Health Care Buzz Today

NIH to Create Genetic Test Database. Hoping to improve healthcare research and centralize data, the National Institutes of Health plans to create an online database of more than 2,000 available genetic tests. Consumers, clinicians and scientistes all will be able to search the database

HHS Looks to Facebook for Disaster Support. The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is challenging software developers to create applications that will enable use of Facebook as a platform for connecting individuals during a disaster.

Class Action Suits Filed Against WebMD. At least five law firms have filed class action lawsuits against online consumer health care content vendor WebMD Health Corp., charging the company with misrepresenting its financial position.

A New Tactic to Encourage Mothers To Breast-Feed. In an effort to get more women to breast-feed their babies, public health officials are pushing hospitals to change their maternity practices.

Safety Net Still Full After Mass. Healthcare Reform. Despite universal health coverage, more patients in Massachusetts are using “safety-net” facilities such as hospitals and community health centers for medical care, researchers found.