The production of inexpensive hydrogen for automotive or jet fuel may be possible by mimicking photosynthesis, according to a Penn State materials chemist, but a number of problems need to be solved first.
New microscope makes nanostructures visually pop like the latest 3-D movie image
The new device, an analytical high-resolution scanning electron microscope, will help researchers see more clearly structures only a few nanometers in size. It also will help them identify what the structures are made of as well as take measurements and make movies of processes that happen at the nanoscale level.
Carbon Nanotube Electrode Manufacturer Closes $3.2 M Funding Round
C3Nano, Inc. this week announced that the company has closed a US $3.2 million round of Series-A financing from China and Silicon Valley-based GSR Ventures. A spinout company from Professor Zhenan Bao's chemical engineering lab at Stanford University, C3Nano has developed a sustainable, proprietary hybrid carbon nanotube (CNT) based transparent electrode ink and film for use in devices such as touch screens, OLED devices, photovoltaic solar panels and flexible displays.
New $5 Billion Intel Factory to Focus on Leading-edge 14-Nanometer Process
The new Arizona factory, designated Fab 42, will be the most advanced, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world. Construction of the new fab is expected to begin in the middle of this year and is expected to be completed in 2013.
Researchers develop new technology for cheaper, more efficient solar cells
Stanford researchers have found that adding a single layer of organic molecules to a solar cell can increase its efficiency three-fold and could lead to cheaper, more efficient solar panels.
Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide
A recently-released report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that the water supplies of many major cities are contaminated with hexavalent chromium, an industrial chemical toxin that does not get filtered out by most consumer water filtration devices. Thirty-one of the 35 water supplies tested contained hexavalent chromium, and 25 of them contained levels higher than a California-proposed maximum upper threshold for safety.
Topping the list of contaminated water supplies was Norman, Okla., with 12.9 parts per billion (ppb) of hexavalent chromium, followed by Honolulu, Hawaii, at 2.0 ppb and Riverside, Calif., at 1.69 ppb. Other highly-tainted cities include Madison, Wisc., San Jose, Calif., Tallahassee, Fla., and Albuquerque, N.M.
According to the National Toxicology Program, hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6, is linked to causing gastrointestinal tumors and other forms of cancer. International governing bodies have stated that it is toxic when inhaled. And the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared hexavalant chromium "likely to be carcinogenic to humans." Read more...
Parade of Hopefuls in Digital Pathology
From CAP Today by Karen Lusky:
You know a new technology is catching on when the talk becomes less about whether it will be adopted and more about how and why. That shift appears to be taking place in the digital pathology world where the focus today is on how to make digital work for pathologists and laboratories. The digital pathology market itself is changing, too, as more vendors surface with different business agendas and strategies.
Read full story entitled "Parade of Hopefuls in Digital Pathology" in CAP Today.
Yours truly has a few quotes with my thoughts in the article and some counterpoints from others.
CBLPath Exhibiting at USCAP 2011 Annual Meeting, Booth #202
Best Practice™ Seminar Slated for Tuesday, March 1, at Noon
CBLPath will highlight its Best Practice™ Partnership Program at the upcoming United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) annual meeting February 26–March 4 in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees can visit Booth #202 in the exhibit hall to learn more about leveraging the convergence of anatomic, molecular and digital pathology to remain independent — Keeping Medicine Local™.
CBLPath will provide valuable information about the company’s full range of business and technology solutions that enable pathology Practices to deliver better medicine, faster. In addition to meeting company representatives USCAP attendees can:
- Attend CBLPath’s Best Practice seminar on Tuesday, March 1, at 12 p.m.
- Speak with Best Practice Program Partners
- See a demo of LabIS®, CBLPath’s proven pathology management system
Attendees wishing to register for the seminar can do so online at http://www.CBLPath.com/BestPractice.
About CBLPath
CBLPath is a national specialty lab with a unique leadership position in the convergence of anatomic, molecular and digital pathology. Beginning from a clinical perspective, we harness molecular testing and digital pathology on an anatomic pathology foundation. CBLPath is committed to helping our clients deliver better medicine, faster. At our core are pathologists; excited about technology and innovation and its promise of helping patients. Through the Best PracticeTM Partnership Program we help our pathologist-clients effectively compete against centralized reference laboratories, grow their Practice and remain independent — Keeping Medicine Local™. We provide our subspecialty physician clients comprehensive diagnostics and timely, accurate reports enabling the best patient care. For more about the company, please visit http://www.CBLPath.com.
New CAP Case of the Month Available
January 2011
| CLINICAL SUMMARY Lymph NodeA 24-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Upon radiological work-up, a large incidental mass was identified in the anterior mediastinum. Excisional biopsy of a single enlarged lymph node was performed. The master list with the correct answer
View the appropriate diagnosis, critique and references PREVIOUS CASE: PANCREAS Go to CASE ARCHIVES |  Receive CAP Updates |
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Definiens to host comprehensive digital pathology workshop at USCAP 2011
Join Definiens on March 1st at the 100th Annual USCAP meeting, for a seminar entitled, “Digital Pathology Image Analysis in Translational Research and Clinical Trials" with special guest speakers:
- Mark Lloyd, Manager – Analytical Microscopy Core Facility – Moffitt Cancer Center;
- Dr. Marilyn Bui, Scientific Director, Analytic Microscopy Core Facility and Director of Cytopathology Fellowship - Moffitt Cancer Center
- Dr. Belinda Cancilla, Associate Director Pharmacology and Manager Histology Core – Exelixis
When: 5:30pm, March 1st
Where: San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
First Talk:
Title: How to get the most out of digital pathology in translational research?
Presenters:
Mark Lloyd, Manager – Analytical Microscopy Core Facility – Moffitt Cancer Center;
Dr. Marilyn Bui, Scientific Director, Analytic Microscopy Core Facility and Director of Cytopathology Fellowship - Moffitt Cancer Center
Abstract:
Cancer cell heterogeneity has long been accepted to be a factor of cancer progression and resistance to therapeutic intervention. To gain quantitative insights in tumor heterogeneity, many studies have been carried out at the molecular and genetic scale; however, there is little information on tumor heterogeneity at the cellular scale by image analysis. While genetics and signaling networks are the basis of core traits; cell variability with respect to their ability to perform core trait functions under diverse conditions within the physical microenvironment (PME) is what may decide trends in tumor growth dynamics. This study investigates the utility of digital slide scanning in conjunction with image analysis algorithms to evaluate details of the interaction between breast cancer progressions as it relates to changes in the tumor’s physical microenvironment (PME).
Second Talk:
Title: Digital pathology and image analysis in clinical trials
Presenter:
Dr. Belinda Cancilla, Associate Director Pharmacology and Manager Histology Core – Exelixis
Digital pathology combined with advanced image analysis methods has enabled researchers to generate extensive data sets for a variety of samples types, in both histopathology applications as well as analysis of pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers in tumor and surrogate tissues. For histopathology, data generated by capturing whole slides at high magnification together with an automated image analysis approach will be compared to more traditional manual methods for histologically stained samples (hematoxylin and eosin in FFPE sections, and oil red O in frozen sections). For PD biomarkers, analysis of signaling pathway inhibition by examining phosphoprotein expression in immunofluorescently labeled samples will be discussed. Novel applications for 3D image analysis of PD biomarkers in surrogate tissues such as hair wholemount confocal images will also be presented.
Also, be sure to check out Definiens Tissue Studio at booth # 573.
FREE Special Lab Products Review: A Tale of Two Solutions Achieving Balance in Automation: Optimizing Time and Staff
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Diagnostic laboratories continually seek to balance the physician’s request for faster test results with the productive capacity of the lab staff. This “need for speed” is complicated by increasing test volumes and a critical shortage of lab techs. One solution provided by the IVD industry is to improve laboratory productivity by providing mechanical automation.
The ability of equipment to increase lab work volumes is important to successful use of automation, but also important how equipment minimizes the time lab techs spend in loading, setup, and routine maintenance of equipment. To fully evaluate the productivity of lab automation systems, analysis must look at reductions in time needed for individual assays, throughput ability, and how the systems free up lab tech time for other tasks.
The Dark Report is happy to offer our readers a chance to download our recently published FREE Report “A Tale of Two Solutions Achieving Balance in Automation: Optimizing Time and Staff” at absolutely no charge. This free download will provide readers with a detailed overview of laboratory productivity and automation solutions.
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Disclosure — Page 2
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Chapter 1. Study Methodology — Page 6
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Chapter 3. Operational Efficiencies — Page 11
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A-1 About Tim Baker — Page 17
A-2 About Jared Williams — Page 18
A-3 About Nexus Global Solutions — Page 19
A-4 About Karen Branz — Page 20
A-5 About DARK Daily — Page 21
A-6 About The Dark Intelligence Group, Inc., and THE DARK REPORT — Page 22
A-7 About the Executive War College on Laboratory and Pathology Management — Page 23
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FDA Approves First 3-D Scanning Device For Mammography
The Wall Street Journal (2/12, Dooren) reported that the FDA on Friday announced it has approved a mammography device by Hologic Inc. The Selenia Dimensions System is the first device with the ability to generate three-dimensional images of the breast to be approved in the US. The agency expects that 3-D system will reduce the number of women who are called back for additional screening. Currently, about 10% of the women who receive mammograms are called back for additional testing because of unclear readings and false-positives in their original set of mammograms, according to FDA estimates.
The Los Angeles Times (2/12, Zajac) noted that although the technology will "presumably reduce" the number of inconclusive initial mammograms, it is unclear whether the device would ultimately reduce the rate of breast cancer mortalities. Carol Lee, M.D., who chairs the American College of Radiology's Committee on Breast Imaging, "said it's too early to tell how useful the technology will be." It has not yet been shown whether 3-D scanning can pinpoint "more cancers," Dr. Lee said.
Meanwhile, HealthDay (2/13) reports that currently, about "200,000 women" are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and one in eight women "will face a diagnosis of breast cancer sometime during their lifetime," according to NCI data. Reuters(2/14, Heavey), CNN (2/11, Caruso) in its "The Chart" blog and MedPage Today (2/13) also reported FDA's approval of the 3-D scanning device.
"Getting Naked: The Story of the Aquatic Ape Theory" with Mark Kessell, Observatory, Thursday Feb. 17th
This Thursday at Observatory! Hope to see you there.
An illustrated lecture by artist and ex-physician Mark Kessell
Date: Thursday, February 17th
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $5
Presented by Morbid AnatomyHave you ever stepped out of the shower and noticed a naked ape in the mirror? Scientists agree: that’s what you are. But why do we look so different from our very, very, very close relative, the chimpanzee? The Aquatic Ape Theory, first proposed in the 1930’s but developed much more recently, proposes a strange but surprisingly plausible idea: we took a dip in the pool of evolution, paddled about a bit, and by the time we moved to a drier neighborhood we were walking tall, straight and naked. The back-story behind this theory is a tale of scientific in-fighting and elitism as remarkable as the theory itself.
Ex-physician turned artist, Mark Kessell, dishes the dirt on human evolution in a fun-filled and completely un-scientific talk on the world of science. Get the Naked Truth! Get it now. Get it at Observatory.
Mark Kessell is an Australian medical doctor and professional artist working in New York City. Most of his work has a biological or scientific focus. He is represented by Kim Foster Gallery in Chelsea where his next exhibition, “Specimen Box” will open on March 17th, 2011. You can find out more about his work at http://www.studiocyberia.com.
You can find out more about this event on the Observatory website by clicking here and can can access the event on Facebook here. You can get directions to Observatory--which is next door to the Morbid Anatomy Library (more on that here)--by clicking here. You can find out more about Observatory here, join our mailing list by clicking here, and join us on Facebook by clicking here.
Shaman Lawyer Issues Mideast Travel Advisory: Egypt Revolution Kills Clueless … – San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Shaman Lawyer Issues Mideast Travel Advisory: Egypt Revolution Kills Clueless ... San Francisco Chronicle (press release) To help instigate critical thinking about Egyptian tours, Shaman Lawyer has made a cartoon that satirizes Egyptian tourists seeking enlightenment amongst the ancient ruins. "Shaman Lawyer seeks to expose less ethical tourist operators and spiritual ... |
Motorola Xoom Is $800, Comes Out February 24th [Tablets]
Best Buy has a pre-order page for the Motorola Xoom, which we're going to assume officializes the price and release date of the first best Android 3.0 tablet. It's going to cost $800, which is a good chunk of change, and release on February 24th, which is this week. You can find out more about the Xoom at Best Buy here. [Best Buy via Engadget More »
Apple to Introduce New High-speed Connection with Next Macbooks, Possibly Light Peak [Apple]
CNET is reporting that Apple will introduce a new high-speed connection technology with either their upcoming MacBook Pro or another product altogether. Supposedly, the technology is actually Intel's Light Peak technology, which is expected to replace the various cables that connect multiple devices (your display, usb etc). Light Peak is originally fiber optic-esque but Apple will actually be using a copper based system. Interestinly, Apple is expected to re-name Light Peak. [CNET] More »
Book Excerpt: The Power of Intention
Wayne Dyer with a teaching story about appreciating beauty.
Lovely, frigid ripples | Bad Astronomy
The weather here in Boulder has been pretty warm lately, and most of the snow is gone. I know that this can change at any moment (and in fact we’re due for more snow in a day or so), and NASA has provided a chilling but ethereally lovely reminder that this winter has been one to remember:
This image was taken by the Terra satellite on November 24, and shows what happens when there is a confluence of three conditions. The first is extremely frigid arctic air blowing down from the north west. The second is warmer waters in the Atlantic; the air above the water gets humid and rises into the colder air, condensing to form clouds. But the third is what’s needed to make this amazing rippling effect: a layer of warm air above the cold layer, called a temperature inversion. This acts like a ceiling for the rising, condensing air below. The clouds that form can’t rise any higher, so they roll east with the moving air, forming these "streets".
I think the effect of this image is heightened by the lack of clouds over land; ...
GE Healthcare to Discuss Meaningful Use and Role of Accountable Care at HIMSS11
BARRINGTON, Ill., Feb 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
At HIMSS11, GE Healthcare's focus will be on helping organizations reduce the complexity of achieving Meaningful Use and going beyond certification to optimizing care delivery. With the experience of helping thousands of organizations address Stage 1, and the commitment to being prepared for future requirements for healthcare providers, GE Healthcare will be a reliable resource -- at every stage.
Visitors to the GE Healthcare booth (#2401) can learn how to:
Deliver quality outcomes and meet pay-for-performance requirements with the Centricity* portfolio of EMR solutions. Enhance care coordination and connect disparate healthcare systems across facilities via a robust Health Information Exchange platform. Leverage new innovations for healthcare delivery in the areas of digital pathology and clinical knowledge platforms, resulting from GE Healthcare's strategic partnerships with leading institutions such as UPMC, Intermountain Healthcare and Mayo Clinic. Speed patient care through the integration of tools, including patient monitors, wireless devices and workflows, and IT solutions to enhance clinical decision making.
GE Healthcare's exhibition will also feature an engaging series of live presentations on provider priorities from Accountable Care Organizations to Meaningful Use, as well as solution demonstrations.
"For us, HIMSS is a chance to engage with healthcare providers on issues that really matter," said Vishal Wanchoo, President and CEO of GE Healthcare IT. "They're bringing us the demands of their patients and we're responding through technology that reduces the cost while increasing the access to quality healthcare for all. This is an exciting time to be in this field. We look forward to showing you why."
*GE, the GE monogram, Centricity are registered trademarks of General Electric Company.
ABOUT GE HEALTHCARE:
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. Our broad expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, performance improvement and performance solutions services help our customers to deliver better care to more people around the world at a lower cost. In addition, we partner with healthcare leaders, striving to leverage the global policy change necessary to implement a successful shift to sustainable healthcare systems.
Our "healthymagination" vision for the future invites the world to join us on our journey as we continuously develop innovations focused on reducing costs, increasing access and improving quality around the world. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, GE Healthcare is a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE | PowerRating). Worldwide, GE Healthcare employees are committed to serving healthcare professionals and their patients in more than 100 countries. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at http://www.gehealthcare.com.
For our latest news, please visit http://newsroom.gehealthcare.com.
A Busy Week For NASA
Click here to view the embedded video.
The video reviews what was a very busy week at NASA and highlights Discovery’s achievements. Discovery is about to make it’s last flight so another busy week is in the offing.