Health impacts of global electrification Rapidly developing countries like India and China have undertaken wholesale urban electrification. But pollution associated with the coal plants on which these nations rely can pose health tradeoffs, explains an international team of scientists.

Working with data for 41 countries on projected development trajectories, health demographics and coal emissions, the researchers’ project indicate that rising electricity consumption will improve health only where pre-electrification infant mortality is more than 1 in 10 live births.
In an upcoming issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the researchers describe why increased electricity use will “not lead to greater health benefits.” —Janet Raloff   - Beaumont implants first MRI safe device
A Beaumont Hospitals Cardiology team led by electro-physiologist Ilana Kutinsky, D.O., implanted the first MRI-safe pacemaker in Southeast Michigan on Feb. 18 into an 87-year-old Bloomfield Hills man at Beaumont Hospital, Troy.
The Revo MRITM Sure Scan pacemaker used in the procedure is the first pacing system designed, tested and FDA-approved for use with magnetic resonance imaging.
MRI procedures for patients with traditional implanted pacemaker implants are not recommended because these patients could face serious complications, such as interference with pacemaker operation, damage to system components, lead or pacemaker dislodgement or changes in pacing.
Approximately 1.5 million Americans have pacemakers, devices designed to keep the heart beating at a steady rhythm. Most pacemaker patients are 65 and older and at an age when illnesses and injuries requiring MRI develop.
- Dr. Carbone named among top health care leaders
Dr. K. Bobbi Carbone, chief operating officer, Beaumont Hospitals, is included in Becker’s Hospital Review’s “52 Women Hospital & Healthcare Leaders,” a list of women who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills within the hospital and health care industry.
Carbone became Beaumont Hospital’s first female chief operating officer in 2010. She believes leading through openness helps create a better work environment.
Members of the list were selected for their accomplishments in leading health care and hospital organizations, including improvement of patient care, development of relationships between providers and facilitation of organizational growth.
Each featured woman was lauded by her colleagues for contributing significant value to the health care industry.
(Source: Sciencenews.org)