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Archive for July 2012
UCAS tariff to be axed
From the Press Association, via Yahoo News: The points-based system used by students applying to higher education is now likely to be scrapped after the move gained widespread support from universities and schools. Around two-thirds are in favour of proposals to axe the Ucas “tariff system”, according to a report by the admissions service. Instead, … Continue reading
Ebola outbreak
From the BBC: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has called on people to avoid physical contact, after the deadly Ebola virus spread to the capital, Kampala. Fourteen people have died, including one in Kampala, since the outbreak began in western Uganda three weeks ago, he said in a special broadcast. Ebola is one of the most … Continue reading
A clean-living generation?
From the BBC: A survey of 6,500 children aged between 11 and 15 showed the numbers taking drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol had all fallen over the past decade. The NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre figures found 17% had tried drugs at least once in 2011, compared with 29% in 2001… Five per … Continue reading
Over the counter asthma inhalers
From the BBC: Asda said it would start selling blue reliever inhalers over the counter without prescription from Tuesday. Customers over 16 will be able to buy two inhalers for £7… In England such items would incur a charge of £7.65 if obtained on prescription; in the rest of the UK prescription charges no longer … Continue reading
The GP Practice of the future?
From The Guardian: The health reforms, tougher challenges facing social care and efficiency savings have pushed visions for integrated services to the forefront of the NHS. By 2020 will general practices across the county see minor surgery units, more diagnostics, extended opening hours and a range of rehabilitation services all on one site and helping … Continue reading
Oxford announces new Scholarships for low-income students
From the BBC: Oxford University will use a record donation to abolish the tuition fee increase for its poorest students – keeping fees at £3,500 per year. In a bid to remove financial barriers, eligible students will also receive funding for all their living costs. With matched funding, a £75m donation from Michael Moritz and … Continue reading
“Flab Jab”
From The Telegraph: In tests, obese mice fed a high fat diet saw a 10% drop in body weight four days after receiving the jab… The slimming effect was not seen in a matched group of 10 untreated mice. Lead researcher Dr Keith Haffer, from the US company Braasch Biotech in South Dakota, said: “This … Continue reading
NICE and Avastin
From The Telegraph: … the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has said there are doubts about [Avastin's] benefits and its high cost, £3,700 per patient per month, means it is not cost effective. … Sir Andrew Dillon, chief executive of Nice, said: “Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and we … Continue reading
More on Mind/Machine Melding
From the BBC: A new brain scanner has been developed to help people who are completely paralysed speak by enabling them to spell words using their thoughts. It uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to help patients choose between 27 characters – the alphabet and a blank space. Areas to think about: What is fMRI? … Continue reading
