Chemicals in tattoo inks need closer scrutiny
As tattoos have grown in popularity, so have complaints of adverse side effects associated with both their application and removal. A new study, done by chemistry students at Northern Arizona University, looked at the chemical composition of a variety of tattoo inks to better understand their potential health risks. The findings, presented today at the 229th national meeting of the Americ...Row over study puts Korea's scientific community under scrutiny again
This week's BMJ investigates a bitter row over a scientific paper that is putting Korea's scientific community under scrutiny once again. The dispute has pitted a young Korean doctor, Jeong Hwan Kim, against Kwang Yul Cha, a fertility specialist and one of the most powerful players in the country's struggle for biotech supremacy, writes journalist Jonathan Gornall. It is also threatening t...Fentanyl Narcotic Pain Patch under Scrutiny
Fentanyl skin patches (brand name Duragesic) a potent narcotic medication for pain management// is under FDA scrutiny after reports of deaths in patients using the patch were reported. The FDA says it is conducting an investigation into the deaths associated with these patches as it is unclear if the deaths are due to inappropriate use of the patch or factors related to the quality of the product...Scrutiny Sought For Reused Devices in U.S.
A key member of the U.S. Congress called on Monday for more rigorous federal monitoring of reuse of single-use instruments.// The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been monitoring the industry -- called reprocessing -- but significant gaps remain, according to Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Conn.), the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the FDA. <br...Bausch & Lomb Facility under Scrutiny
Bausch & Lomb is one of the leading company which manufactures contact lens solution. But recently it was found that it caused serious eye infections in some users. // After this report the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started to inspect Bausch & Lomb facilities. There was extensive microbiological testing conducted which would take up to one month to fully analyze the culprit behind the...Use of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen under Scrutiny
Nanotechnology is the use of particles which are very small. They are submicroscopic particles which are thought to pose a health hazard. // The petition was raised by environmental groups which asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen its regulation of sunscreens that contain nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These particles are thought to cause inflammatory and immun...Drug-coated heart stents under scrutiny, after study
Barcelona: Experts from Spain are not too comfortable with the outcome of drug coated heart stents, once thought to be a saving grace//, could carry a risk of formation of fatal blood clots. The drug-coated stents were brought into the market in 2000 as an upgraded version of bare-metal stents. It is estimated that almost 6 million people worldwide have the drug-lined versions of th...