Monthly Archives: March 2012

Anatomy of a murder: Nanaimo’s Kelvin Purdy says he's not a killer

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NANAIMO Convicted murderer Kelvin Kingsbury Purdy still tallies up the days as they pass him by, now 3,017 into his life sentence.

Purdy, 44, stabbed his estranged wife to death in a Nanaimo laneway on Dec. 12, 2003, and has been in custody ever since, although he has always professed his innocence.

Repeated attempts to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned culminated in the recent dismissal of his leave to appeal in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Yet Purdy, buoyed by prospective representation by a group of Toronto legal professionals distinguished for their work in wrongful conviction reversals, says he is moving forward to the final step in the appellate process, which is a review of his case by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Such a review is not currently underway.

"They can overturn a decision, he can grant an exoneration, he can grant a new trial. It's kind of like the final say in the whole thing," said Purdy, reached by telephone last week at Pacific Institution in Abbotsford, where he is imprisoned with no parole eligibility for another 11 years.

Denise Alanzo Purdy, Kelvin's 30-year-old wife from whom he had separated some months prior, was taking her usual route to the bus stop for work on the morning of the crime.

The young mother, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, worked at Nanaimo's Longlake Chateau where she tailored and shopped for the retirement facility's 123 residents and was praised for her constant smile, infinite patience and great humour.

At approximately 6:15 a.m., Denise was confronted by Purdy in a dark alley off of Lasalle Road in the north end of the city, the courts found.

As she tried to flee, the left-handed Purdy chased and began stabbing her, leaving many of the 21 fatal wounds on her left side, evidence at trial showed.

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Anatomy of a murder: Nanaimo’s Kelvin Purdy says he's not a killer

Nanotechnology is Dangerous (music video) – Video

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19-02-2012 22:57 Nanotechnology is dangerous, but so is everything else! Learn about the dangers and wonders of nano. Download our songs on Sound Cloud: soundcloud.com Subscribe to my channel: http://www.youtube.com Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com Check out my Blog: http://www.comaniddy.com Follow Me on Tumblr http://www.comaniddy.tumblr.com More Nano http://www.nanopinch.com http http://www.nisenet.org "Nano's Dangerous" written by Michael Wilson (coma niddy) beat by Vybe Beatz http://www.soundclick.com performed by Michael Wilson (coma niddy) & Jennifer Sharma cast: Akash Sharma Alyssa December Charlotte Martin Jennifer Correa Maria Taveras Tarron Green Camera, Editing, & Effects: by Michael Wilson (coma niddy) Lyrics: [Verse 1 - Radiation and Gasoline] Before you begin to fear Nano Technology Saying that it's dangerous, consider this information Every time that you're using a mobile device You're exposing yourself to harmful radiation Granted that it's in small amounts or even Nano Rated Every one's obsessed with checking their facebook pages We can't deny we rely on these things everyday The benefits outweigh the risks, so we take it Now before you go hating nanotechnology Saying that it's deadly and can be used as a weapon The gasoline that you pump into your SUV Is flammable and can explode any second That doesn't stop us from driving porshes, hummers, and jettas If UPS used horses it would take forever We can't deny we use and abuse fuel everyday The benefits outweigh the risks ...

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Landmark deal on nanotechnology

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Priyanka Kurugala

The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) in a landmark agreement entered into a strategic collaboration with Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL) of Hyderabad, India, to develop the next generation of nanotechnology based plant fertiliser solutions.

It was the first technology providing programme from the country to the international market, SLINTEC science team leader, Professor in Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Professor Veranja Karunaratne said.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Technology and Research Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and India High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on March 15.

These are next generation nanofertliser products aimed at increasing productivity and income for farmers and creating a sustainable business for stakeholders engaged in agri-business, he said.

As part of this strategic partnership, SLINTEC is selling two patents covering their first generation nano plant fertiliser products, taking it from proof of concept to proof of value for commercialisation, he said.

In addition we are entering into a long-term strategic technology development programme for the second and third generation nano

plant nutrition products. For SLINTEC, this is an opportunity to work with a global partner to take the product development journey from the lab to the field, Professor Karunaratne said.

Head of Research and Innovation (Professor of Electronics Engineering Cambridge University) Professor Gehan Amaratunga, said however that SLINTEC has reserved the rights for Sri Lanka to exploit this technology on its own. Sri Lanka is known only for selling commodities and this deal between SLINTEC and NFCL heralds a new era in technology development in Sri Lanka, he said.

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Medical school leads the way in licensing fees

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WORCESTER Led by the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the states public university system raked in $40 million in licensing fees in 2010.

The UMass system ranked 13th among 183 institutions participating in the 20th annual survey of licensing fee revenues by the Association of University Technology Managers. This was the second consecutive year UMass placed in the top 15. UMass was one of only two New England universities in the top 15, with MIT. The 2010 data are the latest available.

Licensing fees are generated when institutions charge companies to use their patented research discoveries.

The fees are a small part of the hundreds of millions of non-taxpayer dollars that annually come into the system supporting basic and clinical research.

The research dollars are expected to increase after the medical school opens the Albert Sherman Research Center, a $400 million building set to open later this year.

Our ability to generate $40 million from faculty discovery and innovation is a testament to the great quality of the UMass faculty on all five campuses, UMass President Robert L. Caret told trustees recently. Of the $40 million, $37.6 million was generated by discoveries at the medical school.

Although research is often federally funded, patents usually become the property of universities under provisions of the Bayh-Dole Act, passed by Congress in 1980 and named for the sponsors, Sens. Birch Bayh and Bob Dole.

The $40 million in fees was actually less than the university received in 2009, which was about $70 million. It was a $30 million payment for an anti-diarrhea antibody developed at UMassBiologics that pushed UMass into eighth place nationally that year. It beat out both MIT and Harvard University.

The simple fact is we are one university, and we like to present ourselves that way, said James P. McNamara, executive director of the medical schools Office of Technology Management. The state transferred UMassBiologics operation from the Department of Public Health to the medical school in 1997.

The fees are split among those whose inventions or discoveries generated the fees, and the university, which uses it to support research, pay administrative costs and obtain and defend patents. Mr. McNamara recently successfully defended a UMass patent in Germany.

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Pfizer Pledges to Strengthen Lifelong Health Strategies for Asia-Pacific Region During First World Congress on Healthy …

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

As an official partner of the First World Congress on Healthy Ageing, Pfizer reaffirms the companys commitment to promote healthy and active ageing at all stages of life as a basis for enhanced productivity in the Asia Pacific. Pfizer will lead a luncheon symposium today focused on the relationship between health and economic sustainability and the resulting challenges and opportunities of shifting demographics across the region.

We are seeing an explosion of older populations in Asia and need to adapt our strategies to address this worrying trend, said Theresa Firestone, Regional President, Asia - Emerging Markets for Pfizer. This is a phenomenon we cannot ignore, and Pfizer is proud to support this first-ever Congress as an important step in advancing the good work of the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, deepening collaboration with other key stakeholders, and developing solutions to this critical issue.

In many societies in the Asia-Pacific region, populations are ageing at unprecedented rates brought on by increased longevity and lower fertility rates and leading to an explosion in the size and proportion of ageing societies. For instance, Singapore, Vietnam, and China each rank among the most rapidly aging developing countries. In Singapore, the over-60 demographic segment will nearly quadruple, increasing by nearly 450% between 2000 and 2050 to account for a full 38% of its overall population. In Vietnam and China, the increases in percentages will be similar. Yet, for China, the worlds most populous country, this will add up to 437 million people over 60 by 2050, a number equivalent to the entire worlds elderly population in 1985. In Malaysia, the percentage of the over-60 population will increase from 8% today to 20% by 2050.

Pfizers approach to healthy and active ageing will focus on two critical areas aimed at enhancing productivity and economic sustainability as developing Asian societies age:

Speakers during Pfizers expert panel include:

In addition, Pfizer will sponsor a workshop on Wednesday 21 March focused on the importance of adult immunization, to be led by Dr. Christopher Lee, Head and Senior Consultant for the Department of Medicine and the Infectious Disease Unit at the Sungai Buloh Hospital, Malaysia in coordination with Melissa Mitchell from the Global Coalition on Aging and Dr. Vicknesh Welluppillai, Medical Director, Pfizer Malaysia.

The developing Asia region is at a critical juncture requiring a new and strong focus on how governments, NGOs, businesses, physicians and other innovators can come together to find solutions that promote healthy ageing, said Assoc. Prof. Nathan Vytialingam, President of the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society and Organising Chairman of the 2012 Congress. The Congress aims to find these solutions and prompt a new way of thinking and collaborating for the future.

The First World Congress on Healthy and Active Ageing will take place 19-22 March 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information, visit http://www.healthyageingcongress.com

About Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world

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Georgetown University Medical Centre: Scientists discover 'greedy gene¿ that makes you eat more even when you are full

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Could lead to treatments for obesity

By Tamara Cohen

PUBLISHED: 14:28 EST, 18 March 2012 | UPDATED: 14:28 EST, 18 March 2012

The secret to staying slim may be all in your genes.

Scientists believe they have found the gluttony gene which fails to tell your brain when you are full.

In tests on mice, they showed that a mutation on a single gene broke down communication in the body and led to non-stop eating and rapid weight gain.

Gut buster: Scientists believe they have uncovered a gene which makes you eat even when are full because it breaks down communication between the body and the brain

But the good news is, they hope identifying the gene could help with treatments for obesity which affects nearly one in four adults in the UK.

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Centre in the U.S. studied variations in the Bdnf gene in mice.

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Georgetown University Medical Centre: Scientists discover 'greedy gene¿ that makes you eat more even when you are full

Researchers reveal how a single gene mutation leads to uncontrolled obesity

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Public release date: 18-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Karen Mallet km463@georgetown.edu Georgetown University Medical Center

Washington, D.C. -- Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have revealed how a mutation in a single gene is responsible for the inability of neurons to effectively pass along appetite suppressing signals from the body to the right place in the brain. What results is obesity caused by a voracious appetite.

Their study, published March 18th on Nature Medicine's website, suggests there might be a way to stimulate expression of that gene to treat obesity caused by uncontrolled eating.

The research team specifically found that a mutation in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene in mice does not allow brain neurons to effectively pass leptin and insulin chemical signals through the brain. In humans, these hormones, which are released in the body after a person eats, are designed to "tell" the body to stop eating. But if the signals fail to reach correct locations in the hypothalamus, the area in the brain that signals satiety, eating continues.

"This is the first time protein synthesis in dendrites, tree-like extensions of neurons, has been found to be critical for control of weight," says the study's senior investigator, Baoji Xu, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown.

"This discovery may open up novel strategies to help the brain control body weight," he says.

Xu has long investigated the Bdnf gene. He has found that the gene produces a growth factor that controls communication between neurons.

For example, he has shown that during development, BDNF is important to the formation and maturation of synapses, the structures that permit neurons to send chemical signals between them. The Bdnf gene generates one short transcript and one long transcript. He discovered that when the long-form Bdnf transcript is absent, the growth factor BDNF is only synthesized in the cell body of a neuron but not in its dendrites. The neuron then produces too many immature synapses, resulting in deficits in learning and memory in mice.

Xu also found that the mice with the same Bdnf mutation grew to be severely obese.

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Researchers reveal how a single gene mutation leads to uncontrolled obesity

Experts reveal 'fat gene' role

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18 March 2012 Last updated at 14:02 ET

Researchers believe they have identified why a mutation in a particular gene can lead to obesity.

Mouse experiments suggested the body's message to "stop eating" was blocked if the animals had the mutation.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, said the brain's response to appetite hormones was being disrupted.

The Georgetown University Medical Center researchers hope their findings could lead to new ways to control weight.

Many genes have been linked to obesity, one of them - brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene - has been shown to play a role in putting on weight in animal and some human studies.

However, scientists at the Georgetown University Medical Center said the explanation for this link was unknown.

In studies on mice which had been genetically modified to have the mutation, the mice consumed up to 80% more food than normal.

After a meal, hormones such as insulin and leptin should tell the brain that the body is full and should stop eating. The researchers showed that in the mutated mice the message was not being passed on from the hormones in the blood to the correct part of the brain.

One of the researchers Prof Baoji Xu said: "If there is a problem with the BDNF gene, neurons can't talk to each other, and the leptin and insulin signals are ineffective, and appetite is not modified."

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Scientists 'discover gluttony gene'

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A single gene's effect on the brain can result in non-stop eating, research has shown.

Scientists believe the "gluttony gene" may be responsible for cases of obesity caused by out-of-control appetite. The Bdnf gene variant was studied in mice. It was found to prevent brain neurons from transmitting signals that tell the body it has eaten enough.

"This discovery may open up novel strategies to help the brain control body weight," said lead researcher Dr Baoki Xu, from Georgetown University Medical Centre in the US.

Hunger and satiety, the sensation of "feeling full", are governed by a complex balance of hormonal and neuronal signals. Two hormones in particular, leptin and insulin, released in the body after a meal play a key role.

Their chemical signals activate neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain that trigger satiety. But if the connection is not made, the craving for food continues.

"Short" versions of the Bdnf gene block the leptin and insulin signals and prevent the "stop eating" message passing through the brain to the correct appetite-suppressing locations, say the scientists.

The research is reported online in the journal Nature Medicine.

Bdnf makes a protein that is synthesised in dendrites, the branch-like "fingers" that project from nerve cells. Dendrites carry the synapses that neurons use to communicate to each other.

"If there is a problem with the Bdnf gene, neurons can't talk to each other and the leptin and insulin signals are ineffective, and appetite is not modified," said Dr Xu.

Previous work by Dr Xu has shown that Bdnf is important for the formation and maturation of synapses during development. Mice born without the correct "long" version of the gene suffer impaired learning and memory. They also grow to be severely obese.

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Scientists 'discover gluttony gene'

Brain chemistry creates need for in-patient treatment

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The brain chemistry of addiction is one reason its so important to offer in-patient treatment for people who seek help from chemical dependency, according to the Western Montana Mental Health Center.

The brain works on a reward system, and it becomes conditioned to substances such as opiates and alcohol, said Tammera Nauts, a licensed clinical social worker and licensed addictions counselor with the Mental Health Center. The substances end up doing for the brain what it used to do for itself, and the chemicals in the brain of an addicted person change.

A lot of addiction is the drive to avoid withdrawal, the discomfort of withdrawal, Nauts said.

So she said in-patient around the clock care is critical for people trying to break their chemical dependency. The brain is wired to seek reward, and medical professionals can help patients find other behaviors to satisfy their cravings. Not without sustained intervention is the cycle broken, she said.

Alcoholism is a disease; genetics contribute 40 percent to 50 percent of the time, and exposure contributes 50 percent to 60 percent of the time, according to the Mental Health Center.

The Missoula Recovery Center will treat people who have addiction and those who have addiction along with a mental illness.

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Darwin peering through the molecular level

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To Bob Rose and his colleagues, evolution isn't just a theoryit's the basis for their whole career.

"The idea of evolution is seminal to biochemistry," Rose, professor of biochemistry, said. Rose is currently working with the University, researching the gene that promotes insulin-production in various species.

"We do a lot of comparisons between species, which is very evolution-based." Rose said.

Rose is currently working on comparing the insulin promoter between humans, rats and mice in order to understand what things are conserved between the species. One of the key differences between these species is that mice have two insulin genes, whereas humans only have one.

"For some reason, the function was important enough to warrant two genes we see variations like that a lot," Rose said.

Despite those differences, enough is conserved between the proteins that regulate the genes and even the genes themselves that researchers can examine them as an important evolutionarily-preserved function.

According to Paul Wollenzien, professor of biochemistry, the first signs of evolution came at the earliest stages of life. Originally, polymers of RNA, nucleic acids that can code genetic information, self-competed for replication. Next came proteins translated from that primary genetic code, and finally life began to emerge.

Even in modern organisms, there are clues to these early events. For example, there are sequences within ribosomal RNA that are shared between the three domains of life: eukaryotes, prokaryotes and achaea. This means that the sequences were present within the progenitor of these domainsa common ancestor.

"Because we can recognize these universally-conserved sequences, we take that to mean that they were established early on in evolution," Wollenzien said. Because the sequences were established very early on, it indicates a great importance for the basic functions of life.

Evolution influences the emerging field of biochemistry with something called "Instant Evolution."

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Darwin peering through the molecular level

Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show , With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18

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Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show, With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18

By Andrew Gans 18 Mar 2012

On March 18 cast members from the ABC hit "Grey's Anatomy" offer Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.

The 8 PM live musical celebration benefits The Actors Fund.

Scheduled to appear are Jessica Capshaw, Justin Chambers, Eric Dane, Sarah Drew, Chyler Leigh, Kevin McKidd, Sandra Oh, Jim Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, Kim Raver and Chandra Wilson. Ingrid Michaelson will make a special guest appearance.

The actors, according to press notes, will "perform selected songs from last season's 'Musical Event,' as well as additional music from the 'Grey's Anatomy' songbook. This evening of song and story will examine the way music has always been an integral part of the storytelling on 'Grey's,' and will provide fans with a rare behind the scenes glimpse at how the show is put together."

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Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show , With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18

Anatomy of a murder: Nanaimo’s Kelvin Purdy says he's not a killer

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NANAIMO Convicted murderer Kelvin Kingsbury Purdy still tallies up the days as they pass him by, now 3,017 into his life sentence.

Purdy, 44, stabbed his estranged wife to death in a Nanaimo laneway on Dec. 12, 2003, and has been in custody ever since, although he has always professed his innocence.

Repeated attempts to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned culminated in the recent dismissal of his leave to appeal in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Yet Purdy, buoyed by prospective representation by a group of Toronto legal professionals distinguished for their work in wrongful conviction reversals, says he is moving forward to the final step in the appellate process, which is a review of his case by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Such a review is not currently underway.

"They can overturn a decision, he can grant an exoneration, he can grant a new trial. It's kind of like the final say in the whole thing," said Purdy, reached by telephone last week at Pacific Institution in Abbotsford, where he is imprisoned with no parole eligibility for another 11 years.

Denise Alanzo Purdy, Kelvin's 30-year-old wife from whom he had separated some months prior, was taking her usual route to the bus stop for work on the morning of the crime.

The young mother, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, worked at Nanaimo's Longlake Chateau where she tailored and shopped for the retirement facility's 123 residents and was praised for her constant smile, infinite patience and great humour.

At approximately 6:15 a.m., Denise was confronted by Purdy in a dark alley off of Lasalle Road in the north end of the city, the courts found.

As she tried to flee, the left-handed Purdy chased and began stabbing her, leaving many of the 21 fatal wounds on her left side, evidence at trial showed.

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Three Nutrition Tips for Athletes Participating in Winter Sports

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During the winter, an athlete needs to change what he or she eats and drinks, since nutritional needs change somewhat in the cold weather. An athlete that does not change his or her diet during the winter is likely to become dehydrated, lack energy, and possibly become hypothermic.

Here are three nutrition tips for an athlete that is participating in winter sports, which can help keep him or her healthy.

Drink Hot Liquids

An athlete should be drinking hot liquids if he or she is involved with winter sports, because hot liquids can help him or her increase body temperature. An athlete needs to stay hydrated during winter, since he or she is breathing in cold air, which increases his or her metabolism. An athlete that drinks cold water is likely to suffer from hypothermia, since the cold water can decrease body temperature significantly, even if he or she is running around sweating. A thermos filled with hot chocolate, tomato soup, hot tea, hot cider, or oatmeal is perfect for a winter weather athlete. If an athlete can fill the thermos with these types of hot liquids and foods, he or she is more likely to want to eat before, during, and after participating in sports or exercising, which can decrease his or her risk of hypothermia and dehydration.

Eat Snacks with Carbohydrates Often

An athlete should be consuming more complex carbohydrates during the winter, which can help keep him or her full of energy during sports. Since an athlete has a higher metabolism during winter sports, he or she is going to need more carbohydrates to replenish his or her body. An athlete might not always have a thermos to carry around hot liquids or soup, so he or she needs to plan on carrying a baggy with smaller items in it. Some great complex carbohydrates an athlete can eat during the winter include cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, bagels, trail mix, bananas, and energy bars. An athlete should be choosing products that he or she can easily take with him or her, which will not freeze in the cold weather, and is easy to digest. An athlete should plan on consuming a small amount of these items at least every 60 minutes, which can help keep his or her energy levels regulated during the winter. Before playing sports or exercising, an athlete should eat chili, pasta with sauce, potatoes, and soups, which are all full of complex carbohydrates.

Never Drink Alcohol Before Engaging in Physical Activity

An athlete should also avoid drinking any alcohol before he or she engages in physical activity, because alcohol is very dangerous during the cold weather. Alcohol can dilate the blood vessels, which causes an athlete to lose heat faster, and this can lead to serious hypothermia. Drinking alcohol is more common during the winter months, due to the various holidays and family activities, but should never be consumed by an athlete before working out. An athlete might begin to sweat if he or she drinks one beverage, which could cause an athlete to think he or she is hot, and he or she is less likely to notice frost bite. If an athlete drinks alcohol during the winter, he or she is also going to be increasing his or her metabolism, which will decrease his or her energy levels, since the body will be trying to regulate the dropping body temperature.

Jeanne Rose worked as a dietary clerk in a hospital for three years, went to vocational school for Allied Health, and obtained certification in nurse assisting.

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India's former Mr. Universe turns 100, says happiness, stress-free life key to his longevity

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KOLKATA, India - A former Mr. Universe who has just turned 100 said Sunday that happiness and a life without tensions are the key to his longevity.

Manohar Aich, who is 4 foot 11 inches (150 centimetres) tall, overcame many hurdles, including grinding poverty and a stint in prison, to achieve body building glory.

His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered Sunday in the eastern city of Kolkata to celebrate his birthday the day before.

Hindu priests chanted prayers while a feast was laid out to honour Aich, winner of the 1952 Mr. Universe body building title.

Rippling his muscles and flashing a toothless grin, Aich says his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times are the secrets to his long life.

That, and a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish have kept him healthy.

He does not smoke and has never touched alcohol, he said.

"I never allow any sort of tension to grip me. I had to struggle to earn money since my young days, but whatever the situation, I remained happy," Aich said, sitting in a room decorated with posters and pictures of his many bodybuilding triumphs.

Aich, who was born in the small town of Comilla in Bengal, was a puny youngster. But he was attracted to exercising and building his muscles when as a schoolboy he saw a group of wrestlers in action.

In 1942, he joined the Royal Air Force under India's British colonial rulers and it was there that he began his relentless pursuit of body building.

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India's former Mr. Universe turns 100, says happiness, stress-free life key to his longevity

Two DNA tests help criminalists identify people

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Posted: Sunday, March 18, 2012 1:19 am | Updated: 12:02 pm, Sun Mar 18, 2012.

Two tests are used to help identify individuals through DNA analysis, according to John Tonkyn, criminalist supervisor with the Department of Justices lab in Richmond, Calif.

The first test criminalists used is a test all DNA labs across the country conduct.

Initially, criminalists use a chemical known as Ethylenediaminetetraacetate to purify the DNA sample. The drug separates things like proteins and fats that maintain the structure of the cells walls, which protect the DNA within the nucleus of the cell.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) weakens the cell to the point that the walls collapse or tear, releasing the cells contents and DNA for analysis.

Also, EDTA protects and preserves the integrity of DNA by inhibiting enzymes that are normally present in the cell, which can fragment the DNA and render it unusable.

Once the DNA is all by itself, criminalists have a set of 16 genetic markers that can test for things such as gender and other properties only inherited or found in blood relatives.

This is our best DNA profile, Tonkyn said of the analysis once the test is complete. This test provides us with the best identification for individuals because it give the most unique DNA profile.

But, if there is not enough DNA extracted from the freezer mill or the thermal cycler, Tonkyn said criminalists can use a second test the mitochondrial DNA test.

Mitochondria is part of the cell structure which also contains DNA, but the issue with the test is that the DNA comes only from the mother. That DNA is also shared with other relatives of the mother, making the sample less unique.

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Two DNA tests help criminalists identify people

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Darwin peering through the molecular level

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To Bob Rose and his colleagues, evolution isn't just a theoryit's the basis for their whole career.

"The idea of evolution is seminal to biochemistry," Rose, professor of biochemistry, said. Rose is currently working with the University, researching the gene that promotes insulin-production in various species.

"We do a lot of comparisons between species, which is very evolution-based." Rose said.

Rose is currently working on comparing the insulin promoter between humans, rats and mice in order to understand what things are conserved between the species. One of the key differences between these species is that mice have two insulin genes, whereas humans only have one.

"For some reason, the function was important enough to warrant two genes we see variations like that a lot," Rose said.

Despite those differences, enough is conserved between the proteins that regulate the genes and even the genes themselves that researchers can examine them as an important evolutionarily-preserved function.

According to Paul Wollenzien, professor of biochemistry, the first signs of evolution came at the earliest stages of life. Originally, polymers of RNA, nucleic acids that can code genetic information, self-competed for replication. Next came proteins translated from that primary genetic code, and finally life began to emerge.

Even in modern organisms, there are clues to these early events. For example, there are sequences within ribosomal RNA that are shared between the three domains of life: eukaryotes, prokaryotes and achaea. This means that the sequences were present within the progenitor of these domainsa common ancestor.

"Because we can recognize these universally-conserved sequences, we take that to mean that they were established early on in evolution," Wollenzien said. Because the sequences were established very early on, it indicates a great importance for the basic functions of life.

Evolution influences the emerging field of biochemistry with something called "Instant Evolution."

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Darwin peering through the molecular level

Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show , With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18

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Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show, With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18

By Andrew Gans 18 Mar 2012

On March 18 cast members from the ABC hit "Grey's Anatomy" offer Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.

The 8 PM live musical celebration benefits The Actors Fund.

Scheduled to appear are Jessica Capshaw, Justin Chambers, Eric Dane, Sarah Drew, Chyler Leigh, Kevin McKidd, Sandra Oh, Jim Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, Kim Raver and Chandra Wilson. Ingrid Michaelson will make a special guest appearance.

The actors, according to press notes, will "perform selected songs from last season's 'Musical Event,' as well as additional music from the 'Grey's Anatomy' songbook. This evening of song and story will examine the way music has always been an integral part of the storytelling on 'Grey's,' and will provide fans with a rare behind the scenes glimpse at how the show is put together."

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Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show , With Eric Dane, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, Chandra Wilson, Offered March 18