Researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo are using IBM analytics technology to study more than 2,000 genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.

Bracco Imaging has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire local subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico of Justesa Imagen, a distributor of contrast media in Latin America.

Nuance Communications has closed the acquisition of Transcend Services, an Atlanta-based medical transcription and speech editing services provider.

As radiology slips further toward commoditization, providers need to find ways to add value to their services using health IT, which means improving the translation of medical imaging IT innovations from the research lab to the clinical environment, according to Paul J. Chang, MD, medical director, enterprise imaging, at University of Chicago Hospitals.

BC Technical has acquired RA Services, a Detroit-based company that services molecular imaging equipment. This acquisition will expand BC Technical's customer base in the Midwest.

Three years ago, Baxter entered into an agreement with Sigma to become its exclusive global distributor while obtaining a 40 percent equity stake in the company and an option to purchase the remaining 60 percent. On April 26, Baxter announced it had exercised the option.

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the healthcare industry gained during the first quarter of 2012 over the prior and year-ago quarters, although the technology segment saw mixed results.

Quality Systems of Irvine, Calif., has acquired Matrix Management Solutions, to support the growth of its NextGen Practice Solutions offering.