Health DiRxions

Who's your daddy?

Identifying or confirming the father of a child is often very important in child maintenance cases, inheritance claims, and other situations. 22 Oct 2007 14:23

Gene link to higher rates of bowel cancer in men

Scientists have shown for the first time that one of the sex chromosomes is involved in the development of a cancer that can afflict both genders, according to a Cancer Research UK-funded study in Nature Genetics. The finding may help explain why men have higher rates of bowel cancer than women. 29 May 2012 15:28

World's first stem cell bandage in human clinical trials

The company behind a pioneering stem cell bandage, believed to be the world's first adult and autologous (patient's own) stem cell treatment designed to heal torn meniscal cartilage, can now take the technology to human clinical trials thanks to an investment from one of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs. 16 Nov 2011 17:07

Inaugural PACS and RIS Conference to address educational aspects

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and Radiology information system (RIS) is being used throughout the medical profession worldwide. This technology, enabling digital storing and transfer of x-ray images, has radically transformed imaging departments and has recently been implemented throughout Africa. 18 Sep 2009 13:50

Wireless body sensors to help prevent falls in seniors

When an older person is injured in a fall the cost is often significant, both in quality of life and medical expense. 21 Apr 2009 07:24

SA's first oestrogen metabolism gene test available

Local molecular biotechnology firm, DNAlysis Biotechnology announced the availability of South Africa's first oestrogen metabolism gene test last week, 18 April 2012. The test will identify 12 gene variations involved in oestrogen metabolism and detoxification in women, a significant contribution in the prevention of breast cancer. 23 Apr 2012 17:43

Non-communicable diseases: Africa must 'spend a lot more'

BERLIN, GERMANY: According to scidev.net, Olive Shisana, CEO of the South African Human Sciences Research Council, said at the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany that infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, are expected to decline while non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, will increase in Africa over the coming decades. 4 Nov 2011 11:47

Healthcare workers run the gauntlet of TB infection every day

Research studies in countries in Africa, Asia, and South America have documented increased risk of TB disease or infection in health care workers compared with the general population. 4 Aug 2011 13:42

A-Plus Communications

Company news: Intel Technology supports the Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour safety

The organisers of The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour are deploying Intel technology to support the health and safety of riders at this year's race. 5 Mar 2008 13:09

Improved MRI system for LCM

The Life Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCM) in Groenkloof, Pretoria, recently installed a Philips Ingenia 3.0 Tesla MRI system. Delivering crystal clear images, rapid results and patient comfort, the new MRI system combines advanced technology and ambient lighting effects for a much improved patient experience. 4 Apr 2012 08:25

Yale Nobel laureate creates compound that halts growth of malaria parasite

[Bill Hathaway] A drug candidate that has shown promise for neutralizing dangerous bacteria also prevents growth of the parasite that causes malaria, new research by a Yale University team headed by Nobel laureate Sidney Altman shows. 3 Apr 2012 08:42

Brain tumor group narrows search for genetic susceptibility

[Michael Greenwood] An international consortium of researchers, including members from the Yale School of Public Health, has narrowed the search for the gene or genes associated with inherited susceptibility to a malignant brain cancer to a region on chromosome 17. 16 Nov 2011 17:19

EEG scan helped contact patients in vegetative state

PARIS, FRANCE: Electro-encephalography (EEG) helped doctors realise that several patients diagnosed as being in a permanently vegetative state were in fact aware, according to a study published on Thursday, 10 November, in The Lancet. 14 Nov 2011 13:16