Medical Equipment Design

How did we ever live without them? Now you might want to: The respected head of a prominent cancer research institute has warned his staff to limit cell phone use due to the possible risk of cancer. While his warning is contrary to many studies that don't prove a causal link between cancer and cell phone use, Dr. Ronald B. Herberman of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute maintains that electromagnetic radiation from cell phones is a risk, particularly to children. He urges use of speakerphones or wireless headsets, and is convinced that sufficient data warrant concern. Are you going to limit cell phone use until this risk is proven or dispelled? Please email your responses; I'm not answering my phone.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Medical Equipment Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Medical Equipment Design today.

Companies which offer genetic-testing services directly to consumers via the Internet have raised debate over how medical data inherent in an individual's genetic profile should be used and regulated. This new form of medical information falls short of being a diagnostic aid, and California state law now requires that such tests be physician-ordered. Regulatory supporters claim such tests are not clinically useful and are difficult to interpret. Opponents contend that consumers have a right to genetic-risk information. Do you think the information provided by direct-to-consumer genetic-testing companies constitutes medical information?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Medical Equipment Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Medical Equipment Design today.

Animal-rights activists of an extreme nature are taking a toll on biomedical research. The leaders of some groups endorse violent tactics to shut down animal research. Arson, property destruction, burglary and threat are 'acceptable crimes' when used for the animal cause. Who ultimately pays for these actions? Violence and intimidation practiced by a growing number of anti-science terrorism groups in the U.S. and UK dissuade some from pursuing or continuing productive biomedical research careers. Those with cancer, AIDS, and other diseases who could have benefited from research findings also lose. How can this disconnect be overcome?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Medical Equipment Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Medical Equipment Design today.

Recent FDA approval of an examination glove made from the guayule bush, found in the southwestern U.S., underscores the important link between medical technology and natural diversity. Certainly the prospect for continued development of new medical products is yet another valid reason to protect biodiversity and adopt sustainable business practices. Human health and technological progress are diminished with the loss of every species and the potential for new medicines and treatments that disappears with it. The modern dilemma — What actions can satisfy both sustainability and technological/industrial needs?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Medical Equipment Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Medical Equipment Design today.

Industry professionals share their seven step roadmap to successful combination product design best practices. Brainstorm to ensure viable concept design, streamline the manufacturing process, leverage prototype tools, and weigh sterilization challenges. Read the remaining steps in Medical Product Outsourcing. What best practice steps would you recommend?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Medical Equipment Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Medical Equipment Design today.