Links of Interest

Been a while since I've posted, so I thought I'd toss out a couple links on interesting developments in the medlab world.

1)Should herbalists use lab tests in their practise? Jake Fratkin discusses.

2) The development of a painless needle -- Japanese Researchers are working on the development of a serrated needle, based on the shape of the probiscus of a mosquito. See here for more information.

3) The development of a patch to apply vaccinations instead of needles -- See here.

4) An article on needle-free injections, including nasal sprays, patches, and genetically-altered potatoes that protect you from cholera -- here.

5)Here's an older peice detailing the pain patches that hospitals such as BC Children's Hospital have in use for before-venipuncture. In short, the patch uses a small electric current to dispense lidocaine directly to the venipuncture area, numbing it up. It's always good to know your technology before you need it.