Day: 26 April 2006

‘Bloodless’ Surgery becoming more popular

Surgical techniques that do not require blood transfusions are becoming more and more popular, according to an article on MSNBC. Surgeons use a variety of techniques and technologies to minimize or remove the need for costly blood transfusions during surgery.

These bloodless operations were once only available to Jehova’s Witnesses, who’s religion prohibits blood transfusions, but are now being offered tothe general public at many hospitals.

Transfusions are very costly, and also carry a risk of rejection by the patient. Many people opt to have transfusions of their own blood, drawn in advance, before a surgery. Bloodless surgery techniques save money and are better for the patient.

IMF

Looks like a stalwart for backwards economic policy has decided to give in to some demands for democracy. The IMF is going to let almost-rich countries speak.

“The IMF has announced that it plans to boost the voting shares of big, rapidly growing developing countries, particularly China. And the IMF will organize multilateral consultations with top officials from large countries about how their economic policies affect each other and the world–going beyond traditional single-country consultations. The moves would boost the IMF’s legitimacy and relevance.”

Oil Pipeline Route Changed

Sure, the exploration, extraction, exploitation, transportation, and many other blank-tion realated to oil have done a lot of damage to the world, so it is nice to see that a little less damge will be done.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered that an oil pipeline be re-routed around an environemtnally sensitive area. The pipeline is still underconstruction.

“Greenpeace Russia, which has led demonstrations against Transneft’s proposed route, has welcomed Mr Putin’s decision.

Spokesman Andrey Petrov said: “It is victory for the whole of civil society in Russia, not just the ecological movement.”

He said environmental considerations would still have to be taken into account when the new route was planned, but moving it from the shore of Lake Baikal had been a key issue.”