Plans to re-open Kempton hospital underway

The Gauteng Department of Health says preparations to refurbish Kempton Park Hospital are well underway, with construction expected to begin in March 2013. Read more >>

Confidentiality of medical records - know what's lawful

Information about a person's health and health care is generally considered to be highly sensitive and personal, therefore deserving of the strongest protection under the law. This is according to Simone Gill, director in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm. Read more >>

Glass shape influences how quickly we drink alcohol

The speed at which we drink alcohol may be influenced by the shape of the glass we drink from, according to new research from the University of Bristol, published in PLoS ONE. This could be a target to help control the problematic levels of drunkenness that are becoming increasingly common in our society. Read more >>

Behavioral test shows promise in predicting future problems with alcohol

By administering a simple behavioral test, Yale researchers were able to predict which mice would later exhibit alcoholism-related behaviors such as the inability to stop seeking alcohol and a tendency to relapse, the scientists report in the 26 August 2012 issue of the journal Nature Neuroscience. Read more >>

Research in the news: Gene therapy shows promise in neuron repair and pain relief

[Bill Hathaway] Neuropathic pain associated with diabetes, shingles, and traumatic injury affects up to 18% of the population and can be difficult or impossible to effectively treat. Using gene therapy, Yale neurologists have managed to repair neurons associated with traumatic nerve injury pain in rats. Read more >>

Missing gene may drive more than one in four breast cancers

ITHACA, NY, USA: More than one out of every four cases of breast cancer is associated with a specific, missing gene - a finding that could have significant implications for chemotherapy treatments, according a recent study by Cornell University researchers. Read more >>

Researchers identify markers that predict progression of oral lesions to cancer

PHILADELPHIA, USA: A group of molecular markers have been identified that can help clinicians determine which patients with low-grade oral premalignant lesions are at high risk for progression to oral cancer, according to data from the Oral Cancer Prediction Longitudinal Study published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Read more >>

Aspen loses trademark, removed from register

Aspen has withdrawn its appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal to review its Andosept product. This follows the successful opposition to Aspen's application for leave to appeal a ruling made in December last year by competitor and producer of Andolex, Wirra. The High Court found that the trademarks were so similar, as to be likely to cause confusion. Read more >>

XP Digital promotes Benylin 4 flu to core target market

The Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical group took its Benylin message direct to consumers at the height of winter during a one-month campaign within Dis-Chem and Clicks pharmacies using Unlimited's XP Digital LCD screens. Read more >>

Zambia to receive mobile compact labs to detect counterfeit medicines

To help combat counterfeit medicines in Zambia, the Global Pharma Health Fund (GPHF), a charitable initiative funded by the German pharmaceutical, chemical and life science company Merck, has presented four mobile compact laboratories to the Zambian Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (PRA) that is part of the Ministry of Health. Read more >>

Engen Driver Wellness campaign reaches Kimberley

The Engen Driver Wellness campaign, in partnership with Trucking Wellness, visited the truck stop on N12 route Cape Town Road in Kimberley last week. The initiative is aimed at raising awareness around health issues that have a direct impact on road safety, by helping drivers to manage their wellness better. Read more >>

More African children to receive boost in sexuality education

Save the Children[1] is launching a new project to ensure that children have improved access to sexuality information in twelve[2] countries across sub-Saharan Africa. The project will run for 36 months, reaching an estimated 340 000 children between 5-18 years, ensuring that they have both improved knowledge of sexuality, and can engage in safer sexual practices. Read more >>

School for learners with disabilities receives medical equipment

[Gabi Khumalo] Deputy Health Minister Dr Gwen Ramokgopa says South Africa is maturing in terms of its capability to accommodate and provide for children with disabilities. Read more >>