Manufacturers of intermittent pneumatic compression devices designed for prevention of deep vein thromboses can probably start looking for a new indication for their gadgets. A study conducted by physicians from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center has demonstrated that pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) can be used as a treatment option for people with restless legs syndrome. The research was published in the journal Chest.
Results of the study from the abstract:

Thirty-five subjects were enrolled. Groups were similar at baseline. Therapeutic PCDs significantly improved all measured variables more than shams. Restless Legs Severity Score improved from 14.1 ± 3.9 to 8.4 ± 3.4 (p = 0.006) and Johns Hopkins Restless Legs Scale improved from 2.2 ± 0.5 to 1.2 ± 0.7 (p = 0.01). All quality of life domains improved more with therapeutic than sham devices (social function 14% vs 1%, respectively; p = 0.03; daytime function 21% vs 6%, respectively, p = 0.02; sleep quality 16% vs 8%, respectively, p = 0.05; emotional well-being 17% vs 10%, respectively, p = 0.15). Both Epworth sleepiness scale (6.5 ± 4.0 vs 11.3 ± 3.9, respectively, p = 0.04) and fatigue (4.1 ± 2.1 vs 6.9 ± 2.0, respectively, p = 0.01) improved more with therapeutic devices than sham devices. Complete relief occurred in one third of subjects using therapeutic and in no subjects using sham devices.

Abstract in Chest January 2009 vol. 135 no. 1 74-80
Image: malik ml williams

A team of IBM researchers at the company’s Almaden Research Center in San Jose, Calif used a magnetic imaging technique to capture three dimensional images of the tobacco mosaic virus at a spatial resolution of four nanometers.
Abstract:

We have combined ultrasensitive magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) with 3D image reconstruction to achieve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with resolution <10 nm. The image reconstruction converts measured magnetic force data into a 3D map of nuclear spin density, taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the "resonant slice" that is projected outward from a nanoscale magnetic tip. The basic principles are demonstrated by imaging the 1H spin density within individual tobacco mosaic virus particles sitting on a nanometer-thick layer of adsorbed hydrocarbons. This result, which represents a 100 million-fold improvement in volume resolution over conventional MRI, demonstrates the potential of MRFM as a tool for 3D, elementally selective imaging on the nanometer scale.

Abstract in PNAS: Nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging
More from the New York Times…
Flashback: Nano-scale MRI on the Horizon

Tuberculosis is a treatable disease that requires strict compliance with an antibiotic regiment, resulting in patients not letting the drug finish its job once they feel better. To increase compliance, a research group at MIT has developed a urine test that can reveal a hidden code on a piece of paper if a metabolite of the antibiotic is present. This code is then used to receive free mobile phone minutes or other goodies in programs meant to increase compliance.
From MIT Technology Review:

The researchers recently finished a feasibility test in Nicaragua, where they worked with local scientists to improve the accuracy of the test strips, testing them on urine samples collected from TB patients. They also tested the robustness of the devices, making sure that they could be stored reliably and that they worked as well in humid Nicaragua as they did in New England.
The team is launching a larger trial this month in Karachi, Pakistan, in collaboration with the city’s Center for Community Development. The researchers plan to start with 30 patients but aim to eventually test the program on 1,000 people, comparing both compliance and infection rates in those who use the devices and those who have more traditional monitoring.

Read on at MIT Tech Review…
Project page: X out TB …