| Show Number |
Air Week |
Title |
Program Description |
| SHOW #101 |
June 1, 1997 |
Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation |
A new electronic device restores the use of some hand muscles in people
with spinal cord injuries, giving patients the ability to grasp and pinch. Our story
featured Jim Jatich of Akron, Ohio, who in 1986 was the first person in the world to
receive the implant, and now has become the first person to receive a second device,
restoring function to his other hand as well. CONTACT: NeuroControl, Susan Krebs, Media
Relations, 216-231-6812; Cleveland FES Center/FES Information Center, (800)666-2353 |
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FUTUREX: Artificial Retina |
The so-called artificial retina is an implantable microchip designed to
replace the light-sensitive screen at the back of the human eye. Images focused on the
chip would stimulate the undamaged nerve endings in a diseased retina. The story featured
the developer of the device, Dr. Wentai Liu of NC State University. CONTACT: NC State
University, 919-515-3848 |
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Artificial Skin |
Developed for use with severe burn patients, artificial skin, trade name
Integra, is designed for application when natural skin grafts are impossible, as when a
patient has lost too much skin surface to burns. It has the unique ability to stimulate
the regeneration of the dermis, which is the layer of skin under the surface layer (the
epidermis). The dermis does not naturally grow back when injured, and is replaced by scar
tissue. The artificial skin prevents scarring. CONTACT: Integra LifeSciences Corp., Judy
Brenna, Public Relations, 609-936-2398 |
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EVERYDAY BREAKTHROUGHS: Auto External Defibrillator |
Automatic external defibrillators are gaining increasing usage in public
places, such as commercial airliners. They are designed to restart the heart of a person
undergoing sudden cardiac arrest. Since time is so critical in those situations, the
advance is that they can be used, if necessary, by non-medical personnel. CONTACT:
Heartscan, Inc. 1-800-263-3342 |
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Bladder Cancer Detection |
A new molecular technique of detecting bladder cancer could allow much
earlier detection of the disease, and lead to earlier and more effective intervention.
Analysis of a simple urine sample allows researchers to identify abnormal genetic
patterns, so-called "fingerprints," which are tell-tale warning signs of the
presence of bladder cancer. CONTACT: Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Karen Twilde, Office
of Public Affairs, 410-955-1287 |
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| SHOW #102 |
June 8, 1997 |
Colon Cancer Gene Test |
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered several of the genes
associated with Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer, or HNPCC. They are using a simple
blood test to screen families who have a high incidence of colon cancer. The researchers
emphasize the importance of genetic counseling for people in this group (or anyone
undergoing genetic testing), as the information received can be extremely complicated and
sensitive. CONTACT: Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Karen Twilde, Office of Public Affairs,
410-955-1287 |
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BREAKTHROUGHS IN HISTORY: Mechanical Ventilators |
A brief look at the history of assisted breathing machines, from the
sixteenth century all the way to the iron lungs of the 1950's polio epidemic. |
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Liquid Breathing |
Partial liquid ventilation is a new technology utilizing a Teflon-like
liquid called perflubron. Patients' lungs are filled with the fluid, which actually
exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide more efficiently than air itself. In other words,
people can breathe through it. It's being tested extensively with premature infants, and
in pediatric and adult cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is used in
conjunction with mechanical ventilation, allowing the use of lower pressure settings on
the ventilator. CONTACT: Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Gwen Rosenberg, Director,
Corporate Communications, 619-558-4375 |
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Aloe |
A study in rats showed that the ingestion of the common house plant, aloe
vera, was beneficial, resulting in longer lifespans in the study group. There is
speculation that one day it might be shown that ingestion of aloe would be beneficial for
humans as well. Only two of aloe's twenty active ingredients have been isolated thusfar,
including an antioxidant said to be nearly as powerful as Vitamin E. CONTACT: Myong
Covert, Public Affairs, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,
210-567-2570 |
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Questionable Medical Devices |
A brief piece in which we pay a visit to the Museum of Questionable
Medical Devices in Minneapolis, curated by collector and enthusiast Bob McCoy. We will
occasionally feature McCoy showing us some of the more unusual and interesting pieces in
his renowned collection. |
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Ocutech VES |
The Ocutech VES Autofocus Telescope System is designed to restore the
ability to see detail in people who have macular degeneration and some other disorders of
the retina. The high-tech system automatically focuses on the object being looked at by
the viewer, and magnifies that object, bringing the image into an area of vision not
impacted by the degeneration. CONTACT: Ocutech, 800-326-6460 |
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| SHOW #103 |
June 15, 1997 |
P.D.T. (Photodynamic Therapy) |
PDT is a new approach to treating some cancers. A light-sensitive drug is
given to the patient, which collects at the tumor site. Then, highly-targeted laser light
is applied to the site. The light "turns on" the drug, which then destroys the
cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissue. The technique is being studied with
several types of difficult to treat cancers. CONTACT: Case Western Reserve University,
George Stamatis, Public Affairs, 216-368-3635 |
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FUTUREX: Radio Capsule |
The "Intelisite" medication delivery system is a new type of
capsule designed to release its contents only when signalled to do so by radio from
outside the body. It's useful in researching how drugs are absorbed by the intestinal
tract. CONTACT: Innovative Devices, 919-781-6315 |
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Virtual Diagnostics |
Advances in computer technology and software are now allowing doctors to
look at three-dimensional images of internal body structures without invading the body. By
combining hundreds of images from CAT scans and MRI scans, virtual anatomies are
generated. They are interactive, and allow more intuitive study of detected conditions
like aneurysms and colon polyps. CONTACT: Duke University Medical Center, Office of Public
Affairs, 919-684-4148 or Silicon Graphics Corp., Linda Jacobson, Medical/Healthcare
Marketing Manager, 415-933-6398, or Christi Kluzak, Vital Images, (612) 915-8009, email ckluzak@vitalimages.com |
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BREAKTHROUGH PROFILES: Dr. Brian Loggie |
Dr. Loggie, of Bowman Grey Medical Center in Winston-Salem, has developed
a new technique for treating abdominal cancers previously considered untreatable. Called
intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, it combines advantages of surgery and
chemotherapy at the same time. CONTACT: Dr. Loggie, 910-716-6272, bloggie@bgsm.edu |
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Depression |
A significant percentage of people who suffer from clinical depression
aren't helped by antidepressant drugs. Using PET scan brain imaging, researchers now
suspect a reason. They've identified a low glucose metabolism in a specific area of the
brain of antidepressant-resistant people. This insight may lead to new treatment options
for these patients. CONTACT: Myong Covert, Public Affairs, University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio, 210-567-2570 |
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