Medical Device Link.

From the Editors
Nanotechnology Is No Small Matter to Diagnostic Devices

The medical device industry is on the cusp of change. Healthcare reform is just around the corner, and advances in technology—particularly nanotechnology—are enabling the development of revolutionary devices.

This interactive timeline features photos, videos, and maps for significant events from the last 30 years. Culling the rich history of medical devices, the timeline exhibits developments that have transformed the industry.

Submit Your Nomination

The November issue of MD&DI will honor the medical device industry's outstanding manufacturers of finished medical devices. But to do that, we need your input on which companies should receive this honor. Do you have a company or two in mind to nominate? You can submit as many entries as you like, but all nominations must be received no later than August 28, 2009.

Meet the Experts

MD&DI's contributing authors are well-respected authorities in their fields. And they are essential to the success of our publication. Meet this month's expert contributors.

The MD&DI August issue features an article on profile tolerancing for complex geometries. Engineering drawings may not accurately represent the true geometries of a component. An expert discusses profile tolerancing programs that can help ensure that designers clearly define design intent and eliminate ambiguities in the part dimensions. Also in August, is a feature on silicone as a molding material. A article explores the materials benefits and limitations in molding medical device components.

MD&DI’s Guide to Outsourcing comes next month. Articles in the supplement concentrate on using contract research organizations in post-approval studies, as well as how to manage foreign supply chains to avoid risk. Experts also provide a pro-and-con discussions about offshore outsourcing.

DeviceTalk

Medical-Device Stocks Rise
Two indexes tracking medical-device companies posted small gains last week while outperforming a declining Standard & Poor’s 500 index, reports Dow Jones.

BiomaterialsTalk

Hospitals Cut Infection Prevention Departments
Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a strong, low-cost biomaterial from mushrooms that could replace Styrofoam and plastics used in packaging.

Transforming FDA

If Not Gift Cards, Maybe Lumps of Coal?
Acting FDA commissioner Joshua Sharfstein has made his presence felt during his few months in office. His latest move is to ban the use of gift cards and other informal bonuses to FDA employees.

• Industry Groups Craft Trillion-Dollar Savings Plan
• International Challenges Grow, U.S. Market Still on Top
• Big Ideas Come from University Students
• FDA Attempts to Clarify Promotions
• Letters: In The Beginning