August 1, 2007
New website 
New website is just published.   

August 1, 2007
Live Chat is coming! 
New website is just published.

July 10, 2007
TECHBD EMR 2.0 is releasing soon.
It is a one point service solution that understands the requirements of practitioners without hampering the current practice flow. This version is more suitable for the Chiropractic/Orthopedic professionals.

Thur, September 4, 2008 09:00:00 -0500
HHS Program To Improve Disaster Assistance
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today welcomed 11 more community collaborations to a growing national movement to build a health care system where consumers, providers and payers make decisions based on the value and quality of care.

Wed, September 3, 2008 15:30:00 -0500
11 Communities Working to Improve Quality and Value of Health Care Designated as Chartered Value Exchanges
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today welcomed 11 more community collaborations to a growing national movement to build a health care system where consumers, providers and payers make decisions based on the value and quality of care.

Tue, September 2, 2008 11:30:00 -0500
Hawaii Ensures Limited English Proficient Persons Have Equal Access to Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) have signed a voluntary agreement to improve language assistance services for limited English proficient (LEP) persons in Hawaii.

Thur, August 21, 2008 14:30:00 -0500
Regulation Proposed to Help Protect Health Care Providers from Discrimination
A new proposed regulation would increase awareness of, and compliance with, three separate laws protecting federally funded health care providers’ right of conscience.

Fri, August 15, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
HHS Proposes Adoption of ICD-10 Code Sets and Updated Electronic Transaction Standards
Proposed Changes Would Improve Disease Tracking and Speed Transition to an Electronic Health Care Environment

Fri, July 25, 2008 11:30:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, on Legislation to Address Medicare Solvency
The law created a “trigger” that requires action if the Medicare trustees have issued two consecutive reports projecting the program’s spending from general revenue would exceed 45 percent. This year, in response to the second consecutive Medicare Trustee report, the President proposed legislation to lengthen the life of the trust fund and improve Medicare and that legislation was introduced by members in both houses. Under the law, Congress is required to act on the President’s proposal or an alternative by July 30.

Wed, July 23, 2008 13:00:00 -0500
HHS and DHS Announce Guidance on Pandemic Vaccination Allocation
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) released today guidance on allocating and targeting pandemic influenza vaccine. The guidance provides a planning framework to help state, tribal, local and community leaders ensure that vaccine allocation and use will reduce the impact of a pandemic on public health and minimize disruption to society and the economy.

Wed, July 23, 2008 09:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Travels to Alaska to Advance Rural Health Initiatives
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting southern Alaska this week to strengthen efforts to enhance health care delivery to Alaska Native communities and to observe best practices in the region.

Tues, July 22, 2008 13:30:00 -0500
Secretary Names Next Health Attaché To Iraq
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mike Leavitt today announced that Terry Cline, Ph.D., will become the Department’s next Health Attaché and representative at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, effective August 31st.

Mon, July 21, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
New Members Appointed To Human Research Protections National Advisory Committee
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt has appointed two new members to the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP).

Mon, July 21, 2008 13:00:00 -0500
HHS Awards $49.1 Million to States to Increase Access to Health Care Coverage
HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt today announced awards of over $49 million in grants to 30 states that provide health insurance to residents who cannot get conventional health coverage because of their health status.

Wed, July 9, 2008 17:30:00 -0500
HHS Releases Project BioShield Annual Report to Congress on Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Threats
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a report today stating its progress in implementing Project BioShield. HHS has used Project BioShield authorities to support, facilitate and expedite the research, development, acquisition and availability of medical countermeasures to respond to the adverse effects of public health emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

Wed, July 9, 2008 13:30:00 -0500
HHS Announces New International Programs to Enhance Drug and Food Safety
Joint Inspections with European Union and Australian Regulators; Third-Party Certification Program Are Latest Steps toward Implementing New Import Strategy

Wed, July 2, 2008 12:00:00 -0500
Georgia to Offer More Community Living Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities
More than 2,300 individuals with disabilities currently institutionalized in Georgia’s eight public psychiatric hospitals and mental retardation facilities will have the opportunity to live in their communities with appropriate supports tailored to meet their individualized needs as a result of a settlement agreement between the state of Georgia and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Thur, June 26, 2008 12:00:00 -0500
New Subcommittee of HHS' National Biodefense Science Board to Look at Mental Health Consequences of Disasters
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is convening a group of national experts to develop recommendations on protecting, preserving and restoring individual and community mental health in catastrophic events.

Tues, June 24, 2008 15:30:00 -0500
United States and Viet Nam Sign Agreement on the Safety of Food, Medical Products
The United States and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the safety of food, feed, drugs and medical devices traded between the two nations.

Fri, June 20, 2008 15:30:00 -0500
Secretary Leavitt Travels to México and Central America to Advance Product Safety Efforts
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting México and Central America next week to strengthen efforts to improve the safety of products and to advance joint programs to improve health care in the region.

Wed, June 18, 2008 16:40:00 -0500
United States and China Outline Progress on Agreement on Food and Feed Safety
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mike Leavitt signed a Joint Progress Statement today with the Honorable Li Changjiang, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People’s Republic of China. The document outlines steps taken by both nations in implementing the 2007 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on food and feed safety.

Mon, June 16, 2008 16:40:00 -0500
HHS Takes Action to Help Medicare Beneficiaries and Providers in Iowa and Indiana
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency in the flood-stricken states of Iowa and Indiana. The action gives HHS' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs.

Thu, June 12, 2008 16:40:00 -0500
HHS Awards Contracts for the Development of Faster Influenza Diagnostic Tests
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded $12.9 million for the development of low-cost influenza tests that can detect and differentiate seasonal human influenza viruses from avian influenza within three hours.

Wed, June 11, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
Federal Agencies to Launch $8 Million Effort to Study Libby, Montana Asbestos Exposure
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Libby Amphibole Health Risk Initiative, a series of projects totaling $8 million designed to understand the health effects of exposure to lower levels of Libby, Montana asbestos (i.e., Libby amphibole).

Tue, June 10, 2008 14:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Announces 12 Communities Selected to Advance Use of Electronic Health Records in First Ever National Demonstration
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today named 12 communities that will participate in a national Medicare demonstration project that provides incentive payments to physicians for using certified electronic health records (EHR) to improve the quality of patient care. The five-year, first-of-its-kind project is expected to improve the quality of care provided to an estimated 3.6 million Americans.

Tue, June 10, 2008 09:30:00 -0500
Administration Proposes Additional Funding for FDA to Improve Food and Medical Product Safety
HHS Secretary Leavitt today announced that the Administration is amending its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to include an additional $275 million for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He called on Congress to act quickly on this budget amendment and pending Administration legislative proposals to strengthen FDA.

Tue, June 03, 2008 09:30:00 -0500
$1 Billion to Improve All Hazards Public Health and Medical Preparedness
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced that the department has made available nearly $1.1 billion to continue assisting public health departments, hospitals and other health care organizations to strengthen their ability to respond to public health and medical emergencies as a result of a terrorism attack or naturally occurring event.

Thur, May 22, 2008 13:15:00 -0500
New Efforts to Help Improve Medical Products for Patient Safety and Quality of Medical Care
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced efforts underway at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will complement each other to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care.

Mon, May 19, 2008 11:00:00 -0500
30 Applicants for Electronic Health Record Demonstration Project
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today applauded the more than 30 communities that have applied for a new demonstration project that will provide Medicare incentive payments to primary care physician practices that use certified electronic health records (EHR) to improve the quality of patient care.

Mon, May 12, 2008 14:00:00 -0500
Secretary Leavitt Travels to the People’s Republic of China to Check Up on Efforts to Improve Product Safety
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting the People's Republic of China this week to strengthen bilateral efforts to improve the safety of products on which consumers in both nations depend every day.

Thurs, May 8, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On Designation of Thomas Barker as Acting General Counsel
I am pleased that the President has designated Tom as this Department's Acting General Counsel. Tom has served HHS in a variety of capacities for more than seven years and has an extraordinary understanding of our nation's health care policies and priorities.

Tues, May 6, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
Hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi to Receive More Katrina Recovery Grants
Hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi still working to recover from the Hurricane Katrina disaster will receive $19.1 million in additional assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Tues, Apr 29, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
Statement on the Confirmation of Robert G. McSwain as Director of the Indian Health Service
I applaud the Senate's confirmation of Bob McSwain as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Bob brings to this role strong leadership skills and more than 30 years of federal service.

Wed, Apr 16, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
Statement of the Department of Health and Human Services Regarding Appeal of Consumers Checkbook Decision
Consumers should have access to a health care marketplace that provides information on the quality and cost of health care – such transparency empowers them to make better health care choices. As a provider of health insurance to more than 44 million Americans, the Medicare program is a considerable resource for such information. In fact, broader use and release of Medicare data holds the potential not only to transform Medicare from a purchaser of services to a purchaser of value, but also to transform the private marketplace as well.

Tues, Apr 15, 2008 10:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Visits Southeast Asia to Advance Product Safety and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Efforts
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam to advance the administration’s efforts to improve the safety of imports, and to review cooperative efforts to reduce the spread of disease, including HIV/AIDS and highly pathanogenic avian influenza.

Mon, Apr 07, 2008 10:00:00 -0500
HHS Awards $1.1 Billion for HIV/AIDS Care, Medications
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt has announced grants of more than $1.1 billion to provide primary care, medications and services for low-income and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS.

Tues, Apr 01, 2008 15:00:00 -0500
World Autism Awareness Day
Today, on the first World Autism Awareness Day, we pause to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the health of children in our country and throughout the world. Our determination remains strong as we continue our research efforts to increase understanding of how to treat and prevent autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Tues, Mar 24, 2008 16:30:00 -0500
Medicare Trustees Report Shows Serious Financial Status of Medicare Program
In their annual report, the Medicare Trustees today announced that both the Medicare Hospital Trust Fund and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund expenditures are growing faster than the rest of the economy.

Thur, Mar 20, 2008 16:30:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On Senate Confirmation of Joxel Garcia, M.D., MBA
Dr. Joxel Garcia was recently confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Health and Medical Director for the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). I am pleased he will be joining our team and providing important leadership on public health matters.

Fri, Mar 14, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Calls on Certification Group to Protect Conscience Rights
Unless changes are made, physicians could be forced to refer patients for abortions even if it violates their conscience. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt today expressed disappointment in the new policy put forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Tue, Mar 04, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
United States and Mexico Renew Agreement on Cooperation In Health
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and the Secretary of Health of the United Mexican States, Dr. José Ángel Córdova, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today strengthening cross-border cooperation to address public-health, medical and scientific issues.

Mon, Mar 03, 2008 16:00:00 -0500
Members Nominated to Advisory Committee on Re-Designation of Head Start Grantees
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the nominations of eight individuals to his Advisory Committee on Re-Designation of Head Start Grantees. The committee was created in accordance with the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 to develop a transparent and reliable system for evaluating the renewal of agencies’ designation as Head Start providers.

Fri, Feb 22, 2008 16:30:00 -0500
HHS Provides $40 Million in Energy Assistance to Low-Income Families
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the release of $40 million to help eligible low-income families meet home energy costs. The funds, from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund, will provide 11 states with heating assistance for the winter months.

Wed, Feb 20, 2008 16:30:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Invites Communities to Apply for An Innovative Electronic Health Record Demonstration Project Use of EHRs Can Improve the Quality of Health Care and Reduce Errors
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today called on community leaders across the country to apply for a new demonstration project that provides Medicare incentive payments to physicians for the use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient care.

Tue, Feb 12, 2008 14:00:00 -0500
New Patient Safety Proposed Regulation Aims to Improve Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
A proposed regulation to improve the quality and safety of health care for all Americans by fostering the establishment of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) was announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Mon, Feb 04, 2008 13:20:00 -0500
HHS Proposes $737 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year 2009
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt released today details of the President’s FY 2009 budget request to Congress for the department. The budget proposes total outlays of nearly $737 billion for HHS, an increase of more than $29 billion from 2008. This figure also includes a decrease of $2.2 billion in discretionary spending and proposes $186 billion in savings over the next five years achieved by slowing the rate of increase in mandatory spending.

Mon, Feb 04, 2008 11:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Announces Members of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee On National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced members of the advisory committee that will make recommendations for developing and implementing national health promotion and disease prevention objectives for Healthy People 2020.

Fri, Feb 01, 2008 15:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Awards Health Leaders with Special Distinction for Improving Quality and Value of Health Care
Today, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt recognized 14 communities with a special federal distinction for their strong commitment to improving quality and value in health care. The Secretary designated these partnerships of providers, employers, insurers, and consumers as the country’s first Chartered Value Exchanges (CVE) for their work to implement cutting-edge, collaborative methods to transform health care at the local level.

Tues, Jan 22, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
HHS Awards Grant to Secure Health Information Technology Advancement in the Private Sector
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today, during a meeting of the American Health Information Community (AHIC), that LMI Consulting of McLean, Virginia, in association with the Brookings Institution (Brookings), has been awarded a grant to establish, as a successor to the AHIC, a self-sustaining, public-private partnership based in the private sector.

Jan 16, 2008 17:00:00 -0500
HHS Provides $450 Million In Energy Assistance To Low-Income Families
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the release of $450 million to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds will provide states, territories, tribal areas and the District of Columbia with heating assistance for the winter months ahead.

Jan 14, 2008 13:00:00 -0500
HHS Partners with Ohio and Pennsylvania to Raise Awareness on Planning for Long-Term Care
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Ohio and Pennsylvania will join a federal program created to increase the public’s awareness about the importance of long-term care (LTC) planning.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary to Travel to India to Advance Import Safety and Further Partnerships on Health and Science
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt will travel to India in January to seek ways to enhance the quality and safety of Indian food, drugs, and medical products exported to the United States and to build on America's partnership with India on health and science.

Thur, 20 Dec 2007 10:00:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On the Confirmation of Ben Sasse as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and Christina Pearson as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
I applaud the Senate's confirmation of Ben Sasse as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and Christina Pearson as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:50:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, on the Nomination of Robert G. McSwain as Director of the Indian Health Service
I applaud the President’s selection of Bob McSwain to lead the Indian Health Service (IHS). Bob is currently serving as the agency’s acting director.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Announces Members of the National Biodefense Science Board
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the members of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB). The NBSB will provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary on scientific, technical and other matters of special interest to the department regarding activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies resulting from current and future chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological agents.

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 13:00:00 -0500
HHS Marks Expansion of 1200th Health Center, Meeting Key Bush Goal
Many of the country's neediest communities now have greater access to medical treatment, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said today in marking fulfillment of President Bush's 2001 pledge to open or expand 1,200 community health centers.

Tues, 4 Dec 2007 18:30:00 -0500
Secretary Leavitt Letter to Congress on Medicare Physician Payment Legislation
Secretary Leavitt writes to reiterate the Administration’s commitment to strengthen and improve Medicare, and to ensure our Nation’s seniors continue to have access to, and choices among, high-quality benefits through this important program.

Tues, 4 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0500
HHS Issues FY 2007 Financial Report
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that, for the ninth consecutive year, the Department of Health and Human Services has received a clean audit opinion on the department’s fiscal year (FY) 2007 consolidated financial statements.

Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Regarding Medicare Physician Payment Legislation and Health Information Technology
The benefits of utilizing health information technology for keeping electronic health records and other purposes are clear. This technology will produce a higher quality of care, while reducing medical costs and errors.

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0500
Statement By Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On World AIDS Day 2007
World AIDS Day offers all of us an important opportunity to reflect on one of the most important health challenges of our day. AIDS is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, having claimed more than 25 million lives worldwide, while an estimated 33.2 million people are living with HIV today.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0500
HHS Launches Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative
First Lady Laura Bush today saluted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, announced today at the National Prevention Summit, which targets obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy weight for children.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Announces Members of the New Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
HHS Secretary Mike Leavittannounced today the members appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services’ new Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:00:00 -0500
HHS Reports to Congress on Value-Based Purchasing of Hospital Services by Medicare
HHS Reports to Congress on Value-Based Purchasing of Hospital Services by Medicare

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:30:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Regarding the Success of Adult Stem-Cell Reprogramming
It is heartening to learn of the advances in adult stem-cell reprogramming reported Tuesday.

Tues, 20 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0500
Top Washington Health Officials to Honor Framingham Heart Study Participants
The nation’s top health officials will honor residents of Framingham, Mass., Nov. 29, when they visit the Boston-area community to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals who have participated in the landmark Framingham Heart Study.

Tues, 13 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0500
HHS Takes New Steps to Bring Health Information Technology to Americans
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that the department, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing rules to adopt new standards to advance the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) for formulary and benefit as well as medication history transactions used under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Tues, 6 Nov 2007 16:30:00 -0500
HHS Unveils Plan to Strengthen, Update Food Safety Efforts
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced a comprehensive initiative by the Food and Drug Administration designed to bolster efforts to better protect the nation's food supply. The Food Protection Plan proposes the use of science and a risk-based approach to ensure the safety of domestic and imported foods eaten by American consumers.

Fri, 2 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0500
Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On Senate Vote on H.R. 3963, Legislation to Reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program
In January, the President offered a proposal to insure millions of Americans who currently lack health insurance coverage - a plan that would cover nearly 20 million people. But, instead of considering its merits, Congress called it "dead on arrival."

Thur, 1 Nov 2007 17:00:00 -0500
HHS Secretary Leavitt Signs Agreement With Canada To Improve Indigenous Health Care Delivery and Access
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian Minister of Health Tony Clement today to improve the health status of indigenous communities through enhanced international collaborations, identification and reinforcement of best practices, and innovative approaches to learning opportunities.

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:25:00 EDT
NIH Launches Unique Effort to Advance Study of Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Disorders
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announces awards to eight academic research centers to conduct collaborative studies of urologic chronic pelvic pain disorders by looking for clues outside the bladder and prostate. The total research investment for the five-year project is estimated to be up to $37.5 million.

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:35:00 EDT
NIDA Announces Recipients of New Avant-Garde Award for Innovative HIV/AIDS Research
The largest genetic analysis of its kind to date for bipolar disorder has implicated machinery involved in the balance of sodium and calcium in brain cells. Researchers supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, found an association between the disorder and variation in two genes that make components of channels that manage the flow of the elements into and out of cells, including neurons.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:05:00 EDT
Study Reveals Link Between Apobec3 Gene and Neutralizing Antibody Response to Retrovirus
Scientists have uncovered new evidence that strengthens the link between a host-cell gene called Apobec3 and the production of neutralizing antibodies to retroviruses. Published in the Sept. 5 issue of "Science," the finding adds a new dimension to the set of possible explanations for why most people who are infected with HIV do not make neutralizing antibodies that effectively fight the virus.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:05:00 EDT
The Cancer Genome Atlas Reports First Results Of Comprehensive Study of Brain Tumors
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network, a collaborative effort funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), today reported the first results of its large-scale, comprehensive study of the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma (GBM). In a paper published Sept. 4, 2008, in the advance online edition of the journal "Nature," the TCGA team describes the discovery of new genetic mutations and other types of DNA alterations with potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 2008 09:15:00 EDT
NTP Finalizes Report on Bisphenol A
Current human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in many polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is of"some concern" for effects on development of the prostate gland and brain and for behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children, according to a final report released today by the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EDT
NIH Awards First EUREKA Grants for Exceptionally Innovative Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $42.2 million to fund 38 exceptionally innovative research projects that could have an extraordinarily significant impact on many areas of science. The grants, the first made in a new program called EUREKA (for Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration), help investigators test novel, often unconventional hypotheses or tackle major methodological or technical challenges.

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EDT
NIH Funds Nine Centers to Speed Application of Powerful New Research Approach
The funding of a network of nine centers across the country that will use high tech screening methods to identify small molecules for use as probes to investigate the diverse functions of cells was announced today by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The network -- funded at approximately $70 million annually over the four-year production phase -- is designed to increase the pace of development and use of chemical (small molecule) probes, which have become invaluable tools for exploring biologic processes and for developing new therapies for disease.

Thu, 27 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EDT
Low Levels of Brain Chemical May Lead to Obesity, NIH Study of Rare Disorder Shows
A brain chemical that plays a role in long term memory also appears to be involved in regulating how much people eat and their likelihood of becoming obese, according to a National Institutes of Health study of a rare genetic condition.

Thu, 27 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EDT
Common Treatment to Delay Labor Decreases Preterm Infants' Risk for Cerebral Palsy
Preterm infants born to mothers receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate -- a common treatment to delay labor -- are less likely to develop cerebral palsy than are preterm infants whose mothers do not receive it, report researchers in a large National Institutes of Health research network.

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EDT
NHGRI Seeks DNA Sequencing Technologies Fit for Routine Laboratory and Medical Use
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), today awarded more than $20 million in grants to develop innovative sequencing technologies inexpensive and efficient enough to sequence a person's DNA as a routine part of biomedical research and health care.