Monthly Archives: March 2012

Nutrition Information for Fresh Meat and Poultry Products Will Showcase High Nutrient Value in Meat & Poultry Products

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WASHINGTON, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --"On March 1, nutrition labels will be required on ground meat and poultry packages and on or near major cuts of meat and poultry sold in supermarkets. This nutrition information will confirm for consumers what the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently said: that lean meat and poultry products are an important part of a healthy balanced diet. This final rule has been in progress for more than a decade, and the meat and poultry industry is pleased to provide nutrient content information to consumers about our fresh products.

"Nutrition labels have been required on processed meat and poultry products like bacon, ham and marinated pork loins for many years. Many fresh single ingredient meat and poultry products like steak, tenderloins and ground beef, also have carried labels voluntarily. Now, this valuable information will be offered more widely and will provide a pleasant nutrition surprise to many meat and poultry consumers.

"Meat and poultry products are nutrient dense and rich in protein, vitamins are minerals. Consumers should note that 29 cuts of beef, pork and lamb are considered lean. A three ounce serving of meat or poultry contains between 160 and 200 calories and contains all nine essential amino acids. That is why meat is considered a 'complete protein.'

"Recent research has shown that lean meat and poultry provide a sense of satisfaction that help control hunger and aid in weight control. More than 40 cuts of meat and poultry qualify for the definition of lean."

To view a helpful video about lean cuts of meat and poultry, click here: http://bit.ly/zg9R71

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Nutrition Information for Fresh Meat and Poultry Products Will Showcase High Nutrient Value in Meat & Poultry Products

Nutrition Month Alert: Canada's largest grocery retailer – Loblaw Companies – hosting nation-wide dietitian day event …

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Loblaw banner stores offer Canada's largest assortment of fresh offerings along with a broad range of services to empower Canadians to make healthier choices

BRAMPTON, ON, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - (TSX:L.TO - News) -To mark Nutrition Month, on March 3 , a nation-wide 'dietitian day' will take place at Loblaw banner stores across Canada . As part of a livelifewell corporate commitment to helping Canadians make healthier choices, dietitians will be in select stores from 10AM to 2PM to debunk nutrition myths and provide tips on how to make healthier food choices for customers' individual needs. This exciting event is part of an official sponsorship of Dietitians of Canada's Nutrition Month campaign. In addition to this event, at select stores, dietitians offer one-on-one consultations and guided grocery tours on different topics such as diabetes, heart health, gluten-free diets and family nutrition.

"Healthy living is something many Canadians strive for, but between eating the right foods, exercising and being mindful of growing health risks, it can feel like a daunting endeavor," says Alexis Williams , Dietitian, Loblaw Companies Limited. "With a large assortment in Loblaw banner stores of health-related products and services in the country, Canadians can embrace the products and expertise they need to help them accomplish their health goals."

Fresh First Start at the fresh departments for healthier choices and great tasting foods. From seafood to meat to produce and baked goods, Loblaw banner stores sell the most fresh food of any retailer in Canada*! Loblaw is committed to offering customers a large assortment of fresh and local produce annually - up to 40% of produce sold in Loblaw banner stores in August and September 2011 alone was fresh Canadian-grown produce and an in-house team dedicated to sourcing the best growers and produce across North America works year round to ensure customers can choose great tasting, fresh produce.

Culinary Convenience There isn't always time to cook from scratch and Canadians need quick, tasty options they can feel good about feeding their family. In the recent Loblaw Companies livelifewell survey, compiled from a national online poll conducted by Vision Critical for Loblaw Companies Limited, results reveal that 50 per cent of Canadians look to food labels for information to help them make healthy lifestyle choices. The newly-designed packaging of PCBlue Menu products makes it easy to quickly identify nutritional benefits with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols identifying nutritional attributes of products so customers can see what the products contain more or less of, right away. Loblaw banner stores also offer the competitively-priced PC Organics range of products and select stores house comprehensive Natural Value sections to meet the needs of many Canadians' strict dietary restrictions and preferences. For more information about new PC Blue Menu products, pick up a copy of the newest President's Choice Insiders Report, now in select stores, or online at http://www.pc.ca/bluemenu

Empowering customers to make healthier choices In addition to the broad range of products available at Loblaw banner stores, Canadians can also benefit from a unique and extensive roster of in-store offerings, including in-house experts and partnerships with third party organizations to provide a true health and wellness destination experience for customers. From one-on-one counsel with pharmacists and eye-care professionals, to President's Choice Cooking School classes, Loblaw banner stores have ample resources to help support customers on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle - all under one roof

*AC Neilsen

About the survey

Vision Critical conducted an online survey on February 1, 2012 among 1,004 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid forum panelists. The margin of errorwhich measures sampling variabilityis +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada . Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX: L

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Nutrition Month Alert: Canada's largest grocery retailer - Loblaw Companies - hosting nation-wide dietitian day event ...

Abbott to Build Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Ohio

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ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT - News) today announced plans to build a nutrition manufacturing facility in Tipp City, Ohio, to produce two of the company's fastest-growing adult brands, Ensure and Glucerna, for the North America market. Abbott will invest $270 million in the facility and will employ approximately 240 people. Groundbreaking is expected in April with the plant operational in late 2013.

"As the U.S. population continues to age, particularly baby boomers, this new plant will enable us to meet the fast-growing demand for our leading adult liquid nutrition products, Ensure and Glucerna," said John C. Landgraf, executive vice president, Global Nutrition, Abbott. "It will be a key addition to our global manufacturing network that will allow the company to gain important operational efficiencies."

"Abbott Nutrition's U.S. headquarters and other operations are in Columbus, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the state with this facility," said Landgraf. "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of Gov. John Kasich and Tipp City Manager Jon Crusey and their development teams."

The state-of-the-art plant will specialize in aseptic packaging technology. Aseptic packaging has many benefits including the ability to expand the use of new ingredients, shortened product development time and reduced energy use during manufacturing.

Abbott's nutrition business currently generates approximately $6 billion in sales, which is expected to grow to more than $9 billion by 2015. This growth is supported by attractive pediatric and adult nutrition market fundamentals, increasing global awareness of the importance of nutrition to overall health and well-being, and the rise of an emerging-market middle class. The nutrition business is one of the cornerstones of Abbott's diversified portfolio.

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been developing and marketing science-based pediatric and adult nutritional products to support the growth, health and well-being of people all over the world. Globally recognized brands include Similac, PediaSure, Gain, Ensure and Glucerna.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

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Abbott to Build Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Ohio

Nutrition Stocks on the Upswing – Fuse Science and Herbalife Showing Impressive Growth

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/01/12)- Despite coming under increased scrutiny, shares of companies focused on nutrition have been on an impressive run of late. TickerSpy's Nutrition Products Stocks Index (RXNTR) is up roughly 8.6 percent over the last month -- outperforming the S&P 500 by 4.2 percent. Five Star Equities examines investing opportunities in the Nutrition industry and provides investment research on Fuse Science Inc. (Pinksheets: DROP.PK - News) and Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/DROP

http://www.fivestarequities.com/HLF

The nutritional supplement sector is not without criticism. In late 2011, the British Daily Mail newspaper, in their report on two pieces of research, one published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, suggested that the vitamin and mineral supplements do next to nothing for one's health. A 2011 review titled, 'Trash the Vitamins: Convince Your Patients,' published in Archives of Internal Medicine, even suggested dietary supplements can actually promote a higher risk for death.

Dr. Carrie Ruxton from the Health Supplements Information Service told the Daily Mail that the "findings should be treated with extreme caution given the poor methodology and lack of reliable information about the health of participants, or the type of diets consumed."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Nutrition 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.

Fuse Science, Inc. focuses on providing energy and body replenishment products. The company develops conveyance technologies to deliver energy, medicines, vitamins, and minerals. Earlier this month the company reported that it entered into licensing and distribution agreements with Mission Product Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Mission Athletecare. The distribution agreement provides Fuse Science with access to a robust network of food, drug and sporting goods retailers, representing nearly 20,000 locations

Herbalife Ltd., a network marketing company, sells weight management, nutritional supplement, energy, sports and fitness, and personal care products worldwide. Herbalife reported fourth-quarter earnings of $105.4 million, or 86 cents a share, compared with $86.3 million, or 69 cents, a year ago. The company was helped by a double-digit volume growth in all of the regions it serves, prompting the company to raise its full-year outlook.

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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Nutrition Stocks on the Upswing - Fuse Science and Herbalife Showing Impressive Growth

Brandeis Leads Study of Attitudes on Genetic Tests for Epilepsy

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By a GenomeWeb staff reporter

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) Researchers from Brandeis University and Columbia University plan to use a $200,000 grant to survey and investigate public attitudes about taking genetic tests for epilepsy risk, Brandeis said this week.

Funded through a $200,000 sub-contract under a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the project will involve in-depth interviews and analysis and clinical genetic testing.

In the first part of the effort, the researchers will survey 1,053 individuals from 115 families to evaluate whether they would like to take genetic tests, and what they see as the benefits and downsides of testing for risk, as well as their views on how the stigmatization of epilepsy could affect the quality of their lives.

The researchers also will offer clinical genetic tests to individuals from 21 families containing 195 individuals with an uncommon form of epilepsy called autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features, or ADPEAF.

Half of these families were previously found to have specific gene mutations, but they have never been offered their individual results or the chance to engage in linked discussions about their views.

"The intention of the in-depth interviews is to explore, in much greater depth than can be done in a survey, what genetic information actually means in peoples' lives and how they plan to make use of it," Sara Shostak, assistant professor in the department of sociology at Brandeis, said in a statement.

In previous research, Shostak found that people are concerned about genetics-related issues when they think about future generations and having families. In addition, she found that people with epilepsy and their families hope that genetic information about the disease could help to lessen the stigma and discrimination by influencing public understanding about the disease.

Currently, around 25 genes have been associated with specific epilepsy syndromes.

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Brandeis Leads Study of Attitudes on Genetic Tests for Epilepsy

DNA clue to Kirsty murder

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DNA evidence found at the scene of the murder of Brecon student Kirsty Jones in Thailand is 2000 is being compared against the DNA database in Thailand and certain categories of offenders in and around the Chiang Mai area.

The news comes following meetings held by Dyfed Powys detectives with the Thai Authorities last week. The Welsh detectives were pleased with the outcome of discussions and are hopeful that progress can be made.

Kirsty, 23 at the time, from Tredomen, was on a backpacking holiday when she was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand in 2000.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilkins said I am very encouraged by the content of the discussions with Police Colonel Songsak Raksaksakul, who is the Director of Transnational Crime for the Department of Special Investigations and the officer who is now leading the investigation.

"We had a full and frank discussion regarding the evidence and the ongoing case. This included a presentation from the investigation team on their ongoing lines of enquiry. It is clear that they have, and continue to place considerable importance on this investigation.

It has always been our view, based on the forensic evidence, that the focus of the investigation should be on identifying the donor of the DNA recovered from the scene which is of Thai origin, in particular, from the area of Chiang Mai.

A theory put forward by the original Thai investigation team was that the scene may have been contaminated following the murder of Kirsty Jones.

We have never been presented with any credible evidence or intelligence to support this theory. Colonel Songsak shares our view that whilst not impossible it is highly unlikely. Whether it belongs to the offender or anyone who may have assisted him, the answer rests in Chiang Mai.

We also discussed at length a programme of continued testing of male offenders against the available evidence. They have and will be making comparisons against the DNA database in Thailand and certain categories of offenders in and around the Chiang Mai area.

We have also offered assistance in relation to an appeal for information using the local media in the area and will explore the possibility and legality of offering a financial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

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DNA clue to Kirsty murder

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Pennsylvania Precedent for Cybergenetics TrueAllele Computer Interpretation of DNA Evidence

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PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the Foley decision in a published opinion, establishing a statewide precedent for the computer interpretation of DNA evidence using Cybergenetics TrueAllele Casework technology. Former state trooper Kevin Foley had contested his first degree homicide conviction in the slaying of Blairsville dentist Dr. John Yelenic, where a small amount of DNA under the victim's fingernails was crucial evidence.

"I am pleased that TrueAllele can now help protect everyone in Pennsylvania from crime," says Dr. Mark Perlin, Cybergenetics Chief Scientific and Executive Officer. DNA evidence that human review finds "inconclusive" can often be solved using TrueAllele computer interpretation.

Much DNA evidence is mixed, degraded or low level, making it difficult or impossible for forensic analysts to interpret the data. TrueAllele applies the thoroughness and objectivity of modern computing to preserve far more DNA identification information.

TrueAllele DNA match results are presented in state, federal, military and foreign courts. The reliable technology gives unbiased answers, and is used by both the prosecution and defense in criminal cases.

Cybergenetics is the leading developer of computer systems that objectively interpret DNA evidence. Cybergenetics TrueAllele products infer genotypes and match them, extracting considerably more identification information from challenging data than other methods. The Pittsburgh-based company was founded in 1994, and is privately held. United States patents include 5,541,067, 5,580,728, 5,876,933, 6,054,268, 6,750,011 and 6,807,490.

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Pennsylvania Precedent for Cybergenetics TrueAllele Computer Interpretation of DNA Evidence

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Investigators predict, confirm how E. coli bacteria hijack cells' directional mechanism

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Public release date: 1-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Deborah Wormser deborah.wormser@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-3404 UT Southwestern Medical Center

DALLAS March 1, 2012 Working in the emerging field of systems biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers mathematically predicted how bacteria that cause food poisoning hijack a cell's sense of direction and then confirmed those predictions in living cells.

The study proposed a new model to explain how mammalian cells establish the sense of direction necessary to move, as well as the mechanism that a disease-causing form of E. coli bacteria employ to hijack that ability. Cells need to orient themselves for several basic processes, such as keeping biochemical reactions separated in space and, in the case of immune cells, pursuing pathogens. Importantly, disruption of the cell's sense of direction often leads to human disease.

"This is a great example of scientists from different fields of research coming together to solve a complex and important biological problem," said Dr. Neal Alto, assistant professor of microbiology and senior author of the study, published Feb. 17 in Cell.

Systems biology aims to discover and understand a "circuit theory" for biology a set of powerful and predictive principles that will reveal how networks of biological components are wired to display the complex properties of living things. The rapidly emerging field requires experts in several scientific disciplines including biology, physics, mathematics and computer science to come together to create models of biological systems that consider both the individual parts and how these parts react to each other and to changes in their environment.

Scientists from UT Southwestern's microbiology department and the newly expanded Cecil H. and Ida Green Comprehensive Center for Molecular, Computational and Systems Biology teamed up to examine the problem collaboratively. They initially conceived a mathematical model for their hypothesis of how the cell would respond during an E. coli-induced infection and then tested their computational predictions in living cells.

"Bacteria inject protein molecules into human cells with a needle-and-syringe action," Dr. Alto said. "The human cell responds by producing a local actin-rich membrane protrusion at the spot where the bacteria attaches to the cell."

For healthy cells to move normally, these actin polymers push against a cell's membrane, protruding and propelling the cell in one direction or another. When E. coli molecules are injected, however, actin polymers rush to the site infection and help bacterial molecules both move within the cell and establish an internal site of infection.

Robert Orchard, graduate student of microbiology and the study's lead author, said: "By asking 'How does a bacterial pathogen from outside the cell regulate the host cells' actin dynamics within the cell?' we have uncovered a fundamentally new molecular circuit involved in mammalian cell polarity and bacterial infection. These findings provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms that control both disease-causing agents and normal mammalian cell behavior."

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Investigators predict, confirm how E. coli bacteria hijack cells' directional mechanism

Nationwide Children’s Hospital neuromuscular disorder podcasts now available on iTunes

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Public release date: 1-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Erin Pope Erin.Pope@NationwideChildrens.org 614-355-0495 Nationwide Children's Hospital

In 2010, the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide Children's Hospital launched a monthly podcast entitled, "This Month in Muscular Dystrophy," featuring internationally known scientists discussing the latest research in muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders. Now, these podcasts will be available for users on iTunes and at http://www.NationwideChildrens.org/muscular-dystrophy-podcast.

The podcasts are geared toward patients, their families and primary care physicians who take care of patients with neuromuscular diseases. Hosted by Kevin Flanigan, MD, an attending physician in Neurology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and a principal investigator in the Center for Gene Therapy in The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, the programs include interviews with authors of recent scientific publications discussing how their work improves understanding of inherited neuromuscular diseases and what their findings might mean for treatment.

New programs available for download on iTunes include:

Podcasts from previous months have also been uploaded to iTunes and are available for download.

"There is a lot of exciting work going on in the field of neuromuscular disease, and for patients and their families, it may be hard to get access to information about new results," said Dr. Flanigan, also a professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. "Our goal in offering this monthly podcast is to provide a way for people affected by the muscular dystrophies and related disorders to hear directly from top researchers about their latest results. It's my job to converse in understandable terms with these researchers about what is useful or exciting in their work."

Patients and their families are eager to find reliable information, especially about what new therapies are entering trials. With these podcasts available on iTunes, patients and their families have access to this information at their fingertips. These monthly podcasts provide reliable information directly from leading scientists and physicians in the field to empower patients to take the information they learn into their own clinics to discuss with their doctors. The podcasts also serve to provide reliable information to primary care physicians who often have the most contact with patients who have neuromuscular disorders.

"Through these podcasts, I think we can reinforce the hope shared by all families, and let them know that many pathways that may lead to meaningful treatments are being explored," Dr. Flanigan added.

Dr. Flanigan's primary research interest is in the genetic and molecular characterization of inherited neuromuscular diseases particularly muscular dystrophies and in the development of therapies directed toward these diseases.

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Nationwide Children's Hospital neuromuscular disorder podcasts now available on iTunes

Clinical Study Confirms the Effectiveness and Safety of Pollogen’s TriLipo Anti-Aging Solution in Reducing Abdominal …

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Dr. Manuskiatti, M.D. will present results from his TriLipo clinical trial at the upcoming Meeting of The Dermatological Society of Thailand which reveal an average of 2.52 cm reduction in circumference and marked cellulite improvement.

(PRWEB) March 01, 2012

Reducing cellulite and abdominal fat are key concerns addressed by aesthetic professionals around the world. Body conscious patients are increasingly demanding non-invasive and pain free alternatives that improve their body shape. Dr. Manuskiattis findings confirm that the TriLipo treatment safely and effectively reduces body fat and cellulite in a quick, non-invasive and pain free treatment.

The clinical trial involved 25 women aged 24-54 who underwent 6 weekly treatments. Each treatment lasted only 30 minutes. While the weight of the patients remained constant and did not decrease, there was an average reduction of 2.52 cm body circumference. The fat reduction was confirmed via circumference measurements and ultrasound measurements. There was a marked improvement in cellulite. The vast majority of patients (84%) stated that they were satisfied with the procedure. The final measurement was taken a month after the last treatment and reaffirmed that the body contouring and cellulite reduction results of the TriLipo treatment are long-lasting.

I am delighted by the results of the study which confirm that the TriLipo treatment is a safe, effective and painless solution for reducing abdominal fat and cellulite said Dr. Manuskiatti. Patients are very satisfied with the results which are achieved in short lunchtime sessions that doesnt interrupt their daily routine. I highly recommend the treatment for anyone searching for targeted fat and cellulite reduction

TriLipo technology is a non-invasive solution for localized body contouring and cellulite improvement. Using triple action for superior fat reduction, TriLipo thermal radio-frequency (RF) energy releases liquid fat from the subcutaneous tissue and then removes it using TriLipo muscle energy- an advanced proprietary lymphatic drainage mechanism. In parallel, TriLipo RF technology tightens the skin yielding a smoother and more defined silhouette. TriLipo technology has been clinically proven to effectively reduce localized fat and contour the body, tighten the skin, reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Results are visible after the first treatment and long-term results are achieved by undergoing a series of non-invasive treatments.

Mr. Amichai Bar Nir, Pollogens CEO stated: Clinical trials that support Pollogens anti-aging claims are a priority to the Company. We are delighted that Dr. Woraphongs study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the TriLipo treatment in reducing abdominal fat and circumference. The TriLipo treatment is available globally and body conscious patients are increasingly opting for the convenient and effective treatment that the TriLipo offers.

About Pollogen

Pollogen Ltd. is a global leader in the medical aesthetics market providing innovative, safe and effective solutions for women and men that enhance and expand the practice of medical aesthetic professionals. The company offers products to address a range of skin treatments under the industrys three premier brands: TriPollar, TriLipo and TriFractional.

Pollogen offers a full line of clinically-proven, non-invasive anti-aging facial and body contouring treatment platforms for circumference reduction, cellulite reduction and skin tightening. The companys medical aesthetic devices, Maximus, Apollo, and Regen XL offer customers clinically-proven, safe and effective anti-aging lunchtime beauty treatments that deliver immediate and long-lasting results. With a distribution network in over 60 countries, Pollogen is providing innovative solutions to medical professionals globally.

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Clinical Study Confirms the Effectiveness and Safety of Pollogen’s TriLipo Anti-Aging Solution in Reducing Abdominal ...

Ellen Pompeo: Katherine Heigl's Return To 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Unlikely (VIDEO)

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Ellen Pompeo is downplaying the rumors about Katherine Heigl returning to "Grey's Anatomy."

The actress stopped by "Chelsea Lately" (weekdays, 11 p.m. EST on E!) to promote the ABC medical drama. When she wasn't talking tequila and making out on camera, Pompeo was shooting down the rumors that her former co-star Heigl seemingly started while promoting her film "One For the Money."

"So wait, what's going on? Is Katherine Heigl coming back to the show?" Handler asked Pompeo.

"I don't think so," Pompeo said, shaking her head.

Handler pressed further and Pompeo said, "No, I don't think that's happening."

During her January press tour, Heigl said she was ready to return to "Grey's Anatomy," and told the powers that be at the series that she wants to come back.

"I really, really, really want to see where [Izzie] is," Heigl told E! "I just want to know what happened to her and where she went and what she's doing now."

Pompeo's comments come as Season 8 of "Grey's Anatomy" -- and her contract with the show -- come to a close. Both Pompeo and co-star Patrick Dempsey have been vocal about their desire to remain with the series, while remaining vague.

"I would 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.

TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.

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Ellen Pompeo: Katherine Heigl's Return To 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Unlikely (VIDEO)

Global Nanotechnology Industry

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NEW YORK, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Nanotechnology Industry

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0326269/Global-Nanotechnology-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Nanotechn

The global outlook series on Nanotechnology provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a bird's eye view of this new, promising, and pulsating, potential laden industry. The report provides a rudimentary insight into the concept of nanotechnology, providing selective insights into major technology trends, and its impact on commercial applications in key end-use industries. Also included is a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Annotated with market data-rich tables enumerating key research findings, the global and regional level of discussion culminates to provide a macro-level perception of the industry in its totality. Key regional markets briefly researched and abstracted include the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Asia, China, and Australia among few others. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 758 companies worldwide.

1. OVERVIEW 1

Nanotechnology - The Builder's Final Frontier 1

The Coming of Nano-Age 1

Expect the Unexpected 1

A Conceptual Definition 2

What is Nanotechnology? 2

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Global Nanotechnology Industry

Southborough Primate Center director steps down

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Dr. Fred Wang, interim director of Harvard Medical Schools New England Primate Research Center, has stepped down, a Harvard Medical School spokesperson confirmed this morning.

Wangs departure comes shortly after the school announced it will suspend new experiments at the center in the wake of the death of a cottontop tamarin monkey at the facility Sunday.

That death was the third death at the center since October 2011 and the fourth death there in the last 21 months.

Harvard Medical School dean Jeffrey Flier called the deaths absolutely unacceptable, deeply regrettable and personally disturbing to me in a strongly worded statement this week, and vowed to take aggressive action to resolve systems, processes and human errors at the facility.

When I learned of the most recent incident on Sunday, I immediately halted all new research protocols and new research on existing protocols at the (New England Primate Research Center), Flier wrote. The goal of this action is to provide time for our personnel to create and implement a corrective action plan.

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Southborough Primate Center director steps down

Alnylam and UMass Medical School announce Tuschl I patent upheld in European opposition proceedings

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Public release date: 1-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Mark Shelton mark.shelton@umassmed.edu 508-856-2000 University of Massachusetts Medical School

Cambridge, Mass., and Worcester, Mass., March 1, 2012 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), a leading RNAi therapeutics company, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) reported today that the European Patent Office (EPO) has upheld the Tuschl I '726 patent (EP 1309726) in oral opposition proceedings held in Munich, Germany. The requested claims of the '726 patent were upheld without any modification. Opponents included Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Silence Therapeutics AG, and BASF SE.

Inventors on the patent are David P. Bartel, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, Institute Professor at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a 1993 Nobel Laureate; Thomas Tuschl, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and professor at Rockefeller University; and Phillip D. Zamore, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the Gretchen Stone Cook Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he co-directs the RNA Therapeutics Institute.

"The Tuschl family of patents defines key discoveries central to the advancement of RNAi therapeutics to patients," said James P. McNamara, PhD, executive director, Office of Technology Management, University of Massachusetts Medical School. "The Tuschl I patent is a critical invention by Professors Tuschl, Zamore, Bartel, and Sharp regarding the RNAi mechanism. We are pleased to see this patent fully upheld in Europe in these opposition proceedings."

"We are very pleased with the outcome of these opposition proceedings which resulted in the claims from the Tuschl I '726 patent being fully upheld. This decision by the EPO affirms our belief in the validity of these claims, and the novelty of the Tuschl I invention, and supports the relevance of Tuschl I for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics," said Laurence Reid, PhD, senior vice president and chief business officer of Alnylam. "Alnylam continues to leverage its leading patent estate for the advancement of innovative medicines to patients and also continues to enable the entire RNAi therapeutics field with over 30 license agreements formed to date."

"The research discoveries that form the basis for this patent were a significant milestone in the explication of the basic science of RNAi and the path to the world of RNA therapeutics," said Zamore. "The affirmation of the intellectual basis of these discoveries by the EPO will accelerate the opportunities for laboratories and research organizations around the world to use this science to work toward therapeutics to treat human disease."

Alnylam is the co-exclusive licensee of the Tuschl I '726 patent which is owned by the Max Planck Society, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This patent is a key component to Alnylam's fundamental intellectual property estate that comprises numerous issued or granted patents and a large number of pending patent applications that together broadly cover RNAi therapeutics, including small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, the molecules that mediate RNAi. The Tuschl I '726 patent consists of 14 claims broadly covering RNAi methods, including methods of reducing the expression of a gene, with double stranded RNAs between 21 and 23 nucleotides in length of mammalian or viral origin. The patent also includes claims covering methods of examining the function of a gene, as well as the use of both unmodified and chemically modified double stranded RNAs.

About RNA Interference (RNAi)

RNAi (RNA interference) is a revolution in biology, representing a breakthrough in understanding how genes are turned on and off in cells, and a completely new approach to drug discovery and development. Its discovery has been heralded as "a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so," and represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug discovery today which was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. RNAi is a natural process of gene silencing that occurs in organisms ranging from plants to mammals. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, the creation of a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam's RNAi therapeutic platform, target the cause of diseases by potently silencing specific mRNAs, thereby preventing disease-causing proteins from being made. RNAi therapeutics have the potential to treat disease and help patients in a fundamentally new way.

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Alnylam and UMass Medical School announce Tuschl I patent upheld in European opposition proceedings

Alnylam and the University of Massachusetts Medical School Announce Tuschl I Patent Upheld in European Opposition …

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & WORCESTER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY - News), a leading RNAi therapeutics company, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) reported today that the European Patent Office (EPO) has upheld the Tuschl I 726 patent (EP 1309726) in oral opposition proceedings held in Munich, Germany. The requested claims of the 726 patent were upheld without any modification. Opponents included Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Silence Therapeutics AG, and BASF SE.

Inventors on the patent are David P. Bartel, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., Institute Professor at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a 1993 Nobel Laureate; Thomas Tuschl, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and professor at Rockefeller University; and Phillip D. Zamore, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the Gretchen Stone Cook Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he co-directs the RNA Therapeutics Institute.

The Tuschl family of patents defines key discoveries central to the advancement of RNAi therapeutics to patients, said James P. McNamara, Ph.D., Executive Director, Office of Technology Management, University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Tuschl I patent is a critical invention by Professors Tuschl, Zamore, Bartel, and Sharp regarding the RNAi mechanism. We are pleased to see this patent fully upheld in Europe in these opposition proceedings.

We are very pleased with the outcome of these opposition proceedings which resulted in the claims from the Tuschl I 726 patent being fully upheld. This decision by the EPO affirms our belief in the validity of these claims and the novelty of the Tuschl I invention, and supports the relevance of Tuschl I for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics, said Laurence Reid, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer of Alnylam. Alnylam continues to leverage its leading patent estate for the advancement of innovative medicines to patients and also continues to enable the entire RNAi therapeutics field with over 30 license agreements formed to date.

The research discoveries that form the basis for this patent were a significant milestone in the explication of the basic science of RNAi and the path to the world of RNA therapeutics, said Zamore. The affirmation of the intellectual basis of these discoveries by the EPO will accelerate the opportunities for laboratories and research organizations around the world to use this science to work toward therapeutics to treat human disease.

Alnylam is the co-exclusive licensee of the Tuschl I 726 patent which is owned by the Max Planck Society, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This patent is a key component to Alnylams fundamental intellectual property estate that comprises numerous issued or granted patents and a large number of pending patent applications that together broadly cover RNAi therapeutics, including small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, the molecules that mediate RNAi. The Tuschl I 726 patent consists of 14 claims broadly covering RNAi methods, including methods of reducing the expression of a gene, with double stranded RNAs between 21 and 23 nucleotides in length of mammalian or viral origin. The patent also includes claims covering methods of examining the function of a gene, as well as the use of both unmodified and chemically modified double stranded RNAs.

About RNA Interference (RNAi)

RNAi (RNA interference) is a revolution in biology, representing a breakthrough in understanding how genes are turned on and off in cells, and a completely new approach to drug discovery and development. Its discovery has been heralded as a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so, and represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug discovery today which was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. RNAi is a natural process of gene silencing that occurs in organisms ranging from plants to mammals. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, the creation of a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylams RNAi therapeutic platform, target the cause of diseases by potently silencing specific mRNAs, thereby preventing disease-causing proteins from being made. RNAi therapeutics have the potential to treat disease and help patients in a fundamentally new way.

About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

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Alnylam and the University of Massachusetts Medical School Announce Tuschl I Patent Upheld in European Opposition ...

R-loops break walls of gene silencing

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March 1, 2012

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have figured out how the human body keeps essential genes switched on and silences the vast stretches of genetic repeats and junk DNA.

Frdric Chdin, associate professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, describes the research in a paper published today (March 1) in the journal Molecular Cell. The work could lead to treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases, by reversing the gene-silencing process known as cytosine methylation.

R-loops are the key, say graduate student Paul Ginno, Chdin and colleagues. The loops emerge in the RNA transcription process in DNA sections that are rich in cytosine and guanine, the C and G in the four-letter DNA code. These C and G stretches serve as on switches, or promoters, for about 60 percent of human genes.

Scientists have known since the 1980s that these so-called CG island promoters are not subject to methylation. But, Chdin said, the mechanism has been a long-standing mystery.

The UC Davis researchers built a catalog of almost 8,000 CG islands in the human genome, studied their DNA sequences and found the CG sequences to be skewed toward having one strand of the double helix rich in guanine, and the complementary strand rich in cytosine.

Then, in RNA transcription, the G-rich RNA remains stably bound to a C-rich DNA strand, forcing the G-rich DNA strand into a loop which then prevents methylation.

DNA methylation is considered part of the new field of epigenetics, which studies inheritable genetic changes that are not directly coded in the DNA sequence. However, the new work shows that, at least at CG islands, the epigenetic state is determined by the DNA sequence.

Scientists know that reduced methylation of DNA plays a key role in triggering autoimmunity in lupus, Chdin said. However, the molecular events behind this DNA under-methylation have been unclear.

Our work establishes that excessive R-loop formation may drive under-methylation and autoimmunity, Chdin said.

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R-loops break walls of gene silencing

Pasi Janne on new lung and colorectal cancer gene discovery | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – Video

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13-02-2012 08:31 The new frontier of cancer treatment, personalized medicine, involves identifying specific genetic abnormalities in cancerous cells and targeting them with drugs that are most likely to cause an effective response. Pasi Janne, MD, PhD, discusses the discovery that some types of non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer share similar genetic abnormalities with cancers that are known to respond to targeted therapies, and explains how this new knowledge can help identify patients with specific genetic mutations that might respond to existing drugs. Read more: http://www.dana-farber.org

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Pasi Janne on new lung and colorectal cancer gene discovery | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Video