Is It Time To Fire Your Doctor? Dec 8, 2008
Without an explanation, a woman who had chest pains, wanted a computed tomography (CT scan) coronary angiography and didn't get it might feel short-changed, not realizing her physician felt the resulting radiation exposure would have been too high. When doctors don't share how they're making important decisions, they not only leave their patients in the dark but they also fail to build trust, Atkinson says. (Forbes)
Giant step for teddies as Britain rejoins space race Dec 5, 2008
The first V2 rocket flights in the US space programme of the 1940s were crewed by fruit flies and corn seeds to try to measure the effects of radiation exposure. The first dog in space was Laika, who reached orbit in Sputnik II on November 3, 1957. (Times Online)
Radiation Sickness Dec 4, 2008
(Mettler RA, Voelz GL. Major radiation exposure what to expect and how to respond. NEJM 2002;346:1554-1561). (Suite101.com)
Committee, Health Dept. still at odds on rad rules Dec 4, 2008
"There is nothing political about fulfilling the obligation about ensuring public safety with respect to possible radiation exposure from the plant," she said. "That is the obligation we are charged with and we take it very seriously.". (Concord Monitor)
Angled gantry technique reduced breast radiation exposure by 50 percent Dec 4, 2008
(PHILADELPHIA) A novel angled gantry approach to coronary CT angiography reduced radiation exposure to the breast by more than 50%, according to Thomas Jefferson University researchers ... "Angled gantry is a feasible technique for coronary CT angiography that reduces radiation exposure to the breast by 50%," Dr. Halpern said. (EurekAlert!)
Study weighs lifetime risk of CT scans Dec 3, 2008
CHICAGO - As many as 7 percent of patients from a large hospital system had enough radiation exposure from CT scans during their lifetime to slightly raise their risk of cancer, researchers said yesterday ... They checked on prior CT scans from a database that includes 22 years of patient history and calculated overall radiation exposure based on the type and location of the scan to determine a lifetime risk. (Boston Globe)
CT Angiography Or Cardiac Catheteri... Nov 30, 2008
CT Angiography Or Cardiac Catheterization: Angiogram: The Reasons For, The Risks Of And What The Results Show. CT Angiography Or Cardiac Catheterization. (Suite101.com)
Builder asks Marlborough council to allow condo renters Nov 28, 2008
Earlier last night, a radiation safety specialist told the Wireless Communications Committee that additional antennas to the water tank on Arnold Street Extension would meet federal guidelines for radiation exposure. MetroPCS Massachusetts, a cell service provider starting to build in New England, is proposing to add six antennas at a height of 107 feet. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Landauer, Inc. Sets Date and Time for Announcement of Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results Nov 25, 2008
Landauer is the leading provider of analytical services to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure. For more than 50 years, the Company has provided complete radiation dosimetry services to hospitals, medical and dental offices, universities, national laboratories, and other industries in which radiation poses a potential threat to employees. (PR Newswire)
Spinal Fusion Procedure Relieves Back Pain Nov 25, 2008
Dr. Roy Vingan, the neurosurgeon leading the team, said the total radiation exposure is less than what she would get from a CT scan. Working on the lowest part of Hermann's spine, surgeons removed the center of a diseased disc and replaced it with bone growth material. (ABC News)
Fact or Fiction?: Cell Phones Can Cause Brain Cancer Nov 22, 2008
In other words, the effects from radiation exposure may be different in different people. And these may help explain the contradictory results, says Phillips, who is now director of the Science/Health Science Learning Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. (Scientific American)
Study Helps Identify Beachgoers At Increased Risk Of Skin Cancer Nov 19, 2008
A Day at the Beach While on Tropical Vacation: Sun Protection Practices in a High-Risk Setting for UV Radiation Exposure. Archives of Dermatology, 2008; 144 (11): 1449 DOI. (Science Daily)
New CT technology shows anorexia impairs adolescent bone development Nov 18, 2008
"In patients with anorexia, bone structure should be analyzed to detect abnormal bone health. Flat-panel volume CT allows the examination of bone at high resolution with relatively low radiation exposure making it a suitable technique for evaluation of bone structure in adolescent patients.". . (EurekAlert!)
Worker, residents health Nov 16, 2008
All stages carry some risk of radiation exposure. We would recommend to the county planning commission, its director, Steve White, and to the commissioners who will likely face this issue, commissioners-elect Ron Henderson, David White and commissioner Gary Ellis to gather independent expertise on the potential to the health and environment of workers and the residents in the county. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Prosperity in peril Nov 16, 2008
According to FNB Chief Economist Cees Bruggemans, comparing the Great Depression to the current global meltdown is like juxtaposing a simple flu with all the complexities of radiation exposure. "2007-2009 is really different in nature from 1929. It is also different in size and complexity. Incomparably bigger and more complex.". (iAfrica.com)
Cancer Risk From Cardiac CT Overstated, Researchers Say Nov 12, 2008
In previously published studies, different researchers concluded the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during CT for cardiovascular disease was approximately 1 in 114, but the new study suggests the risk is 1 in 1000 ... He added that radiation exposure is a serious issue and patients need to talk to their doctors before undergoing any tests that exposes them to radiation to ensure the test is appropriate and the patient fits under patient selection guidelines published by the American... (Science Daily)
Radar To Revolutionize Breast Cancer Screening Nov 12, 2008
"Using this engineering knowledge we built the machine using ground penetrating radar, a similar technique to land mine detection to take four hundred quarter of a second pictures of the breast to form a 3D image. "Women do not feel any sensation and it equates to the same type of radiation exposure as speaking into a mobile phone at arms length which makes it much safer. "We are extremely grateful for North Bristol NHS Trust help in getting the project underway with so much enthusiasm. "We are... (Science Daily)
Radiation caused man’s illness Nov 12, 2008
Although the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was enacted Oct. 15, 1990, to establish a procedure to make partial restitution to Atomic Soldiers like Kittrell, he has yet to receive any compensation. The military has continued to stonewall the case, Kittrell said. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Ex-Navy man fills veterans' need to read Nov 11, 2008
After leaving the Navy again a year later, he visited the veterans' hospital in Livermore to be checked for radiation exposure. "I'd glow in the dark," joked Stavrakakis, who worked for Pacific Bell for 37 years after leaving the Navy. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Increases in imaging tests widespread: study Nov 10, 2008
She said the benefits of imaging need to be weighed against their risks, including false positive results and the increased radiation exposure associated with CT scans. "From my point of view, this is a real harm that needs to be balanced against the benefit of CT," Smith-Bindman said. (Scientific American)
Angkasawan meets ministry officials to defend himself Nov 10, 2008
Sheikh Mustapha also queried why his son was not sent back to Russia for a follow-up check for possible radiation exposure, as required a few months after his return from space. They said they have local experts to do that, but why should he do it here when he is suppose to do it in Russia. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Former Ames Lab workers battle for federal aid Nov 9, 2008
" Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar proposed legislative changes to the program to fix its failures, and in September, he and six other senators including Sen Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, requested a complete investigation of the program by the Government Accountability Office. As a physician involved in the process, Fuortes said some improvements have been made, such as the creation of an ombudsman office for the program and a recent decision to accept sarcoidosis diagnoses as chronic beryllium disease.... (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Virtual relief? Nov 3, 2008
Specifically, the US Preventive Services Task Force said it could not find evidence to erase worries about the potential for unnecessary testing and radiation exposure. Zalis dismissed the first concern; radiologists usually can distinguish what's worrisome on other organs, he said, meaning few patients require further review. (Boston Globe)
• Nuclear employee files whistle-blower lawsuit Oct 31, 2008
The lawsuit alleges that safety violations Allen reported included shipping contaminated materials, exposing workers to radiation, and using faulty equipment to measure radiation exposure. The suit contends that after Allen reported the problems, she was forced to transfer to a "less desirable position at a different work site.". (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
News Digest: Oct 24, 2008
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION. Derek Mamoyac (muh-MOY -ack) of Philomath, Ore. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
• Radiation exposure report faults E. Idaho company Oct 23, 2008
Radiation exposure report faults E. Idaho company IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - An eastern Idaho company appears to have violated two safety measures last February that resulted in the exposure of four workers to radioactive material, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says. In the 33-page report and letter to the company released earlier this week and obtained by the Post Register, the commission said it is considering increased enforcement action against Sabia Inc., though it has not made a final... (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Water Bears Boost Odds for Alien Life Oct 22, 2008
As he says, "the most fascinating feature of tardigrades for me is their ability to survive complete dehydration of the body and high tolerance to radiation exposure which must cause critical DNA damages.". Horikawa's method of rearing water bears in the laboratory could lead to many more studies of these amazing animals, and may help astrobiologists in their search for genuine extraterrestrial life. (Fox News)
Single-pixel Camera Has Multiple Futures Oct 21, 2008
Radiologists could soon measure the amount of radiation exposure experienced by different tissues using an implantable capsule. The device contains a.. (Science Daily)
Geneticist says evolution may be near its end Oct 13, 2008
Genetic mutations caused by growing chemical and radiation exposure may take over where older fathers left off, Jones said. Type Size. (AZCentral -- News)
Your Career as an X Ray Technician Oct 12, 2008
For those who choose to become x ray technicians, they will be rewarded with job security, a comfortable working environment with few health hazards-although they are subject to radiation exposure- and a good salary. The copyright of the article Your Career as an X Ray Technician in is owned by. (Suite101.com)
UV risk linked to energy-efficient light bulbs Oct 10, 2008
The radiation exposure from the lights when about 2cm away was compared to standing outside on a sunny day. Compact fluorescent lights have been heavily pushed in Australia as a way of cutting the country's energy use. (The Age)
Colon cancer tests can stop at 75, officials say Oct 7, 2008
For virtual colonoscopy, the task force expressed concerns about radiation exposure a patient would receive every five years from it, but acknowledged that the level is relatively low compared to other kinds of X-rays. They also worry that it will pick up blips inside and outside the colon that end up being nothing but lead to more follow-up tests. (MSNBC -- Health)
Physician's 'Dashboard' Takes A Measure Of Communication Skills Oct 7, 2008
(May 3, 2006) A new radiation protection technique can significantly reduce physician radiation exposure during coronary angiography, according to a researcher at the University of Maryland Medical Center in. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Renewed call for tanning regulations Oct 7, 2008
It estimated the impact of Australian solariums by calculating the proportion of ultra-violet radiation exposure from solarium tanning, compared with exposure to the sun. It found that 3. (The Age)
Wine Compound May Protect against Radiation Exposure Oct 5, 2008
TUESDAY, Sept. 23 (HealthDay News) -- The antioxidant resveratrol, found in many plants and in red wine, may help protect against radiation exposure, say University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers ... "Currently, there are no drugs on the market that protect against or counteract radiation exposure. Our goal is to develop treatments for the general population that are effective and non-toxic," he added. (MEDLINEplus)
Radiation rules issued for Yucca site Oct 3, 2008
And over the next 10,000 years, radiation exposure to the waste dumps neighbors may be no more than 15 millirems a year, which is about what people get from an ordinary X-ray ... Climate, quakes, corrosion must be weighedThe EPA said that in submitting its design for a license, the Energy Department must consider the effects of climate change, earthquakes and volcanic activities as well as the corrosion of the waste packages to assure it can meet the radiation exposure requirements over a... (MSNBC -- Environment)
Take charge of your breast health Oct 3, 2008
Limit your radiation exposure. Ask if you can get an MRI or ultrasound instead of an X-ray or CT scan, an X-ray technique that uses particularly high levels of radiation. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Millisecond brain signals predict response to fast-acting antidepressant Oct 3, 2008
This imaging technology can non-invasively detect brain electromagnetic activity lasting only milliseconds the speed of communications in neural circuits whereas other functional brain imaging techniques can only capture activity that last seconds or minutes, and some involve radiation exposure. This precise timing enabled the MEG scanner to capture the brain's split-second responses to rapidly flashing pictures of fearful faces, a task known to activate the ACC. While healthy participants'... (EurekAlert!)
Impending nuke attack? Red wine 'can help' Sep 25, 2008
A new study has revealed that resveratol, the natural antioxidant commonly present in red wine, offers protection against radiation exposure by preventing any kind of damage to the body's cells ... In fact, they found that red wine when combined with the chemical acetyl and administered before radiation exposure protected the cells and helped prevent death of the mice, media reported ... Currently there are no drugs on the market that protect against or counteract radiation exposure. (Economic Times)
Wine Ingredient Protects Against Radiation Sep 24, 2008
A natural antioxidant commonly found in red wine and fruit may protect against radiation exposure, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday ... "Currently there are no drugs on the market that protect against or counteract radiation exposure," he added. (Newsmax)
CRMC installs advanced CT system Sep 19, 2008
In addition, the Aquilion 64 CFX provides high image quality while also minimizing the patient's radiation exposure, because the system's detector is composed of a highly-efficient ceramic material. This material allows for the best radiation dose efficiency available on the market. (Cameron Observer, MO)
There's no such thing as a safe tan Sep 19, 2008
The authors say: "UV radiation exposure represents one of the most avoidable causes of cancer risk and mortality in man. Whereas genetic and other factors undoubtedly contribute importantly to skin cancer risk, the role of UV is incontrovertible". Font Size. (India Times, India)
ASGE Encourages Patients to Speak to Their Doctor About Colorectal Cancer Screening Options Sep 18, 2008
29, 2007), pointed to the potential dangers of radiation exposure over a person's lifetime from diagnostic medical testing using CT scans ... "ASGE supports colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening because it offers the advantage of allowing for detection and prevention through the removal of polyps during the same procedure, without unnecessary radiation exposure. Colonoscopy also has a high detection rate for polyps of all sizes and is the only method that allows us to remove polyps before... (PR Newswire)
Non-invasive colonoscopy is found to be effective Sep 18, 2008
In addition, even though radiation doses are half those of normal CT scans, "we still have to be concerned about the potential cumulative effects of radiation exposure," said Dr. David Lichtenstein, director of endoscopy at Boston Medical Center. For Lichtenstein, the bottom line is "traditional colonoscopies remain the gold standard, but virtual colonoscopies are a good alternative.". (Chicago Tribune)
Urban air pollution 'more dangerous than Chernobyl' Sep 18, 2008
Air pollution in major cities may be more damaging to health than the radiation exposure suffered by survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, according to a report published today. The study suggests high levels of urban air pollution cut short life expectancy more than the radiation exposure of emergency workers who were sent into the 19-mile exclusion zone around the site straight after the accident ... "The immediate effects of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs led to approximately... (Yahoo News -- Pollution)
Experts Say No UV Tan Is Safe Sep 18, 2008
E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. Zac Macaulay / Getty Images. (KCRA 3, CA)
AGA Institute statement: Data support CT colonography as viable colorectal cancer screening option Sep 18, 2008
The potential for harm from radiation is difficult to assess given the uncertainty of true risks from low levels of radiation exposure. However, the ionizing radiation exposure from a single abdominal or chest CT may be associated with elevated risk for DNA damage and cancer formation ... The rate of radiation exposure with CT colonography may depend on the machine used and the type of CT colonography (2-D versus 3-D imaging) performed; therefore the methodology for screening must be... (EurekAlert!)
More than skin deep: There's no such thing as a 'safe' suntan, researchers warn Sep 18, 2008
Public release date: 18-Sep-2008. Contact: Melanie Thomson. (EurekAlert!)
Childhood Brain Cancer Genes Identified Sep 17, 2008
1, 2006) Radiation exposure may increase the risk of brain and spinal column tumors in survivors of childhood cancer, according to a study in the November 1 Journal of the National Cancer. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Prototype Superconductor For Tokamak Fusion Reactor Proves Successful Sep 15, 2008
14, 2008) Fusion for Energy (F4E) with the support of the European Commission, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and ITER Organisation have successfully tested a prototype superconductor for the ITER Poloidal Field coils made of Niobium(Nb)-Titanium(Ti) reaching a stable operation at 52 kA in a magnetic field of 6. Poloidal Field coils will be used to maintain the plasma equilibrium and shape inside the ITER Tokamak reactor. (Science Daily)
Standard & Poor's Announces Changes to U.S. Indices Sep 11, 2008
Landauer provides analytical services to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure. Headquartered in Glenwood, IL, the company will be added to the SlCap 600 GICS Health Care Services Sub-Industry index. (PR Newswire)
CT scans can be better medicine for doctors than for patients Sep 7, 2008
Although the risk of a single CT scan to an individual is minuscule, even a tiny increase in radiation exposure spread over a large population can eventually add up to tens of thousands of cancer deaths a year. A controversial study published last November in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that CT scans administered today could cause up to 2% of cancer deaths in two or three decades. (Los Angeles Times)
UNC spinoff lands $2 million grant Sep 6, 2008
That helps doctors focus radiation beams and avoid nearby body parts that could be harmed by radiation exposure. Processes for creating such roadmaps are currently long and expensive, according to Edward Chaney, Morphomics vice president of technology and a UNC professor. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Doctors Performing Heart Surgery Face Risks To Eyes Aug 30, 2008
The procedure can cause extensive radiation exposure to cardiologists that could lead to cataracts, alongside other longer term health risks. Fluoroscopy provides X-ray images of a patient that physicians can view on a display screen or monitor in real time. (Science Daily)
The Litvinenko mystery: What does Britain really know? Aug 30, 2008
This medical stone-walling left unanswered why British doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed Litvinenko, and, despite his symptoms of radiation exposure, did not test his urine specimens for alpha as well as gamma radiation, and never gave him the antidote Dimercaprol, which might have saved his life. When I examined the British police report sent to Moscow in June 2006 in support of its extradition request, I was stunned to see that without the medical reports, there was an almost total evidentiary... (International Herald Tribune)
Some Hiroshima Survivors at Thyroid Cancer Risk Aug 30, 2008
Though both mechanisms spur activation of the same enzyme-signaling pathway that leads to PTC, "the RET/PTC rearrangements were more common among cancers from individuals with higher (radiation exposure) doses, cancers that occurred earlier after the A-bomb exposure, and cancers among those who were at younger ages at A-bomb exposure," noted study lead author Kiyohiro Hamatani ... In their study, Hamatani's team found that between 1958 and 1998, there were 63 cases of thyroid cancer attributable... (Health-Finder)
Burning Incense Increases Risk Of Respiratory Tract Cancers Aug 27, 2008
13, 2008) Radiation exposure before birth or during early childhood increased the risk of adult solid cancers, according to a study of survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. It is known that. (Science Daily)
25-Ft. Cell Tower On Hold; New Plan Now On Table Aug 22, 2008
Others fear it would pose health risks to locals relating to radiation exposure. The company has said designs for the site will fall well within health and safety guidelines. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Simple And Secure Networked Home Aug 21, 2008
(June 11, 2001) Radiation exposure to personnel working in highly contaminated nuclear tank waste equipment pits may be reduced by as much as 75 percent thanks to the Pit Viper, a remotely operated cleanup system. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Radiosurgery Clinicians Present Latest Advances in Brain and Spine Tumor Treatments Using Integra LifeSciences Radionics XKnife System Aug 20, 2008
Art(R) treatment system combines integrated CT imaging with helical intensity modulated radiation therapy to deliver sophisticated treatments with speed and precision while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Integra NeuroSciences products are currently sold in the United States through the Integra NeuroSciences sales organization. (Primezone Releases)
Earth's magnetic field is changing Aug 19, 2008
Astronauts on the International Space Station retreated to a protected area as a precaution to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Moisturizers Linked To Skin Cancer? Aug 15, 2008
That came from their early-life radiation exposure. But the creams did make skin cancers grow faster and more readily. (CBS News)
Hiroshima mayor urges nuclear ban Aug 7, 2008
Many have developed illnesses caused by radiation exposure, including cancer and liver diseases. "The most severely neglected have been the emotional injuries," Akiba said, in announcing the new two-year psychological study. (MSNBC -- International)
One Fifth Of British Adult Survivors Of Childhood Cancer Smoke Despite Hazards Aug 5, 2008
13, 2008) Radiation exposure before birth or during early childhood increased the risk of adult solid cancers, according to a study of survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings ... 1, 2006) Radiation exposure may increase the risk of brain and spinal column tumors in survivors of childhood cancer, according to a study in the November 1 Journal of the National Cancer. (Science Daily)
All Creatures buys digital X-ray machine Aug 4, 2008
"It reduces the radiation exposure to pets and to employees," Morrison said. "And we already notice that we're sedating the animals less. It's nice not having to wrestle with a dog.". (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
