Google Flu: Google released a new tool to help Americans find local pharmacies and clinics offering seasonal and H1N1 Swine Flu shots. So far the database is far from complete and Google hopes providers will share information about availability once they get word of the service: “At the moment we have data for locations of flu vaccine directly from 20 states and counting. We are also continuing to add information from chain pharmacies and other providers in all 50 states; today, you’ll find results from chains such as Walgreens, CVS and PDX participants, such as Kmart, Duane Reade, WinnDixie and Giant Eagle.” 
Cough detector: STAR Analytical Services is working with a database of pre-recorded coughs to determine audio signatures that point to underlying conditions.
A new LED-powered endoscope: Schölly Fiberoptic of Denzlingen, Germany, is releasing a new video bronchoscope with CMOS “chip-in-the-tip” and bright LED technology.
Melody transcatheter cardiac valve replacement in children: Cardiologists from Miami Children’s Hospital, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, and Children’s Hospital Boston published preliminary results from a study of Medtronic’s Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve in 34 children and young adults implanted with the device for dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract conduits. The early results are promising and may help the Melody valve get approved in the U.S. as the first transcatheter cardiac valve on the market.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.
