Public release date: 29-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cody Mooneyhan cmooneyhan@faseb.org 301-634-7104 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

While some scientists report engineering a super virulent strain of the H5N1 influenza virus, which could potentially wipe out a significant percentage of the human population, another group of researchers from the United Kingdom now reports a discovery that may one day help mitigate the deadly effects of all flu strains. This report, appearing in the March 2012 print issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, describes findings that may help prevent deaths from severe flu outbreaks, especially from seemingly healthy young people. Specifically, the researchers found that immune cells called, "natural killer T cells," may reduce the overwhelming numbers of another type of immune cell, called "inflammatory monocytes," which when present in large numbers, lead to lung injury at the end stage of severe flu infection.

"We hope this study will ultimately benefit individualsespecially the youngwho succumb to a severe form of flu infection," said Ling-Pei Ho, M.D., Ph.D., the researcher who led the work from the MRC Human Immunology Unit, Oxford University in Oxford, United Kingdom. "The study highlights a key immune process that occurs in severe flu infection, and provides a platform for a new approach and further research in this area."

To make their discovery, scientists infected three groups of mice with H1N1 flu virus. (Note: this is NOT the H5N1 flu virus that has been at the center of recent controversy.) The first group included normal mice; the second group was devoid of natural killer T cells, and the third was given a treatment that specifically activated natural killer T cells. Researchers observed the outcome of flu infection and found that the mice without natural killer T cells did worst, and those with activated killer T cells did best. Mice that lacked natural killer T cells had increased amounts of monocytes in the lungs, and severe lung injury similar to those seen in Spanish flu and lethal swine flu. Using highly-sensitive fluorescent antibody technology, this study was one of the first to document the sequential changes in innate immune response in the lungs during severe flu infection. These findings essentially provide a "road map" of the chronological changes in the lungs during severe flu infection.

"Despite affecting practically everyone, the flu may be one of the most underestimated viruses in terms of its devastating potential," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "As the H5N1 research shows, it is quite possible for the virus to mutate or be bioengineered into a form that could wipe most of us out. What most people don't realize is that the severe illness from these flu strains is caused by both the virus and an overaggressive or inappropriate immune response. Research like this, however, offers hope that we'll be able to find more universal ways improve the effectiveness of immunity and combat the severe strains of the flu."

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org) publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on original investigatins focusing on the cellular and molecular biology of leukocytes and on the origins, the developmental biology, biochemistry and functions of granulocytes, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and other cells involved in host defense and inflammation. The Journal of Leukocyte Biology is published by the Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Details: Wai Ling Kok, Laura Denney, Kambez Benam, Suzanne Cole, Colin Clelland, Andrew J. McMichael, and Ling-Pei Ho. Invariant NKT cells reduce accumulation of inflammatory monocytes in the lungs and decrease immune-pathology during severe influenza A virus infection. J. Leuk. Biol. March 2012; 91:357-368; doi:10.1189/jlb.0411184; http://www.jleukbio.org/content/91/3/357.abstract

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New light shed on cause of lung injury in severe flu

Public release date: 29-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Richard Levine rlevine@entsoc.org 301-731-4535 Entomological Society of America

The pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), is a major pest of pecans throughout the southeastern United States, as well as portions of Texas and Oklahoma.

In "Biology and Management of the Pecan Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)," (http://bit.ly/xrqS3d) a new article appearing in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, scientists from Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University describe the biology, life stages, crop injury, monitoring approaches, and primary control strategies currently used for pecan weevil in pecan.

Aimed at pecan growers extension personnel using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, the authors describe monitoring techniques using limb Jarring, tree bands, knockdown sprays, pyramid traps, circle traps, and infestation records.

Other management considerations, such as biological control and livsestock grazing are also discussed.

Finally, suggested economic thresholds are extrapolated from several sources and the utility of current monitoring information is presented to aid in management and quarantine decisions.

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The full article is available for free at http://bit.ly/xrqS3d.

The Journal of Integrated Pest Management (http://www.entsoc.org/Pubs/Periodicals/jipm) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, extension journal covering the field of integrated pest management. It is published by the Entomological Society of America (http://www.entsoc.org), the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines.

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Pecan weevil biology, management and control strategies

Without key research into these risks and appropriate federal oversight, certain synthetic organisms might survive and flourish in natural environments, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems, according to a new Commentary piece in the journal Nature ("Four Steps to Stop a Synthetic-Biology Disaster," March 1).

The article -- written by Genya V. Dana, Todd Kuiken and David Rejeski of the Synthetic Biology Project at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Allison A. Snow of Ohio State University -- highlights the need to proactively address environmental risks so that the potential benefits of synthetic biology can be realized.

"No one yet understands the risks that synthetic organisms pose to the environment, what kinds of information are needed to support rigorous assessments, or who should collect such data," the authors write.

And while similar questions were raised about genetically modified crops, the products of synthetic biology "will be altered in more sophisticated and fundamental ways (such as elimination of metabolic pathways), making them potentially more difficult to regulate, manage and monitor."

The authors say it is imperative to start the research ahead of expected advancements in the field. "Synthetic biology has already moved out of the lab, propelled by significant public and private investments in organisms modified to produce chemicals, medicines and biofuels," they write. The global market for synthetic biology is expected to increase to $10.8 billion over the next four years.

The authors propose four areas that risk researchers, scientists, regulators and other key stakeholders should focus on in the near term: how the physiology of synthetic organisms is different from naturally occurring organisms; how "escaped" synthetic organisms might affect the environment; how synthetic organisms might evolve in the natural environment; and consequences of synthetic organisms exchanging genetic materials with naturally occurring organisms.

The authors caution that this research will take time, and emphasize that such work should be integrated into the larger synthetic biology research agenda. "Public agencies must link basic and environmental risk research by co-funding projects and requiring grant recipients to work with environmental scientists from the start," the article says.

The Wilson Center has already been encouraging dialogue between synthetic biologists and ecologists on the potential risks of synthetic biology. In July 2011, the Center held a workshop focused on bringing together engineers and ecologists to help identify key research areas needed to support future ecological risk assessments for synthetic biology applications. While this work continues, the authors stress the need for much more interdisciplinary research and discussion.

The call for research funding comes as federal agencies are determining how best to respond to a 2010 report on synthetic biology from the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues. The Wilson Center in February launched a scorecard to track the federal and non-federal response to the commission's recommendations. The scorecard can be found here: http://www.synbioproject.org/scorecard/

More information: The Nature Commentary can be found online at http://www.nature. 483029a.html

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Nature Commentary investigates synthetic-biology disaster

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/30dc32/the_ah_receptor_in) has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "The AH Receptor in Biology and Toxicology" to their offering.

This book provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its unique dual role in toxicology and biology. The coverage includes epigenetic mechanisms, gene expression, reproductive and developmental toxicity, signal transduction, and transgenic animal models. Featuring an internationally recognized team of authors at the forefront of AHR research, this resource provides a comprehensive reference for readers interested in understanding the full spectrum of AHR, from basic concepts, toxicology analysis, and models to polymorphism and related diseases.

Key Topics Covered:

AHR as a ligand-activated transcription factor.

AHR as a mediator of xenobiotic toxicities: dioxins as a key example.

AHR as a physiological regulator.

Author: Raimo Pohjanvirta.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/30dc32/the_ah_receptor_in

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Research and Markets: The AH Receptor in Biology and Toxicology

Public release date: 29-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Aaron Lovell aaron.lovell@wilsoncenter.org 202-691-4320 Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program

Experts say at least $20 million to $30 million in government research is needed over the next decade to adequately identify and address the possible ecological risks of synthetic biology, an emerging area of research focused on the design and construction of new biological parts and systems, or modification of existing ones, to create new applications in areas ranging from energy to chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Without key research into these risks and appropriate federal oversight, certain synthetic organisms might survive and flourish in natural environments, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems, according to a new Commentary piece in the journal Nature ("Four Steps to Stop a Synthetic-Biology Disaster," March 1).

The article -- written by Genya V. Dana, Todd Kuiken and David Rejeski of the Synthetic Biology Project at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Allison A. Snow of Ohio State University -- highlights the need to proactively address environmental risks so that the potential benefits of synthetic biology can be realized.

"No one yet understands the risks that synthetic organisms pose to the environment, what kinds of information are needed to support rigorous assessments, or who should collect such data," the authors write.

And while similar questions were raised about genetically modified crops, the products of synthetic biology "will be altered in more sophisticated and fundamental ways (such as elimination of metabolic pathways), making them potentially more difficult to regulate, manage and monitor."

The authors say it is imperative to start the research ahead of expected advancements in the field. "Synthetic biology has already moved out of the lab, propelled by significant public and private investments in organisms modified to produce chemicals, medicines and biofuels," they write. The global market for synthetic biology is expected to increase to $10.8 billion over the next four years.

The authors propose four areas that risk researchers, scientists, regulators and other key stakeholders should focus on in the near term: how the physiology of synthetic organisms is different from naturally occurring organisms; how "escaped" synthetic organisms might affect the environment; how synthetic organisms might evolve in the natural environment; and consequences of synthetic organisms exchanging genetic materials with naturally occurring organisms.

The authors caution that this research will take time, and emphasize that such work should be integrated into the larger synthetic biology research agenda. "Public agencies must link basic and environmental risk research by co-funding projects and requiring grant recipients to work with environmental scientists from the start," the article says.

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Commentary in Nature: How do you stop a synthetic-biology disaster?

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Feb 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --GenScript USA Inc., an internationally recognized biology contract research organization (CRO), became the most frequently referred biology CRO in the world by peer-reviewed journal articles in the year 2011.

Ever since its inceptionin 2002, GenScript has been consistently providing biological researchers with unmatched quality workmanship at affordable prices. In merely 9 years, GenScript has grown into a world leading CRO with over 1,000 employees. In 2011, more than 2,300 journal articles referred GenScript's services and products - making GenScript the most frequently referred CRO in the world!

"I am truly grateful to the trust and support of our clients. Their successes are the ultimate driving force for us," says Frank Zhang, the CEO and co-founder of GenScript. "I am very proud that our company has been recognized as an out-sourcing partner by more and more world-leading researchers."

In the last decade, over 1,100 CRO companies were established in the world, but few have maintained continuous growth. "The key to our robust and organic growth is the courage and dedication in pioneering innovative technologies. As always, we will continue to invest inthe development of cutting-edge enabling technologies. Our customers can count on us to deliver the faster, more reliable and cost-effective services and products than our competitors," commented Frank.

About GenScriptUSA, Inc. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, GenScript USA Inc. is a global contract research organization leader, with operations in USA, Japan, and China. As a market-driven and customer-focused company, GenScript provides comprehensive services for biological research and early-phase drug discovery, such as bio-reagents, assay development & screening, antibody drug development and animal model services. The bio-reagents services include custom gene synthesis and molecular biology, custom protein expression and purification, custom peptide synthesis, antibody production, and custom cell line development.

For further information, please contact:

Sally Wang Executive Vice President GENSCRIPT USA Inc. 1-(732) 885-9188 http://www.genscript.com

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GenScript Was the Most Frequently Referred Biology Contract Research Organization by Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles in ...