| Show Number |
Air Week |
Title |
Program Description |
SHOW #206
|
July 5, 1998 |
Macular Degeneration |
Scientists at four institutions have identified a gene defect associated
with age-related macular degeneration, an untreatable vision disorder that robs elderly
adults of their eyesight. The genetic mutation is similar to one associated with Stargardt
disease, a rare inherited form of macular degeneration that typically begins in
adolescence. This genetic discovery should lead to new methods of identifying people at
risk of developing the disorder, as well as new treatments and preventions. CONTACTS:
Moran Eye Center (University of Utah) (801)581-2352, website: www.insight.med.utah.edu; Eccles Institute of
Human Genetics, (801)585-7523, email disease@genetics.utah.edu;
Researchers would like to hear from (1)families with three or more living members who have
been diagnosed with macular degeneration, (2)families with members diagnosed with
Stargardt, juvenile onset macular degeneration (age 10-30) who have parents or
grandparents with age related macular degeneration. Telephone: (801)581-6265 (Moran Eye
Center) or (801)585-7537 (Eccles Institute of Human Genetics), email: disease@genetics.utah.edu, Clinical
Coordinator email: lizbeth.malmquist@hsc.utah.edu;
American Academy of Ophthalmology, (415)561-8500, website: www.eyenet.org,
links to several vision-disorder related support group websites available at: www.eyenet.org/public/resources/res_sup_group.html
|
| |
|
Cataract Surgery |
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataract surgery is
the most performed procedure in the US, and one of the most successful, with over 90% of
patients regaining useful vision. Now, there are new developments that promise even more
success, with faster, safer, less painful operations, and quicker recoveries. Among the
many improvements is a procedure called phacoemulsification, in which a vibrating,
hollow-bored tube with a microscopic tip shatters the cloudy lens into small pieces. At
the same time, the probe suctions the broken pieces from the eye. CONTACTS: John Moran Eye
Center, University of Utah, (801)581-2352, website: www.insight.med.utah.edu; American Academy of
Ophthalmology, website: www.eyenet.org |
| |
|
FUTUREX: Artifical 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 |
| |
|
Corneal Rings |
Intrastromal corneal ring implants are the newest treatment available for
mild forms of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. The surgery involves inserting a
tiny, transparent polymer ring into the cornea, which reshapes the cornea to correct for
the vision problem. Unlike other surgical procedures such as PRK and RK, this procedure is
reversible. Corneal rings could eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for
moderately nearsighted individuals. The implants are still in clinical trials, but could
become generally available in the near future. CONTACTS: Kathi Ovnik, Public Affairs,
Emory University, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, (404)727-5686, email: covnic@emory.edu; website: www.emory.edu/WHSC/; Judy Walker, Clinical Research
Coordinator, Emory Vision Correction Center, (404)250-1525, website: www.emory.org/vision_correction |
SHOW #207
|
July 12, 1998 |
Prosthetic Sensors |
A company called NovaCare-Sabolich in Oklahoma City has developed new
electronic sensor systems for use in prosthetic limbs. The Sense of Feel System gives
amputees the ability to feel pressure in both their upper and lower prostheses. It helps
them maintain their center of gravity when walking. The Hot and Cold Sensory System
contains a temperature probe in the tip of the finger of the prosthetic hand. It sends
signals to electrodes attached to the residual limb, from which nerves send signals to the
brain, which correctly interpret the temperature of the object. Neither of these systems
are as yet available to the public. CONTACTS: Kristen Thomas or Kim Tefertiller, Public
Relations, NovaCare-Sabolich Prosthetics, (405)525-4000; Patient Services Department,
(800)522-4428, email: NovaCare@oandp.com, website:
www.novacaresabolich.com; Limbs For Life
(service organization), (888)235-5462 |
| |
|
Prosthetic Limb Interfaces |
Even if a prosthetic limb is very well designed, amputees can experience
serious problems, including lesions, due to the interface with their residual limb. Now a
Minnesota company founded by an amputee has come up with an interface designed to avoid
those problems. The TEC (Total Environmental Control) Interface is made of urethane, a
material that mimics the load-bearing characteristics of human tissue. It absorbs impact
and equalizes pressure throughout the socket, making for a more comfortable fit. CONTACT:
TEC Interface Systems, Waite Park, MN, (800)688-4832, website: www.biomech.com/mall/tec/ |
| |
|
Facial Prosthetics |
This story profiles the work of the UCLA Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Clinic. A part of the UCLA School of Dentistry, the clinic is one of the few centers in
the world capable of giving a patient with significant facial disfigurement, many of them
head and neck cancer patients, a renewed chance at a normal life. Art and science come
together in the work of the prosthetists, who fashion extraordinarily life-like noses,
ears, and other facial prostheses for patients who have lost those parts to surgery.
CONTACT: Elaine Schmidt, Public Information Officer, UCLA School of Dentistry,
310-206-2106 |
SHOW #208
|
July 19, 1998 |
Heart Disease/PET Scan |
Heart disease remains our number one killer, in spite of many strides in
recent years. Now there is a pioneering physician who is convinced he has a better way to
prevent and treat cardiac problems, and diagnose the extent of disease in patients without
the use of invasive procedures. Dr. Lance Gould of the University of Texas - Houston has
developed a comprehensive program based on his theories, and has reported some remarkable
results. First of all, he relies heavily on the use of the PET (positron emission
tomography) scan, a sophisticated imaging technology, to diagnose heart disease and
monitor the effectiveness of therapy. He believes that PET is more accurate than current
invasive diagnostic methods. Along with improved assessment, Dr. Gould's program is based
on his firm belief that heart disease can be successfully prevented or reversed
noninvasively, through aggressive use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and a strict low fat
diet. CONTACTS: Sandra Henry, Public Affairs, UT-Houston Health Science Center,
(713)500-3030, website: www.uth.tmc.edu; American
Heart Association, (800)AHA-USA1, website: www.amhrt.org;
American College of Cardiology, (800)253-4636, website: www.acc.org
|
| |
|
GENEWATCH: Salmonella Vaccine |
After ten years of research, scientists at Washington University have
perfected an oral vaccine that protects chickens against salmonella bacteria. Using
genetic engineering techniques, they have deleted two key genes in the bacterium. This
weakened form of the organism is given to the fowl, and produces an immune response
without making the chicks sick. It's estimated that widespread use of the vaccine could
eliminate up to one fourth of the estimated four million salmonella poisoning cases in
humans each year. CONTACTS: Steve Kraushaar, Washington University, (314)286-0120,
website: www.wustl.edu |
| |
|
Vibrant Soundbridge |
Up to 26 million Americans have some degree of hearing impairment. Now
there is a new alternative to hearing aids for the moderate to severely hearing impaired.
The Vibrant Soundbridge, consisting of both externally worn and surgically impanted
components, works in the middle ear. Sound is transmitted to a tiny device in the middle
ear, which vibrates, stimulating the small bones nearby. These vibrations travel to the
inner ear, where they stimulate the auditory nerve and travel on to the brain to be
interpreted as sound. The ear canal is left open, allowing the user to continue to
experience natural sound as much as possible. The device, intended to offer sound
reproduction superior to hearing aids, is now in clinical trials in the US. CONTACTS: Lori
Fiber, Fischer & Partners, 310-577-7870; Symphonix Devices, Inc., (408)232-0710,
website: www.symphonix.com; House Ear Institute,
(213)483-4431, website: www.hei.org; American Academy of
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, (703)836-4444, website: www.entnet.org; Better Hearing Institute, (800)EAR-WELL,
website: www.betterhearing.org; American
Hearing Research Foundation, (312)726-9670 |
| |
|
EVERYDAY BREAKTHROUGHS: Breast Milk |
Breast milk is always considered to be the most nutritious food for
babies, but nutritional content can vary widely from woman to woman. Now two medical
students at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have devised a simple method of gauging
nutritional content. It uses a standard centrifuge to measure the length of the lipid
column, or creamatocrit, after it has been separated from the milk. This measurement
reflects the amount of energy available in the milk. The test is practical and has the
potential for widespread clinical use, particularly with premature infants in neonatal
intensive care units, and babies diagnosed with failure to thrive. CONTACT: John Howser,
Public Relations, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, (615)322-4747, website: www.vanderbilt.edu |
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