Monthly Archives: March 2012

Anatomy class makes science pop at Pacheco High

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As two high school girls sat down in their anatomy class last week, they could not wait to pick up a scalpel and dig into a cow's eye.

Pacheco High School, which has a junior class for the first time this year, added an anatomy class to its selection of science offerings for upperclassmen.

"We were going through the eye, looking at all the parts: the cornea, the retina and the iris," said junior Brianna Magana after the dissection.

Magana's lab partner Aleena Mathew said the idea was to compare the cow's eye to a human eye. She said the anatomy students have already sliced up a sheep's brain this year.

"That was pretty cool," Mathew said.

As a whole, American students lag in the fields of science and math. They scored 23rd in math, behind Lichtenstein and Singapore, and 31st in science, behind Estonia and Hungary, when compared with 65 other top industrial countries.

Anatomy teacher Jennifer Brock said those subjects have a stigma of being hard and are often intimidating to students. However, her class has a dozen students and most of them are headed into science or medical fields in college.

"In this school district, we push science and math as much as we can," Brock said.

Brock said the anatomy class is always popular at Los Banos High, so it was an easy decision to bring it to Los Banos Unified School District's newest high school.

Grace Taylor, an assistant principal, sees upperclassmen in science classes as a victory.

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Anatomy class makes science pop at Pacheco High

Anatomy of a road closure

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graphic

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a major road event?

As Sydney recovers from another Mardi Gras hangover, a group of traffic experts is already planning road closures and logistics for next year's event.

"We'll debrief from an event the next day, and then start planning the next year's event straight away," says Brendan McNally, senior major events planner at the Transport Management Centre.

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The centre is responsible for managing traffic flows at all major events in Sydney, from last week's parade to the Sydney Marathon and City2Surf.

It coordinates the efforts of all the interested parties in a big event, from the event organisers to NSW Police and emergency services, the State Transit Authority, RailCorp and Sydney Ferries.

"Beyond that, it's basically anyone who has an interest, and depending on the location the negotiations could include the City of Sydney council, Centennial Park, the Royal Botanical Gardens, or the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority,"Police Inspector Paul Carrett from the State Planning Unit says.

With this year's Mardi Gras attracting 9000 people in the actual parade, roughly 1000 volunteers, and an estimated 150,000 spectators, the potential for something to going pear-shaped is obvious.

The Mardi Gras Parade has followed the same route for decades, but the details of the road closures around the route are always up for consideration.

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Anatomy of a road closure

New Stem Cell Research Shows Promising Results — Advanced Cell Tech and NeoStem Poised to Benefit

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- February was a challenging month for stem cell stocks. TickerSpy's Stem Cell Stocks Index (RXSTM) has slipped nearly 13 percent over the last month -- underperforming the S&P 500 by close to 17 percent over that time frame. Despite the drop in investor optimism, new research continues to propel the industry forward. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotechnology industry and provides equity research on Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTC.BB: ACTC.OB - News) and NeoStem, Inc. (AMEX: NBS - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/ACTC

http://www.fivestarequities.com/NBS

A new study at Johns Hopkins University has shown that stem cells from patients' own cardiac tissue can be used to heal scarred tissue after a heart attack. "This has never been accomplished before, despite a decade of cell therapy trials for patients with heart attacks. Now we have done it," Eduardo Marban, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and one of the study's co-authors, said in a statement. "The effects are substantial."

In another study, researchers led by Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, argue they've discovered the ovaries of young women harbor very rare stem cells capable of producing new eggs.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the biotechnology industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of human embryonic and adult stem cell technology in the field of regenerative medicine. The Company recently issued a press release stating that it utilized $13.6 million in cash for operations during 2011, compared to $8.8 million in the year-earlier period. The increase in cash utilization resulted primarily from ACT's ongoing clinical activities in the US and Europe.

NeoStem, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and manufacture of cellular therapies for oncology, immunology, and regenerative medicines in the United States and China. In January, Amorcyte, LLC, a NeoStem, Inc. company, announced the enrollment of the first patient in the Amorcyte PreSERVE Phase 2 trial for acute myocardial infarction.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

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New Stem Cell Research Shows Promising Results -- Advanced Cell Tech and NeoStem Poised to Benefit

BioTime and Aastrom Biosciences — Stem Cell Research Making Breakthroughs

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- February was a challenging month for stem cell stocks. TickerSpy's Stem Cell Stocks Index (RXSTM) has slipped nearly 13 percent over the last month -- underperforming the S&P 500 by close to 17 percent over that time frame. Despite the drop in investor optimism, new and promising research continues to propel the industry forward. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotechnology industry and provides equity research on BioTime, Inc. (AMEX: BTX - News) and Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTM - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/BTX

http://www.fivestarequities.com/ASTM

A new study at Johns Hopkins University has shown that stem cells from patients' own cardiac tissue can be used to heal scarred tissue after a heart attack. "This has never been accomplished before, despite a decade of cell therapy trials for patients with heart attacks. Now we have done it," Eduardo Marban, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and one of the study's co-authors, said in a statement. "The effects are substantial."

In another study, researchers led by Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, argue they've discovered the ovaries of young women harbor very rare stem cells capable of producing new eggs.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the biotechnology industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., a regenerative medicine company, engages in developing autologous cell therapies for the treatment of severe and chronic cardiovascular diseases.

BioTime, Inc. primarily focuses on regenerative medicine, which refers to therapies based on human embryonic stem (hES) cell and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology designed to rebuild cell and tissue function lost due to degenerative disease or injury. The company recently elected to market progenitors of muscle stem cells bearing hereditary diseases. BioTime will produce the products from five human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines from Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) of Chicago, Illinois.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

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BioTime and Aastrom Biosciences -- Stem Cell Research Making Breakthroughs

Nuvilex Announces Major Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research

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SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, released information today about the companys cell encapsulation technology and the breakthrough in stem cell research which overcomes specific fundamental challenges faced in stem cell therapyhost rejection and migration of implanted cells away from the target site.

Stem cell therapy is believed by many medical researchers as holding a key to treating cancer, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Celiac Disease, cardiac failure, muscle damage, neurological disorders, and other chronic, debilitating diseases. There are presently >1,400 registered trials using stem cells that are recruiting patients (ClinicalTrials.gov). The encapsulation technology being advanced allows live stem cells to be implanted into robust, flexible and permeable capsules where they can replicate inside the capsules at the target site free from attack by the bodys immune system and free to undergo natural changes to become the appropriate cell type needed.

The Goldman Small Cap Research report, issued February 29, 2012, noted some inherent difficulties encountered in stem cell treatments, such as keeping stem cells alive for significant periods of time, potential rejection of the cells and subsequent destruction by the recipients immune system, and the migration of the stem cells away from the critical treatment site, while making a distinction that the Companys cell encapsulation technology overcomes these concerns.

The report also accurately recognized, Cells encapsulated in SG Austrias porous beads remain alive for long periods of time in humans, surviving intact for at least two years. Once encapsulated, cells are protected from the bodys immune system. Furthermore, encapsulated cells remain within the beads and do not migrate out of the beads to other sites in the body.

In assessing the overall importance of this technology to Nuvilexs overall business model, Goldman pointed out, The Companys acquisition of the Cell-in-a-Box approach along with the expertise of SG Austria could significantly advance the implementation and utilization of stem cells for a host of debilitating diseases and conditions, in addition to being used to target cancer cells, thus making it a uniquely valuable commodity. We believe that by partnering with leading players in the field, Nuvilex could find that companies with deep pockets would be happy to collaborate or license the delivery system and engage in further research which could result in meaningful development and licensing revenue.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, added, There is a broad range of expanding research supporting the use of stem cells to treat a variety of human diseases and conditions. Our technology allows for precise maintenance and localization of stem cells, preventing their loss from the critical area of need, that will enable us to potentially create miniature organs at specific sites and as a result we believe greater utilization of those stem cells at the site for their intended purpose, once implanted. As stem cell treatments advance, we expect Nuvilex to be at the forefront of developing new, significant, life changing therapies.

For a detailed review of the research report and valuation methodology, investors are directed to the Goldman Research Report.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of clinically useful therapeutic live encapsulated cells and services for encapsulating live cells for the research and medical communities. Through our effort, all aspects of our corporate activities alone, and especially in concert with SG Austria, are rapidly moving toward completion, including closing our agreement. One of our planned offerings will include cancer treatments using the companys industry-leading live-cell encapsulation technology.

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Nuvilex Announces Major Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research

The HOME Foundation Proudly Supports the Guard A Heart Foundation as they Award Larry King The Guardian of Hearts …

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The award ceremony took place at the Pre-Oscar Benefit hosted by Guard A Heart Foundation and Aviir at Hollywoods Avalon Theater on February 25th. Dr. Louis Ignarro, Co-recipient of "1998 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine" and Mr. Larry King, founder of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, were honored at the event.

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) March 05, 2012

Approximately 1,450 guests from around the world came to honor luminaries in Heart Health awareness, prevention, research and philanthropy. The evening culminated with performances by top entertainers and rising stars, a silent auction, and raffle.

Guard A Heart Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease prevention, and presented the first Guardian of Hearts Award to Larry King in recognition of his contribution to saving lives through The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The award was presented at a private pre-Oscar party held at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood on February 25, 2012. This invitation-only event included foreign dignitaries, politicians and celebrities.

Dr. Louis Ignarro, co-recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for demonstrating the signaling properties of nitric oxide to improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease, was also honored at the event. His ground-breaking work the basis for his 2005 best-selling book, NO More Heart Disease established Dr. Ignarro as perhaps the worlds leading authority on the nutritional approach to cardiac wellness.

This exclusive gala represented the launch of Guard A Hearts Know Your Risk, Save A Life campaign to raise awareness about the importance of effective risk assessment in preventing heart attacks. Douglas Harrington, M.D., CEO of Aviir Heart Laboratories, Phil Tsao, Associate Professor of Cardiology and Tom Quertermous, M.D., Head of Cardiology Research at Stanford University presented the award to Mr. Larry King. Aviir is a biotechnology company founded by cardiologists and scientists at Stanford University, dedicated to the prevention of cardiovascular disease through innovative laboratory tests.

The HOME Foundation

Frank Verdugo

855-288-HOME (4663)

info (at) HOMEFoundationRaffle (dot) com

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The HOME Foundation Proudly Supports the Guard A Heart Foundation as they Award Larry King The Guardian of Hearts ...

Tying the knot on longevity – advice from couples

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As a young girl growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, photographer Laura Turbow would often go on hospital rounds with her father, a doctor. To establish rapport, he would frequently sit on the side of the bed and say, " 'You've been married a long time. What's the secret?' " Turbow said. "I distinctly remember that line and have been fascinated by the answers ever since." Now, years later, at the age of 41, the mother of two toddlers and married for 12 years to writer Jason Turbow, she gets to ask that very same question as part of her latest project, Loveseat Lessons.

"The Kardashians get all this attention for being married for, like, seven minutes. What about paying more attention to those who have been married for 50 or more years," she said. "Those who have been through all the ups and downs that life has to offer - now that is an accomplishment."

So in December, after receiving a Tiffany blue loveseat from her parents, as a gift for her new Albany studio, Turbow, who specializes in portraits, set out to find couples in long marriages. In exchange for their portrait, she'd ask them for advice - for herself and for followers of her blog. The answers were surprising, reassuring and "recipes for a good marriage." "My friends and I are in good marriages, but we also talk honestly about how it's also really hard," Turbow said. "It's my hope that these lessons are helpful."

She says the project is also a way to thank her parents, married for 49 years, both for the couch and for their modeling. "If a picture is worth a thousand words, I want each one to count," she said.

Violet "Vi" Trunk,

87, homemaker and secretary

Louis "Lou" Trunk, 91,

retired, Department of Defense

Neighborhood: Walnut Creek

Family: 5 children, 4 grandchildren

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Tying the knot on longevity - advice from couples

31 Teams Grapple In STEM Competition

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Posted: Monday, March 5, 2012 10:13 am | Updated: 10:46 am, Mon Mar 5, 2012.

Dozens of high school and middle school girls spent Saturday, Feb. 18 engineering brick walls, mixing chemical solutions, solving genetic and forensic quandaries, and conquering tricky logic problems at Foxcroft Schools K2M Expedition: The STEM Summit. Foxcroft School in Middleburg and Norwood School in Bethesda, MD, captured the competitions high school and middle school titles, respectively.

It was an outstanding day for all involved, Foxcroft Head of School Mary Louise Leipheimer stated. What these girls can do with math, science and technology is amazing. I dont know when Ive been so proud of our school.

The STEM Summit attracted a number of talented students from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, with girls from 19 high schools and 12 middle schools competing. Working in teams of 3 or 4, students solved problems that draw on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills. Challenges included engineering a brick wall with the longest possible overhang, mixing chemical solutions to identify each element, solving a genetics problem called Whos Your Daddy? and conquering tricky logic problems. The middle school competition also included a forensics exercise that involved analyzing fingerprints and fiber samples.

The event was sponsored by K2M, Inc., a Leesburg firm that develops technological innovations for surgeons to treat complex spinal disorders. Two of the companys young engineers conducted one of the STEM Summit events, and CEO Eric Major came to watch.

We were so impressed with the energy, enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of the Foxcroft girls who visited our lab last spring, stated Major, referring to a field trip by the Schools Engineering and AP Biology classes to learn about K2Ms engineering. So we thought partnering with Foxcroft to sponsor this event made a lot of sense.

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31 Teams Grapple In STEM Competition

DNA advances capture 1986 rapist

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A 60-year-old man pleaded guilty today to a 1986 rape he had already been acquitted of after conclusive DNA evidence was discovered.

Alexander McGuire admitted the offence at Reading Crown Court after a re-investigation by Thames Valley Police's major crime review team.

He had stood trial for the Berkshire rape more than 25 years ago but was acquitted by a jury even though the victim, then 29, had given evidence and picked him out of an identity parade.

Thames Valley Police said today that forensic evidence secured during the medical examination of the victim from 1986 was re-examined using new DNA techniques not available to the original investigation team. This identified a DNA profile which matched McGuire's DNA, with a one-in-a-billion chance it was not his DNA.

The victim was working at the McDonald's restaurant in Thames Street, Windsor on a late shift in November 1986 when she went down to the lower area of the restaurant to go to the toilet.

As she emerged from the cubicle she was confronted by McGuire who pushed her back into the toilet cubicle, told her that he had a knife and raped her.

McGuire was arrested some months later, charged and tried but he was found not guilty.

Due to McGuire having been previously acquitted, the police applied to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consent for the case to be reinvestigated under double jeopardy legislation contained within the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

McGuire was arrested at his home in Greyhound View, Sandy Lane, Bedfordshire in July 2011 and the original trial verdict was quashed in December 2011, leading to the verdict today.

Detective Constable Alison Brown said: "McGuire thought he had got away with his horrendous crime when he was originally acquitted over 25 years ago. However, due to the advance in forensic technology and new legislation under double jeopardy, we were able to prosecute him and he has finally been punished for his crime.

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U.S. Navy Advances Dengue DNA Vaccine Using Vical's Vaxfectin(R) Adjuvant

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SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL - News) today announced that the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) has initiated a Phase 1 human clinical trial of a tetravalent dengue DNA vaccine formulated with the company's Vaxfectin(R) adjuvant. The trial is based on exciting efficacy data from a nonhuman primate study recently published in the journal Vaccine1. Vical manufactured the vaccine and the adjuvant for both the preclinical and clinical studies, and is providing regulatory and clinical expertise to NMRC for the dengue program.

Vical completed three prior Phase 1 trials, with no safety issues and no dose-limiting toxicity, of Vaxfectin(R)-formulated DNA vaccines against H5N1 and H1N1 pandemic influenza.

Under a prior Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Vical, NMRC developed a tetravalent DNA vaccine (TVDV) containing genes encoding the pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins for all four serotypes of dengue virus, and formulated with Vical's Vaxfectin(R) adjuvant. Both Vaxfectin(R)-formulated and unformulated vaccines are now being evaluated in Phase 1 human testing. A total of 40 subjects will be assigned to three dose groups: a low dose TVDV without adjuvant, a low dose TVDV with Vaxfectin(R) adjuvant, or a high dose TVDV with Vaxfectin(R) adjuvant. Vaccines will be administered by intramuscular injections on days 0, 30 and 90, with follow-up through approximately one year. Key endpoints in the trial will be safety and immunogenicity.

The recently published preclinical TVDV immunogenicity and challenge data indicated that Vaxfectin(R) significantly improved neutralizing antibody responses and significantly enhanced protection against challenge. Nonhuman primates received the tetravalent DNA vaccine, formulated with or without the Vaxfectin(R) adjuvant, or a blank DNA control, on days 0, 28, and 84. All four (100%) rhesus macaques receiving the Vaxfectin(R)-formulated vaccine developed neutralizing antibodies to all four serotypes of dengue by one month after the second injection, compared with none of the four (0%) macaques receiving the unformulated vaccine and none of the three (0%) unvaccinated control animals. By one month after the third injection, all (100%) macaques in both vaccine groups (Vaxfectin(R)-formulated and unformulated) developed neutralizing antibodies to all four serotypes of dengue, compared with none (0%) of the unvaccinated control animals.

Macaques receiving the Vaxfectin(R)-formulated vaccine were highly protected against challenge with DEN-2, exhibiting very limited viremia (group mean 0.75 days). Macaques receiving unformulated vaccine were only partially protected against challenge (group mean 2.00 days). Unvaccinated control macaques were unprotected against challenge, exhibiting typical viremia (group mean 3.33 days).

About Dengue

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 2.5 billion people across the world are at risk for dengue infections. Dengue virus infects up to 100 million and results in over 500,000 hospitalizations and 12,500 deaths each year. Its impact is magnified by the lack of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines.

Dengue fever can be caused by any one of four serotypes of dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. These viruses are part of the Flavivirus family, which includes West Nile virus and yellow fever virus. Dengue virus is spread by mosquitoes, and is most common during the rainy seasons throughout the world's tropical and subtropical regions. Dengue does not spread directly from person to person. An individual infected by one serotype of dengue virus develops lifelong immunity against that serotype, but not against other serotypes.

Symptoms of classic dengue fever include high fever, severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. A few days after fever onset, a rash often develops over most of the body and lasts for one to two days. The rash can reappear several days later. These symptoms typically begin within a week after infection, and usually resolve without treatment.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a more serious form of disease which can include all of the symptoms of classic dengue fever plus leakage of blood plasma into tissues caused by noticeable damage to blood vessels and lymph vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, and conspicuous bruising under the skin. Dengue hemorrhagic fever can lead to death. The most severe form of dengue disease is dengue shock syndrome, which includes all of the symptoms of classic dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, plus massive leaking of blood plasma outside of blood vessels, extensive bleeding, and shock caused by extremely low blood pressure. Dengue shock syndrome most often occurs in children infected for a second time (with a different serotype of dengue), and can be fatal.

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U.S. Navy Advances Dengue DNA Vaccine Using Vical's Vaxfectin(R) Adjuvant

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Next-generation DNA sequencing to improve diagnosis for muscular dystrophy

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Public release date: 5-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Emma Thorne emma.thorne@nottingham.ac.uk 44-115-951-5793 University of Nottingham

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have used a revolutionary new DNA-reading technology for a research project that could lead to correct genetic diagnosis for muscle-wasting diseases.

The technique could be used to offer people with muscular dystrophy, or a related neuromuscular condition, a more accurate prognosis, which would enable them to make more informed choices on life decisions, including family planning.

The researchers used a next-generation DNA sequencing machine to investigate the condition of a patient who had previously been misdiagnosed with the wrong type of muscular dystrophy.

The research, led by Professor Jane Hewitt in the University's School of Biology, was funded by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign through a PhD studentship for Andreas Leidenroth.

Andreas said: "Our case study demonstrates how genetic diagnostics will be done in the future. New DNA sequencing machines will be cheap to run, easy to use, fit on a desk and decode an entire human genome in minutes. High-throughout DNA sequencing in the NHS is no longer a question of 'if', but of 'when'. The biggest challenge will be to develop standardised filtering guidelines so that we can easily extract medically relevant information from these large DNA datasets."

The study, published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, focused on a person who had previously been diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) a type of muscular dystrophy that predominantly affects muscles of the face, shoulder and upper arm. However, when the researchers studied her DNA more closely they found several inconsistencies and realised that she was highly unlikely to have FSHD.

To gain a genetic diagnosis for this, traditionally genes known to be involved in muscular dystrophies would have to be tested one by one, which can be a laborious and time consuming process. This would also have limited the search to a small number of genes and risked missing the mutation.

Instead, the Nottingham team used whole genome sequencing which, rather than reading the code of a single gene at a time, can simultaneously decipher the more than 25,000 genes of the human genome. This had the advantage of almost guaranteeing to examine the mutated gene but also poses a serious challenge: human DNA can vary from one person to the next so how could they tell which was a harmful genetic mutation rather than a harmless 'spelling difference' unique to that person?

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Posted in DNA

DNA expert: Slocum DNA on victim's phone

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FORT EDWARD -- A State Police forensic scientist testified Monday that DNA from Matthew Slocum was on a cellphone that prosecutors have said was owned by murder victim Joshua O'Brien.

The scientist, Daniel Myers, also testified that blood from murder victim Lisa Harrington was found on a pair of black shorts submitted for testimony.

However, Harrington's DNA was also found on a tank top shirt that was worn that day by Slocum's girlfriend, Loretta Colegrove, who the defense has blamed for the killings.

Washington County prosecutors have said those shorts were worn by Slocum the day of the triple homicide.

Myers also testified about DNA found on the shotgun that was believed to have been used to kill the three victims belonged to Lisa Harrington, but that an unknown donor's DNA was also found on parts of the gun.

A portion of that DNA profile matched Slocum's profile, Myers said.

But he said separating Slocum's DNA from Lisa Harrington's DNA was "very difficult" because they share DNA in light of the fact Harrington was Slocum's mother.

"Half of his alleles (DNA markers) will be there," Myers testified of the samples where Lisa Harrington's blood was found.

Myers is to be cross-examined after lunch.

The prosecution's first witness of the day was a blood spatter expert, who testified about blood stains.

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DNA expert: Slocum DNA on victim's phone

Posted in DNA

Sawfishes sure can wield a saw (w/ video)

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"I was surprised to see how skilled sawfish are with their saw," said Barbara Wueringer of the University of Queensland. "They use their saw to impale prey on the rostral teeth by producing several lateral swipes per second."

Unlike sawfishes in the wild, the animals she and her team caught on hidden cameras were fed on dead fish, "but their strikes were sometimes strong enough to split those fish in half." The animals then proceeded to swipe their meals onto the floor and dig in.

This video is not supported by your browser at this time.

Sawfishes wouldnt be sawfishes if they didnt come equipped with long toothy snouts -- their saws. Now, researchers reporting in the March 6 issue of Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, have figured out what they use those saws for, and it turns out the answer is quite impressive. It might even help save the critically endangered and incredibly elusive sawfishes. Credit: Current Biology, Dr. Barbara Wueringer

Wueringer's team earlier found that the saws of freshwater sawfishes are covered in thousands of electroreceptors. Those tiny sensors enable sawfishes to detect the electric fields of other animals in their midst. Tiny canals in the skin covering the saw also allow them to detect water movements. The two senses together give them an edge as hunters in the dark and murky waters in which they live.

In the new study, the researchers observed recently captured sawfishes in action. They watched as those sawfishes tore into already dead fish and responded to weak electrical fields that mimicked live, hidden prey.

"Now we know that sawfish are not sluggish bottom dwellers as previously believed, but agile hunters that hunt in the three-dimensional space of the water," Wueringer said.

What the researchers observed is contrary to what you might read in any textbook, she added. The sawfishes' saw had been considered more like a rake, used by the fish to sift through sand in search of something to eat.

Wueringer said this new view might even lead to changes in the fishing practices that are allowed in prime sawfish territory, noting that the saw is partly to blame for sawfishes' global decline: their saws are easily entangled in fishing gear.

Provided by Cell Press (news : web)

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ODIN, LTD. Is Awarded 2011 Contractor of the Year

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HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

MeadWestvaco recently selected ODIN, LTD. Industrial Demolition and Asset Recovery, LLC as "Contractor of the Year" for 2011 for ODINs stellar safety program.

We are pleased to receive this award, said Terry Pattarozzi, health and safety manager at ODIN, LTD. A commitment to safety extends from the owners of the company to the managers and field supervisors.

This special recognition was accomplished by meeting MeadWestvaco's continued effort for safety excellence. MeadWestvacos safety criterion involves operating and working safely, focusing constantly on accident prevention. The contractor should exhibit a belief that taking steps to safeguard the work environment can prevent all injuries and occupational illnesses. Throughout the MeadWestvaco Asset Recovery Project ODIN, LTD., employees dedicated themselves to working safely.

ODIN believes that all injuries and occupational illnesses can be prevented, said Pattarozzi. All employees are responsible for their safety and the safety of those working around them. Every person on an ODIN project has the duty and authority to stop working if they believe a safety hazard exists.

ODIN, LTD., practices a behavioral-based safety program, using behavioral science to prevent and solve safety issues. All field employees are required to submit multiple weekly observations to management. ODINs safety program requires a buy-in from all employees. This not only prevents safety, but empowers each member of the ODIN team to keep their working environment safe. Each submission is taken very seriously and management makes changes to prevent an accident before one occurs. ODIN is extremely proud that it has not had a fatality or lawsuit in its 40 years of operation.

ABOUT ODIN, LTD.

We specialize in heavy industrial demolition using the latest techniques and technology for safe and economical results. Whether the plan is to shut down an entire plant or just a process line, a definitive plan must be in place. Let our demolition experts help you determine the scope, complexity and the best, most economical and safe way forward. Our approach to demolition is to minimize the amount of materials going into landfill by channeling as much material and equipment as possible for reuse or recycling. We assign a safety manager to each project to ensure all safety rules and regulations are regarded.

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ODIN, LTD. Is Awarded 2011 Contractor of the Year

'Grey's Anatomy': Patrick Dempsey And Ellen Pompeo's Future In Question

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"Grey's Anatomy" stars Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo's contracts are up at the end of Season 8. Though the two have spoken out about returning, series creator Shonda Rhimes said their future with the show is still in question. "I have my fingers crossed," Rhimes told TV Guide when asked if the two were returning. "What I think is really lovely is that everybody wants to come back."

After making some seemingly final comments regarding his future with the show, Dempsey hedged and said he'd be open to discussing signing a new contract.

"I have a family to support, and why not have a discussion about continuing?" he said. "The question is will I do a full season, a half season or come back at all?"

Meanwhile, Pompeo said she'd "never turn up my nose at 'Grey's.'"

"If I hear from the fans that they want us to keep going, then I would continue because we owe them everything," Pompeo told TV Guide in October.

Rhimes said she has a plan in place for the finale that will work regardless of who signs on for Season 9. "Our goal is to have Derek and Meredith move in to the completed dream house," she told TV Guide. "And our residents will be interviewing for jobs all around the country."

Pomepo and Dempsey aren't the only "Grey's" actors making headlines about their future with the show. While promoting her movie, former series star Katherine Heigl told multiple members of the press that she wants to return to "Grey's Anatomy" to check in on her character, Dr. Izzie Stevens.

"I just want to know what happened to her and where she went and what she's doing now," Heigl told E! Online. The "One For the Money" actress said she's even reached out to the show. "I've told them I want to," she said.

However, Pompeo told Chelsea Handler that having Heigl return to the ABC medical drama was unlikely. "I don't think that's happening," Pompeo said during an appearance on "Chelsea Lately."

As for Rhimes, the creator said it was nice to hear Heigl show some appreciation for the show, but "Grey's" is on a long-planned path and "the idea of changing that track is not something we are interested in right now."

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'Grey's Anatomy': Patrick Dempsey And Ellen Pompeo's Future In Question

Is It the End for Grey's Anatomy's Owen and Cristina?

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Sandra Oh

Uh oh! It looks like bad news for fans who hope that Grey's Anatomy docs Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) can still save their marriage.

"It's just sad and hard right now," Oh told TV Guide Magazine at Sunday's L.A. benefit for Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. "If there's [hope], I can't see it right now."

In the episode that aired Feb. 23, Cristina started to suspect that Owen was having an affair, and those suspicions will continue in the March 15 episode, "One Step Too Far."

"What I really am happy with, is that a dissolution of a relationship if it is a dissolution takes a long time and is painful. We're spending time with them, seeing it happen," says Oh. "And not quickly, but painfully, day by day."

"It's real, it's messy and it's also why we root for them so much," adds costar Kim Raver. Though Raver's character, Teddy, has currently written off her friendship with Owen, there seems to be a glimmer of hope that the former best friends may reconcile. "In terms of Teddy and Owen, the rift is so dramatic that maybe that walk back home hopefully will be an interesting journey," Raver says. "That's what's interesting to me about the relationship now."

Oh also says that the subject of sexual assault will come up in an future episode, and the entire cast will be involved. "We're dealing with a very dramatic side of this issue," she says. "I really admire Mariska and her work, not only on her show and the influence and the impact that she has on the show for this work, but it translates also in our work on Grey's Anatomy."

"It touches all of us, even if we don't know that it does," adds Raver. "I think the fact that we're discussing it is the first step to aiding it."

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Is It the End for Grey's Anatomy's Owen and Cristina?

Keck's Exclusives: Grey's Anatomy Boss on Who'll Be Back – and Who Won't!

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Shonda Rhimes

Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice creator Shonda Rhimes has plenty to sing about. Her new ABC series, Scandal, debuts April 5; she's got several pilots in the works; and most of the Grey's cast is taking part in the March 18 musical charity event (held at UCLA): "Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show," benefiting The Actors Fund. Even more exciting, she's confident all our favorites (yes, that includes Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo) want to return for Season 9.

TV Guide Magazine: How did "Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show" come about? Rhimes: When we did the musical episode last season, we discovered we had way more singing talent than we ever imagined. The entire cast with the exception of Patrick and Ellen and Jesse Williams, who has a prior commitment is on board and pretty excited.

TV Guide Magazine: Why no Patrick and Ellen? Rhimes: I'm not sure. I threw it out there "If you're free and available, this is what we're going to do." Sara Ramirez, Kevin McKidd, Justin Chambers, Chyler Leigh and Jessica Capshaw are all going to sing. Sandra Oh has stated she's not a singer, so she'll do a couple special things. [Eric Dane, Sarah Drew, James Pickens Jr., Kim Raver and Chandra Wilson will also take the stage.]

TV Guide Magazine: You must know by now if Patrick and Ellen will be back next season. Rhimes: I have no idea. I have my fingers crossed. What I think is really lovely is that everybody wants to come back. There's [money] stuff happening. I am [confident], but I have a plan in place for the finale that can occur regardless of who is staying. Our goal is to have Derek and Meredith move in to the completed dream house. [A real L.A. home will be used.] And our residents will be interviewing for jobs all around the country.

TV Guide Magazine: Katherine Heigl recently said she wants to come back to "see where Izzie is." Is she welcome? Rhimes: I think it was really nice to hear her appreciating the show. We are on a track we have been planning, and the idea of changing that track is not something we are interested in right now.

TV Guide Magazine: Switching gears to Private Practice, tell me you're going to finally give Addison a baby? Rhimes: That journey is going to be completed by the time the season is over, and I think fans will be very satisfied.

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Keck's Exclusives: Grey's Anatomy Boss on Who'll Be Back – and Who Won't!

Protein in urine — a sign of kidney damage

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Posted on March 5, 2012, Monday

KUALA LUMPUR: According to human physiology, kidneys function to remove toxins and excess water from the blood, apart from helping to maintain blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep the bones healthy.

However, kidneys can be damaged by diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), infection and inflammation, as well as stones and cysts in the organs.

Other causes of damage have been attributed to prolonged use of pain killers and consumption of alcohol.

If kidney damage becomes too severe, the organ will lose its ability to function normally. This is known as end-stage kidney (renal) disease (ESRD), or simply kidney failure.

Nephrologists have identified diabetes and hypertension as the leading causes of ESRD, accounting for more than 60 per cent of new cases of dialysis patients in Malaysia.

According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), there are three types of kidney failure acute, chronic and end-stage. Acute kidney failure is usually temporary and is reversible.

However, sometimes this type of kidney failure may not respond to treatment and may progress to chronic kidney failure or end-stage kidney failure, says a nephrologist.

When the loss of kidney functions is gradual and progressive, it is known as chronic kidney failure.

Eventually, the kidneys are unable to remove wastes or maintain the bodys salt and fluid balance, resulting in the need to receive dialysis treatment.

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Protein in urine — a sign of kidney damage

Global Genetic Engineering Industry

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NEW YORK, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Genetic Engineering Industry

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0152432/Global-Genetic-Engineering-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Genetical

The global outlook series on Genetic Engineering provides a collection of market briefs and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the industry, highlights latest developments, and discusses demand drivers, issues and concerns, and regulatory environment. Discussion on the industry's most noteworthy regional market, the US, is amply detailed with unbiased research commentary to provide the reader a rudimentary understanding of the prevailing market climate. Market discussions in the report are punctuated with fact-rich market data tables. Regional markets elaborated upon include United States, Canada, India, China, and South Africa among others. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 153 companies active in the market.

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 1Genetic Engineering: A Prelude 1Genetic Engineering: Not the Same As Biotechnology 1The Evolution and Progress of GM Crops 2M Crops Gain Global Acceptance 2GM Cultivation Gains Prominence in Developing Nations 2Rising Prices, Food Shortage Make Biotech Grains Attractive 2Socio-Economic Impacts of Biotech Crops 3Impact of GM Crops on Biodiversity 3Challenges to GM Crops Adoption 3Biotech Regulatory Measures Hinder Crop Domestication 4Genetic Modification of Forest Trees and Associated Issues 4Biosafety: a Key Criterion Associated 4Governments Not to Give Up on GM Hope 4US - The Largest Producer of GM Crops 5Leading Countries by Biotech Crop Area (2009) 5Table 1: Current and Future Analysis of the Global BiotechCrops Market By Geographic Region for the US, Canada,Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Rest of World IndependentlyAnalyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for 2010through 2015 6Major Market Participants 7

2. MARKET DYNAMICS 8

Global Food Demand to Drive Need for GM Crops 8

Developing Countries: Major Share Holders for Biotech Crop

Production 8

Status of Biotech Rice in the World 8

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Global Genetic Engineering Industry

MCAT to add new test sections in 2015 | News

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As if getting in medical school wasnt hard enough. The Medical College Admissions Test is extending the five and a half hour test to seven hours, creating the largest revision to the test since 1991. The changes, which will take effect in 2015, will create additions to the behavioral social sciences and advanced science concepts in biochemistry and critical thinking sections on the test. In addition to the changes, the writing section of the test is being removed. Kaplan Test Preps director of pre-heath programs, Dr. Jeff Koetje, said changes to the test were implemented in order to align the test material with the current state of medical education and ultimately better prepare students for med school. A lot has changed in medicine and the sciences in the last 20 years, Koetje said. In basic sciences and especially in molecular biology there have been a lot of advances in the in-treatment programs and the way it applies directly to patients. Koetje explains that in addition to these advances, the relationship between doctors and patients has shifted, causing doctors to adopt a more holistic approach in patient care. Theres been a shift in culture of medicine in holistic approach to patient care, Koetje said. In the past, doctors have been criticized. Theres a real commitment on the part of physicians in cultural values and people who have language issues and different social economic backgrounds. Koetje said doctors are often faced with critical decisions on continuing medical treatment with patients who cannot afford care or do not have health insurance. Since the addition to the behavioral science portion will test students on this new holistic approach in medicine, Koetje said pre-med students should expect to take more social science classes to be better prepared for the test. Its not something you necessarily gain overnight, Koetje said. It has to be trained. In a survey conducted by Kaplan in January, about 95 percent of students described their current pre-med education as intense. Koetje said students might find it difficult to fit in the extra course work needed to prepare for the new MCAT, but taking the right classes is vital. Alex Galvin, senior in chemistry, has already taken the test, and she said students should talk to their advisers to prepare for the test changes. I would say just talk to the professional advisers and do your research before you take the exam, Galvin said. Make sure you do really well in your classes before you start and really focus on the big knowledge before taking the exam. Galvin plans to retake the MCAT in late March and is studying four to six hours a week. She said the hardest aspect of the MCAT is not the test-taking itself, but rather the anxiety of the impact the results have on a students future. I think the hardest part is kind of getting over the impact that it has on your chances on getting into school, Galvin said. Really its one of the biggest things to consider. You really have to get past that to even think about what is on the exam. According to Kaplan research, 43 percent of students who applied were accepted into med school across the country. Koetje said that despite the tedious changes in the test, he doesnt expect pre-med students to change their academic courses. Pre-med students are a tenacious bunch, especially the ones who wanted to be doctors since they were five, Koetje said. This is not going to deter someone who has had the goal for a long time. Its going to make it more important to manage the undergrad experience and really take full advantage of study opportunities. For information about MCAT changes, including updates and study tips, students can visit Kaplans website http://www.kaptest.com/mcat.

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MCAT to add new test sections in 2015 | News