The latest effort to harness web-based social networking for patients has launched on OxygeNation.com. The offering is meant to be an online community for patients who require therapeutic oxygen and their families, in which they can share stories and information with one another, form discussion groups, and give/receive emotional support with others affected by lung disease.

Full Article from Sys-Con Media

Microsoft Corp. announced its acquisition of Medstory Inc., a privately held company that develops health-focused, "intelligent" web search technology. Microsoft clearly believes that the consumer health market online is a major strategic opportunity for them. Medstory's search results are based on "intuitive" search technology, providing users with "intelligent guides" to help refine and better target their searches.

Full Article from Microsoft.com

The CDC is taking a leadership role among healthcare and government agencies by staking a claim within web-based virtual worlds. On Whyville.com, the CDC gave virtual flu shots to 10,000 avatars of children. And on SecondLife.com, the agency has established permanent headquarters and is holding fairs to distribute information on various health topics to virtual visitors.

Full Article from AJC.com

Only 8% of adults say they have received emails from their physicians, contrary to earlier predictions that the trend was poised to explode. However new technologies and services that are set-up to manage email and EMR securely, as well as to compensate physicians for their time online, are helping to propel greater physician/patient email adoption. And, promisingly, anectodal evidence suggests that patients are careful about using the services appropriately, assuaging physician fears of being deluged by unnecessary communication.

Full Article USAToday.com