IPad App To Help Improve Medical Data Collection

June 14, 2012 | by

Intake interviews — the long series of forms and questions that patients must fill out and answer prior to receiving medical care — are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, they’re boring and can be confusing, which decreases the rate at which patients respond accurately and completely. The company Tonic Health is trying to revolutionize data collection with a patient-friendly iPad app called Tonic that promises to make the process of an intake interview fun and interactive — game-like, even — for patients.

Tonic iPad app

Bugs in Our Guts

June 13, 2012 | by

Two recent research studies contribute to the growing body of evidence that the population of microbes residing in our intestines plays vital roles in our health. One is a meta-analysis of studies done to determine if taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can alleviate antibiotic associated diarrhea; results are reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association [1]. The other evaluated the effects of red wine on the different species of bacteria in the gut; it appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [2].

Gastro-intestinal health

Researchers Develop “Tooth Tattoo” to Help Detect Bacteria in the Mouth

June 12, 2012 | by

A team of researchers led by Dr. Michael McAlpine of Princeton University have developed a gold- and carbon-based biosensor that can be affixed to a tooth [1]. The purpose of the sensor, which is made up primarily of a very strong form of carbon called graphene, is to detect sequences of DNA that are specific to pathogenic bacteria.

Tooth tattoo

Counterfeit ADHD Medication Common On Internet, FDA Warns

June 11, 2012 | by

While any pharmaceutical purchased online may be counterfeit, of poor quality, or both, the FDA recently warned consumers with specific regard to the prescription drug Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [1].

Authentic vs counterfeit Adderall

A Heavy Heart: Depression and Cardiac Function

June 8, 2012 | by

Two recently published studies have found that changes in heart function are seen during major depression [1] and also seen in some people who have recovered from depression [2]. This link between mental health and physical health emphasises how the body and mind are linked. Furthermore, it also suggests that some people with depression may be at increased risk of cardiac disease. The research also sheds further light on the biological pathways of depression.

Depressed woman