Generating energy from crematoriums, and other stories

The installation of 106 solar panels on the roof of a crematorium in Hereford, United Kingdom, is expected to generate over 15 000 units of electricity a year, saving more than 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and saving taxpayers nearly £5000 (€5800; $7540) per year. Solar panels are well suited to crematoriums, according to the local energy company, “because they are silent, and won’t disrupt the business of the site” (Pharos International Spring 2013;79:38).

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is encouraged for most people with acute cholecystitis. But what happens to those who are discharged on first admission without surgery? Using data from over 10 000 patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy on first admission, Canadian researchers found a 19% probability of a subsequent gallstone related event or hospital visit within 12 weeks of discharge. This risk increased in younger patients aged 18-34 years (Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 2013;74:26-31, doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e3182788e4d).

In a comparison study of 97 …