Sometimes people can pick up on information easier through images rather than through text. Infographics, when interesting and pertaining to health and medical topics, can be a great way to educate a patient, for example. This list of the top 20 health and medical infographics will blow your mind, and they may blow your patients’ minds as well.

1. Buying Organic contains information for anyone who wants to eat healthier and also eat ethically. This graphic outlines all the major food processors of organic foods. The numbers indicate rank in North American food processing according to Food Processing. Some facts may surprise you, such as the fact that Pepsi processes Naked Juice.
2. CO2 Emissions illustrates that if everyone in the United States became a vegetarian for one year, this country could save about 700 13.9 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent to eliminating all flights out of BAA Heathrow airport in one year.  China has 1,338,410,002 inhabitants compared to U.S. 309,636,137 inhabitants, yet China only emits about 400,00 more tonnes of CO2 than the U.S.
3. Dirty Water explains the facts about faucet water in various parts of the country. This infographic is based upon a new study that catalogs all the pollutants and chemicals that appear in tap water, such as arsenic and fuel additives. Many of these pollutants are unregulated, meaning no matter how high a dose appears in your water, it still is legal.
4. Disease Case Fatality Rates is an infographic that charts the number of cases for various diseases that result in fatalities. AIDS, untreated, is the largest killer, followed by Bird Flu and Tuberculosis. Only 0.1 percent of the population who contract seasonal flu die from this disease. Scroll down to see the same diseases and the survival rate of those diseases outside the body.
5. Glass Half Empty is a graphic that details the coming water wars, or the battles for fresh water. Since water is a vital component for good health, it might interest you to discover where the water shortages will occur by 2025. The U.S. stands in the middle, between places like Canada and South America on one end and Africa and the Middle East on the other end.
6. Global Tobacco Trade is a great tool to use if you want to stop smoking. Not only does it list all the chemicals found in most commercial cigarettes, but it details major smuggling routes and other information about the tobacco trade. In the U.S., major interstate smuggling exists to evade high taxes.
7. Human Subway is an interesting take on the human body as a subway system, based upon the London Tube. Systems portrayed include arterial, CNS, digestive, lymphatic, musculature, respiratory, urinary and venous. Although not entirely accurate, it provides an interesting way to learn these systems and provides a great image for the wall.
8. Laser Hair Removal brings information to viewers on how this technique works to remove hair, why people might want to use it, how to get the best results and what to avoid before a treatment. When you go to this link, you’ll also see an infographic on tattoo removal that includes basically the same information.
9. Number of Men in the U.S. Who Will Die in 2008 as a Result of…is an infographic that, while dated, is an interesting graphic of a skull created from statistics. It appears that heart disease was the number one killer, followed by cancer, stroke and car accidents. It was predicted that only five men would die from spider bites.
10. Our Favorite Drugs is a story about the war on drugs and how it keeps law enforcement busy. But, the kinds of battles vary widely, from meth labs (the U.S. West beats all) to cocaine (Florida wins) and pharmaceuticals (take it away, New England). The psychedelic map is divided by type of drug and by regions in the U.S.
11. Personal Injury in the Wild is an interesting infographic that shows how man (or woman) can die by various wild animals. Dogs are included, as it appears that fatal dog attacks are common. According to these statistics, you’ll have more chance of dying from a mosquito bite than you will from a snake bite.
12. Prostate Cancer Conversation is all about the known information about this disease. Age, family history and race are leading risk factors, but doctors can seldom explain why one man develops the disease and another does not. The earlier the disease is detected, the more easily and effectively it can be treated.
13. The Center of Your Grocery Store is an infographic offered by Wired, and that points to the fact that most healthy items within most grocery stores are located in the periphery. The center aisles are where you’ll find foods with the highest “energy density,” or calories by weight, which makes those aisles ground zero of the obesity epidemic.
14. The Future of Food: How Science Will Solve the Next Global Crises is an amazing graphic that also is presented in an interesting format by Wired. Forty years ago, advances in fertilizers and pesticides boosted crop yield and fed a growing planet. Today, demand for food fueled by rises in worldwide consumption of meat and protein is again outpacing farmers’ abilities to keep up.
15. The Global Disease Alert Map is one example of an online interactive map tool that also is an infographic. This map locates any reports of disease from a selection of news sources. Available in multiple languages, HealthMap is a great use of the Google Maps API. You also can download and use this map from a mobile device.
16. The Origins and Paths of Epidemics shows where many epidemics began and when they started and how they traveled. For instance, the earliest evidence of malaria was discovered in the Dominican Republic in 30,000,000 BC. One of two remaining stocks of smallpox were locked away in Siberia in 2009 to prevent possible use of that disease as a biological weapon.
17. Visualizing Alcohol Use provides information about alcohol users in the United States, their ages, the amount of alcohol in drinks and blood alcohol levels by gender. It also points to the highest recorded and survived blood alcohol level, which is amazingly higher than the legal limit. This graphic also shows how students at Penn State felt alcohol affected them.
18. Water Consumption shows how much water you might use on a daily basis. This is important health and environment information, as it shows that the creation of one pound of beef trumps all other water consumption uses, including showers and toilet flushing. For comparison, one 16 oz. glass of water equals .125 gallons, where the pound of beef takes 1,500 gallons.
19. Water Table graphic is from a 1997 article in the New York Times. It is not a particularly special graphic, nor is it colorful. But, it got the Bill and Melinda Gates’ attention, a couple who were gripped by the numbers and who went on to save a million lives with their philanthropy. This table was discovered in a search for information graphics for advocacy.
20. World Health displays different countries in price tags and the total costs of their health expenditures. Some countries spend a lot on health care, but don’t see great benefits for those expenditures among their citizens. The graphic also details several causes for deaths and life expectancy in years.

Radiology technicians know that there is radiation everywhere. And we all know that radiation comes from the sun. Indeed, we have received so much information in recent years about how excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, and how excessive tanning can lead faster aging, that we are irrationally worried about sun exposure. We forget that sun exposure has some benefits as well as problems.

The sun’s radiation can help processes in the body work better. But, as with all things related to health and wellness, the key is moderation. Just because the sun offers some health benefits doesn’t mean that you should go crazy. You still need to wear sunscreen if you’ve been in the sun for more than 10 minutes or so; it’s all about common sense.  Here are 25 benefits of sensible sun exposure:

Vitamin D

We are learning a lot about how important Vitamin D is to the body. Our own bodies produce Vitamin D, which is not actually a vitamin, but rather a group of special prohormones. Our bodies produce Vitamin D — with the help of exposure to sunlight. You only need about 10 – 15 minutes of sun exposure a day in order for your body to make adequate Vitamin D to offers some of these possible benefits:

1. Reduce the chance of multiple sclerosis: There is some indication that Vitamin D can help ameliorate some of the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis and even fight against its development.
2. Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes: While there are plenty of other factors involved in the development of type 2 diabetes, there are some studies that suggest that Vitamin D, along with calcium, may help reduce the risk for developing the disease.
3. Prevent high blood pressure: There is a possibility that Vitamin D may actually help prevent high blood pressure, meaning that a little sun exposure can be good for your heart.
4. Cancer risk reduction: There are some indications that Vitamin D could actually aid in reducing the risk of different cancers. And some cancers are actually encouraged by a lack of Vitamin D.
5. Increase chance of cancer survival: If you do have cancer, there is some evidence that the presence of Vitamin D can help increase the chances of survival, due the possibility that Vitamin D can actually shrink some cancer cells.
6. Help prevent bone diseases: Because of its role in helping the body to absorb calcium, and due to other factors, getting sufficient sun exposure for the production of Vitamin D can help prevent bone diseases that can result in fractures and other problems.
7. Prevent some muscle pain: Recent studies point to the idea that sensible sun exposure might aid in reducing and preventing some muscle pain.
8. Reduce risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Those who have sufficient Vitamin D intake could possibly reduce the chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as reduce the symptoms the condition.
9. Prevent flu: Could Vitamin D help prevent the flu? It might, according to some recent studies. It might also help you reduce the duration.
10. Reduce severity of cataracts: While cataracts cannot be completely prevented, their severity can be reduced with the help of Vitamin D. You can see more clearly if you have proper exposure to sunlight.

Physical Benefits of Sun Exposure

Your physical health can also be affected by sensible sun exposure. It’s not a good idea to spend too much time in the sun, since it can result in skin cancer and other health problems. However, limited sun exposure can have physical benefits.

11. Boost the immune system: Vitamin D is essential to the immune system, and can help boost your immune system so that you can fight off disease more effectively.
12. Lower cholesterol: One of the ways you can help lower your cholesterol naturally is to enjoy some sensible sun exposure.
13. Lower resting pulse rate of the heart: Studies suggest that sunlight can help lower your pulse rate, improving cardiovascular health.
14. Add resistance power to skin: While too much sun can be damaging to the skin, moderate exposure can actually be helpful to the skin. It can actually help your skin build up resistance to eczema, acne and psoriasis.
15. Increase metabolism: Sensible sun exposure can help boost your metabolism, increasing the rate at which you burn calories. This can be a great thing, helping you lose weight and stay in shape.
16. Better liver function: The nutrients that come as a result of sun exposure can help enhance your liver’s function.
17. Improve digestion: If you are interested in improving your digestion, you can increase your sun exposure to a moderate amount.
18. Enhanced kidney function: Sun exposure, thanks to Vitamin D, offers help when it comes to kidney function. Kidneys remove waste from the body, so getting proper sun exposure can help decrease the toxicity in your bloodstream.
19. Stronger skeleton: As the Vitamin D produced from sun exposure is absorbed, it can help strengthen bones in the skeleton. You’ll have less brittle bones, and a better posture.
20. More physical exercise: It’s more fun to be outside than it is to be inside, and you can use sunny weather as a good excuse to get out and exercise. The sun encourages biking, hiking and even golf. Head out on a nice day and enjoy the sunshine — and get more fulfilling exercise.

Mental Health Benefits of Sun Exposure

Your mental state can also be influenced by sun exposure. Sensible amounts of sunlight can help you improve your mental health and contribute to your feelings of emotional well being.

21. Reduce stress: You can reduce your stress level with the help of proper exposure to sunlight. Taking some time to enjoy the sun can help you sleep better as you decrease your stress level.
22. Reduce anxiety: If you are feeling anxious, sensible sun exposure on a regular basis can help soothe you. Sunlight is one of the natural remedies to anxiety.
23. Fight depression: There is evidence that sunlight is a natural way to improve your mood. If you suffer from depression, adding a little moderate sun exposure might help you combat the symptoms.
24. Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): If you suffer from SAD during the winter, you can combat the feelings with the help of natural light. Look for ways to introduce more sunlight into your environment, with the help of open windows. You can also use sun lamps that mimic the sun’s healthful rays.
25. Better relationships: More sunlight can help your relationships because it offers a mood enhancement. Not only that, but you can knit closer family relationships by using good weather and fun in the sun as an excuse for inexpensive, quality family activities.

There are a lot of interesting things happening right now in the world of medicine with regard to technology. Radiology technicians have access to better imaging devices than they did in the past, and mobile computing is making it possible to send those images to doctors anywhere in the hospital — in an instant.

Mobile computing is going to make medicine more, well, mobile. No matter your career in health care, you are likely to find that technology is changing health care and the way things are done. Here are 17 ways that mobile computing is changing medicine and health care:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Mobile computing can actually help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

1. Doctor-terminal: When taking care of rounds, a doctor can use a mobile device as a terminal. It could make it easier to pass information to other doctors, and look at what treatment has been administered so far, and be a great consultative device during grand rounds.
2. Medical reference: There are mobile applications that can help you reference conditions, as you look for diagnosis and other information about treatments. Doctors and nurses can use smart phones and tablet PCs to access information that can help them treat their patients more effectively. Everyone needs a refresher, and mobile computing puts it at your fingertips.
3. Care plan editing: Care plans can be created and edited easily using mobile computing. It is also possible for other nurses and doctors to review care plans and make changes, or add notes and observations about how the process is working. These notes can be sent to others, or handed off as simply as the mobile computer is.
4. Bedside x-rays: It is possible for doctors to refer to patient x-rays at the bedside, with the help of mobile computing. There is no need to try and hold x-rays up to the light when you have access to them right in your hand. Doctors can consult the x-rays — which can receive the images straight from the lab.
5. Prescription entry: It is possible to use mobile computing for providing prescriptions. The doctor can use a wireless prescription system to get what is needed for patients. The patient doesn’t have to take in a slip of paper, nor does anyone have to make a phone call. The doctor simply enters the prescription into computer system via the tablet PC or smartphone, and it is sent to the pharmacy.
6. Dosage calculations: No more looking around for a calculator and a paper and pencil. Instead, it is possible to find dosing calculators that can be carried with nurses and doctors via tablet computers and smartphones with the right applications. There are even specific applications for different dosing needs, such as for insulin or for use in pediatrics wards.
7. Histology review: It is possible for doctors and nurses to do a histology with greater ease. Being able to see, in hand, the structures related to tissues and organs, on a microscopic level can only enhance diagnosis and treatment.

Patient Information

It is possible for doctors, nurses, technicians and others to have better access to information about patients, thanks to electronic health records. It is even possible for patients to better access their own records with the help of mobile computing.

8. Access patient information: It is possible to access patient information with the help of mobile computing and electronic health records. No more relying on charts. And passing information on to others is easier as well, thanks to the fact that it can be called up from the system, from any approved mobile computing device.
9. Patient access: Patients can also better manage their own health, thanks to mobile computing. They can look up their own information, find symptoms and even double check to make sure that their information is accurate. The ability to more easily access their own health records has the potential to put consumers in better control of their health and information.
10. Real time records editing: Not only can health professionals access electronic health records, but they can also edit them in real time. This means that changes are made immediately, without having to wait for a human to look at paper copies of records, and then input them — or even change multiple paper copies.
11. Coding application: It is possible to code the patient’s treatment information for better billing later. Indeed, having mobile computing available makes it possible for nurses and doctors to enter the billing codes immediately, and the legibility makes it easier to verify. Patients can even verify if necessary.
12. Charge capture: With mobile computing, there is a good chance that there will no longer be a need to head to another part of the hospital for payment. Bedside charge capture is possible with some smart phones and with tablet PCs. That streamlines the process, allowing for co-pays to be made at the hospital or clinic with ease, and access to health insurance information is also at the fingertips of health care professionals.
13. Monitor vitals: There are smart phone applications and tablet PCs that can help monitor patient vitals, sending the information to doctors and nurses anywhere they are. This makes it possible to keep tabs on patients and their vital information remotely.

Communication

There are a number of useful communication functions offered by mobile computing in health care. Some of the useful ways mobile computing is changing communication in health care include:

14. Alerts: Patient alerts can easily be sent through mobile computing devices. Doctors and nurses can receive emergency alerts on their tablet PCs, letting them know when a patient’s vitals are slipping, or if some other problem arises.
15. Reminders: It is easy to get distracted in a health care setting, with everything that is going on. Mobile computing can be used to send reminders to health care staff. Additionally, there are applications designed for consumers so that they can reminded to take their medication via smart phone.
16. Consultation: It is possible for doctors to engage in consultations with others in order to get second opinions. Additionally, it is also possible for members of a health care team to more easily communicate. For those with more complex medical issues, different players in the health care treatment plan can better coordinate, making health more efficient.
17. Patient visitors: There are studies that show that relationships can help with healthy living and recovery from illness. Mobile computing can bring visitors to the patient, day or night, without the visitors being physical present. It is even possible to see images of the “visitor”. Interaction with the outside world can be brought to patients through mobile computing.

If you have read the book, Exposed, you might understand the difference between the U.S. and the European Union (EU) when it comes to health measures. The EU uses the precautionary principle that states that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is not harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those who advocate taking the action. In the U.S., the burden of proof to date falls in the hands of the manufacturers’ witnesses when it comes to cell phone use.

In one case [PDF] of cell phone use as a cancer-causing agent, a U.S. judge ruled against plaintiffs and accepted a motion to exclude the testimony of the plaintiffs’ experts, while denying a motion to exclude the testimony of the defendants’ experts. In this atmosphere, if you believe that cell phones have a harmful effect on your health, then it is up to you to take up the precautionary principle and take appropriate action to protect your own health.

Radiation Absorption: The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human body is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) as regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

• The FCC requires cell phone manufacturers to ensure that their phones comply with these objective limits for safe exposure. Any cell phone at or below these SAR levels (that is, any phone legally sold in the U.S.) is a “safe” phone as measured by these standards. The FCC has set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg, averaged over a volume of 1 gram of tissue, for the head. The FCC ID number usually is shown somewhere on the case of the phone. Use that number and the FCC ID Search Form to learn more about your cell phone’s SAR limits.
• But, physiological functions of human body are regulated by electric currents. Therefore, is not surprising that placing human body within electromagnetic field, of sufficient strength, may affect physiological processes. In one study, conducted in Finland, scientists learned that molecular level changes might take place in human volunteers in response to exposure to RF-EMF (radio frequency modulated electromagnetic fields). These same scientists also confirmed that proteomics screening approach can identify protein targets of RF-EMF in human volunteers. In mobile phone usage, the RF-EMF is measured by SAR.
• Sufferers from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) might keep the above study in mind when reading about EHS below.

Cancer: Thirteen countries have launched a project called INTERPHONE to investigate the risk of cancer for the mobile phone user beyond the studies that have been done to date. The idea behind this project is that cancer takes some time to develop, so only studies over ten years are of interest. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

• If you are concerned that the U.S. is not involved with this cooperative study, never fear. The U.S. government has embarked on its own study through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which nominated cell phone RF-EMF emissions testing to the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
• The NTP is in the initial stages of conducting toxicology and carcinogenicity studies in laboratory animals, using specially designed chambers to provide exposures that simulate those of cell phone users in the United States. The rats and mice will be exposed to radio frequency energy from the two technologies (CDMA and GSM) currently used in the U.S. at two frequencies (900 and 1900 MHz).

Nonthermal and Thermal Effects: The radiation that is absorbed by the human head is effected by dielectric heating. Most of the heating effects will occur at the surface of the head, causing the temperature to increase by a fraction of a degree. This also is known as the “microwave effect,” since this is the same principle that is used in microwave ovens. Overt RF energy can damage eyes (cataracts), create skin burns and heat stroke.

• Non-thermal effects are caused by reactions to RF energy other than the temperature of the emitting body. Examples include synchrotron radiation, maser radiation, and artificially generated radio and TV signals. The effects of non-thermal RF remain under study (and under debate).
• Meanwhile, the Institute of Science in Society (ISS), which is an international center of excellence in Science and Technology Studies located at the University of Nottingham, UK, published a four-part report on the effects of electromagnetic radiation. Under the chapter for Non-Thermal Effects, the report states that “The ’safe’ exposure limits recommended by the international authority, International Committee for Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) take no account of non-thermal effects, despite the mounting evidence of health hazards from such effects.”

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: Also known as EHS, some mobile phone users have reported feeling unspecific symptoms such as burning and tingling sensations in the skin of the head and extremities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, loss of mental attention, reaction times and memory retentiveness, headaches, malaise, tachycardia (heart palpitations) and/or disturbances of the digestive system during and after mobile phone use or when using household appliances, visual display units (VDUs) and certain light sources.

• The fields that electromagnetically hypersensitive individuals consider to be the cause of their symptoms vary considerably. According to one report, EHS carries symptoms that are similar to symptoms created by other causes, including psychological factors. But, the report also states that — whatever the cause — EHS is real and sometimes disabling for the affected individual. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that, apart from treatment by professionals, self help groups can be a valuable resource for the EHS individual.
• In the report issued by the ISS (see previous topic), scientists report mobile phone radiation has been found to affect a wide variety of brain functions — such as electrical activity (EEG) electrochemistry and the permeability of the blood/brain barrier — and to undermine the immune system. Additionally, mobile phone users show statistically significant increase (by a factor of between 2 and 3) in the incidence of a rather rare kind of tumor (epithelial neuroma) on the side of the brain nearest the mobile phone.

Accident Hazards: It has been proven that texting and talking on mobile phones causes automobile accidents, and measure have been taken in many U.S. states to prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Drivers that use cell phones are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves, and driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent.

What You Can Do: If you believe that studies are undermined by mobile phone lobbyists and that effects are under-reported for any number of reasons, don’t feel alone. According to this recent article in GQ, the public is subject to a grand world experiment without informed consent through the use of RF-EMF. But, before you object to using cell phones and become an advocate for abolishing cell towers, you might want to remove the wireless connectivity from your home computer.

According to Blake Levitt, author of Electromagnetic Fields: A Consumer’s Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselves, installing a Wi-Fi system in your home is similar to “inviting a cell tower indoors.”

Cancer is a disease that affects everyone. If you do not develop cancer in your lifetime, you will know someone who suffers from this disease, according to the Cancer Research Institute. The good news is that cancer research has made remarkable strides within the past half century, although cancer continues to claim millions of lives each year.

Cancer researchers work on various types of cancer as well as on different methods for cures. While some researchers may be very public (famous and infamous), others remain behind the scenes. Some individuals, as you’ll see below, never step foot in a laboratory. Yet, the ten most influential people in cancer research — among dozens of others not listed — all have helped to make major strides in understanding cancer and refining cures to this disease.

1. Nancy Goodman Brinker: You may not recognize Ms. Brinker’s name and she spent little time in a laboratory, but you may be very familiar with her sister’s name — Susan G. Komen. When Susan died of breast cancer in her mid-thirties, Nancy promised her sister that she would do all she could to help the half-million women worldwide who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Today, research grants dispensed by the Susan G. Komen Foundation have contributed to new treatments that have led to a marked decrease in the mortality rate. In August this year, President Obama awarded Nancy (who is a breast cancer survivor) with the Medal of Freedom for her work.
2. Dr. Bernard Fisher: Dr. Fisher is widely credited as the driving force that brought clinical trials and statistical methodology to breast cancer research since the 1970s. However, his association with the University of Pittsburgh colored his history for years. That university effectively halted his research with a charge of publishing false data. Although that charge was defeated in court, it tainted his published papers for years. Despite this upheaval, Dr. Fisher received the American Association for Cancer Research Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research and he most recently won the Jacobson Award in 2009, which honors living surgeons who have been innovators of a new development or technique in any field of surgery.
3. Dr. Edwin Fisher: This man is Dr. Bernard Fisher’s brother (noted above). The two brothers started the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) with the sole purpose of improving women’s chances of surviving breast cancer and to treat bowel cancer. Although Edwin (1923-2008) worked in a lab out of view, he trained thousands of pathologists and thousands more patients benefited from his research. Through clinical trials at the NSABP, Edwin and his brother proved that breast cancer is a systemic disease that, rather than metastasizing in an orderly way, metastasizes unpredictably. Thanks to this work, it is now accepted that a lumpectomy with radiation treatment is just as affective in treating breast cancer as a radical mastectomy.
4. Dr. Moses Judah Folkman: Known as the “Cancer Warrior,” Dr. Folkman (1933-2008) stumbled upon a hidden secret about how cancer grows in 1961. His theory, called angiogenesis, showed that blocking blood flow to a tumor provided one way to treat the disease. Although his idea has yet to reach full fruition, thanks to lack of funds and some controversy, his theory has produced new research, products and help for many patients who have trouble producing blood vessels. Angiogenesis inhibitors are now approved by the FDA in the U.S., for cancer and for macular degeneration and have received approval in 27 other countries.
5. Dr. Robert Charles Gallo: This biomedical researcher started out in clinical work until he began to work with children suffering with leukemia (his sister, Judith, died in 1949 from childhood leukemia). From there, he spent more time in the lab and, by 1980, discovered the first virus that causes cancer. The HTLV-1 causes T-cell leukemia in humans. He also discovered, along with Luc Montagnier, the immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Gallo went even further to establish that the virus causes AIDS. However, disputes over who had originally discovered the AIDS test colored Gallo’s career. Although he was vindicated of any guilt, he was passed over for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 – the same year that Harald zur Hausen won a portion of that award (see below). Gallo remains controversial as some Internet pundits praise him as an “AIDS saint,” and others accuse him of cooperating with the government in creating an AIDS virus for biochemical warfare.
6. Dr. Harald zur Hausen: Professor zur Hausen has a special interest in infection-induced malignancies. He showed the role of papillomaviruses in cervical cancer and discovered a larger number of novel virus types. He was award a Nobel Prize for medicine for his work that went against established opinion about the cause of cervical cancer. Harald zur Hausen has been an honorary professor of the University of Heidelberg since 1988 and is a member of its Faculty of Medicine.
7. Steven McCarroll: This young man is one to watch in the field of DNA and its affects on several disease areas. The most recent discovery, made by McCarroll and a team of researchers, was made in November this year. Working with a test group of several siblings, this team discovered that bone marrow transplants – such as the ones received in cancer treatment – will only work when a gene called UGT2B17 is present in both donor and recipient. This momentous discovery explains the existence of a serious side-effect known as graft-versus-host disease, where immune cells from the donor attack tissues in the recipient. McCarroll has made this work as first author part of his postdoctoral Broad Institute’s Lawrence H. Summers Fellowship at Harvard.
8. Rita Levi-Montalcini: This Italian neurologist, along with colleague Stanley Cohen, received the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). She conducted her research at Washington University in St. Louis, under the supervision of Professor Viktor Hamburger. It was at this university’s laboratories in 1952 where she isolated the NGF from observations of certain cancerous tissues that cause extremely rapid growth of more nerve cells. Levi-Montalcini is currently the oldest living and the longest-lived Nobel laureate.
9. Robert Allan Weinberg, PhD: Dr. Weinberg is most well known for his discoveries of the first human oncogene, a gene that causes normal cells to form tumors, and the first tumor suppressor gene. He a founding member of the Whitehead Institute and he recently joined the advisory board for Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Weinberg also is a Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research at MIT and American Cancer Society Research Professor.
10. Walter Willett, MD, DrPH: Dr. Willett is Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition and Chairman of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. While other doctors looking for cures studied viruses and cell growth, Dr. Willett focused on nutrition. He has become one of the most cited nutritionists internationally, because he showed that a Mediterranean diet rich in tomato sauce and olive oil may help to prevent prostate cancer.

There has been a growing interest in natural childbirth lately. Natural childbirth refers to birth in which the mother does not take medication in order to ease the pains of childbirth, or make use of medical interventions in the birthing process, such as inducing labor or cesarean section. There are many different types of childbirth, some of which can even take place in a hospital. However, it is becoming more common these days for some women to decide to give birth at home. No matter how you decide to give birth, if you are interested in learning more about natural childbirth, here are 50 blogs that can provide insight:

General Natural Childbirth Blogs

These are blogs that provide general information on giving birth naturally. Great resources for those who are interested in learning more about natural childbirth.

1. Giving Birth Naturally: A look at natural childbirth from one who has had two girls naturally, and expects to do so with a third child in 2010.
2. Stand and Deliver: This is a blog about natural childbirth and ways to make it a little easier.
3. Pushed Birth: This is a blog that works to dispel the idea of induced labor, and to explain the benefits of natural childbirth.
4. Spirit-Led Birth: Natural childbirth from a spiritual perspective.
5. Organic Birth: This blog is devoted to home birth and other forms of natural childbirth.
6. Mother’s Choice: A blog devoted to sharing facts, research and studies about natural childbirth to provide you with the information you need to make your own choice about how to give birth.
7. Fearless Birth: A blog that focuses on helping women feel empowered through their ability to give birth.
8. Bornfree!: Learn about unassisted birth and how you can have a successful natural childbirth experience.

Pregnancy and Birth Information Blogs

Get a little more information on pregnancy and birth in general, and what you can do to make the process smoother.

9. Ob/Gyn Kenobi: Learn about childbirth — including natural childbirth — from an Ob/Gyn.
10. a little pregnant: An interesting look at pregnancy and parenting, as well as infertility.
11. Orgasmic Birth: Natural childbirth and parenting, and taking back the process.
12. At Your Cervix: Get a look at childbirth from a nurse working in a large hospital.
13. Motherlode Blog: This New York Times blog takes a look at pregnancy and childbirth.
14. Sarah Stewart: Includes information on natural childbirth and midwives, interspersed with other helpful health information.
15. Letters from Laura: This blog offers insight into natural childbirth from an activist point of view.
16. RH Reality Check: This blog focuses on reproductive health, including childbirth.

Midwives

A midwife can be very helpful in a natural childbirth situation. And most midwives do have medical training as well. Here are some blogs on childbirth by midwives.

17. Navelgazing Midwife: This certified midwife writes about natural childbirth, and her experiences as a midwife.
18. Radical Midwife: Approaches natural childbirth from the position that it should never have become something considered “radical”.
19. Jan Tritten’s Blog: Looks at different issues related to natural childbirth and midwifery.
20. Midwife in the Clouds: Get a look at the politics of childbirth and midwifery.
21. Birthfriend’s place to ponder: Helpful hints on natural childbirth practices, breastfeeding and other aspects of pregnancy and birth from a midwife who has been practicing for more than a decade.
22. Gloria Lemay: This midwife has years of experience, and can provide an interesting look at natural childbirth.

Doulas

A doula is a birth helper who assists in childbirth. A doula is not a midwife, nor medical personnel. Many find a doula very comforting and helpful during a natural childbirth.

23. Sarahthedoula: This Ontario doula provides insight into natural childbirth and tips for making it a success.
24. Birth, Babies, Breasts, Oh My!: This fun blog is written by a doula who has four children of her own and can share stories of her work with others.
25. Bellies and Babies: Get news and information on natural childbirth from the perspective of a doula.
26. Birthing from Within: This helpful site offers articles and resources from doulas and other birthing professionals about natural childbirth.
27. babycatcher33: This doula blogs about her life, and includes interesting tid-bits about natural childbirth.
28. Pittsburgh Doula: A look at the life of a doula in Pittsburgh.

Natural Childbirth Stories

If you are interested in learning about the experiences of others, these blogs can provide you with firsthand accounts of natural childbirth.

29. Refuse To Be a Womb Pod: Get some interesting insight into natural childbirth and read other stories.
30. BirthNaturally.org Weblog: Inspirational stores about natural childbirth, as well as tips for enjoying it more.
31. Pregnancy, Birth and Babies: Read more than 200 stories about natural childbirth and how it can be a good experience.
32. Women in Charge: Read stories of other women who have taken charge of their childbirth experiences.
33. Childbirth Connection: Learn about stories from women who have given birth naturally and find resources for your own natural childbirth.
34. The Trial of Labor: Stories from women about their natural childbirth. Also includes the experiences of miscarriage.

Hypno Birth

Some believe that hypnosis can help women overcome some of the discomfort of natural childbirth, helping them avoid drugs and other medical interventions.

35. Hypnobabies Blog: A blog that offers insight into using hypnosis in childbirth.
36. Hypnosis for Women’s Health: Learn how hypnosis can promote women’s health, including during pregnancy and childbirth.
37. Enjoy Birth Blog: This blog is written by a doula who recommends hypnosis for childbirth.
38. Hypnosis for Birth: Just what it sounds like, this blog is about using hypnosis as part of a natural childbirth.
39. Susan Bambara: A well-known hypnotist, Susan has appeared on Oprah to explain how hypnosis can help in natural childbirth.
40. Hypnosis Downloads: These downloads can help you with natural childbirth, as well as with other issues.

Lamaze

This method of childbirth has been used by many to prepare for natural childbirth. Learn how you can enjoy childbirth more with Lamaze.

41. Lamaze — LoveToKnow: This has up to date articles on Lamaze and natural childbirth.
42. Science & Sensibility: Practical information and tips on pregnancy and birth, with the Lamaze method.
43. Give Birth with Confidence: Learn more about natural childbirth and how you can enjoy it.
44. Mom’s Tinfoil Hat: This mom believes in Lamaze and writes about daily life, as well as childbirth.

Natural Childbirth Podcasts and Videos

Listen to these great podcasts, or watch some good videos, on natural childbirth.

45. Bellycast: Information podcasts about natural childbirth, including position and other helpful hints.
46. Timely Topics in Childbirth: Learn about birth related news and other topics.
47. Childbirth Video: Watch these videos of childbirth and learn more about what to expect.
48. HomeBirthVideos.com: Just what it sounds like, you can watch videos of homebirths and even add your own.
49. Bellies to BirthCast: Listen to different accounts of natural childbirth, and the business of childbirth in general.
50. HypnoBabies Live!: This podcast addresses hypnosis as part of natural childbirth.

Aspiring scientists can get a lot of help and knowledge from free online classes. Many universities offer open courseware classes that can help you learn the basics of a number of scientific fields. You can keep up to date on the latest developments, and learn to understand basic concepts. Whether you want the understanding to help you in your current job, or whether you are preparing to enter a degree program in the sciences, these 50 open courseware classes can help you get a solid handle on science.

Physics

This is one of the most interesting fields of science today. Here are some physics open courseware classes.

1. Modern Physics: The University of Virginia offers the basics of modern physics for those who are just starting out.
2. Modern Technology: Get an idea of the basic scientific method, and an outline of the fundamentals of physics from the University of Winnipeg.
3. Introduction to Modern Physics: This Tufts University course helps you understand the history behind modern physics, and goes over the principles behind the biggest breakthroughs.
4. Andes Physics Course: This course is part of the Open Learning Initiative from Carnegie Mellon University. Modules take you through the basics of physics.
5. Visual Quantum Mechanics: Kansas State University offers and interesting journey through the world of quantum physics.
6. Physics Courses: MIT offers a whole variety of open courseware classes on physics.

Chemistry

You need to know chemistry for a lot of different sciences. These courses can provide you insight into the basics of chemistry.

7. Chemistry Classroom: The University of Akron offers a variety of chemistry classes that can help you understand the basics.
8. Chemistry Modules: Vision Learning provides a number of visual learning modules related to different chemistry concepts.
9. General Chemistry Online: Learn about basic chemistry in a visual and interesting way from Frostburg State University.
10. Principles of Chemical Science: This course from Free-Ed.net provides a basic look at different principles related to chemistry.
11. Chemistry and Biochemistry: This offers links to different open courseware from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. Learn about biochemistry and chemistry concepts.
12. Physical Chemistry Lecture Notes: These notes and lectures from Colby College can give you a good start on the concepts behind physical chemistry.

Biology

Get a basic understanding of the building blocks of life with these biology open courseware classes.

13. Introductory Biology: MIT provides an introduction to biology, including interesting video lectures.
14. Cell Biology: This course from the University of Arizona offers a look at the basic unit of biological composition: The cell.
15. Principles of Biology: Understand the principles behind biology with help from this University of Utah course.
16. Human Biology: The University of Leeds offers a look at the biological makeup of human beings.
17. Life Sciences in the 21st Century: A look at modern biology and other life sciences from Virginia Tech.
18. General Biology: The University of Massachusetts Boston provides an overview of the general principles of biology.
19. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Get a look at the basics biochemistry and biology on the molecular level from the University of California Berkeley.

Astronomy and Space Science

Astronomy is a beautiful and interesting science. Here are some great courses related to astronomy and space science.

20. Introduction to Astronomy: Learn the basics of the starts, planets and how they are formed from MIT.
21. The evolving universe: The Open University offers an interesting course on galactic formation.
22. Modern Astrophysics: A look at the physics of space, and how matter behaves in the vast outreaches of the universe.
23. Motion under gravity: Gravity is a major influence in space science and astronomy. Learn the basics of motion and gravity from the Open University.
24. Receivers, Antennas, and Signals: This course from MIT can help you learn about the signals from earth as well as space, and learn how different signals help in astronomy.
25. A Brief History of Astronomy: The University of California San Diego provides an interesting look at astronomy through history.
26. The Galileo Project: A fascinating offering from Rice University detailing the motion of stars and planets.

Earth Science

Learn about the sciences associated with our planet, Earth.

27. Basics of Impact Cratering & Geological, Geophysical, Geochemical, Environmental Studies of Some Impact Craters of the Earth: This MIT course looks at impact craters scattered throughout Earth, and their scientific implications.
28. Atmospheric and Ocean Circulations: Get an idea of the way physics affects the air and oceans in this class from MIT.
29. Environmental and Natural Resources Economics: This course from Humboldt State University provides a look at the economics associated with natural resources and the environment.
30. Geology and Science: Get a look at the scientific method, and how it relates to the science of geology from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
31. Geo-Sci Lecture Notes: Cornell University offers some comprehensive lecture notes on geology science.
32. Introduction to Environmental Engineering: This course from Penn State provides a basic look at the basics surrounding the science of the environment, and attempts to engineering the natural and built.

Medical Science

Learn about the basics of the human body, and medical science, with these free open courseware classes.

33. Human Physiology: Learn the basics of how the human body works from the University of Utah.
34. Biostatistics: Johns Hopkins University offers a number of helpful courses in biostastics and how they relate to medicine.
35. Genomic Medicine: MIT offers a look at the medicine related to genes, and how gene therapy works.
36. Design of Medical Devices and Implants: Another course from MIT, this provides you with a look at how medical technology is designed, and how it works.
37. Human Growth and Development: Learn about how humans develop from birth to death from Tufts University.
38. Population Medicine: Another course from Tufts offers a look at how medicine is accomplished today, with larger populations.

Psychology

Learn about the science of human behavior, and how it affects them, and those around them.

39. Introduction to Personality Psychology: This course from the University of Michigan introduces the concept of personality.
40. Brain and Cognitive Sciences: MIT offers a number of interesting and applicable courses related to psychology and cognition.
41. Introduction to Social Psychology: The University of Notre Dame provides a class on the psychology of people in social groupings.
42. SALMON Psychology: This collection of psychology courses and lectures from the University of Plymouth offers insight into a number of issues.
43. Social Psychology: Self and Society: The University of California Berkeley provides a course on understanding individual psychology, and how it relates to society.
44. Ambient Intelligence: This MIT course looks at how humans interact with computers and machines, and how it affects their cognition and perception.

Computer Science

Using a computer is a necessary exercise in many scientific fields. Here are some courses that can help you better understand and use computers.

45. Communication, Technology and Policy: Learn about how computers aid in communication and their importance from the University of Southern Queensland.
46. Introduction to Computers from Berkeley offers a basic overview of computers and computing.
47. Mathematics for Computer Science: This MIT course offers a look at how math can be used in computer science.
48. Advanced Data Analysis: Learn how to analyze data and how to interpret what you find with this Tokyo Tech open courseware class.
49. Machine Structures: This is another helpful Berkeley class that can help you learn about structures, computer memory and other concepts.
50. Programming Methodology: This course from Connexions offers a basic look at the methodology behind computer programming.

Science has brought us many exciting discoveries. Laboratories are great places to make discoveries, since they are generally sterile and equipped with what is needed to perform experiments. Sometimes, lab experiments yield the results expected, and at other times, lab discoveries have been made by accident. But no matter how they are made, some lab discoveries have become a regular part of life. Here are 10 famous lab discoveries that history remembers — and you will probably recognize:

1. Penicillin: This is one of the most common treatments for bacterial infections. A whole range of antibiotics was developed as a result of the discovery for penicillin. In 1928, when Alexander Fleming, a Scot, was researching the flu, he found that a mold had grown in one of his petri dishes. He happened to be growing a staphylococcus bacteria in that dish, and he saw that the mold was attacking and killing the bacteria. He realized that certain organisms could be killed by the mold, and the blue-green fuzzy discovery led to the development of penicillin.
2. X-Rays: We see x-rays used all the time to assess what is going on inside the body. From looking at bone fractures to looking at dental work, x-rays offer an inside look, especially of bone material. Many scientists in the 19th century were working in labs to discover the penetration of rays emitted by electrons when they strike a metal target. In 1895, though, Wilhelm Röntgen was playing around with the idea and put different objects in front of the resultant radiation. He looked over and saw an image of his bones on the wall. The first “medical” x-ray was taken by Röntgen — of his wife’s hand. Later, the difference between x-rays and gamma rays became known, and x-rays have been used in a number of discoveries in the lab, as well as for searching the cosmos for information on the origin of the universe.
3. DNA: Every junior high school student knows that DNA is an essential part of our genetic make up. And most people are familiar with its characteristic double helix design. While DNA was first isolated in 1869 by Friedrich Miescher, its structure remained a mystery until 1953. Many people in multiple labs were trying to discover the structural nature of DNA. Who should get the credit for the discovery of the double helix structure is a bit murky. While James Watson and Francis Crick, along with Maurice Wilkins received a Nobel Prize for the discovery, many are still in favor of Rosalind Franklin as being the discoverer (she was dead at the time of the awarding of the Nobel Prize, and the prize was only presented to living recipients at the time). Supporters of Franklin point to an x-ray picture of DNA she had taken, and that was shown — against her wishes — to others. The debate over who should get credit continues to rage today, and factors such as when papers on the subject were published, as well as who might have stolen information from whom, are taken into account. But, generally, all of those working on DNA at the time are credited now with contributions.
4. Microwaves for cooking: There are few appliances that have changed life the way the microwave oven has. Indeed, many people are able to prepare fast, easy meals with the help of the microwave oven. It has become a staple in many kitchens, and there are few homes indeed without a microwave oven. However, the idea of using microwaves for cooking was discovered quite by accident. Magnetrons, which emit microwaves, were used in WWII for radar. They were instrumental in detecting Nazis. After the war, magnetrons were studied in a number of labs, including at Raytheon. One engineer, Percy Spencer, had a candy bar in his pocket. The magnetron in the room melted the candy bar, and scientists realized that this could be an effective way to quickly cook food. Then all they had to do was develop the technology and make it portable and safe for home use.
5. Transistor: There are few discoveries as important in modern history as those leading up to the development of the transistor. If it is electronic, and it has memory, or it needs to transmit, or do just about anything else, it has a transistor. The transistor is the basis for all of the advancements in electronics seen for the last 60 years. The transistor was preceded by a vacuum tube that amplified signals, specifically for telephone lines. However, the vacuum tube was inefficient and overheated quickly. Bell Labs began working on the problem after WWII, and in 1948 unveiled the transistor to very little fanfare. However, those who worked at Bell Labs at the time, and went on to form other companies, took their knowledge with them, and the beginnings of Silicon Valley and the technology revolution were underway.
6. Aspirin: If you have a headache, you might reach for the aspirin. And, aspirin is also known as a drug that can help in the event of heart attack. aspirin is a very successful drug, and even all of its qualities are not fully understood. But what is understood is that the synthesis of aspirin has made for the treatment of a number of ailments. While some of the chemicals found in aspirin have been known for centuries, the discovery of a way to synthesize a pure form of aspirin is relatively recent. The official record states that Felix Hoffmann discovered how to synthesize aspirin in 1897. However, new records indicate that it was actually his supervisor, Arthur Eichengrun, who discovered it. There is speculation that Eichengrun was erased in all references to the celebrated German brand due to the fact that he was a well known Nazi — which is odd since he was a Jew. In the end, Hoffmann got the glory, but we all get the benefits.
7. Battery: If you want to power a device, chances are you know all about changing the battery. The discovery that you could stack voltaic cells on top of each other and end up with a device full of stored energy used to power things changed the world as we know it. First of all, in the 1780s, an Italian, Luigi Galvani, found that touching two pieces of metal to a frog’s leg caused it to twitch. He created a crude circuit and shared it with is friend Alessandro Volta, who got the brilliant idea to modify the circuits into cells and stack them on top of each other. Napoleon loved it. And today, so do the rest of us.
8. Fiber Optics: In 1870, Irish scientist John Tyndall performed an experiment in which he observed that water could carry sunlight. All he needed to show this was a couple of buckets, a sunny day, and a tap. His lab discovery formed the basis for another lab discovery — this one by Charles Kao in the 1960s — that glass tubes could carry light. Channeling light over long distances is the whole point when it comes to fiber optics. And now we use them for a number of applications, notably communications. Fiber optics has made high speed Internet and cable possible, since tubes of glass or plastic are more efficient signal transmitters that metal wires. The work has connected the world, and formed the basis for other technologies. Kao was honored in 2009 with a Nobel Prize in physics.
9. Camera: The principles upon which the modern camera are based have been known since the 11th century, when the Arabic scientist Ibn al-Haytham describe the camera obscura. This device was more of a projector. The more modern version of the camera, which was invented by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826, used principles discovered by Johann Zahn in 1685 and Jacques Daguerre and William Fox Talbot, both of whom figured out how to use different processes to record an image. Niépce discovered that a mixture of chalk and silver darkened when exposed to light, and that it would retain its permanence. Later on, George Eastman used his company, Kodak, to make photography quite popular. And, thanks to the digital age, images are even easier to capture.
10. Time Dilation: As part of his theory of relativity, Albert Einstein proposed the phenomena known as time dilation. This takes place when time is experienced differently by different people, due to their relative velocity, or due to a difference in distance to a gravitational mass. The common illustration of this is that two people carry clocks that are similar in make and function. They are set for the same time initially, but due to difference in location relative to a nearby gravitational mass, or due to motion, there comes a point when each person observes that the other person’s clock is in error. It is a dizzying concept, but a cool one. And it has been shown in the lab, using particle accelerators, measuring Doppler shift, physically flying atomic clocks around the world and even GPS.

Are you an x-ray technician, sonographer or an ultrasound master? Perhaps you plan to enter a career in diagnostic imaging. No matter where you stand in that career goal, the following top fifty radiology blogs can help you stay ahead of your game.

The following resources are listed within categories and by alphabetical order within those categories. We use this method to assure readers that we do not favor one blog over another.

Blogs by and for Radiology Students

1. Barbara Lebron: This woman has worked in medical imaging for over 25 years, and she helps radiologists keep up with the ever-changing technical and clinical applications in the field.
2. Cochinblogs: This blogger provides images for students and professionals to peruse, along with commentary.
3. Juney’s World: A Radiography Student’s Perspective: Juney now is a recent graduate and works as an employee in Cat Scan at a Level 1 Trauma Center, so her blogs now are about her first job in the Tampa Bay area rather than about her student work. Read past blog entries to learn about her student experiences.
4. Learning Radiology: Grab a case study for the week and learn more about how radiology works.
5. Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic MRI: Two doctors and various MRI technologists created this blog for learning and informational purposes.
6. Radiology 101: Hariette, a Registered Radiologic Technologist, helps students learn how to protect themselves in an occupation where workers are exposed to radiation.
7. Radiology Workers: Although the title suggests work situations, the topics carry a heavy leaning toward students who seek training to achieve their radiologist goals.
8. Student radiographer – LostSock: A humorous look at radiological studies from a mature student who is married with kids.
9. Sumer’s Radiology Site: Sumer Sethi is the author of the medical student handbook, Review of Radiology. He also is the creator of the Radiology Grand Rounds concept.
10. The Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Medicine Podcast: This is a great site for students, as you can write or call in your topic of interest for this podcast to obtain feedback.
11. The Radiology Portal: If you want a vast amount of radiology resources, visit this portal created by CTDave, who is best known for his work at Dave’s Places in Radiology and Radiology Ramblings.
12. The Student Radiographer: Follow a London student’s radiology studies and learning experiences at this blog.
13. Topics in Radiography: Jeremy provides information on imaging methods and patient care tips that he’s learned over the years.

Radiology Outlook Blogs

14. ADVANCE Outlook: Imaging & Radiation Oncology: Read this blog for concise, practical, timely information on clinical, professional and career development issues for radiology professionals.
15. Behind the ‘Zine: Although somewhat news-related, this site also focuses on X-Ray tech careers and opinions about ongoing radiologic events.
16. Health Careers Blog: Andrea Santiago shares her experiences as a recruiter. While this blog focuses on health careers in general, she does offer a good bit of career information for radiologists.
17. The Radiology Blog: This blogger provides information on radiology education, training and jobs.
18. X Ray Technician Blog: use this blog to learn more about radiology, including ultrasound jobs, education and employment opportunities.

Radiology at Work Blogs

19. Dalai’s PACS Blog: Learn more about PACS from an “average radiologist” who became obsessed with PACS systems when he had to replace an aging system.
20. Medical Physics Web: Don’t let this blog keep you riveted, as this site has much more for the radiologist, including research, technology and clinical applications.
21. Misadventures of a Wandering Radiologist: A radiologist who has recently relocated to India shares thoughts, news and…misadventures.
22. Not Totally Rad: The question is this: Why would someone want to spend all of that time in medical school learning to be a ‘Real Doctor,’ and then throw it all away by becoming a radiologist? Find some answers here – or at least some humor from this diagnostic radiologist blogger.
23. RadGirl Radiology Blog: Rad Girl shares her experiences on the job, including information about certifications, tools of the trade and some dark humor.
24. Scan Man’s Notes: Vijay Sadasivam is a radiologist who practices in the southern Indian city of Salem, Tamil Nadu. He provides instructive and news blog entries, radiology links and a casebook.
25. The Radiology Assistant: The Radiology Assistant is an initiative created by radiologist Robin Smithuis for the Radiology Society of the Netherlands.
26. X-Ray Rocks: Join the adventures of a radiology technician who left an old job, started a new job and is now surviving “the cutthroat world of medicine” in a hospital where the radiology unit is privately owned…
27. X-Rayted: This blogger blogged his way through radiography school and now is blogging about his first job as a radiographer at this new blog.

Radiology Tools and Sidelines

28. Architecture for Radiology: Learn more about radiology facility design from a company that focuses exclusively on this type of construction. They also comment on radiology design and operations, as the one cannot exist without the other.
29. MedGadget: Radiologists like to stay on top of emerging technologies in the medical field. This site fits the bill across the board.
30. Reflections in Real Time: Daniel A. Merton focuses on news, gadgets and opinions that affect radiologists and their careers.
31. Veterinary Radiology: This blog, written by Dr. Allison Zwingenberger, focuses on providing primary and continuing eduction on veterinary radiology.
32. York and stuff: If you’re interested in creating an open source availability for PACS, then visit this blog.

News

33. Breast Imaging News: This blog brings mammography and related diagnostic breast imaging news to its readers including advances in breast imaging technology and articles of interest to both healthcare professionals and patients.
34. Diagnostic Imaging: This blog focuses on molecular imaging developments across the fields within radiology.
35. Health Imaging: This is a go-to site for images, information and knowledge across the enterprise.
36. Imaging Informatics News: News updates in the field of medical imaging informatics, including PACS, image acquisition, CAD, processing enhancement, RIS and related medical imaging information systems.
37. Imaging News – CT, MRI, and PET: Read recent news about Cat scans, magnetic resonance imaging and PET scans.
38. Medicine and Technology: Gain perspectives into medicine and technology advances at this blog, created and managed by Dr. Joseph Kim.
39. Medscape Radiology: This section within MedScape features news, features and expert opinion for radiologists.
40. Radiology News: MedPage Today, co-developed by The University of Pennsylvania, provides radiology and CME news.
41. Radiology News and Research: Catch the latest news feeds about radiology and research at this blog.
42. Sonography News: This is the blog to follow for diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging news.

Organizations and Community

43. Americans For Responsible Imaging: Harold publishes opinions behind this organization, which is a coalition of doctors and patients “trying to preserve the American Healthcare system.”
44. Aunt Minnie: This popular site supports community, forums, media and a career center for radiologists.
45. MRI Metal Detector Blog: Tobias Gilk leads readers through posts dedicated to improving patient and staff protection through greater MRI safety, particularly via the use of specially-developed ferromagnetic detection systems.
46. Radiology Forums: Learn more about your career, training and opportunities at this active forum.
47. Radiolopolis: Join this community to gain access to radiology news, education, case studies, videos and forums.
48. Radiopaedia: Anyone can join this community to network and share knowledge about radiology fields.
49. radRounds: This site is a radiology and medical imaging professional network for building relationships in clinical practice, education, career, research and industry.
50. Yahoo! Radiography Club: Join this active radiography club to gain support as a student, a career X-Ray technician or as a job searcher.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) represents one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. As such, the CDC covers many issues, including environmental health and injury prevention, health information and services, health promotion, infectious diseases, global health, occupational safety and health and an office for terrorism preparedness and emergency response. While the CDC has had many successes over the years regarding health education, prevention and treatment, some issues remain ongoing concerns for the CDC.

The following list of ten possible plagues that keep the CDC up at night include epidemics that have remained unsolved, some that are new, and some that have unknown causes or treatments. Some ‘plagues’ have been around for many years, such as cancer. Others, such as autism, require more study to learn about causes and treatments for this disorder. Still others, such as sexually transmitted diseases and obesity require the help of the general populace to practice preventative measures and to learn more to avoid both epidemics.

The list below is listed in alphabetical order, and each link leads to a page on the CDC Web site that focuses directly on that particular issue.

1. ASDS (Autism Specturm Disorders): Autism Spectrum Disorders include “classic” autism, Asperger Syndrome and Prevasive Developmental Disorder (PPD_NOS). There is no cure for ASDs, nor do scientists know all the causes for these developmental disorders. However, most scientists now agree that genes are one risk factor and harmful drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy could provide another cause. More people than ever before are being diagnosed with ASD, and the CDC is part of one of the largest U.S. studies to date to learn more about how this disease develops so better treatments and preventative measures can be taken.
2. Cancer Prevention and Control: The CDC constantly works with national cancer organizations, state health agencies, and other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective strategies for preventing and controlling cancer. However, with no cure in sight, the focus is on education, possible preventative measures and treatment to help encourage remission.
3. Foodborne Illnesses: The recent outbreaks of foodbourne illnesses have kept the CDC rocking for the past few months – to the point where they’ve developed a new technique known as multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). This technique helps the PulseNet Methods Development and Reference Unit (PMDRU) within the CDC to refine their ongoing methodology with uses pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Putting the MLVA to work this past month helped the CDC discover that raw cookie dough was the cause of one recent e.coli outbreak.
4. HIV/AIDS: This issue goes beyond STDs mentioned below, as HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through means other than sexual contact. At this point, the CDC provides leadership in helping to control this epidemic by working with community, state, national, and international partners in surveillance, research, and prevention and evaluation activities. Education, preventative measures and new drug therapies that keep HIV-infected persons healthy longer and dramatically reduce the death rate. However, this disease remains a global epidemic.
5. Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever: Although many people are unaware of this disease, it is one of the world’s most deadly infections. There is no vaccine or drug therapy available for those who become infected and as many as 90 percent of those infected during outbreaks have died. The first outbreak occured in 1967, but no one has been able to identify the natural host. However, the CDC discovered that African fruit bats may be the host, and studies continue to confirm this theory. Read “Isolation of Genetically Diverse Marburg Viruses from Egyptian Fruit Bats” to learn more, especially if you plan to travel to Africa.
6. MRSA Superbug: Although initially a European issue, this drug-resistant staff infection is keeping many people up at night wondering how to treat MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) on a global level. Rarely seen outside hospitals and other health care facilities, a new study reveals that marine water and sand may harbor the bacteria. MRSA was discovered in samples taken from South Florida and beaches along the Puget Sound in Washington.
7. Obesity and Overweight: In July 2009, the CDC hosted its first conference on obesity prevention and control, as more U.S. citizens now are overweight and obesity contributes to health problems. Additionally, a variety of factors play a role in the development of obesity, which makes it a complex health issue to address. Some causes revolve around genes and other body functions, illnesses such as Cushing’s disease that cause weight gain, environment, an energy imbalance (too much food and not enough exercise) and behavior. The fact that the rates of obese children have almost doubled or increased even more in certain age groups since 1980 has caused the CDC to treat overweight and obesity as a health crises.
8. Rabies: Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. However, almost 90 percent of all animal cases now reported occur with wildlife (before 1960 the majority of reported cases involved domestic animals). While the public has become more informed about this disease, the estimated public health costs associated with rabies’ disease detection, prevention, and control have risen, exceeding $300 million annually. These costs include the vaccination of companion animals, animal control programs, maintenance of rabies laboratories, and medical costs, such as those incurred for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
9. Pandemic Flu: Outside the season flu and H1N1, a third and highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being tracked closely by the CDC as outbreaks occur overseas. The majority of confirmed cases have occurred in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Currently, the United States has no confirmed human H5N1 (Bird) flu infections, but H5N1 remains a serious concern with the potential to cause a deadly pandemic.
10. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The focus here is on STDs, which includes BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), chlamydia and LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum), gonorrhea, genital herpes, HPV (Human Papillomavirus Infection), PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), syphillis and trichomoniasis. Any sexually active person can contract any one of these diseasesand, although treatments are relevent in most cases, the public continues these epidemics by not becoming informed about these diseases, nor about preventative measures and symptoms that could lead to early treatment before a person continues to spread any one of these diseases.