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Optical Lens :: New wide-angle lens produces pictures without distortion

South Korean researchers have designed and built an inexpensive optical lens that collects light from a large area and produces a virtually distortion-free wide-angle image. Standing in contrast to commonly known “fisheye” lenses, which produce significant amounts of visual distortion, low-distortion wide-angle lenses can potentially improve image-based applications such as security-camera systems and robot navigation. The research appears in the December 1 issue of Applied Optics, a publication of the Optical Society of America.

Back Pain :: One-off treatment to stop back pain – Using patients’ own stem cells

A University of Manchester researcher has developed a treatment for lower back pain using the patient’s own stem cells, which could replace the use of strong painkillers or surgery that can cause debilitation, neither of which addresses the underlying cause.

HIV :: Generic AIDS drug Efavirenz in Thailand

Thailand Health Ministry has issued its first compulsory licence to make a cheaper version of Efavirenz, a life-saving medicine sold by a major international drug company, Merck & Co Inc, which holds the patent on the drug also known as Stocrin.

Cancer :: What cures your aches might prevent cancer

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has begun three clinical studies looking at the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent cancer — colon, esophageal or lung.

Bird Flu :: UN says $ 1.3 billion more needed to fight bird flu

As much as $1.3 billion more is needed to fight bird flu, with more than $500 million of that going to Africa, World Bank and U.N. experts said.

HIV :: Boehringer Ingelheim’s patent rights are no obstacle to access to ARV drugs in developing countries

On the occasion of World Aids Day 2006 Boehringer Ingelheim stated that its patent rights to Viramune (nevirapine) do not prevent access to this medication in low income countries.

Embolism :: Oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban shows efficacy and safety for prevention of VTE

Phase II clinical trial results published today in Circulation (2006;114:2374-2381) highlight the potential of a simple, once-daily dosing regimen of the novel, oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939), a direct Factor Xa inhibitor. In this trial, rivaroxaban demonstrated that it may have similar safety and efficacy to subcutaneous enoxaparin (the current standard), for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery.