NASA to collaborate with Indian bio-medical Industry

National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), USA, is looking for collaboration with Indian Industries in order to transfer its spin-off technologies, especially in the bio-medical field, for the benefit of the common man, a NASA scientist has said here.

"NASA is working on nano-biotechnologies for the astronauts who will undertake manned Mars Mission 30 years from now," Dr Robert W Mah, director, smart systems Research Laboratory, Ames Research Centre of NASA in California, said here yesterday.

He was addressing the researchers from the Indian pharmaceutical industry at the first World Congress on "nano-biotechnology". As the scientists had found that the astronauts were likely to suffer with bone loss 10 times more than normal (loss of calcium), risk of fracture, painful kidney stones, motion sickness (confusing signals sent to brain), back pain, muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, eye injuries and other diseases like breast cancer, NASA has taken up projects to solve these problems, Mah said.

Some of technologies of NASA include CNT microscopy for better imaging (which is already commercialised in US) nano-based gene sequencing technique, nono-biosensors currently used by National Cancer Institute in US), nanotubes, nano mechanics, smart tools for virtual treatment and suggestive probes, he said. Few US companies, which have Indian base have already come forward to collaborate with NASA in promoting technologies developed by NASA, he added. NASA began its Nano-biotechnology work in 1997 and has 50 Scientists working.

(Ref : Economic Times June 23, 2004)

Manipal introduces laser technology for ENT surgery

Manipal Hospital has introduced advanced endoscopic laser technology for ENT surgery to treat problems of the voice box (larynx) and mouth (oropharynx). It is for the first time in India that a hospital will use advanced diode laser system evolve in the surgical field of ENT.

A live demonstration of the new path breaking technique will be conducted at Manipal Hospital by Dr. Surendra Narne, an international renowned ENT surgeon and head of endoscopic airway surgery, Padua University, Italy on April 2004. The demonstration will create awareness about the latest treatment modalities for ENT related problems and provide an update to ENT specialists on the various uses of endoscopes.

Apart from larynx and orpharynx, the instrument can be used for other minimally invasive procedures with dedicated solutions in nasal surgery, treatment of tumor, paediatric surgery, vascular lesions, micro endoscopy, dacryocystrohinostomy and otology. Procedures involving laser technology are very cost effective and can be done as a 'day care' procedure since it has many positive aspects.

Laser combines excellent cutting, ablation and coagulation properties for precise, virtually bloodless procedures. Compared to the conventional surgical methods, laser surgery is less invasive, has lower risk, minimal post-operative discomfort with shorter recovery, said Dr. S.K. Mondal, consultant, ENT Surgeon at Manipal Hospital.

The novel laser technology is a precise and simple procedure done endoscopically with no cuts on the body, either inside or outside. Blood loss and post operative pain is minimal as laser technology coagulates the blood vessels and destroys bad issue. It also cuts down the operative time as surgeons can visualize of the operative field better, he said.

Larynx is one of the most delicate organs in the human body where even 1mm extra damage to the tissue can cause significant damage to voice and breathing. The laser beam generates enough heat and energy to cut through a tissue accurately", informed Dr. Mondal. The oropharynx and larynx surgeries can be treated effectively using endoscopic laser technology as it preserves voice structures and enhances the patient's quality of life.

In some conditions like juvenile laryn-geal-papillomatosis (benign growth in voice box) where repeated surgery may be required, laser is the best option for treatment, as it does not damage normal tissue. It is also a proven fact that laser reduces recurrence compared to conventional methods.

(Ref : Hospital Review : April 16 to 30 2004)

Heart Core ties up with Synchron for medical imaging

The Netherlands based Heart Core B.V. has signed a strategic partnership with Synchron Research, a CRO, headquartered in Ahmedabad, for medical imaging in clinical trials in South East Asia.

Heart Core is an independent contract research laboratory for medical image analysis and management of medical images in clinical trails. With its expert staff, its relations with academic medical centers and medical specialists worldwide, Heart Core provides core lab services to the pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotechnology and contrast agents industry. These services include quantitative and qualitative image analysis, blinded readings, image management and custom-made courses for trials in the field of cardiology, peripheral artery disease, orthopedics, pulmonology and neuorlogy.

While, Synchron Research is an established Contact Research Organization in India, providing a broad range of clinical research services for phase I-IV trials, including bio-equivalence, bio-availability and phar-macokinetic studies, and project management, data management and statistical analysis services.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Anton van Weert, managing director of Heart Core, said, "We are very excited about this excellent opportunity to work as a partner with Synchron Research and in this way make our image analysis expertise available to this part of the world. We do have experience with trials carried out in Asia, but this will allow us together with Synchron Research on reaching a much larger market share and new opportunities".

(Ref : Pharmabiz Hospital Review April 16-30, 2004)