Monthly Archives: June 2012

Medistem Achieves Important ERC Stem Cell Clinical Trial Milestone

Posted on by

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire -06/04/12)- Medistem Inc. (MEDS) announced today positive safety data from the first 5 patients enrolled in the Non-Revascularizable IschEmic Cardiomyopathy treated with Retrograde COronary Sinus Venous DElivery of Cell TheRapy (RECOVER-ERC) trial. The clinical trial uses the company's "Universal Donor" Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) to treat Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

According to the study design, after 5 patients enter the trial, they must be observed for a two month time period before additional patients are allowed to enter the study. Patient data was analyzed by the study's independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), which concluded that based on lack of adverse effects, the study be allowed to continue recruitment.

"Medistem is developing a treatment for CHF that uses a 30-minute catheter-based procedure to administer the ERC stem cell into the patients' hearts. The achievement of 2 month patient follow-up with no adverse events is a strong signal for us that our new approach to this terrible condition is feasible," said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem.

The RECOVER-ERC trial will treat a total of 60 patients with end-stage heart failure with three concentrations of ERC stem cells or placebo. The clinical trial is being conducted by Dr. Leo Bockeria, Chairman of the Backulev Centre for Cardiovascular Surgery, in collaboration with Dr. Amit Patel, Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at University of Utah.

"As a professional drug developer, I am very optimistic of a stem cell product that can be used as a drug. The ERC stem cell can be stored frozen indefinitely, does not need matching with donors, and can be injected in a simple 30-minute procedure into the heart," said Dr. Sergey Sablin, Vice President of Medistem and co-founder of the multi-billion dollar NASDAQ company Medivation.

Currently patients with end-stage heart failure, such as the ones enrolled in the RECOVER-ERC study, have no option except for heart transplantation, which is limited by side effects and lack of donors. In contrast to other stem cells, ERC can be manufactured inexpensively, do not require tissue matching, and can be administered in a minimally-invasive manner. Animal experiments suggest ERC are more potent than other stem cell sources at restoring heart function. The FDA has approved a clinical trial of ERC in treatment of critical limb ischemia in the USA.

About Medistem Inc. Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and heart failure. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf.

Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Excerpt from:
Medistem Achieves Important ERC Stem Cell Clinical Trial Milestone

Cell transplantation of lung stem cells has beneficial impact for emphysema

Posted on by

Public release date: 4-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: David Eve Celltransplantation@gmail.com Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair

Tampa, Fla. (June 4, 2012) When autologous (self-donated) lung-derived mensenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) were transplanted endoscopically into 13 adult female sheep modeled with emphysema, post-transplant evaluation showed evidence of tissue regeneration with increased blood perfusion and extra cellular matrix content. Researchers concluded that their approach could represent a practical alternative to conventional stem cell-based therapy for treating emphysema.

The study is published in Cell Transplantation (21:1), now freely available on-line at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct/.

"Mensenchymal stem cells are considered for transplantation because they are readily available, highly proliferative and display multi-lineage potential," said study corresponding author Dr. Edward P. Ingenito of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. "Although MSCs have been isolated from various adult tissues - including fat, liver and lung tissues - cells derived from bone marrow (BM) have therapeutic utility and may be useful in treating advanced lung diseases, such as emphysema."

However, according to the authors, previous transplantation studies, many of which used an intravenous delivery method, have shown that BM-MSCs have been only marginally successful in treating lung diseases. Further, therapeutic responses in those studies have been limited to animal models of inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma and acute lung injury.

To try and answer the questions surrounding the utility of BM-MSCs for treating advanced emphysema, a disease characterized by tissue destruction and loss of lung structural integrity, for this study the researchers isolated highly proliferative, mensenchymal cells from adult lung parenchyma (functional tissue) (LMSCs) and used an endoscopic delivery system coupled with a scaffold comprised of natural extracellular matrix components.

"LMSCs display efficient retention in the lung when delivered endobronchially and have regenerative capacity through expression of basement membrane proteins and growth factors," explained Dr. Ingenito.

However, despite the use of autologous cells, only a fraction of the LMSCs delivered to the lungs alveolar compartment appeared to engraft. Cell death likely occurred because of the failure of LMSCs to home to and bind within their niche, perhaps because the niche was modified by inflammation or fibrosis. These cells are attachment-dependent and failure to attach results in cell death."

Their findings did suggest, however, that LMSCs were capable of contributing to lung remodeling leading to documented functional improvement rather than scarring 28 days post transplantation.

Here is the original post:
Cell transplantation of lung stem cells has beneficial impact for emphysema

Second opinion avoids unneeded major surgery

Posted on by

Ginny Hillis says when mixedup pathology reports indicated breast cancer, she avoided unnecessary surgery by Dr. Barbara Heartwell by fighting for a second opinion.

"You have to be your own advocate, you can't be passive when you get a catastrophic diagnosis," the 66-year-old retired lawyer stressed as she recounted her experience in 1995, years before the high-profile cases in which Heartwell performed surgery on local women - two breast removals and a lumpectomy - for breast cancer they didn't have.

Hillis said the most recent case that came to light last month, of a woman receiving an unnecessary lumpectomy because of a mistake by a pathologist at Windsor Regional Hospital, reconfirms her belief: "I know it isn't easy but get a second opinion."

Hillis said that in her case there were two pathology reports, a preliminary study of the tissue sample taken from her breast that indicated cancer and a more detailed report that said she was cancer-free.

But the sequence of those reports was switched, so it appeared the more detailed report concluded she had breast cancer, she said. Heartwell was recommending an axillary lymph node dissection to find out if the cancer had spread beyond the breast, Hillis said.

She claims that Heartwell discouraged a second opinion.

Hillis said Heartwell is "a very talented surgeon.

"It was a pathology error. But my problem with (Heartwell) was the outright flat denial that I needed a second opinion."

Through Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital spokesman Steve Erwin, Heartwell's lawyer Andrea Plumb stated that Heartwell denies blocking Hillis's access to a second opinion.

Plumb said Heartwell advised Hillis to contact the hospital's pathology department directly with her request and that the department stood by its results.

Here is the original post:
Second opinion avoids unneeded major surgery

Vegetarian diet provides good nutrition, health benefits, study finds

Posted on by

A vegetarian diet provides adequate nutrition to adults and children and can also reduce health problems, an Australian study has found.

The scientific research review, "Is a vegetarian diet adequate?" published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday, puts to rest the long-held belief a vegetarian diet lacks sufficient protein and iron, The Advertiser reported.

The study found those who adopted a vegetarian diet are receiving adequate levels of protein, iron and zinc, and are less likely to suffer from heart disease, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said there were no significant health differences in babies born to vegetarian mothers and no noticeable differences in the growth of vegetarian children compared to children who consumed meat as part of their diet.

Although vegetarians who do not eat fish may be receiving less Omega 3 fatty acids than considered desirable, vegetarians do not exhibit signs of clinical deficiency.

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 were noted in vegans -- vegetarians who shun any animal based product including milk and eggs -- and as B12 is required to help make red blood cells and to keep nerves functioning, the study recommends they either take a daily supplement or eat more B12-fortified foods.

Stanton said the average meat-eating Australian consumes significantly more protein than required, and the study almost certainly proves it is not necessary to eat meat daily.

"Not everyone needs or wants to become vegetarian, but eating more plant-based meals is a good recipe for our own health and that of the planet," Stanton said.

Click for more from Adelaide Now.

See the original post:
Vegetarian diet provides good nutrition, health benefits, study finds

Sandwich schools celebrate longevity

Posted on by

SANDWICH On May 24, the Sandwich Board of Education honored faculty and staff members throughout the district who have served the students, parents and community of Sandwich for at least 10 years.

The SHS student council was instrumental in the planning and set-up of the program and the SHS jazz band provided entertainment.

Superintendent Rick Schmitt welcomed those in attendance and said, This is a perfect time to recognize and show appreciation for the many years of dedicated service the staff has provided to the Sandwich learning community as tonight, we are honoring 41 members of our professional team who collectively have accumulated over 600 years of service toward teaching and learning.

Retention of great employees is beautiful to any organization, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate longevity, Schmitt said.

During the program, the following staff members were presented service awards:

10 years Amy Barone, SHS English; Amy Blocker, WWW library; Rebecca Bonneau, SMS special needs; Linda Bright, HED fifth grade; Jeri Crawley, SMS life skills; Jamie Duvick, SMS language arts; Janet Hansen, bilingual TA; Marie Jewell, transportation aide; Bobbie Johnson, district sub caller; Stacy Johnson, elementary music; Marisa Kafka, SHS health; Connie Kaufmann, district nurse; William Kolb, LGH custodian; Tina Lavery, SHS special needs; George McCuistion, SHS industrial arts; Barb McGregory, HED art; April Nelle, SMS special needs; Lynn Schaaf, HED fifth grade; Sheri Schroeder, WWW head secretary; Shane Smart, HED fifth grade; David Steimel, PV third grade; and Mark Werthmann, SMS special needs.

15 years Terri Clemmons, HED gifted education; Ronnie Crane, PV reading; Kathy Greif, SHS TA; Deb Heilemeier, SHS English; Lana Kurtz, WWW second grade; and Marcia Mall, SHS TA.

20 years Sandi Curtin, elementary PE aide; Dennis McAnally, SHS science; and Rick Schmitt, superintendent of schools.

25 years JoAnn Beckwell, SMS art and Cindy Fraser, LGH special needs.

30 years Lon Gerrish, SHS dean of students.

See more here:
Sandwich schools celebrate longevity

DNA testing for knife that killed Naperville teacher

Posted on by

Article posted: 6/4/2012 12:27 PM

Daniel J. Olaska

Shaun Wild

Willie Hayes

The knife that prosecutors say killed schoolteacher Shaun Wild and injured two other men inside a Naperville nightclub can be tested for DNA, a judge ruled Monday.

DuPage County prosecutors said two bloodstains were found on the 5-inch blade seized by police after the Feb. 4 stabbings at Frankies Blue Room. DNA testing likely will destroy the stains and prevent further analysis, they said.

Defense attorney Brian Telander, who represents murder suspect Daniel Olaska of Naperville, did not object to the request, saying it isnt relevant to the issues in the case.

This isnt a whodunit, Telander said. Its a whydunit.

Prosecutors say security footage from several angles showed Olaska, 28, fatally stab Wild, 24, during a confrontation that allegedly began when another man, North Central College student and football player Willie Hayes, teased Olaska about drinking beer from a wineglass.

Prosecutors said Olaska stabbed Hayes in the chest, then stabbed Wild in the heart as the teacher tried to intervene. Olaska also is accused of stabbing bouncer Rafael Castaneda, who was injured holding the suspect until police arrived.

Read this article:
DNA testing for knife that killed Naperville teacher

Posted in DNA

Binghamton University S3IP Center and Applied DNA Sciences Partner on DNA Authenticity Technologies for Microelectronics

Posted on by

BINGHAMTON, NY and STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire -06/04/12)- The New York State Center of Excellence in Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging at Binghamton University (S3IP), New York, and Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding calling for collaboration on microelectronics research and commercialization, and other projects. The two organizations aim to embark on various projects, including further advancements in Applied DNA Sciences' forensic authentication and security technologies.

The partnership capitalizes on the skilled staff and advanced facilities at S3IP, combined with the technology, business experience and product lines of APDN. It comes at a time when the defense industry is searching for new ways to battle the increasing number of counterfeit electronics that have flooded both consumer and the military markets. The partners will aim to commercialize the resulting applications, with the potential to impact the estimated $3.1 billion annual flow of semiconductors to the U.S. military(1) and a global commercial market in semiconductors valued well in excess of $300 billion.

The new partnership was welcomed by United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who said, "New York is poised to lead in the high-tech economy of the future. When we partner our world class universities and research laboratories with cutting-edge businesses like S3IP in Binghamton and Applied DNA Sciences on Long Island, we can spark new innovation with the power to protect our defense technology, keep our country safe, and attract new businesses and new jobs to help grow our economy."

APDN, a leading security and authentication firm based in Long island, NY, and S3IP, which focuses on research and development in small scale systems, envisage accelerating APDN's commercial applications, filing new grant proposals, and advancing new research. The partners will develop a joint research program to develop new and ways to embed and authenticate DNA on various substrates. The advances are aimed at extending the company's botanically derived DNA technology to new verticals and to future needs. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, whose office is located at Binghamton University Office of Sponsored Programs, and by APDN, the partners will aim to scale up new methods for SigNature DNA incorporation into and onto a variety of materials.

The program may also involve testing of marked packaging of microchips in coordination with APDN partners, and explore advances in rapid reading solutions for screening chips in varying scenarios.

"S3IP works in partnership with government, academia and industry to enable new electronics applications for energy, healthcare, telecommunications and consumer applications, and defense industries," said Bahgat Sammakia, interim vice president for research, and director of S3IP at Binghamton University. "We are excited about this partnership with Applied DNA Sciences, which will enable new research opportunities for our faculty, staff and students. This program is just one example of the benefits of working in collaboration with industry, the results of which will bridge our expertise in biotechnology and information technology to enable new opportunities for ensuring the security of our nation's electronic systems."

Said Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, "Our collaboration with Binghamton University extends our commitments to collaborative research with NYS universities, including our current work with Stony Brook University, and the College of Nanotechnology Science and Engineering at the University of Albany. Combined with Long Island's heritage in DNA science and in the defense industry, we could not be in a better strategic location to extend our biotechnologies for microelectronics."

About The New York State Center of Excellence in Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging at Binghamton University (S3IP)

The Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging (S3IP) Center is an academic research organization that enables new electronic applications and devices to improve the way people live and interact with their environment. The Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC), which a component of S3IP, is a New York State Center for Advanced Technology and is focused on electronic packaging.

Located at Binghamton University, these centers bring together partners from government, industry and academia to provide opportunities for collaborations that will advance microelectronics research and development. S3IP was designated as a New York State Center of Excellence in 2006.

See more here:
Binghamton University S3IP Center and Applied DNA Sciences Partner on DNA Authenticity Technologies for Microelectronics

Posted in DNA

DNA tests ordered on knife in stabbing death of Naperville teacher

Posted on by

BY DAN ROZEK Staff Reporter drozek@suntimes.com June 4, 2012 11:46AM

Daniel Olaska

storyidforme: 31566953 tmspicid: 9212450 fileheaderid: 4208563

DNA testing can be done on two blood stains found on the knife authorities allege Daniel Olaska used to kill Naperville school teacher Shaun Wild, a DuPage County judge ruled Monday.

Prosecutors sought the genetic testing on the 5-inch-long folding knife to confirm it was the weapon used to kill Wild and wound two other men during a deadly Feb. 4 clash in a Naperville nightclub.

Judge Kathryn Creswell agreed to allow the testing after Olaska didnt object to testing the weapon, which was found by police in Frankies Blue Room after the late-night stabbings.

The DNA testing isnt crucial because security cameras captured the stabbings, which also were witnessed by other nightclub patrons, defense attorney Brian Telander said.

I dont think the results will be relevant. Its not a who-dunit, said Telander, who has hinted he will argue the stabbings occurred in self-defense during an altercation.

Olaska, 27, is charged with fatally stabbing the 24-year-old Wild, as well as wounding Wilds friend, 22-year-old William Hayes, and bar bouncer Rafael Castenada.

Olaska was arrested as he tried to leave the bar with other clubgoers after the 12:45 a.m. stabbings.

The rest is here:
DNA tests ordered on knife in stabbing death of Naperville teacher

Posted in DNA

A Startup Uses the Cloud to Unravel DNA

Posted on by

DNA analyst: Andreas Sundquist cofounded DNAnexus, a company that uses cloud computing to analyze sequenced DNA. Technology Review

DNAnexus thinks cloud computing can help analyze sequenced DNA and push personalized medicine forward.

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, a string of technological advances have made it faster and cheaper to sequence a human genome. But there's still a big problem: what do you do with all that data once you've unraveled it?

For Andreas Sundquist, the answer is to send it to the cloud. Sundquist is the CEO and cofounder of DNAnexus, a software startup that positions itself between DNA sequencing facilities and those who need to manage, and glean information from, sequenced genomesincluding academic researchers, doctors, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

"The more and more data you produce faster and cheaper, the more the bottleneckwhich used to be the DNA sequencing itselfis actually now the data management," he says.

Sundquist sees his company as an instant online genomics center, offering clients immediate access to vast stores of DNA data and to analysis tools so they can make sense of it alland potentially come up with better treatments for cancer and genetic diseases, as well as identify genetic links to diseases like autism and alcoholism.

Here's how it works: Your lab's data is uploaded to DNAnexus through a Web browser or sent via a DNA-sequencing machine connected to the Internet. It then sits in your cloud-based account (the company uses Amazon's and Google's cloud services). You log in to the account on your computer to see the data and use DNAnexus's tools to analyze it.

Eventually, Sundquist hopes DNAnexus will bring together lots of different genetic databases (which for now tend to exist on their own, without being linked to others), aiding research efforts, drug discoveries, and the creation of drug-targeting diagnostic tests.

And Sundquist expects the market for Mountain View, California-based DNAnexus's services will grow dramatically. He estimates that about 20,000 full genomes have already been sequenced worldwide, and predicts this will rise to a million in several years as the price and time required continue to fall (right now, he estimates the process takes about a day and costs roughly $4,000). All that data will amount to more than an exabyte of dataone billion gigabytesand hundreds of thousands of central processing units will be needed to analyze it all, he estimates.

DNAnexus isn't the only company betting on this growth. David Dooling, assistant director of the Genome Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, points out that several other companies are offering cloud-based DNA analysis services, too, including Illumina.

More:
A Startup Uses the Cloud to Unravel DNA

Posted in DNA

Shape-shifting shell: Structure of a retrovirus at a potentially vulnerable stage

Posted on by

As a retrovirus matures, the two parts of its shell protein (red and blue or yellow and blue) dramatically rearrange themselves, twisting and moving away from each other. Credit: EMBL/T.Bharat

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, have for the first time uncovered the detailed structure of the shell that surrounds the genetic material of retroviruses, such as HIV, at a crucial and potentially vulnerable stage in their life cycle: when they are still being formed. The study, published online today in Nature, provides information on a part of the virus that may be a potential future drug target.

Retroviruses essentially consist of genetic material encased in a protein shell, which is in turn surrounded by a membrane. After entering a target cell in the case of HIV, one of the cells in our immune system the virus replicates, producing more copies of itself, each of which has to be assembled from a medley of viral and cellular components into an immature virus. "All the necessary components are brought together within the host cell to form the immature virus, which then has to mature into a particle that's able to infect other cells" says John Briggs, who led the research at EMBL. "We found that when it does, the changes to the virus' shell are more dramatic than expected."

Enlarge

The role and shape of the protein shell (blue/orange) changes from the immature (top) to the mature form of the virus (bottom). Credit: EMBL/T.Bharat

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

As a retrovirus matures, the two parts of its shell protein (red and blue or yellow and blue) dramatically rearrange themselves, twisting and moving away from each other. Credit: EMBL/T.Bharat

Although the virus shells imaged in this study were derived from the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus and made artificially in the laboratory, they closely resemble those of both this virus and HIV which are very similar in their natural forms.

"We still need a lot more detailed information before drug design can really be contemplated," Briggs concludes, "but finally being able to compare mature and immature structures is a step forwards."

Journal reference: Nature

Link:
Shape-shifting shell: Structure of a retrovirus at a potentially vulnerable stage

Powerful new tool for research and drug development

Posted on by

ScienceDaily (June 4, 2012) A University of Saskatchewan research team led by Tony Kusalik and Scott Napper have harnessed bioinformatics and molecular biology to create powerful software that promises to become a "must have" tool in drug development research labs the world over.

The software is used to analyze kinases -- a type of enzyme involved in virtually every cellular function, from energy use and reproduction to modifying gene expression. Licensing of the patented technology is currently underway, and a demonstration of its effectiveness recently appeared in the journal Science Signalling.

"This is a premiere example of what can be achieved through interdisciplinary and collaborative research," says Kusalik, a professor in the computer science department.

Kinases are often involved in cellular functions that go awry, such as when pathogens such viruses or bacteria "hijack" a cell's functions for their own purposes. Pathogens also have kinases of their own.

"Kinases have a central role in controlling cellular processes and are associated with many diseases. They're logical points for understanding biology and represent important treatment targets," says Napper, an associate professor of biochemistry with the U of S and senior scientist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac).

The standard lab tool in kinase research is the microarray, which allows researchers to analyze many different kinases within a sample simultaneously. A microarray looks like a standard microscope slide with rows of spots, each spot representing a different molecular test.

"With older methods, it was like having a little flashlight in a cave -- you can see, but it doesn't tell you all that is there," Napper says. "These arrays give you the whole picture -- but you end up with absolutely mountains of data."

The problem for Napper and fellow VIDO-InterVac senior scientist Philip Griebel was that the mountains of data were making no sense. Griebel is also a faculty member with the U of S School of Public Health.

"They knew there were problems with the methodology they were following, because the results 'weren't working out,' but they didn't have sufficient expertise in bioinformatics to come up with an alternate method. That's where we came in," Kusalik says.

Kusalik is an expert in bioinformatics, which is the application of computers and information technology to biology and medicine. One well-known application of bioinformatics is DNA sequencing, including the Human Genome Project.

See more here:
Powerful new tool for research and drug development

'Synthetic Biology for the Next Generation'

Posted on by

Public release date: 4-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Molly Galvin news@nas.edu 202-334-2138 National Academy of Sciences

At this National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering symposium, stakeholders will examine the tools, platforms, and infrastructure needed for continued advances in synthetic biology; political and social strategies to pursue these advances; and research applications in key areas. The symposium is the final of a three-part series organized in conjunction with the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Chinese Academies of Sciences and Engineering. It will take place on June 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT in the auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W.

###

Those who cannot attend may watch a live webcast at http://www.national-academies.org. For a complete agenda or to register, visit http://www.nationalacademies.org/stl.

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Follow this link:
'Synthetic Biology for the Next Generation'

Lando & Anastasi, LLP Expands Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical and Electrical/Computer Patent Teams

Posted on by

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

Lando and Anastasi, LLP (L&A) today announced that Julie Gottselig, Dominic Yee, and Austin Kim have joined the firm.

The Cambridge-based intellectual property law firm, one of the largest IP firms in New England, continues its steady growth in response to strong client demand for high quality and responsive intellectual property legal services. The L&A biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice will expand with the addition of Julie Gottselig and Dominic Yee; and Austin Kim will join the firms electrical and computer science practice.

Julie Gottselig is an Associate at L&A. She focuses her practice on patent prosecution and counseling in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, biochemistry, medical devices, and related fields. Prior to joining L&A, she was an Associate at McCarter & English, LLP in Boston. Julie is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Julie graduated from New England School of Law, summa cum laude, where she was the valedictorian of her class and recipient of the Dean Arthur W. MacLean Award for academic excellence. She received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa; she completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Womens Hospital; and she was a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Zurich. Julie received her B.A. in Psychology from Colorado College. Prior to entering intellectual property law, Julie authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific research articles published in leading journals, and has received several research awards, including postdoctoral fellowship awards from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Dominic Yee is a Technology Specialist at L&A, and focuses his practice on patent prosecution, diligence and counseling in the areas of areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry.

Dominic received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University, and he completed his post-doctoral fellowship with Nobel laureate Roger Tsien at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at University of California San Diego (UCSD). Dominic received his B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, magna cum laude, from UCSD. He attends Suffolk University Law School. Prior to entering intellectual property law, Dominic was a Scientist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where he worked on solid dosage form development and drug delivery technologies.

We are excited that Julie and Dominic have joined the life sciences team at L&A, and welcome the technological expertise they bring to both the biological and chemical aspects of our practice, commented Louis Myers, a Partner at the firm.

Austin Kim is an Associate at L&A. He focuses his practice on patent prosecution in the areas of computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and medical devices. Prior to joining L&A, he was an Associate at Fish & Richardson in Boston. Austin is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Austin graduated from Boston College Law School. He received an M.Eng. and S.B. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Link:
Lando & Anastasi, LLP Expands Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical and Electrical/Computer Patent Teams

'Grey's' Shonda Rhimes gets GLAAD award

Posted on by

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes. (UPI Photo/ Phil McCarten)

License photo

SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (UPI) -- "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes, was honored at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards in San Francisco, the organization said.

GLAAD held the third installment of its 23rd annual Media Awards Saturday at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, recognizing and honoring "media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives," the organization said in a news release.

Actors Kerry Washington, Guillermo Diaz and Katie Lowes presented Rhimes with the Golden Gate Award, which is given to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.

"I think that love is universal. And I think in telling LGBT stories, I'm telling everyone's story. Love is, in fact, universal, right? I want my daughters to grow up in a world in which there is more love than hate," Rhimes said in her acceptance speech. "I'm going to do my best in the future to deserve the honor that's bestowed on me and make GLAAD proud."

Other award-winners included Wells Fargo for the Corporate Leader Award, Facebook for the Special Recognition Award, "Grey's Anatomy" for Outstanding Drama Series and "Days of Our Lives" for Outstanding Daily Drama, the release said. The award for Outstanding Digital Journalism Article went to Max J. Rosenthal of the Huntington Post for "Adam and Pete: Love in a Time of War."

Saturday's event in San Francisco wrapped up GLAAD's three-part Media Awards. Earlier ceremonies were held in New York City in March and Los Angeles in April.

More here:
'Grey's' Shonda Rhimes gets GLAAD award

Chyler Leigh: I Chose to Leave Grey's Anatomy

Posted on by

Viewers may not have seen Lexie's grisly Grey's Anatomy death coming, but actress Chyler Leigh says her exit from the series was a while in the making.

In fact, once Leigh made the decision to part ways with the series, she was able to work with Grey's creator Shonda Rhimes to wrap up Lexie's five-and-a-half years on the show in a manner she deemed appropriate.

PHOTOS: TV bombshells

"Earlier this year, I made the decision that Season Eight would be my last on Grey's Anatomy. I met with Shonda and we worked together to give Lexie's story appropriate closure," Leigh, 30, tells TVLine.com in a new statement, two weeks after her character perished in a plane crash on the show's season finale.

PHOTOS: Grey's most memorable moments

Remaining tight-lipped on her future TV plans, Leigh expressed appreciation to the fans who supported her during her years on the ABC medical drama. "My experience on Grey's Anatomy is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life," her statement continued. "I want to take this time to say thank you to the fans. Your unconditional love and support have made these last five years very special for me. I look forward to my next chapter and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey."

Fans weren't the only ones feeling the sting of Leigh's exit, which came at the same time Kim Raver's Teddy left Seattle Grace.

VIDEO: How the Grey's cast kills time on set

Rhimes explained via Twitter after the May 17 finale that killing off Lexie "was not an easy decision. But it was a decision that Chyler and I came to together. We had a lot of thoughtful discussion about it and ultimately we both decided this was the right time for her character's journey to end."

Tell Us: Do you feel better about Lexie's death knowing Chyler Leigh wanted to leave?

Go here to read the rest:
Chyler Leigh: I Chose to Leave Grey's Anatomy

Paragliding in South America! The ULTIMATE Way to Tour the World! 1-800-707-2525 – Video

Posted on by

02-06-2012 12:16 This specific beach was in Lima Peru. There aren't many paragliders in Peru, so you can imagine people's reaction to seeing one up close. Talk about an amazing way to explore another country. You get to see so much more than driving around or walking. It's the greatest freedom! If you have plans to travel abroad, take us with you! It's actually quite easy to bring a glider, some gear, or even a Flat Top Paramotor to other countries. You can see SUPERDELL doing just that in the Bahamas video previously uploaded. If you have any questions or are ready to begin your next great adventure, call 1-800-707-2525, or visit us on the web at

Visit link:

Paragliding in South America! The ULTIMATE Way to Tour the World! 1-800-707-2525 - Video

Robb Report picks world's best luxury travel experiences

Posted on by

Want to go where the elite go, where the rich and fabulous hide out and where the lavish bath in luxury amenities? Luxury lifestyle magazine, Robb Report, recently published its "Best of the Best" issue naming the best hotels, resorts, spas, golf courses and vacation homes in the world.

Whether sipping cocktails at the highest bar in the world in Hong Kong or putting on the green at the best golf course in Hawaii, these experiences will undoubtedly last a lifetime. And isn't that what travel is all about: the experience.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong Premier Executive Suite living room

Here are the top winners from Robb Report:

Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The hotel still holds the title of the "highest hotel in the world" and isn't afraid to boast it. The swimming pool, fitness center, and bar on the 118th floor of the hotel provide guests with the best views of Hong Kong and the islands. But it's more than just the views that capture the hearts of travelers. Ritz-Carlton is consistently rated top in customer service and performance, and the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is no exception.

Resorts: Ballyfin, Ireland. Located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Ireland, just under two hours driving from both Dublin and Shannon airports, Ballyfin is an exclusive luxury 5 star hotel steeped in history and seeping with romance.

Spas: The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The spa at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is the ultimate escape. After your massage, facial, body treatment, pedicure, manicure or all of the above, enjoy the views of London from the spa's 10th-floor rooftop retreat.

The Golf Course at Kukuiula, Hawaii

Golf Courses: The Golf Course at Kukuiula, Hawaii: Kukuiula golf course is the only private golf club on Kauai, making it an exclusive retreat for those who buy in. The 18-hole course was designed by Tom Weiskopf, and runs through 216 acres orchards, gardens, and ocean views.

Vacation Homes: One Sandy Lane, Barbados: Sandy Lane is set in Barbados overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and shelters by mahogany trees and the cool breeze of the Caribbean ocean. Vacation home owners have access to golf, gourmet dining, a spa, sports facilities and all the luxury amenities one would expect from a five-star resort.

Go here to read the rest:

Robb Report picks world's best luxury travel experiences