Archive for March 22nd, 2012
Is depression contagious?
March 22nd, 2012 | 
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Adolescents' depressive symptoms tend to converge toward the average level of their peers, suggesting that socialization processes can both increase and decrease depression, depending on the peer network.
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Drugmakers may have priced themselves into a corner
Drugmakers have responded to shrinking sales volume by raising drug prices, and insurers, governments and other payers have borne the costs.
Supreme Court decision protects generics makers from lawsuits
Judges are dismissing lawsuits against generic-drug makers based on a Supreme Court ruling last year that the companies are not liable if they fail to give patients information on potential risks that are not disclosed on the branded version's label. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., said he is exploring ways to hold generic-drug makers liable for not disclosing known risks.
Lawmakers investigate pharmacy fronts capitalizing on drug shortages
Lawmakers are investigating nearly two dozen phony pharmacies allegedly set up solely to buy and resell crucial drugs in short supply at huge markups. "If it's not illegal, we're going to have to find a way to make it illegal, because this threatens virtually every person in the country," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. State officials say pharmacies may be able to get access to scarce drugs when smaller wholesalers can't, on the assumption the drugs will go directly to patients who need them. The lawmakers want detailed information on the businesses by April 11.
In Search for Alien Life, Researchers Enlist Human Minds
With new Web-based software called SETILive, an army of independent citizen-scientists are being recruited to detect unusual signals in space.
Canada Places Cancer Warnings on Merck, GSK Drugs
Canada's health regulator said it has slapped warnings on prescription drugs marketed by Merck and GlaxoSmithKline that treat enlarged prostates and baldness after finding they could raise the risk of an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Court Throws Out Prometheus Patent
The Supreme Court has tossed out a medical patent [for an autoimmune blood test saying it] used “unpatentable” natural laws … a decision that could affect the burgeoning field of personalized medicine … [as it has lupus UVA1 phototherapy since it was born]