Geron uses embryonic stem cells for paralysis (Morning Read)

Highlights of the important and interesting in the world of healthcare:

Geron leaps through embryonic stem cell window. Geron Corp. used a therapy made from stem cells taken from human embryos to treat a patient paralyzed by a spinal-cord injury in the first U.S.-authorized test of the controversial technology, according to Bloomberg. Geron’s stock price rose a modest 6 percent to $5.67 on Monday.

More picketing nurses. Off-duty registered nurses picketed Eastern Maine Medical Center Monday to raise public awareness of ongoing contract negotiations between the nurses and the hospital administration, the Main State Nurses Association told the Bangor Daily News.

Help for African medical schools. The Obama administration said last week the United States would donate $130 million to African medical schools to improve medical education on the continent, the New York Times reports.

North Carolina Blues launch iPhone app. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina unveiled its first iPhone application Monday, giving customers the ability to find urgent care centers, compare drug costs or contact customer service from their smart phones, according to the Charlotte Observer.

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Bending the cost curve. Even before capitated payments to physicians come into full play, there has been a large reduction in the number of some types of imaging studies in hospitals, starting with CT studies, portending a dramatic and rapid reduction in revenue for the typical hospital, according to the Running a Hospital blog.