IBM creates 3-D medical records technology
IBM's Anatomic and Symbolic Mapper Engine allows physicians to access medical records with a 3-D avatar, creating a visual representation of the human body and linking medical data to corresponding parts of the anatomy. The lead researcher for the technology says the engine will reduce physicians' need to wade through large volumes of paperwork. Computing (U.K.) (9/25)
Pfizer liability suit to go to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has taken the product liability suit filed by a group of Michigan plaintiffs against Pfizer's Warner-Lambert unit, a case that would establish whether federal regulation of pharmaceuticals takes precedence over state law. A ruling is expected before the current term of the court ends in June. Forbes/Associated Press (9/25)
Study: Mercury-based vaccines don't hurt youth brain function
Exposure to the preservative thimerosal in vaccines before and after birth did not hinder any of 42 neuropsychological functions tested, a result that researchers called unsurprising but "reassuring." The study looked at more than 1,000 children ages 7 to 10, and did not look at autism. Some experts called the results biased and lobbied for more tests. Scientific American (9/26)
House passes microwave popcorn chemical bill
The U.S. House passed a bill late last month to impose limits on exposure to diacetyl, a chemical linked to bronchiolitis obliterans. Diacetyl is used mainly in flavor-manufacturing plants and microwave-popcorn facilities. ConAgra Foods and Weaver Popcorn have recently said they would stop using the chemical. The Seattle Times (9/27)
Bush signs drug-safety bill
President George W. Bush signed the drug safety bill into law in September, certifying expanded FDA authority on prescription drugs. Aside from giving the FDA power to require further study on drugs to ensure product safety, the new law also authenticates a five-year extension of programs that collect fees from drugmakers and medical device manufacturers to help fund FDA product reviews. Google/Associated Press (9/27)
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