Researchers at Penn State have created an app that will help users keep exactly the right amount of caffeine in your blood stream for optimal performance. Designed for Apple products only, the software will take into account how much java you’ve already had and suggest the best time and form for your next dose.
Avik Roy of Forbes says that the move toward Accountable Care Organizations make worsen the problem of hospital monopolies and their effect healthcare costs. He describes a perfect storm of downward pressures on price, increased pressures on consolidation from several sources, and the Department of Justice’s failure to block most mergers. Roy’s latest column includes a video of a recent presentation on this topic as well as a chart illustrating the flow of increased health costs.
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations is expanding its ethics rules to reduce corruption and bribery and win back the trust of consumers. The new rules include advice on how drug makers should work with hospitals, patient groups, and doctors. IFPMA’s president David Brennan said that he has been pushing for the changes for a year and now it’s up to members to implement the new guidelines within their companies.
A graphic designer’s business plan for cheap, reusable filter masks went from prototype to 1,200 orders in the course of the Social Enterprise Weekend in Seattle. After participating in the event designed to encourage social entrepreneurship, Jerome Healy had a team that would help him source raw materials for The Canary Mask as well as several potential buyers. The mask is made from waxed paper and designed to ship flat.
[Photo from flickr user Cursedthing]
