Potential of genomic medicine could be lost
The NHS needs a new body for evaluating diagnostic tests if it is to make the most of advances in genomic medicine. The absence of such a system means that hospitals and GPs may waste money on new tests that do not have clear benefits for patients. The recommendation comes in response to a House of Lords inquiry into genomic medicine published last summer, which found that the NHS was not ready to take advantage of genetic advances in healthcare. The falling costs of reading DNA mean that it is likely to be possible to sequence any person’s entire genome for less than £1,000 within a year or two. Scientists have also started to identify how variations in DNA affect responses to drugs or susceptibility to disease, raising the prospect of personalised medicine based on individuals’ genetic profiles. Doctors could potentially use genetic information to select the best drugs for treating particular patients, or to calibrate doses of medicines with potentially dangerous side-effects. Caroline Wright, head of science at the PHG Foundation, said: “Knowledge is power. When public money is being spent, it must be spent sensibly to get better care outcomes. It’s really important that anything funded by health systems has evidence behind it.”
Source: Retrieved May 17, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/genetics/article7128357.ece
My reaction:
To my opinion every potential improvement of medicine created to better the patient in every way is something I approve of 100 percent. Having lived my life until now I know how important it is to have doctors who know what they are doing. I think that if doctors would have the possibility to check which drugs are compatible with your DNA making sure the risk of side effects stay minimal then the outcome could only be considered positive. Like Caroline Wright already stated: “Knowledge is power.”
vrijdag 25 juni 2010
Paramedic Gavin Gibbs asked dying son for forgiveness
Paramedic Gavin Gibbs asked dying son for forgiveness
Paramedic Gavin Gibbs has been accused of fatally injuring his three month old baby boy and injuring his three month old baby girl. Gavin Gibbs called for an ambulance when his three month old son Charlie had stopped breathing at the family home in Erith, Kent. He said to belief his son was dead. Even though his heart was beating due to ventilation, when the ambulance arrived he was floppy and not able to breath on his own. After his death post mortal examination later revealed that Charlie had suffered a fractured skull when he was about two months old. A fracture to his upper arm was caused about three weeks before he died, same as his first broken ribs. Fractures to his left leg at the knee and ankle were caused about one or two weeks before he died. The court was told that fractures like these could only occur as a result of pulling or twisting force. Therefore Gavin Gibbs is charged with the murder of Charlie Gibbs and inflicting injuries on him and his twin sister. The trial continues
Source: Retrieved June 8th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7146060.ece
My reaction:
Surely after reading this article I felt sick to my stomach, but it also made me wonder. If it is true that Mr Gibbs murdered his son, what made him do it and why, if done intentionally, ask your son for forgiveness? Also when I was through reading this article I wanted to know more, to my idea I did not have enough information to agree or disagree with this article because I know the bones of a baby are very strong and resilient and that they are not easily broken, so I wonder did the baby suffer from brittle bone disease? What is it that we do not get to read in this article that could determine our judgement on this case?
I do not judge this man for what he might or might not have done, it is not my place to judge something or someone I do not know anything about, but it does make me wonder.
Paramedic Gavin Gibbs has been accused of fatally injuring his three month old baby boy and injuring his three month old baby girl. Gavin Gibbs called for an ambulance when his three month old son Charlie had stopped breathing at the family home in Erith, Kent. He said to belief his son was dead. Even though his heart was beating due to ventilation, when the ambulance arrived he was floppy and not able to breath on his own. After his death post mortal examination later revealed that Charlie had suffered a fractured skull when he was about two months old. A fracture to his upper arm was caused about three weeks before he died, same as his first broken ribs. Fractures to his left leg at the knee and ankle were caused about one or two weeks before he died. The court was told that fractures like these could only occur as a result of pulling or twisting force. Therefore Gavin Gibbs is charged with the murder of Charlie Gibbs and inflicting injuries on him and his twin sister. The trial continues
Source: Retrieved June 8th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7146060.ece
My reaction:
Surely after reading this article I felt sick to my stomach, but it also made me wonder. If it is true that Mr Gibbs murdered his son, what made him do it and why, if done intentionally, ask your son for forgiveness? Also when I was through reading this article I wanted to know more, to my idea I did not have enough information to agree or disagree with this article because I know the bones of a baby are very strong and resilient and that they are not easily broken, so I wonder did the baby suffer from brittle bone disease? What is it that we do not get to read in this article that could determine our judgement on this case?
I do not judge this man for what he might or might not have done, it is not my place to judge something or someone I do not know anything about, but it does make me wonder.
Six-year-old stabbed in the chest at home
Six-year-old stabbed in the chest at home
Police where called to the Bellfields Estate in Guildford in Surrey after having received a disturbing phone call, stating a six year old girl had received serious stab wounds to the chest
The six year old girl had to be taken to hospital after being stabbed in the chest in her own home. A 44 year old woman and a 28 year old man, who lived in the same house as the girl, where arrested under the suspicion of attempted murder. The 44 year old woman also had to be brought to hospital after sustaining stab wounds to her hands. According to neighbours the girl is to be best described as an angel, a little princes. It is worrying, when something like this happens so close to your own home, a resident said. The 44 year old woman and the 28 year old man will remain in police custody during the investigation of this case. Later on the 44 year old woman and the 28 year old man where proclaimed to be the mother of the girl and her boyfriend.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7147345.ece
My reaction:
What the hell went through the mind or minds of the people who did this? Stabbing a six year old in the chest, presumably your own child creates a certain possibility of killing her. Even if this was done in a rage, this does not imply it is okay to do so anyway. If this happened in rage you always have the opportunity to count to ten or just walk away. A lot of whys and ifs pop into my mind but the biggest questions remain; What if the police would not have been there on time? What if there had been no screaming at all? and what would have happened to the girl then?
Police where called to the Bellfields Estate in Guildford in Surrey after having received a disturbing phone call, stating a six year old girl had received serious stab wounds to the chest
The six year old girl had to be taken to hospital after being stabbed in the chest in her own home. A 44 year old woman and a 28 year old man, who lived in the same house as the girl, where arrested under the suspicion of attempted murder. The 44 year old woman also had to be brought to hospital after sustaining stab wounds to her hands. According to neighbours the girl is to be best described as an angel, a little princes. It is worrying, when something like this happens so close to your own home, a resident said. The 44 year old woman and the 28 year old man will remain in police custody during the investigation of this case. Later on the 44 year old woman and the 28 year old man where proclaimed to be the mother of the girl and her boyfriend.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7147345.ece
My reaction:
What the hell went through the mind or minds of the people who did this? Stabbing a six year old in the chest, presumably your own child creates a certain possibility of killing her. Even if this was done in a rage, this does not imply it is okay to do so anyway. If this happened in rage you always have the opportunity to count to ten or just walk away. A lot of whys and ifs pop into my mind but the biggest questions remain; What if the police would not have been there on time? What if there had been no screaming at all? and what would have happened to the girl then?
725,000 public sector jobs face axe
725,000 public sector jobs face axe
More than 725,000 public sector jobs are expected to be lost in the next four years under the coalition’s plans to cut the deficit. According to Dr John Philpott, chief economic adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the government of David Cameron and Nick Clegg would much rather cut approximately 725.000 public sector jobs instead of raising taxes. If this happens, about 350.000 jobs in town hall posts, 175.000 NHS management and administration jobs and 200.000 jobs in civil service and education will be lost. This will bring the level of unemployment up to three million and there is no sign of this recovering within this coalition term of three to four years. It is said that fifty thousand public sector posts will go this year alone in the bid to cut £6.2 billion from public spending. Previous estimations where based and set on a 60:40 split between spending cuts and tax raises, but the coalition government has adopted a new ratio that seems to be closer to 80:20, which would lead to the higher figure of job losses then first intended.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/public_sector/article7147171.ece
My reaction:
If I would have a say in the matter I would most definitely tell these two men to think about what they are doing or about to do. I would much rather pay more taxes then having to sit at home not having a job or somebody else for that matter having to sit at home jobless. In this world to me it seems that the richer only seems to get richer as the poorer are getting poorer. I would think that it is only fair if the rich would pay more taxes being as they do earn more money than the regular john. And is not so that you also lose money to the people sitting at home, productive I figure not.
More than 725,000 public sector jobs are expected to be lost in the next four years under the coalition’s plans to cut the deficit. According to Dr John Philpott, chief economic adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the government of David Cameron and Nick Clegg would much rather cut approximately 725.000 public sector jobs instead of raising taxes. If this happens, about 350.000 jobs in town hall posts, 175.000 NHS management and administration jobs and 200.000 jobs in civil service and education will be lost. This will bring the level of unemployment up to three million and there is no sign of this recovering within this coalition term of three to four years. It is said that fifty thousand public sector posts will go this year alone in the bid to cut £6.2 billion from public spending. Previous estimations where based and set on a 60:40 split between spending cuts and tax raises, but the coalition government has adopted a new ratio that seems to be closer to 80:20, which would lead to the higher figure of job losses then first intended.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/public_sector/article7147171.ece
My reaction:
If I would have a say in the matter I would most definitely tell these two men to think about what they are doing or about to do. I would much rather pay more taxes then having to sit at home not having a job or somebody else for that matter having to sit at home jobless. In this world to me it seems that the richer only seems to get richer as the poorer are getting poorer. I would think that it is only fair if the rich would pay more taxes being as they do earn more money than the regular john. And is not so that you also lose money to the people sitting at home, productive I figure not.
David Cameron to discuss BP crisis with President Obama
David Cameron to discuss BP crisis with President Obama
Prime Minister David Cameron is to be said to have a gathering with President Obama this weekend to discuss the measurements that have to be taken to clean up the mess left by BP, after an oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico spilled millions of gallons of oil into the ocean.
President Obama, his aggressive public speech against a company that officials in his administration have made a point of calling “British Petroleum” threatens to turn the issue into a diplomatic row. Mr Cameron however stays calm and figures that talking about what has happened and wanting to try and make a wrong, right will only be a matter of time. However if it was up to President Obama, head of BP Tony Hayward would be sacked as a manner of taking his responsibility for what has happened. Sarah Palin advised on her Twitter feed against “naively trusting ... foreign oil co operations”. However it is due to present revised plans for dealing with the spill tomorrow, and the fact that Mr Hayward has to appear before the Congress Energy and Commerce Committee next week that this disaster will be dealt with hands on working along side each other UK and USA.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7147287.ece
My reaction:
I must say reading this article I agree with President Obama. Somebody must take responsibility for what has happened and who better then Mr Tony Hayward, head of BP. To my opinion this would seem like the proper thing to do. I figure that millions of people and not to forget animals suffer due to this disaster and fingers are pointed in different directions.I do imagine it is very difficult for Mr Hayward to say: I am sorry for the trouble that has been caused due to this leakage and I take full responsibility as head of BP for what has happened and therefore I lay down my function as head of BP.
Prime Minister David Cameron is to be said to have a gathering with President Obama this weekend to discuss the measurements that have to be taken to clean up the mess left by BP, after an oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico spilled millions of gallons of oil into the ocean.
President Obama, his aggressive public speech against a company that officials in his administration have made a point of calling “British Petroleum” threatens to turn the issue into a diplomatic row. Mr Cameron however stays calm and figures that talking about what has happened and wanting to try and make a wrong, right will only be a matter of time. However if it was up to President Obama, head of BP Tony Hayward would be sacked as a manner of taking his responsibility for what has happened. Sarah Palin advised on her Twitter feed against “naively trusting ... foreign oil co operations”. However it is due to present revised plans for dealing with the spill tomorrow, and the fact that Mr Hayward has to appear before the Congress Energy and Commerce Committee next week that this disaster will be dealt with hands on working along side each other UK and USA.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7147287.ece
My reaction:
I must say reading this article I agree with President Obama. Somebody must take responsibility for what has happened and who better then Mr Tony Hayward, head of BP. To my opinion this would seem like the proper thing to do. I figure that millions of people and not to forget animals suffer due to this disaster and fingers are pointed in different directions.I do imagine it is very difficult for Mr Hayward to say: I am sorry for the trouble that has been caused due to this leakage and I take full responsibility as head of BP for what has happened and therefore I lay down my function as head of BP.
Ms Susan Boyle 'to sing for the Pope'
Ms Susan Boyle 'to sing for the Pope'
Between September 16th and September 19th, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting England for the first time ever since being appointed as Pope. Furthermore this will be the first official papal visit since 1982 when John Paul II visited England for a six day tour; this was only a pastoral visit. Inside sources confirm that it would please the Pope if Ms Susan Boyle would sing for him during his visit in Glasgow. Ms Susan Boyle became a star after last years Britain Got’s Talent where she finished second. Her debut album went straight to number one in the charts and achieved the best first week's sale for a debut. Ms Susan Boyle is a former church worker, and it was told by the church leaders that they would want Ms Boyle, who would be a ''great asset'' to the event planned for the Pontiff his visit in September. Sources also confirmed that an open mass would be held at Bellahouston Park.
More than half of the 185,000 Catholics who attend Sunday services across Scotland will be able to attend the mass on September 16. And so it came to be that Susan Boyle was asked to sing for the Pope
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/7817039/Susan-Boyle-to-sing-for-the-Pope.html
My reaction:
I can imagine that for the 185.000 Catholics, that attend Sunday services across Scotland, this is a big deal; having the Pope visiting the country. I however do not see the special thing in having the Pope over for a visit. In these times of economic crisis sure why not throw even more money away, why not. But please do not get me wrong I was raised a Roman – Catholic, I just do not see why this has to be done now when in fact it is a rather expensive program including all the surveillance and I also imagine Susan Boyle not saying that she will sing for free, she has to earn a living as well.
Between September 16th and September 19th, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting England for the first time ever since being appointed as Pope. Furthermore this will be the first official papal visit since 1982 when John Paul II visited England for a six day tour; this was only a pastoral visit. Inside sources confirm that it would please the Pope if Ms Susan Boyle would sing for him during his visit in Glasgow. Ms Susan Boyle became a star after last years Britain Got’s Talent where she finished second. Her debut album went straight to number one in the charts and achieved the best first week's sale for a debut. Ms Susan Boyle is a former church worker, and it was told by the church leaders that they would want Ms Boyle, who would be a ''great asset'' to the event planned for the Pontiff his visit in September. Sources also confirmed that an open mass would be held at Bellahouston Park.
More than half of the 185,000 Catholics who attend Sunday services across Scotland will be able to attend the mass on September 16. And so it came to be that Susan Boyle was asked to sing for the Pope
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/7817039/Susan-Boyle-to-sing-for-the-Pope.html
My reaction:
I can imagine that for the 185.000 Catholics, that attend Sunday services across Scotland, this is a big deal; having the Pope visiting the country. I however do not see the special thing in having the Pope over for a visit. In these times of economic crisis sure why not throw even more money away, why not. But please do not get me wrong I was raised a Roman – Catholic, I just do not see why this has to be done now when in fact it is a rather expensive program including all the surveillance and I also imagine Susan Boyle not saying that she will sing for free, she has to earn a living as well.
Teacher Gemma Garn her Severn crossing death 'mystery'.
On December 18th 2009 after a long night of celebration Gemma Garn got into her car to drive home, but never got there. Instead six weeks later her body was found 20 miles downstream in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan by a fisherman. Family and friends are left in limbo about the real cause of death. Though an informant heard Ms Garn had drunk cider and wine after taking amphetamine that may have resulted in het following death. The family and friends would just want to know what really happened, to get some closure by just stating a cause of death. If only there had been more camera supervision on the bridge crossing. According to coroner David Bowen the explanation may be as simple as getting out of the car to take some air, tripping and falling of the bridge, but we can never be sure it happened the way we think it did. Her death will forever remain a mystery and so the community mourns the loss of a much loved member of their society.
Source: Retrieved June 10th, 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/wales/south_east_wales/10287684.stm
My reaction:
After having read this newspaper article I felt really said for the family and friends of Gemma Garn. It is one thing to lose a friend or relative but I can imagine the not knowing what really happened can drive you crazy When you do not know what has happened how can you cope with it?, how can you put it behind you?, how can you mourn when you do not know the truth?. I have asked myself all of these questions over and over again and now I share them with all you bloggers out there, maybe one of you will know the answer.
Abonneren op:
Posts (Atom)