Google Unveils a Fitness Tracking Platform – Google Fit

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Following the recent announcement by Apple of its IOS 8 Health app and corresponding Healthkit platform, Google unveiled its Google Fit health data platform. The Google Fit platform will aggregate health data – like heart rate, steps taken, and blood sugar level – from wearable devices and apps through open APIs.

Forbes reports that the service represents a “major advertising opportunity” for Google. Before that can happen Google Fit will first need to obtain FDA and FTC approval in addition to weighing whether or not consumers are comfortable sharing their health related data with possible advertisers.

MSK Recognized for Outstanding Cancer Care for Children and more…

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  • In a recent article, MSK is recognized as a top hospital for treating children with cancer. Its team approach for rendering care to children is highlighted. The team includes researchers, pediatric oncologists, teachers, therapists and child life specialists. A unique feature of MSK’s pediatric cancer care is that most of the time, patients are treated on an outpatient basis, except in emergency cases. From the outset, the entire team monitors the children. Some cancer treatments can delay the growth and development of babies and small children. To offset these effects, the physical and occupational therapists step in to keep the delays to a minimum. A state-of-the-art playroom with all sorts of features and gadgets provides an enchanting non-hospital environment where the children feel safe and comfortable.
  • The results of a randomized phase III trial which studied the use of docetaxel together with androgen deprivation therapy for patients with metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, demonstrated practice-changing results. In comparison to standard treatment with androgen deprivation therapy alone, an almost 14 month survival benefit was achieved for patients receiving the combination treatment. The groundbreaking report was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting by Dr. Nicholas J. Vogenzang, MD, who was involved in designing the study. MSK’s chief of the Breast Cancer Medical Service and current ASCO president, Dr. Clifford A. Hudis, commented that for prostate cancer, the degree of improvement in survival achieved in this study has not been seen before.

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    Find Infectious Disease and Microorganism Information with Antimicrobe

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    Antimicrobe searches a number of text books on infectious diseases, antimicrobial agents, microorganisms, transplant diseases, and infection control in an effort to provide the most fact-based, general overview on a virus, agent, or organism. The database’s editorial board decides which sources to include in the 500 plus international titles that make up its extensive library. Continue reading →