Demystifying meditation with science, researchers at the Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) have teamed with The Chopra Foundation and The Chopra Center for Wellbeing in a novel study of the ancient practice that uses wireless health sensors to collect physiological data from meditators.

Researchers at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory in the U.K. are developing urine-powered EcoBots that run on microbial fuel cells modeled after the heart. They described their technology in the Nov. 8 issue of Bioinspiration and Biomemetics. Here is a demonstration of the fuel cell converting urine into electricity to charge a mobile phone.

Novartis today announced the winners of its Mobile Health (mHealth) Challenge, a competition for developers and mobile technology start-ups to participate in creating mobile solutions that can positively impact the lives of caregivers and their loved ones with heart failure. The intensive two-day Challenge brought individuals and teams together to compete for cash prizes totaling $40,000.

An overview of coronary artery anatomy will be reviewed in a live, interactive format that simulates clinical practice.

Digisonics, a Best in KLAS provider of cardiovascular information systems (CVIS), has introduced functionality for Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) calculations.  Appropriate Use Criteria are evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a specific clinical condition/indication. Digisonics recognizes that reimbursement audits will be tied to appropriate use scores in the future, so there is considerable benefit for facilities that utilize the Digisonics CVIS to monitor appropriate use scores and produce the required structured reports.

Richard Winters, MD, a practicing emergency physician and a physician executive coach, offered frazzled physician leaders pointers for resolving common problems that they encounter in their executive roles in a Harvard Business Review guest blog post.

Cardiovascular Surgery has recently joined WellStar Medical Group (WMG). The practice will be known as WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Surgery and will remain in their current office location of 61 Whitcher Street, Suite 4100, Marietta, Ga., 30060.

Medical students at the University of South Dakota Medical School discussed the benefits of face-to-face experience after examining patients during a mock clinic in Sioux City, Iowa, that was hosted by Cardiovascular Associates.  KTIV News offered this report: