, now has an interface with the Philips HeartStart MRx monitor/defibrillator. 31 January 2009

Sigma-Aldrich launches bioscience web portal
Sigma-Aldrich and Ingenuity Systems have launched Your Favorite Gene powered by Ingenuity, a web-based biological search portal for exploring dynamic gene-based content. 31 January 2009

ICON launches electronic system for clinical trial adjudication
ICON plc  has announced the launch of a new electronic system that will accelerate the adjudication of cardiovascular events in diabetes studies. 31 January 2009

iPhone used to provide therapy for stutterers
Scientists at the US Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) have completed successful trials using Apple's iPhone as a stuttering therapy tool to enhance the transfer of new fluency skills from the clinical setting into real-life situations. 31 January 2009

Telehealth users forecast to exceed 55m worldwide by 2016
A new report from InMedica forecasts exceptional growth in the number of telehealth subscribers over the next decade due to the increased use of telehealth services for chronic disease management. 31 January 2009

Iris BioTechnologies launches Health Passport for personalized and targeted medicine
BioWindows is a HIPAA compliant, web based, medical information storage system that allows participants to grant selective or full sharing capabilities of their confidential medical and lifestyle information to physicians or family members anywhere in the world. 28 January 2009

Haptic devices deliver more realistic, and safer medical training
SensAble Technologies, Inc highlighted novel touch-enabled applications for medical training and simulation using the company’s haptic devices and software at the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality conference in Long Beach California last week. 28 January 2009

New Venture Partners and Unilever Ventures invest in personalised weight management system
New Venture Partners LLC, the global venture capital firm dedicated to corporate technology spinouts, and Unilever Ventures, the early stage venture arm of Unilever, have jointly invested in MiLife, a company focused on providing technology solutions for personalised weight management. 25 January 2009

Elsevier launches SciTopics, expert-generated web resource for researchers
Elsevier has launched SciTopics, a free online expert-generated knowledge sharing service for the research community to quickly offer scientific, technical and medical knowledge on a variety of subjects. 25 January 2009

Interactive report maps out useful technology for the aging
The US Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released an interactive version of its State of Technology in Aging Services Report that lays out the categories of technologies that exist and are under development to meet the needs of aging consumers and highlights what companies are doing to serve this growing market segment. 13 January 2009

UK NanoKTN supports EC's €1.8bn investment in ICT research
The UK Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) has announced its support for the €1.8bn that has been made available for research projects by the European Commission, through their Information Communications Technology (ICT) fund. 9 January 2009

EU agency issues position paper on security for Web 2.0
The European Network & Information Security Agency (ENISA) has issued a new report that explains the risk of Web 2.0 — photo sharing, wikis, social bookmarking and social networking — and 'malware 2.0', a new breed of web-borne infections. 9 January 2008

CMPMedica signs global contract with iSOFT for drug information decision support tools
CMPMedica's information solution will power iSOFT's suite of decision-support tools. These tools enable healthcare professionals to make better informed decisions at the point of care and thus improve patient outcomes. 9 January 2008

Visage Imaging receives US clearance for medical imaging software
Visage Imaging has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its latest thin-client product release, Visage CS 3.1, which has cardiac neuroradiology and oncology applications. 6 January 2009

Mathematical breakthrough could remove donuts from MRI scanners
Researchers in Ohio and France have solved a longstanding scientific mystery involving magnetic resonance — the physical phenomenon that allows the MRI scanners used by hospitals to take images of tissues deep within the human body. Their discovery, a new mathematical algorithm, should lead to new MRI techniques with more informative and sharper images. 8 December 2008

IBM breaks new ground with open-standard medical imaging and archiving solutions
IBM has unveiled a powerful combination of advanced imaging and information archiving technologies that provides healthcare and medical research organisations with complete and timely access to critical imaging and diagnostic information at the point of care — regardless of the source, age or location of the information. 8 December 2008

Computer model improves design of ultrasound transducer
Researcher Koos Huijssen of the Delft University of Technology has developed a computer model that can predict the sound transmission of improved designs for ultrasound transducers. It will lead to better imaging for ultrasound scanners. 4 December 2008

Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry uses MathWorks parallel computing tools for cancer research
The Institute studies the relationship between the structure and activity of macromolecular protein complexes, which requires processing of vast amounts of data. 24 November 2008

Violent video games have physiological effects on teenage boys
Swedish Researchers studying heart rate and other parameters in boys playing video games found heart rate variability was affected to a higher degree when the boys were playing games focusing on violence. 18 November 2008

Elsevier expands eclinical solutions in Europe
Elsevier is increasing its efforts to provide interactive clinical reference and clinical decision support (CDS) tools to new markets in Europe. It has launched DoctorConsult — the German language version of MD Consult. 5 November 2008

Sectra and DIPS co-operate to provide IT systems for Norwegian hospitals. 1 Nov 2008

Google awards $14 million for research using its disease prediction technology
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google has awarded the grants to support partners working in Southeast Asia and Africa to help prevent the next pandemic. Google.org's Predict and Prevent initiative is supporting efforts to identify hot spots where diseases may emerge, detect new pathogens circulating in animal and human populations, and respond to outbreaks before they become global crises. 27 October 2008

Philips adds Respironics to Moore microprocessor patent license. 27 October 2008

iMDsoft wins clinical data management contract in Norway
iMDsoft and ErgoGroup have signed a framework agreement with Helse Sør-Øst RHF (South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority) to provide integrated clinical data management services to the Health Trusts and related hospitals in southeast Norway. The value of the project is estimated to be up to 29 million. 20 October 2008

An example simulation using the modelPandemic flu models help determine food distribution and school closing strategies
The 1918 flu pandemic killed more than 40 million people worldwide and affected persons of all age groups. While it is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed models to help organisations such as emergency services and education authorities prepare emergency response plans. 16 October 2008

LIFE Biosystems to deploy TEMIS' clinical text analysis solution Luxid
LIFE Biosystems has entered into a strategic software and services agreement with TEMIS to use TEMIS' Luxid for Life Sciences solution to expedite the analysis of clinical and molecular data from diverse textual information sources. 14 October 2008 Francais Deutsch

NextBio search engine for life sciences shows rapid growth in users
NextBio, a life sciences search engine that enables researchers and clinicians to search and correlate public scientific data and literature, share their own research findings and collaborate with colleagues, achieved 150,000 unique monthly visitors to its website in September 2008.

Bluetooth system orients blind and sighted pedestrians in urban environments
A new system based on Bluetooth wireless technology places a layer of information technology over the real world to tell pedestrians about points of interest along their path as they pass them. 5 October 2008

Kit to design your own bio-feedback clothing
Textronics is offering a developer’s kit that includes the company’s textile electrodes for use by designers, researchers and product developers interested in creating their own interactive wearable prototypes. 1 October 2008

SCM Microsystems' ehealth terminal approved for German eHealth card program
SCM Microsystems, Inc. has announced that its ehealth200 BCS terminal has been approved by the gematik, the German healthcare organization overseeing the implementation of Germany's ehealth card program. 29 September 2008

Computer modelling provides breakthrough in psoriasis management
LEO Pharma has unveiled a ground-breaking computer-modelling tool designed to help those involved in the assessment, planning and provision of psoriasis treatment in primary care to balance optimum outcomes with the growing need for cost control. 23 September 2008

Online health record of limited use for diabetic patients
An online personal health record system that allowed people with diabetes to check their lab results and get guidance about medication proved to be of only limited use in improving their health outcomes, according to a new American study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. 23 September 2008

Picis launches critical care information system
Picis has launched eView for Critical Care Manager, part of the company's CareSuite family of software for intensive care units. The new product is designed to consolidate clinical information for the entire intensive care unit (ICU) patient census and present it in a concise, web-based view to help clinicians identify patients requiring attention. 23 September 2008

The Heart Guard cardiographEarly warning system for cardiac patients
Latvian company Integris Ltd, has developed an inexpensive, real-time heart activity monitor for personal use. The device is small enough to be worn continuously and can monitor both heart activity and the patient's physical activity and alerts the patient of abnormalities. 9 September 2008

Data analysis methods for classification of patient samples shown to be worthless
Computer-based methods that have been used for 25 years for classifying patient samples are worthless, according to researchers at Uppsala University, Sweden. 9 September 2008

Medicsight's colonography analysis software receives Brazilian regulatory approval
Medicsight PLC, the London-based developer of computer-aided detection and medical image analysis software has received approval from the Brazilian regulatory agency, Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA), for its ColonCAD software. 3 September 2008

Handys werden zu Gesundheitsberatern für Kids (Mobile phones as health advisers for children. Article is in German — you can translate text online). 27 August 2008

Online resource for diabetes self management
A complete online diabetes self-management education program, has been launched by the University of California, San Francisco Diabetes Teaching Center. 27 August 2008

St Jude Medical wireless transmitter for implanted cardiac devices gains FDA approval
The Merlin@home transmitter is a wireless system that transmits data from implanted cardiac devices and enables remote monitoring of patients by medical staff. 2 August 2008

iCAD records revenue growth of 73%
Computer-aided cancer detection systems supplier iCAD, Inc. has announced announced record revenue of $10.5 million for the second, quarter of 2008 up 73% over last year. 1 August 2008

Agfa and GE demonstrate interoperability of globally distributed PACS
CT scans were shared over the internet, at the UK Radiological Congress (UKRC) In Birmingham, between Agfa and GE PACS with interaction with systems in France and the US. 30 July 2008

Devlin launches infection-control keyboard in multiple languages
UK company Devlin has responded to growing demand in Europe for infection-control products with the launch of its CleanKey infection- control keyboard in six European languages. 29 July 2008

Agfa HealthCare integrates OrthoView into IMPAX
Agfa HealthCare and Southampton, UK based Meridian Technique Ltd have signed an agreement to integrate Meridian's orthopaedic digital planning solution, OrthoView, into Agfa HealthCare's IMPAX for Orthopaedics solution. 17 July 2008

Varian ranked first in oncology IT vendors
Varian Medical Systems was ranked the leading supplier in its class in an independent study released by KLAS, a research firm that specialises in monitoring and reporting on the performance of healthcare vendors. 16 July 2008

The in-home patient device of the Intel Health Guide systemIntel receives FDA clearance for personal health system
The Intel Health Guide combines an in-home patient device that has interactive tools for personalised care management and can integrate patient-monitoring devices, and an online interface allowing clinicians to monitor patients and remotely manage care. 14 July 2008

RFID tags could cause medical device malfunction
Radio frequency identification devices have the potential to cause critical care medical equipment to malfunction, according to a study of the effects on medical devices that included, external pacemakers, mechanical ventilators, infusion/syringe pumps, dialysis devices, defibrillators, monitors and anaesthesia devices. 29 June 2008

Location technology enables people with dementia to go out safely
The Keeping In Touch Everyday (KITE) project in northeast England is developing technology that allows people with dementia (PWD) to take part in the activities they enjoy with the knowledge that their family can track their whereabouts if they require assistance.

Wavelets speed up diagnosis of brain tumours
Researchers at the University of Warwick have devised an automated technique that can give a preliminary analysis of a precise brain tumour type within seconds. 17 June 2008

Quest Diagnostics collaborates with Google to provide diagnostic test results online
Doctors can securely provide diagnostic data with a brief explanation of test results to a patient's Google Health account. The system is expected to empower patients and physicians to collaborate more closely in making more well-informed healthcare decisions. 3 June 2008

US verification program for Internet pharmacies
LegitScript LLC has launched an Internet pharmacy verification and information service. The service, which is free to consumers and pharmacies in the US, includes information on whether an online pharmacy meets standards of quality and safe business practices. 2 June 2008

Airedale hospital uses Wi-Fi-based location system to track IV pumps
Airedale NHS Trust in West Yorkshire, England, is deploying a real-time location system using from Ekahau to streamline the workflow and improve availability of intravenous pumps. 23 May

GE Healthcare adds M*Modal's speech understanding technology to radiology reporting
GE Healthcare has announced a partnership agreement with M*Modal to integrate its advanced speech understanding solutions into GE's Centricity radiology information system reporting module. 21 May 2008

Remote monitoring of pacemaker patients improves detection of serious events
Remote monitoring of pacemaker patients via the Medtronic CareLink Network detected clinically actionable events more quickly than routine follow-up care of transtelephonic monitoring and in-office visit, according to a study presented last week at the Heart Rhythm 2008 congress. 21 May 2008

NDS Surgical Imaging introduces new visualisation technologies for endoscopic surgery
NDS Surgical Imaging (NDSsi) has introduced new visualisation technologies for surgical and endoscopy suites, including a new touch-screen display and backlit surgical display. 21 May 2008

Computer simulation of surgery to reduce implant complications
A computer simulation breakthrough could mean fewer medical complications and better surgical outcomes for patients undergoing hip, knee or spinal implant surgery. The EU-funded OrthoSim project has developed a platform that could significantly reduce the risk of post-op complications, as well as provide a means for testing new implant devices. 8 May 2008

Picis launches total perioperative automation solution in Europe
Picis has announced the European launch of Picis Total Perioperative Automation suite of products for managing care through every aspect of surgery. 8 May 2008

The 3-D structure of the immunoglobulin locus in B cellsFirst 3-D image of antibody gene
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have shown for the first time how a genome is organized in three-dimensional space. They used a multidisciplinary mix of geometry, biological research and techniques developed to solve problems on supercomputers. 29 April 2008

LynuxWorks expands into embedded software for medical devices
LynuxWorks, Inc., developer of embedded software for aerospace and military systems, has announced plans to target medical device manufacturers, and broaden its ecosystem of products to help support these devices. 29 April 2008

Dr Carmen Martinez viewing radiology imagesMultimedia PACS networks healthcare services on the Balearic Islands
All public hospitals and about 80 primary health centres in the Spanish region Islas Baleares are building the foundation of a health service network which is unique in Europe for its scope and depth of integration. 8 April 2008

Implanted wireless medical devices are potential security risk for patients
Implanted medical devices with wireless technology have a potential risk of unauthorised access to patient data and reprogramming of the device. 2 April 2008

Breakthrough in medical device interoperability with Vena wireless platform
Cambridge Consultants has announced the first demonstration of the emerging industry standards for medical device interoperability. The 'Vena' platform is a breakthrough software solution on a single chip that allows medical devices such as blood pressure monitors to transmit data wirelessly. 31 March 2008

Mercury introduces new applications for Visage clinical imaging solutions
Mercury Computer Systems introduced the enhanced Visage product family with integrated clinical applications at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna last week. 19 March 2008

Axellis announces 'global expansion' with three acquisitions
Axellis Ltd, a UK and US based medical technology company, has announced three acquisitions, which it says are part of a strategy to become a leading, global provider of specialist hardware and software solutions to optimise treatments in oncology and cardiology. 19 March 2008

EQ2 signs UK distribution agreement with BCAS Biomedical Engineering
Medical equipment information systems software company EQ2 has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with BCAS Biomedical Engineering Ltd, a UK provider of clinical equipment services. 19 March 2008

Egyptian Children’s Cancer Hospital chooses Cerner for health record system
The Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation 57357 (CCHF) in Egypt has selected Cerner Corporation's Millennium solutions to create a unified, patient-centric health record throughout the various hospital venues. 7 March 2007

Google and Quest Diagnostics collaborate to provide online access to diagnostic test results
Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services in the US, and Google have agreed to collaborate to facilitate communications between doctors and patients using Google's online health record system, Google Health. 6 March 2008

iCAD introduces mammography film digitizer
Medical imaging solutions company iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICAD), has launched the TotalLook MammoAdvantage system that converts prior mammography films to digital images for comparative review on a single digital review workstation. 6 March 2008

3mensio receives US clearance for vascular imaging software
3mensio Medical Imaging BV of the Netherlands has received US FDA 510(k) clearance to market its 3surgery vascular imaging  software in the US. 29 February 2008

Microsoft launches US fund to promote development of HealthVault applications
Microsoft Corp has launched the $3 million Microsoft HealthVault Be Well Fund to stimulate the research and development of online tools for its health application platform, HealthVault. The fund is aimed at stimulating solution development across a broad range of health disciplines. 28 February 2008

Agfa, InterComponentWare and Sun form Open eHealth Foundation to boost interoperability
The ehealth market is set for explosive growth, driven by growing challenges to healthcare systems in industrialized societies, as well as new medical information and communication technologies. The Open eHealth Foundation will provide software components under an Open Source license that will boost the open standards-based exchange of medical information. 27 February 2008

Philips re-structures healthcare informatics business
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) has restructured its healthcare informatics businesses to include its entire portfolio of clinical information solutions, including patient monitoring, enterprise and clinical image management, anaesthesia information, women’s health information, and cardiology information systems. 27 February 2008

Radiologists feel virtual organs with 3D mouse
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a method of analysing images of organs and 'feeling' the resulting virtual organs with a 3D mouse. This can help construct three-dimensional models of organs when surgery or radiation treatment is being planned. 20 February 2008

Unilever extends collaboration with Transinsight in biomedical semantic searching
Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer products companies, will continue working with German search technology company Transinsight in developing a semantic search solution to integrate internet and intranet searching. 15 February 2008

iPods cleared of interfering with cardiac pacemakers
A study by the US Food and Drug Administration has refuted claims that portable music players, such as Apple's iPod, interfere with cardiac pacemakers. The study is reported in the open access journal BioMedical Engineering OnLine. 1 February 2008

US oncology group aims to revolutionise cancer care with free online service
A website set up by Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) in the US aims to change the way oncology professionals prescribe chemotherapy to cancer patients. 30 January 2008

Medical Simulation Corporation sets up medical skills training suite in Germany
MSC has parnered with CardioSkills Company of Frankfurt to provide an interventional skills training experience for physicians and their staff. 30 January 2008

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