European clinical research legislation under review

Clinical Research

The European Union’s 2001 Clinical Trials Directive has received a lot of negative press especially among clinical research organisations who want to focus on enhancing relationships between researchers, sponsors, stakeholders, authorities, ethics committees and patients and transform research results into tangible benefits for the medical associations across Europe.

In an article for Applied Clinical Trials Online, Peter O’Donnell writes about how clinical research companies and institutions have banded together to find solutions for the problems encountered in the Clinical Trials Directive, which they are hoping to have implemented in 2010. The project is called the “Road Map Initiative for Clinical Research in Europe” and consists of a number of workshops this year that will continue into early 2010.

World’s fasted and most expensive cars together for your appreciation

If money was no object, and speed limits didn’t exist, what car would you buy? Would you go for the fastest car in the world or the most expensive car? Do your tastes run to the sleek and aerodynamic or do you prefer plush and luxurious? Often, the most expensive cars are the fastest; they would have to be considering all the science that goes into propelling them forward. We’ve put together a list of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world, the kind of cars you wouldn’t find at regular car dealers, read ‘em and dream.

South African ADSL Broadband prices: Will they ever come down?

ADSL Broadband Cables and Costs

ADSL prices in South Africa are prohibitively high for households that don’t quite make the middle income bracket. Families are too busy trying to make ends meet to make ADSL broadband a priority, but if South Africa’s Internet Service Providers have their way, not only will broadband prices decrease but all areas of South Africa will have easy access to the internet.

The issue of bandwidth delivery and ADSL broadband costs was raised at a recent MyBroadband Conference where much reference was made to the new Seacom and EASSy cables which are supposed to have a dramatic effect on bandwidth availability and pricing.

The logistics of hosting the London Olympic Games a cause for concern

London Olympic Stadium

When the new stadium for the 2012 London Olympic Games is complete it will stand as a testament to the hard work of thousands of construction workers, plumbers, electricians and engineers, and it won’t look too bad either. Not only is the iconic Olympic construction designed to seat 80,000 spectators, host the opening and closing ceremonies and serve as a launch pad for Usain Bolt’s ridiculous speed, it is also intended to leave a lasting legacy for the British public.

If the UK manages to maintain the stadium as a financially viable resource (which they intend to do by converting it to a 25,000 capacity stadium for other international athletics meetings and possibly football and rugby events), they will be one of the few Olympic hosts who make a profit out of the expense and effort that goes into Olympic construction.

Confusion over effectiveness of swine flu vaccine

The swine flu vaccine has received as much criticism as it has praise. Some doctors are adamant that it is essential to getting through the upcoming winter, while others feel that not enough clinical research has been done and that there is no proof that the benefits of the flu vaccine will outweigh the potential side-effects. There is also concern about the vaccinations safety for pregnant women and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to swine flu.

Information in an American survey revealed that only about 25% of pregnant women plan to get the swine flu vaccine, roughly the same percentage of mothers of young children who plan to get shots for their kids. This reluctance has been attributed to uncertainty regarding the safety and effectiveness of the flu vaccines, but the differing opinions among medical professionals must surely have also played a role.
For instance, a family physician cited in an article on medscape.com believes that the swine flu vaccine has the potential to provide immunity against future flu strains, which may prove even deadlier than this year’s swine flu:

Futuristic solar yachts epitomise luxury living

Solar panels aren’t typically associated with luxury sailing, but as awareness for greater environmental responsibility seeps through all tiers of society, those with stake in luxury goods are turning their attention to renewable energy. Soon, if your bank balance allows, you can purchase a solar yacht that will not only indulge your every need, it’ll set new standards in comfort and luxury design.

Hermes Solar Yacht

The yacht, which has yet to be built, is the result of a partnership between French fashion retailer, Hermes, and Monaco-based design company, Wally Construct. The hull is a unique triangular shape measuring 58m x 38m and has been designed specifically to maximise the solar boat’s energy efficiency. The shape alone allows the solar yacht to save up to 200 tonnes of diesel per year, but the 900 m2 of solar panels add significantly to the boat’s green credibility.

Luxury Solar Yacht Interior

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