Monthly Archives: June 2012

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Continues Remarkable Global Growth Illustrative of New Luxury Travel Trends

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

On the heels of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts announces plans to continue its growth momentum globally with the debut of ten hotels and resorts in vibrant gateway cities and exotic resort destinations including Shanghai and Sanya in China, Jaipur and Chennai in India, the Blue Mountains in Australia as well as Koh Samui, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia. With this milestone, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) continues to stand out as the worlds leader in luxury hospitality, with more hotels in more markets than any competitor in the luxury segment, offering guests exceptional service levels and luxury experiences in a wide range of destinations across the globe.

The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in 30 countries around the world with new construction and conversion properties that span China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. Offering the brands signature Luxury Collection Concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences, these spectacular new hotels join the brands distinguished portfolio as portals for guests to discover each destination.

This is a milestone for The Luxury Collection as we open ten new hotels and resorts the most of any year in the brands history, says Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. As a new generation of global affluent travelers emerge, we are strategically growing our portfolio beyond the traditional luxury grid and in diverse destinations, like Chinas Hainan Island and Indias Chennai, that have become important hubs for business and leisure.

The Luxury Collection Expands its Portfolio in China

The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya will debut in August 2012 as the brands first resort in China, situated on the idyllic and intimate beachfront of Hainan Island. Surrounded by tropical gardens and lush forested hills on the South China Sea, The Royal Begonia will offer authentic and exceptional experiences that promise to exceed the most savvy global travelers expectations. All 142 guest rooms in the seaside retreat blend European elegance with local inspiration and open onto a large balcony, offering unobstructed views of the oceanfront or tropical gardens. Eighteen luxury villas each will feature a private pool, courtyard gardens, sophisticated interiors and high-tech amenities.

In September 2012, Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai will open in one of the most historic and romantic areas of Shanghai. The 171-room residential-style hotel is situated on the tree-lined Hengshan Road, drawing inspiration from the areas rich heritage, updated with contemporary designer flourishes. The exquisite interior design was created by renowned-design duo Yabu Pushelberg, offering an ambiance of distinguished opulence. Italy-based Mario Botta, known for the iconic San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Seouls Samsung Museum of Art, led the architecture and design of the exteriors.

The Royal Begonia in Sanya and Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai will join The Hongta Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai, which became part of the portfolio earlier this year. The hotel, formerly The St. Regis Shanghai, will undergo a meticulous renovation of $20 million to be completed in phases over the next two years, reaffirming the hotels position as Shanghais premier luxury destination. Previously named among the top hotels on Conde Nast Travelers Gold List and one of the top business hotels in Travel + Leisure, the hotel is celebrated for its unique ability to marry tradition and modernity through its authentic architecture and high standards of refined service. The hotel will continue to feature the 328 sumptuously appointed guest rooms and suites, the award winning Danielis Restaurant and a luxurious spa with customized treatments with local ingredients and therapies.

Looking ahead, The Castle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian set in a striking castle design overlooking Xinghai Bay, Northern Chinas financial and tourism capital, is scheduled to open in 2014. The 1958, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Suzhou will debut in July 2015.

The Luxury Collection Opens its Tenth Hotel in India

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The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Continues Remarkable Global Growth Illustrative of New Luxury Travel Trends

Orbitz Named #1 Travel Company to Work For, According to Glassdoor's Annual Travel Industry Report Card

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CHICAGO, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbitz Worldwide tops the list as America's favorite travel company to work for, according to Glassdoor's new Annual Travel Industry Report Card. Glassdoor is the leading social jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies with more than 2.5 million pieces of employee-generated content, including company reviews, salary reports, interview questions and reviews, office photos, and more.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO)

Orbitz ranked number one among nearly 35 leading travel employers outpacing companies such as Expedia, Ritz-Carlton, Disney Parks & Resorts and Southwest Airlines, based on reviews by employees. Over the past twelve months, the company rates 4.0 out of 5, with CEO Barney Harford receiving an 88% approval rating, up from 81% in 2011, making Harford the highest rated CEO on this list. To view the full report visit the Glassdoor blog.

The Orbitz overall rating is up slightly this year from 3.9 in 2011, with anonymous employee reviews applauding everything from the solid management team to a stimulating work environment. "There are tons of interesting initiatives going on all the time - makes you feel proud to work for a company that is on the leading edge in its industry," states one employee, while another says, "The senior management team is very accessible, and they actually take part in and contribute to meetings with people of all levels." Orbitz employees also called out the opportunity for advancement, relaxed and fun culture and employee travel discount as pros to working for the company.

Orbitz Worldwide employs almost 1500 employees, including nearly 800 at its Chicago corporate headquarters. It is one of the world's leading online travel sites, operating in over 140 countries and last year generating more than $11 billion in travel bookings.

Glassdoor's Annual Travel Industry Report Card is based on companies within the travel industry that received at least 15 verified company reviews during the past year (5/23/11-5/22/12). Company ratings are based on a 5-point scale: 5= very satisfied, 3=OK, 1= very dissatisfied. CEO approval ratings are calculated similar to Presidential approval ratings and are based on employee responses to how well they feel their CEO is leading the company.

About Orbitz.comOrbitz.com (www.orbitz.com) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and book a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its Web site to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz.com has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world and has led the industry with innovations including Flight Price Assurance, Hotel Price Assurance and Total Price hotel search results. On Orbitz.com consumers can search more than 80,000 suppliers worldwide including airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Orbitz.com is owned by Orbitz Worldwide. Stay connected to Orbitz.com with sale alerts, exclusive promotions and engaging conversations by following Orbitz on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orbitz), Twitter (www.twitter.com/orbitz) and the Orbitz Travel Blog (www.orbitz.com/blog).

About Orbitz WorldwideOrbitz Worldwide is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (www.orbitz.com), CheapTickets (www.cheaptickets.com), ebookers (www.ebookers.com), HotelClub (www.hotelclub.com), RatesToGo (www.ratestogo.com) and the Away Network (www.away.com). Also within the Orbitz Worldwide family, Orbitz Worldwide Distribution (http://corp.orbitz.com/partnerships/distribution) delivers private label travel solutions to a broad range of partners including many of the world's largest airlines, and Orbitz for Business (www.orbitzforbusiness.com) delivers managed corporate travel solutions for corporations. For more information on partnership opportunities with Orbitz Worldwide, visit corp.orbitz.com. Orbitz Worldwide uses its Investor Relations website to make information available to its investors and the public at http://corp.orbitz.com/investors. You can sign up to receive email alerts whenever the company posts new information to the website.

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Orbitz Named #1 Travel Company to Work For, According to Glassdoor's Annual Travel Industry Report Card

Beyond Luxury Media Carves Out New Marketplace for High-End Contemporary Travel with Launch of Limited Edition

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LONDON, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Limited Edition is an innovative new trade show set to shake up the high-end travel industry and is dedicated to the thriving contemporary travel market. Present will be a curated selection of the world's hottest, on-trend, original, high-end travel suppliers and the world's most productive travel trade buyers (leisure, media/entertainment, business, corporate and MICE) who have exclusive connections with the 'Creative Class' - a new generation of lifestyle tastemakers traveling in a way which is more innovative and sophisticated.

The Guest List of exhibitors will include:

Art & Design led Hotels / Couture Palaces / Prestige Boutique Hotels / Entertainment Hotspots / Funky High-Tech Hotels / Luxury Beach Pads / Stylish Snow Retreats / Foodie Hideouts / Spa Voyages / Uber Boating / Private Aviation Services / In-The-Know Ground Operators / Cool Venues

Serge Dive, CEO of Beyond Luxury Media and Founder of Limited Edition, says: "Our intention with this new show is to respond to the dramatic changes that our industry is facing and be the first to consolidate the high-end contemporary travel market. We want to create a much needed, fresher and more vibrant show that will act as a cure to boring travel and an antidote against large travel trade shows which may sometimes lack focus and still give too much importance to uninspiring and unsurprising suppliers."

Dive and Ball are the creative minds behind the launch of arguably the world's two most successful high-end travel markets, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM - now owned by a global exhibition company) and more recently, PURE Life Experiences (PURE).

About Limited Edition, Miami Beach:

The inaugural show will take place on the 10th - 13th June, 2013, South Beach Miami.

Limited Edition will be a dedicated marketplace for high-end contemporary travel serving the Creative Class - a target market that already dominates the focus of many high-end travel marketers. And rightly so. Indeed, the Creative Class now represents 30% of the workforce in western societies and is growing by 7% every year* and they are considered to be the driving force behind the world's innovation, growth and wealth. The shift of affluence and influence from traditional old money customers to the Creative Class is single handedly changing the dynamics of the supply and demand of the high-end travel market.

Serge Dive, has this to say of the Creative Class: "Those in the Creative Class are increasingly turning their backs on traditional luxury travel suppliers often seeing them as too traditional, standardised, conformist and stuffy. They crave the latest travel products and services designed to be unique, on-trend, cultural, design-oriented, personalised, and in tune with the local neighbourhood."

The show will feature a format that is tailored to the needs of those in the industry: a hosted buyer programme, three days of trade show divided between pre-scheduled appointments (chosen individually by each attendee) and free networking time, three networking lunches, two glamorous evening parties and a series of workshops dedicated to new media, new technologies, branding, sales & marketing and design.

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Beyond Luxury Media Carves Out New Marketplace for High-End Contemporary Travel with Launch of Limited Edition

Travel photos from around the world

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Submitted by Douglas Macherey / UGC

We love all the beautiful travel photos from our readers this week, from colorful Santorini in Greece to towering rocks in Arches National Park to stunning sunsets.

Scroll through this impressive set of images and vote for your favorite at the bottom.

Submitted by Holly Borstad / UGC

Dusk on the A-62 Autobahn in Germany

Submitted by Larry Twait / UGC

Submitted by Christen McWilliams / UGC

Monument at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Ga.

Submitted by Rich Briggs / UGC

The Courthouse Towers in Arches National Park on a beautiful morning in June.

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Travel photos from around the world

Apple serves up 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display

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Weve had rumors suggesting the MacBook Pro was getting a major redesign and other stating not much is changing beyond some component updates. Now all those rumors can be laid to rest as Apple has delivered a super-thin MacBook Pro sporting a Retina Display.

Apple say its the best computer theyve ever made, and with good reason. The new design is just .71-inches thick and weighs 4.46 pounds. Apple confirmed the Pros will be carrying quad-core Ivy Bridge Core i7 processors combined with the GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of dedicated GDDR5 RAM. In terms of ports, the update includes HDMI, 2x USB 3.0, MagSafe, SD card slot and 2xThunderbolt ports. The one component missing? The optical drive, which had to go to achieve that super-thin profile.

But it has to be the display that gets most people excited. The 15.4-inch screen holds 4x the pixels of the previous model and a resolution of 2880 x 1800. There is no other laptop on the market that can get anywhere close to that at the moment.

Combined with the new components, Apple has confirmed a backlit keyboard, glass multi-touch trackpad, dual mics, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11n wireless as standard. To top it all off, the MacBook Pro has a large battery allowing Apple to claim 7 hours of battery life.

Prices for the new 15.4-inch Pro start at $2,100 (2.3GHz i7, 8GB RAM, GT 650M, and 256GB SSD) and Apple surprised everyone by stating they will be available to order from today. I doubt it will take long for them to run out of stock, though.

via ars technica and The Verge

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Apple serves up 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display

The PC which is truly personal: 'Computer' on a memory stick offers COMPLETE privacy for browsing and documents

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By Eddie Wrenn

PUBLISHED: 11:08 EST, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 11:48 EST, 11 June 2012

The very personal computer: A generic memory stick - the new floppy - can become your own PC

If you are either super important, super paranoid, or a super spy, there are times when you need to be able to use a computer - and not leave a trace.

Now, a clever piece of software lets you carry your own personal PC which you can carry inside your pocket - and once you have finished using it, no-one will ever know.

Technically, what you are carrying is not a whole computer - instead it is a simple USB memory stick.

But within it is a full operating system (like Windows), and when you plug it into a PC, that computer will restart into your own personal set-up, called Tails.

When you have finished, shut down the computer, put the USB stick back in your pocket, and the PC will never know it has been used.

The Tails software, which uses an operating system called Linux, can even be skinned to look like Windows XP

As everything the user does is contained within Tails' - the software on a stick - not a single trace is left on the original PC.

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The PC which is truly personal: 'Computer' on a memory stick offers COMPLETE privacy for browsing and documents

Supermicro's New Compact Embedded Server Appliance Supports 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3 Processors

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SAN JOSE, Calif., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and green computing, releases its next generation, ultra low power, compact form factor embedded server platform (5017P-TLN4F) based on their new Mini-ITX (6.7" x 6.7") motherboard (X9SPV-F/LN4F). Compared to the previous generation architecture, this solution delivers 15% more processing performance, up to 50% more 3D graphics performance supporting the latest graphic APIs - DX11, OpenCL 1.1 and OpenGL 3.1 and new features such as Intel Smart Response Technology enabling increased storage I/O performance with SSD caching.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120611/AQ21864)

The X9SPV-F/LN4F embedded server platform features the following:

When combined with Supermicro's newest compact short-depth enclosure (SC504-203B) featuring 1x 3.5" or 2x 2.5" SATA2 drive bays, a 200W high-efficiency Supermicro power supply and PCI Express 3.0 x16 expansion capability on riser, the resulting embedded server appliance (5017P-TLN4F) is ideal for applications such as storage head nodes, media transcoding, HD video conferencing, network monitoring, security and firewall management and a variety of other space and power constrained applications.

"Supermicro offers server class reliability and performance to the embedded server appliance market with low power solutions and long-life cycle support and availability," said Wally Liaw, Vice President Sales, International at Supermicro. "Our latest compact solution is optimized to deliver maximum performance with increased energy efficiency and offers full support of 3rd generation Intel Core processors based on Intel's 22nm process technology and 3D Tri-Gate transistors. Supermicro provides our embedded customers first to market advantages with ready to deploy, advanced technology platforms."

"Customers today are looking for feature rich, off-the-shelf solutions that offer low power and better energy efficiency without compromising performance," said Matt Langman, director of marketing, Intel Intelligent Systems Group. "Embedded server appliances, like those from Supermicro, use the 3rd generation Intel Core processor family to provide unprecedented performance and breakthrough I/O capabilities. The platform enables highly optimized solutions for customers across a broad spectrum of workloads and segments, including Green Computing."

For complete information on Supermicro's wide range of flexible, high-performance Embedded Server Building Block Solutions, visit http://www.supermicro.com/Embedded.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro (SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.

Supermicro, SuperServer, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

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Supermicro's New Compact Embedded Server Appliance Supports 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3 Processors

Rachna Mehra Discusses Clinical Trials of Platelet Rich Plasma Adult Stem Cell Study

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The second phase of trials for a new post-acute ischemic stroke treatment has been approved by the Data Safety Monitoring Board. This treatment utilizes platelet and adult stem cell technologies to help patients who suffer from ischemic stroke to recover. Dr. Rachna Mehra, a healthcare professional who specializes in adult stem cell treatment, believes this approach to be the future of the ...

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Rachna Mehra Discusses Clinical Trials of Platelet Rich Plasma Adult Stem Cell Study

Research and Markets: Analysis of the Stem Cell Markets-Unlocking the New Era in Therapeutics

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pqrlwc/analysis_of_the_st) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Analysis of the Stem Cell Markets-Unlocking the New Era in Therapeutics" to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Analysis of the Stem Cell Markets-Unlocking the New Era in Therapeutics focuses on prospects for the stem cell therapeutics market in Europe and provides valuable recommendations and conclusions for market participants. Market segmentation is based on regulatory framework in Europe relating to research on adult and embryonic stem cells. The main countries discussed are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, and the remaining parts of Europe.

Market Overview

New Applications in Drug Discovery Platforms to Drive Stem Cells Market

Stem cells offer exciting potential in regenerative medicine, and are likely to be widely used by mid-2017. Pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies are showing increased interest in stem cell research. The market will be driven by stem cell applications in drug discovery platforms and by successful academia -commercial company partnership models.

The high attrition rates of potential drug candidates has piqued the interest of pharmaceutical and biotech industries in stem cell use during the drug discovery phase, notes the analyst of this research. Previously, animal cell lines, tumours, or genetic transformation have been the traditional platform for testing drug candidates; however, these abnormal' cells have significantly contributed to a lack of translation into clinical studies. Many academic institutes and research centres are collaborating with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in stem cell research. This will provide impetus to the emergence of novel cell-based therapies.

Host of Challenges Need to be Confronted before Stem Cell Therapeutics can Realise its Potential

Key challenges to market development relate to reimbursement, ethics and the complexity of clinical trials. Securing reimbursement for stem cell therapeutic products is expected to be critical for commercial success. However, stem cell therapies are likely to be expensive. Insurers, therefore, may be unwilling to pay for the treatment. At the same time, patients are unlikely to be able to afford these treatments. The use of embryonic stem cells raises a host of thorny ethical, legal, and social issues, adds the analyst. As a result, market prices for various products may be affected. Moreover, many research institutes are adopting policies promoting the ethical use of human embryonic tissues. Such policies are hindering the overall research process for several companies working in collaboration with these institutes.

In addition to apprehensions about how many products will actually make it through human-based clinical trials, companies are also worried about which financial model can be applied to stem cell therapies, cautions the analyst. Possibly low return on investment (ROI) is also resulting in pharmaceutical companies adopting a cautious approach to stem cell therapeutics. To push through policy or regulatory reforms, the technology platform and geographical location of stem cell companies should complement the terms laid down in EMEA. The methodology for cell expansion and synchronisation must be optimised to acquire a large population of the desired cell at the right differentiation point, adds the analyst. More research is needed in human pluripotent and multi potent stem cell as it differs from mice to humans. Completion of clinical trials will be essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of the stem cell therapy.

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Research and Markets: Analysis of the Stem Cell Markets-Unlocking the New Era in Therapeutics

Bioluminescence imaging lights up stem cell therapy for hair growth

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Public release date: 11-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Susan Martonik smartonik@snm.org 703-652-6773 Society of Nuclear Medicine

Miami Beach, Fla.Finding a way to restore hair growth after substantial hair loss is something of an obsession worldwide. Investigators at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 2012 Annual Meeting presented how stem cell research for the development of new hair follicles can be monitored with an optical imaging technique that uses bioluminescence, the same process that allows fireflies to light up.

There is a host of treatments available for hair loss, including creams and drugs, but these have not shown to be very effective for hair growth. Hair stem cells signal the actual regeneration of hair follicles and natural hair. A molecular imaging technique called bioluminescence is used to display processes at the cellular level. Bioluminescent signal is generated in specific chemical substances called substrates. These signals are easily recognized with very sensitive optical imaging systems that can see what is happening in the smallest placesin this case in hair stem cells.

"Hair regeneration using hair stem cells is a promising therapeutic option emerging for hair loss, and molecular imaging can speed up the development of this therapy," saysByeong-Cheol Ahn, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the department of nuclear medicine at Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital in Daegu, South Korea. "This study is the first study of hair follicle regeneration using an in vivo molecular imaging technique."

The current research involves grafting hair stem cells in animal models to investigate if they can grow and proliferate as normal cells do. The progress of hair stem cell therapy is non-invasivelytracked with bioluminescentreporter genes in specialized substrates. There are several bioluminescent reporter genes originating fromnot only fireflies, but also beetles, glowworms and other bioluminescent organisms. The strategy of using bioluminescent reporter genesis ideal for stem cell research, because bioluminescence works only in living cells.

In this study, researchers used bioluminescence imaging usingfirefly luciferase coupled with D-luciferin to monitor the engraftment of hair follicle stem cellscalled newborn fibroblastsin mice to track their viability and development into hair folliclesover time. Bioluminescence imaging was performed five times over the course of 21 days after transplantation of the stem cells.

Results of the study showed successful bioluminescence imaging forhair regeneration with hair stem cell transplantation, and new hair follicles were apparent on the surface of skin samples under microscope. More studies will have to be conducted before clinical trials could be initiated to verify whether this therapy would work for human hair regeneration.

###

Scientific Paper 74: Jung Eun Kim, Byeong-Cheol Ahn, Ho Won Lee, Mi-hye Hwang, Sang-Woo Lee and Jaetae Lee, Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Seng Hyun Shin and Young Kwan Sung, Immunology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea, "In vivo monitoring of survival and proliferation of hair stem cells in hair follicle regeneration animal model," SNM's 59th Annual Meeting, June 9, 2012, Miami Beach, Fla.

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Bioluminescence imaging lights up stem cell therapy for hair growth

Experimental Stem Cell Treatment Tested for Type 1 Diabetes

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In Early Study, Procedure Helps Teens Halt Insulin Injections

June 11, 2012 (Philadelphia) -- In an early study, an experimental stem cell procedure helped 15 teens with type 1 diabetes stay off of insulin injections for about 1.5 years, on average.

The study was very small, and the procedure is not ready for widespread use. "We now have a unique approach with some positive findings, but it's still early. We need to better understand the biology behind the treatment and follow patients for long-term side effects," Robert E. Ratner, MD, chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, tells WebMD.

This is the latest of several stem cell studies to show promising results for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, Ratner notes.

In the new study, 15 of 28 teens with type 1 diabetes who got an experimental treatment using their own stem cells went into remission and did not need insulin injections for an average of about 1.5 years.

The "cocktail treatment" combines stem cell therapy with drugs that suppress the body's immune system. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas.

The experimental treatment is called autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It aims to kill the destructive immune system cells and replace them with immature stem cells not programmed to destroy insulin-producing cells.

First, patients are given drugs to stimulate production of blood stem cells. The blood stem cells are then removed from the body and frozen. Then, patients are hospitalized and given drugs to kill the destructive immune system cells. The harvested blood stem cells are then put back into the patient.

Eight teens who took part in the study have remained insulin-free for two years, on average. One patient has gone without insulin injections for 3.5 years.

"All our patients considered the [treatment] to be worthwhile and beneficial, though some patients experienced side effects," study head Weiqiong Gu, MD, of Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, tells WebMD.

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Experimental Stem Cell Treatment Tested for Type 1 Diabetes

A Personal Guidebook for the Modern Thinker

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Inspirational pieces for growth and spiritual clarity by Hugeutte Castaneda.Naples, Fla. (PRWEB) June 11, 2012 Amidst the rush and frivolity of today’s world, many look for guidance on stepping outside our material culture to find higher purpose and enlightenment.Huguette Castaneda expresses the importance of oneness with the inner spirit through poetic verse in “Autumn Leaves Dancing in the ...

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A Personal Guidebook for the Modern Thinker

Inspiring Message from His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda to His Followers across the World

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June 9th 2012: As is his innate nature and as usual, the Enlightened Master His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda once again inspires all his followers world wide to be blissful & to continue the good spiritual work which they have been doing for close to ten years now.In a message to all his followers, Paramahamsa Nithyananda assures the followers to have faith in the Divine and the law and also ...

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Inspiring Message from His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda to His Followers across the World

China Set for Manned Mission to Tiangong-1 Module

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China may be just days away from launching its first manned docking mission to the country's Tiangong-1 space station module, according to reports. A Shenzou-9 spacecraft atop a Long March-2F rocket was moved on Saturday to a launch platform at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China in preparation for a mid-June launch, Chinese space agency officials said over the weekend.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is now conducting final tests ahead of the launch, according to the Global Times. Tiangong-1 was successfully lowered to docking orbit earlier this month, the China-based tabloid newspaper reported.

The three-person crew aboard Shenzou-9 will include a female astronaut, either Liu Yang and Wang Yaping, China's official Xinhua news agency reported Monday.

One of the two candidates from the Chinese Air Force's Wuhan Flight Unit could become the first Chinese woman to travel to space, joining six male astronauts who have done so. Officially, the CNSA has only said that a female astronaut could be part of the Shenzou-9 crew and that the final decision would be made very late in the game, but Xinhua is regarded as the de facto voice of the Chinese government so it seems likely that the decision has been finalized.

"The Shenzhou-9 will perform our country's first manned space docking mission with the orbiting Tiangong-1 space lab module," said Zhou Jianping, chief designer of CNSA's manned space program, according to Global Times. "It means China's spacecraft will become a genuine manned shuttle tool between space and Earth. It can send human beings to space stations or space labs. This will be a significant step in China's manned space flight history."

The 9.4-ton Tiangong-1 module, launched and placed in orbit last September, is not a fully developed space station but rather a testing platform for rendezvous and docking missions like the one planned later this month. The CNSA aims to launch a fully functioning space station as part of the agency's Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace" program.

The unmanned Shenzou-8 spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong-1 last November. The upcoming mission calls for two astronauts to board the space station module, with the third remaining in the Shenzou-9 spacecraft.

Tiangong-1 is scheduled to be de-orbited in 2013 following the Shenzou-9 mission and another manned mission to the module.

For more from Damon, follow him on Twitter @dpoeter.

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China Set for Manned Mission to Tiangong-1 Module

Upcoming First Human Mission to Chinese Space Station May Include Female Taikonaut

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Want to stay on top of all the space news? Follow @universetoday on Twitter

An artist's rendering of the Tiangong-1 module, China's space station, which was launched to space in September, 2011. To the right is a Shenzhou spacecraft, preparing to dock with the module. Image Credit: CNSA

The Chinese government has announced they will launch three taikonauts sometime in mid-June 2012, on the first manned mission to dock with their orbiting experimental module, and confirmed again that the crew might include Chinas first female space traveler. A rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft was moved to a launch pad in Chinas desert northwest over the weekend, Chinas Xinhua News Agency reported.

The three-member crew will dock with and live inside the Tiangong 1 (or Heavenly Palace-1) orbital module launched last year. No word on how long the mission will be. We reported in March that the crew possibly could include a woman, and Niu Hongguang, deputy commander-in-chief of the countrys manned space program, said the final selection would depend on conditions nearer the time of launch. This type of late announcement of the crew is not unprecedented in the past, Chinas space program has named the crew for the next mission just a few days before launch.

From previous reports, China picked two women and five men from thousands of candidates to become the second batch of seven astronaut trainees in 2010. Both of the women were former fighter jet pilots.

The manned space program would not be complete without womens participation, Jiao Weixin, an earth and space scientist with Peking University, was quoted as saying.

China launched their first human mission in 2003. They have launched two other human missions, one of which included a space walk in 2008.

Zhou Jianping, chief designer of Chinas human space program, said that the mission will be a significant step in Chinas space history, because its the first time for a Chinese spacecraft to send astronauts into a space lab, instead of just carrying them to circle the Earth as in the previous three manned missions, the Chinese Daily reported.

During the flight, one crew member will remain aboard the Shenzhou 9 as a precautionary measure in case of emergency while the others enter Tiangong 1, Xinhua said.

Well keep you updated on any announcements of the crew or when the launch will take place.

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Upcoming First Human Mission to Chinese Space Station May Include Female Taikonaut

China Planning Manned Mission To Its Space Station

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China has a problem. They have such a fairly long history of blatantly stealing technology from other companies, that they were not invited to participate in the International Space Station program. So, to stick their tongues out at everyone, they decide to take the Soviet approach and make their own. Now they are ready to man that space station.

Today the Chinese news agency called Xinhua is reporting that China is preparing to launch a manned space flight to the station called Tiangong-1 later this month. According to Wikipedia, Tiangong-1 is an experimental testbed to demonstrate the rendezvous and docking capabilities needed to support a space station complex. It will be deorbited in 2013 and replaced with different modules to make a true space station by 2020.

This falls in line with Chinas pledge to have a greater space presence and their goal of putting a man on the moon by 2017. Chinas hunger and wiillingness to spend the massive amount of money on a space program is kind of where we were 45 years ago. I think now is the time to push new manned missions to the Moon and eventually Mars before the Chinese can. Not only would it give Americans a sense of national pride that they havent felt since the 60s, but it will show that it is going to be a long time before another country can pass the United States technology wise.

Photo courtesy of english.people.com.cn

Excerpt from:

China Planning Manned Mission To Its Space Station

China's first manned space lab mission coming within days

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China will send three astronauts into space aboard a Shenzhou 9 capsule to rendezvous with China's mini-space station Tiangong-1 by mid-June. The mission could be a major milestone in China's space program.

China will launch its first manned mission to an orbiting space laboratory in mid-June, according to state media reports and the country's human spaceflight agency.

A Long March 2F rocket will launch three astronauts aboard a Shenzhou 9 capsule for China's first manned space docking at the mini-space station Tiangong-1. The space lab module has been circling Earth unmanned since its launch last year.

"The Shenzhou 9 will perform our country's first manned space docking mission with the orbiting Tiangong 1 space lab module," the Xinhua news agency quoted Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program, as saying on June ).

IN PICTURES: China's space program

Zhou's comments came as he accompanied the rocket set to launch the Shenzhou 9 mission to a pad at China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the country's northwest region.

The mission, Zhou told Xinhua, will be a major milestone for China's space exploration program.

"It means China's spacecraft will become a genuine manned shuttle tool between space and Earth. It can send human beings to space stations or space labs," Zhou told Xinhua. "This will be a significant step in China's manned space flight history." [Gallery: Tiangong 1, China's First Space Lab]

China's Shenzhou 9 mission will mark the fourth human spaceflight for the country, which has been making steady advances since the launch of Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei in 2003 on Shenzhou 5, the country's first human spaceflight. China is the third country to achieve human spaceflight after Russia and the United States.

Since its first flight, China has launched two more manned missions, the two-man Shenzhou 6 flight and three-person Shenzhou 7 mission. Last September, China launched the Tiangong 1 module a prototype for a future space station into orbit. That launch was followed in November by the unmanned Shenzhou 8 mission, which successfully docked a capsule with the space laboratory twice during the test flight.

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China's first manned space lab mission coming within days