Innovation

Healthcare :: Virtua Health Partners with University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) and Virtua Health have developed a strategic learning partnership to create a model for innovation in learning, technology and applied health care. With an ongoing dedication to advancing the careers of its students and faculty, the University has partnered for the first time with a leading regional healthcare organization that is at the forefront of technology and the delivery of high-quality care.

Healthcare :: Safer ICUs – Cheap, simple, low-tech steps work

Hospitals will quickly slash the rate of common, costly and potentially lethal catheter-related bloodstream infections in their intensive care units (ICUs) by using cheap, low-tech, common-sense measures like hand washing, timely removal of unneeded catheters and use of sites other than the groin to place lines when possible, according to a report from safety experts at Johns Hopkins in the Dec. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Taking nanolithography beyond semiconductors

A new process for chemical patterning combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns at the molecular level. The process allows scientists to create surfaces with varied chemical functionalities and promises to extend lithography to applications beyond traditional semiconductors.

Healthcare :: New resuscitation guidelines may be saving lives in King County

Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is at an all-time high in King County, and a new method of resuscitation used by emergency medical responders in King County may be the reason. Since the protocol was adopted in 2005, survival rates jumped to 46% from 33% for the period of 2002 through 2004.

Solvin launches NANOVIN a vinyl nanocomposite smart material

Solvay announces today that its vinyls joint venture in Europe, SolVin, is launching NanoVin?, an innovative nanocomposite combining polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles of clay. This specialty product displays exceptional properties in terms of plasticity, viscosity and flow. These distinctive rheological properties make NanoVin? a so-called ?smart material?, capable of sensing and reacting to changes in its environment (see Notes to the Editors below).

Healthcare :: Novartis highlights strong R&D pipeline, plans for multiple new product launches

Novartis unveiled today new data on its promising pipeline amid plans for multiple new product approvals and launches over the next two years. Many of these anticipated approvals are for potentially best-in-class medicines that would advance treatment standards for patients with hypertension, diabetes, cancer and other diseases.