Blogs

Research groups are known to fund their studies by accepting grants from various organizations. If it weren’t for the kindness of donations, the research wouldn’t likely be able to be completed. Before medical research reports are published, most publications require knowing who conducted the research and who funded the research. This is standard procedure to ensure that the facts given are not tainted or biased.

Recently (and as far back as the 90s), some of the lung cancer studies have been shown accepting grant money from tobacco companies, leaving us to believe that the research may be a bit tainted. This is especially so with a specific research study from the Lung Cancer Screening Group. In the final report, it is basically saying that lung cancer isn’t as serious as it may seem and that with computed tomographic, or CT, scanning there are better chances of locating lung cancer in very early stages.

Non-partisan group, Center for Responsive Politics just broke the recent news about the amount and origin of money passing hands in Washington politics for 2007. What did they discover? Health care and insurance dominated the Washington lobby.

It seems that every coming decade brings along a newer and deadlier disease, but in reality it’s much worse than that. We only hear about the illnesses that have an impact on a large part of the population -- we didn’t hear about AIDS until it became a worldwide epidemic.

If you look more closely, though, you'll realize that there are some terrifying cases of rare diseases popping up all over the place. And, even worse: Surveys show that these illnesses are becoming more and more common.

How would you like to find out what makes you up genetically and compare your results with your friends? Linda Avey and Anne Wojicki founded 23andMe, which is one of the many companies providing DNA testing to its customers. They have now expanded their services by developing a social networking site, where people will be able to compare their DNA with family members, friends, and other members of the site.

For the low sticker price of $999, the DNA kit is delivered to your home. You spit in the cup, and the lab takes care of the rest.

An incredible design concept that publicizes autism awareness in Dubai (by way of Flickr). This is a great example of creative health marketing doing some good!

Click here to see the image.

An immense amount of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and hormones have been found in millions of Americans’ drinking water. The pharmaceutical industry says that the amount is so small that it is harmless to human beings; however, long term effects are unknown.