News In Brief 24 May 2005

F.D.A Readies Depression Device Implant

The Food and Drug Administration may soon approve a medical device for severely depressed patients, the first new option in more than a generation, though there is mounting evidence as to its' effectiveness.

The pacemaker-like device, called a vagus nerve stimulator, is a surgically implanted device, in the upper chest, and with wires are threaded into the neck, where it stimulates a nerve leading to the brain. It has been approved since 1997, for limited use and treatment and now is being readied for more widespread use.

One doctor, close to the study, indicated that while other treatments and drugs may be just as effective, the main obstacle has been that too many patients are too depressed to turn the device on.


'Star Wars' Sets New Box Office Records, But With Less Viewers

''Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith" sold an estimated $108.5 million in tickets for the Friday-to-Sunday period, taking its total to $158.5 million since it opened after midnight Thursday. Its four-day haul sets a new record, surpassing the $134.3 million tally of 2003's ''The Matrix Reloaded."

While the overall revenue was on target for LucasFilms, the more detailed tracking of tickets showed that over $130-Million was spent from the same, small group of Star War devotees, who purchased tickets and sat through every screening, many in Star Wars costumes and character.