Technologies for breast cancer detection are evolving rapidly as manufacturers work to push the diagnostic envelope beyond standard screening mammography, ultrasound technology, and magnetic resonance imaging. At two recent meetings, the November 2010 meeting of the Radiology Society of North America and the March 2011 meeting of the European Congress of Radiology, several presentations focused on the latest research and technology developments in breast cancer detection.

With soaring medical costs weighing heavily on the US economy, it's not surprising that obesity has become a target in the health care reform debate. Obesity is costly because it significantly increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Exercise, dieting and prescription drugs have had a limited effect in stemming the tide of obesity, leaving bariatric surgery and other interventional techniques as the primary treatment options for this potentially multi-billion dollar market. But device manufacturers have a challenge ahead of them--to develop more effective, safer, and less invasive obesity therapies that will not only result in long-term weight loss, but will also cut treatment costs and better manage comorbidities.