(February 21, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From San Diego - Human embryonic stem cells may be a viable option for transplanting insulin-secreting cells in diabetics. While there has been much interest in transplanting mature insulin-secreting cells from the pancreas into diabetics, there is a significant problem with supply of donor tissue. New research shows that human embryonic stem cells, when administered to diabetic rats, create the same amount of insulin as 3,000 human islets.

From British Columbia - Some are suggesting that the recruitment of African physicians and healthcare workers by developed nations should be considered an international crime. The physician to population ratio is about 100 times higher in developed nations compared to poorer nations like Ethiopia. In the US and UK there are approximately 2.5 doctors per 1000 patients, while in many African nations there are only 0.02 per 1000.

And finally, from California -  Google is entering the electronic medical records business. The company has been working on a health strategy for some time, and is officially testing its EMR, hoping to enroll up to 10,000 patients in the near future. Critics wonder if storing personal medical information online is wise, and remain suspicion of Google whose business model involves serving up advertisements that complement the data found through searches.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.