New method defibrillates heart with much less electricity - and pain

Cornell scientists, in collaboration with physicists and physician-scientists in Germany, France and Rochester, N.Y., have developed a new - and much less painful and potentially damaging - method to end life-threatening heart fibrillations. 15 Jul 2011 13:27

Why reducing a doctor's work week does not increase patient safety

Concerns over tired doctors leading to mistakes and patient injuries has led to progressively shorter hours for medical residents in the United States and Europe over the past 20 years. However, a review in the British Medical Journal shows that reducing hours has not improved patient safety. An accompanying editorial by Yale researcher Leora Horwitz, M.D., explores some possible reasons why reduced hours have not benefited patients. 15 Apr 2011 09:31

Careful cleaning of children's skin wounds key to healing, regardless of antibiotic choice

Hopkins Children's study suggests antibiotics may not always be best therapy. 5 Apr 2011 06:38

New device uses submarine technology to diagnose stroke quickly

A medical device developed by retired U.S. Navy sonar experts, using submarine technology, is a new paradigm for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of stroke, says a team of interventional radiologists at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago. 30 Mar 2011 13:15

Norwegian study shows young children are able to learn and perform basic first aid

One of the reasons often given by people for not attempting first aid in emergency situations is a lack of confidence and a fear of doing more harm than good. Yet a Norwegian study on four and five-year-olds published in BioMed Central's open access journal Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine shows that even young children are able to learn and perform basic first aid. 28 Feb 2011 08:13

New blood pressure measurement device may enable doctors to treat patients more effectively

In a major scientific breakthrough, a new blood pressure measurement device is set to revolutionise the way patients' blood pressure is measured. 21 Feb 2011 07:57

Ruptured brain aneurysm treated through the nose

During breakfast one Sunday, Alfreda Cordero was struck suddenly and violently by the worst headache she had ever experienced. A day later, she would make medical history as the first person to have a ruptured brain aneurysm treated through the nose. 14 Jan 2011 12:24

Medical mobile technology 'will evolve faster in emerging markets'

"You are going to have mobile devices that sense your body," says Jon Rubenstein, famed for instrumental role in developing the iPod. While it may sound invasive, the US-based Qualcomm is projecting the next five years will see strong developments in providing medical diagnoses via mobile. And it's the emerging markets that'll stay ahead of the curve says Rubenstein, who revealed the company's plans with Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs in San Francisco, just a few hours ago. 3 Dec 2010 09:01

Medical, socioeconomic, and gender-based factors impact global women's health issues

Access to quality reproductive healthcare for women around the globe is a fundamental aspect of a woman's human rights, freedom, equity, and right to control her own body. A Special Section on Global Women's Reproductive Health in the current issue of Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., explores the compelling medical, socioeconomic, and gender-based factors that impact global women's health issues. The Special Focus articles are available free online. 1 Dec 2010 14:24

Guys! Protect your eyes!

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] Men failing to protect eyes from injuries: Experts 24 Nov 2010 07:06

Safety in the workplace made easier

A short safety course for your staff could mean the difference between life and death while waiting for emergency services to arrive on the scene. 8 Nov 2010 11:58

Stroke - act fast and save a life

[Erika Ketterer] The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) is calling for immediate action by all South Africans to be aware and act fast when it comes to stroke. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in our country and is a leading cause of adult disability. National Stroke Week runs from 13 to 17 September and we would like to challenge you to increase your knowledge about how to prevent the devastating results of an early death or permanent disability. 14 Sep 2010 10:40

AAT boosts snake bite anti-venom initiatives

The Falls Medical Centre in Victoria Falls is in critical need of snake-bite poly-valent anti-venom after considering the lack of preparation and evaluating the recent trauma of the last two life threatening envenomations in the area, and Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) took it on their shoulders to drive the initiative. 24 Aug 2010 13:34

HPCSA on issue of review of BAA and CAA training courses

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) says it remains committed to the proposed review of emergency care training and education with the intention of halting the current short course Basic Ambulance Assistants (BAA's), Ambulance Emergency Assistants (AEA's) and Critical Care Assistants (CAA's) training. 7 Jun 2010 07:31