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> An eye scan could be used to predict Alzheimer's disease, according to research presented at the Alzheimer's International Conference in Copenhagen, Forbes reported. Two presentations highlighted the possibility that new technologies involving retinal imaging could be used to measure amyloid plaque formation in the back of the eye. Preliminary data on one trial on 40 patients show that levels of amyloid detected in the retina correlated with amyloid levels in the brain detected by PET scans. Article
> The use of lung ultrasound can help identify and follow pneumonia in children, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics & Neonatology. In the study, Taiwanese researchers analyzed the treatment of 163 children enrolled in a study and found that of the 163 chest X-ray was able to identify pneumonia in 159 patients, while ultrasound detected pneumonia in 159 patients. Abstract
> The use of diffusion tensor imaging scans--a type of MRI scan more sensitive than conventional MRI scans--along with tests of thinking and memory skill has shown that people with just mild traumatic brain injuries can suffer brain damage. Announcement
Health IT News
> A new warning system will help to detect illicit drug use around the country to allow for "rapid, informed and effective" public health responses, the National Institutes of Health announced. The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research will create the National Drug Early Warning System with help from five years of funding from the NIH. The system will provide information on illicit use of drugs in very specific areas in the U.S. Article
Health Finance News
> More than 1,500 hospitals improved care for more than 143,000 patients since January 2012 through a joint initiative between two major healthcare advocacy organizations, in addition to saving more than $1.3 billion, according to a statement from the Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET). Article
And Finally... Déjà flew. Article