Monthly Archives: June 2012

UK Aerospace Parts Supplier, J.J. Churchill Ltd., Signs Agreement for Services in Mexico with The Offshore Group

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TUCSON, Ariz., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tucson, Arizona-based Offshore Group recently announced that it has entered into a long term relationship for the provision of outsourced manufacturing support, or "shelter," services in Mexico with UK-based manufacturer, J.J. Churchill, Ltd. The British firm will install production capacity in 38,500 square feet of manufacturing space within the confines of The Offshore Group's Roca Fuerte Industrial Park in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. The term of the contract between the two parties is for ten years. J.J. Churchill Ltd. expects to employ a workforce of forty at the project's maturity.

According to Andrew Churchill, Managing Director of J.J. Churchill, "We embark on our new relationship in Mexico with The Offshore Group with a great sense of optimism. Our facility in Guaymas, Sonora will geographically position us to serve our North American customers, as well as the North American market as a whole, in both a time and cost-effective manner. The experience that The Offshore Group has with other aerospace manufacturers with profiles that are akin to ours only serves to fortify our expectations of similarly positive results."

J.J. Churchill was founded in 1937, and is based at Market Bosworth in the UK Midlands. The company has continued to develop expertise in four principal markets: Aerospace, Defense, Industrial and Powergen. As a first-tier precision, sub-contract machinist for 'blue-chip' OEMs, the company works together with its customers to develop, test and assemble as a preferred supplier on long-term projects.

The Offshore Group is the largest provider of outsourced business support, "shelter" services in Mexico. Currently 61 businesses operate at The Offshore Group's three Mexico manufacturing industrial parks in the State of Sonora, the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, and at the Group's Vangtel subsidiary in Hermosillo, Sonora. Vangtel offers Mexico shelter services to companies that occupy the call center, IT development and BPO markets, while the International Logistic Solutions Company (ILS) is a leading provider of supply chain services. The Offshore Group has recently initiated operations in Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara. Sign up to receive Offshore Group RSS Feeds.

Website: http://www.offshoregroup.com

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

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UK Aerospace Parts Supplier, J.J. Churchill Ltd., Signs Agreement for Services in Mexico with The Offshore Group

Research and Markets: Hungary Neurology Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to 2018

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/w46qxh/hungary_neurology) has announced the addition of Global Markets Direct's new report "Hungary Neurology Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to 2018" to their offering.

Hungary Neurology Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to 2018, a new report by Global Markets Direct, provides key market data on the Hungary Neurology Devices market. The report provides value (USD million), volume (units) and average price (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment within five market categories - CSF Management, Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Neurosurgical Products. The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of the aforementioned market categories. The report is supplemented with global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants with information on key recent developments.

Scope

- Market size and company share data for Neurology Devices market categories - CSF Management, Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Neurosurgical Products.

- Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average price (USD) data for each of the segments and sub-segments within five market categories. Data from 2004 to 2011, forecast forward for 7 years to 2018.

- 2011 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the six market categories.

- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Hungary Neurology Devices market.

Reasons to buy

- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market categories and segments poised for strong growth.

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Research and Markets: Hungary Neurology Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to 2018

Research and Markets: Government Initiative and High R&D Activities Drive the Nanotechnology Market in India

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8fdtv9/nanotechnology_mar) has announced the addition of the "Nanotechnology Market in India 2012" report to their offering.

Nanotechnology refers the applied part of nano science including the engineering to control, manipulate and structure the matter at an unimaginably small scale. Nanotechnology is still in a developing phase in India. With growing awareness and large amount of research and development dedicated towards Nanotechnology, the future seems bright for the same in the country. Possibilities with Nanotechnology applications are unlimited. Modification or alteration at the molecular level of an object can lead not only to superior quality, strength, and mobility but also invention of newer elements which could not be created earlier.

The report begins with Introduction' section covering overview of Nanotechnology which provides basic idea of the technology and brief details regarding the progress or advancement of the technology. The section also contains Nanotechnology value chain.

The Nanotechnology Overview' section elaborates global & domestic market state of Nanotechnology. It is accompanied by a plethora of qualitative and statistical information regarding the state of nanotech in major continents and countries including India, such as funding, specific focus areas and other related information. Also major Indian companies already utilizing Nanotech has been mentioned in the section along with major ongoing Nanotechnology research subjects. A lot of time and money is being invested to understand the basic and synthesized properties of various Nanomaterials for proper utilization in various fields and areas in the industries.

It is followed by Drivers & Challenges' section elaborating the major furtherance & impediments for Nanotechnology sector in India market in India. Both the drivers' and 'challenges' are equally stressed upon to provide clear idea regarding the probable obstacles and rewards in the line of business and help vendors take necessary measures. High costs of Nanomaterials followed by dearth of skilled manpower are the major challenges Nanotechnology sector faces in India. With the large number of investment coming in and academic courses being offered specific to Nanotech, the challenges can be overcome.

Companies Mentioned

- MP3S Nanotechnology

- Nanobio Chemicals India

- Reinste Nano Ventures

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Research and Markets: Government Initiative and High R&D Activities Drive the Nanotechnology Market in India

International Nanomedicine Conference bound for Sydney: July 2-4, 2012

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Public release date: 19-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Myles Gough myles.gough@unsw.edu.au 61-029-385-1933 University of New South Wales

With advances in nanotechnology, the future of medicine is taking shape on the nano-scale and making possible healthcare solutions once confined to the realm of science fiction.

From microscopic robots that could soon be swimming around our bloodstream repairing cells and diagnosing diseases, to drugs with improved therapeutic properties that can selectively target affected regions of the body with cellular precision without damaging surrounding tissue.

The Australian Centre for Nanomedicine at the University of New South Wales is at the forefront of this exciting new discipline and will host the third International Nanomedicine Conference from 2 4 July in Sydney.

The conference will bring together world-leading academics and clinicians to highlight important research into targeted drug delivery systems, diagnostics and imaging, and regenerative medicine, all enabled by nanomedicine.

One nanometre is equivalent to one-billionth of a metre and is roughly 60,000 times thinner than a human hair, or the size of a single strand of DNA.

By exploiting the novel biological, chemical and physical properties of materials at this scale, researchers can build devices and systems that improve disease detection and develop more effective therapies.

The Australian Centre for Nanomedicine at UNSW, which crosses medicine, science and engineering, is investigating strategies to better diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Keynote speakers include:

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International Nanomedicine Conference bound for Sydney: July 2-4, 2012

UMMS researcher Victor Ambros, Ph.D., named co-recipient of 2012 Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

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Public release date: 19-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Fessenden james.fessenden@umassmed.edu 508-856-2000 University of Massachusetts Medical School

WORCESTER, MA Longtime collaborators Victor R. Ambros, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) and Gary B. Ruvkun, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, were awarded the 2012 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research today by Johnson & Johnson for their co-discovery of microRNA, tiny molecules that are now understood to play a powerful role in gene expression and regulation. The award was announced during an event at the Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention in Boston.

The award was created by Johnson & Johnson to honor the legacy of one of the most passionate, creative and productive scientists of the 20th century, Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003). The legacy of Dr. Paul as he was known in the scientific community continues to inspire the company's commitment to developing innovative solutions for unmet medical needs. Dr. Paul's work led to breakthroughs in several fields, including pain management, psychiatry, infectious disease and gastroenterology. Four of the drugs discovered by Dr. Paul and his team remain on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.

This is the second time in six years that a UMass Medical School scientist has been recognized by the Janssen Award selection committee. UMass Medical School professor Craig C. Mello won the inaugural Janssen Award in 2006.

"Victor is one of the great pioneers of microRNAi and an integral member of an exceptional community of RNA researchers here at UMass Medical School. Together, these faculty are advancing the world's understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and furthering the field of biomedical sciences," said Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD. "We are delighted to see Victor recognized with this remarkable award from his colleagues and fellow scientists."

"Victor's pioneering discovery of microRNA occurred at a time when the field was not mentally prepared to understand its full significance. We now know that microRNAs have key functions in a variety of human diseases, ranging from hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol) to cancer," said Terence R. Flotte, MD, executive deputy chancellor, provost, and dean of the School of Medicine.

Since the discovery of microRNAs in 1993, these regulatory molecules have been implicated in a wide range of both normal and pathological activities including embryonic development, blood-cell specialization, muscle function, heart disease and viral infections. Their discovery has opened new fields of research and has implications for the development of new therapeutic treatments and diagnostic tools.

Working independently, Dr. Ambros and Dr. Ruvkun led the groups that identified the first microRNA and the first microRNA target. Dr. Ambros' lab yielded the discovery of the first microRNA and Dr. Ruvkun's lab identified how that microRNA regulates its target messenger. Working together, they demonstrated that the microRNA inactivates its target through direct, base-pairing interactions. MicroRNAs have been linked to cancer and identified as regulators of numerous other developmental events in both plants and animals. As a result of this discovery, researchers are now exploring microRNAs for use in diagnosis and prognosis as well as potential therapies.

"We are honored to join the distinguished list of past awardees of the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research," said Ambros, the Silverman Chair in Natural Sciences and professor in the Program in Molecular Medicine at UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA. "It is a testament to the wisdom of private and government patrons that fundamental research such as ours was supported over the years, and that it is paying off in new understanding of disease processesand possibly in cures for patients."

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UMMS researcher Victor Ambros, Ph.D., named co-recipient of 2012 Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Five Questions for Dr. Michael Wayne

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Who are you?

Dr. Michael Wayne of Saratoga Healing Arts. We practice acupuncture, Chinese medicine and integrative medicine.

How did you get into this field?

Well, I became interested when I started taking Asian philosophy classes at SUNY New Paltz. Then I went to an acupuncture school in San Diego.

Why did you decide to move from San Diego to Saratoga?

Thats a good question. I grew up in Brooklyn, so I guess I needed the cold weather ... well, Im being sarcastic when I say that, of course. But its so nice here. Business is great. Ill definitely stay around.

How long have you been in business?

Its been almost six years now wow. People seem to always be coming in for treatments. Over the past few years theres been an increased interest in acupuncture and other medicine. Theres been a recent awareness of all of the health benefits associated with what we do.

Do you yourself believe in the health benefits of acupuncture?

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Five Questions for Dr. Michael Wayne

Research and Markets: Analytical Methods in Supramolecular Chemistry, Second, Completely Revised and Enlarged Edition …

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/x554w7/analytical_methods) has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "Analytical Methods in Supramolecular Chemistry, Second, Completely Revised and Enlarged Edition, 2 Volume Set" to their offering.

The second edition of "Analytical Methods in Supramolecular Chemistry" comes in two volumes and covers a broad range of modern methods and techniques now used for investigating supramolecular systems, e.g. NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, extraction methods, crystallography, single molecule spectroscopy, electrochemisty, and many more. In this second edition, tutorial inserts have been introduced, making the book also suitable as supplementary reading for courses on supramolecular chemistry. All chapters have been revised and updated and four new chapters have been added.

A must-have handbook for Organic and Analytical Chemists, Spectroscopists, Materials Scientists, and Ph.D. Students in Chemistry.

From reviews of the first edition:

"This timely book should have its place in laboratories dealing with supramolecular objects. It will be a source of reference for graduate students and more experienced researchers and could induce new ideas on the use of techniques other than those usually used in the laboratory." Journal of the American Chemical Society (2008) VOL. 130, NO. 1 doi: 10.1021/ja0769649

Key Topics Covered:

Preface

List of Contributors

1 Introduction

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Research and Markets: Analytical Methods in Supramolecular Chemistry, Second, Completely Revised and Enlarged Edition ...

The State of the Global Economy Takes Center Stage During 2012 BIO International Convention Keynote Address

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization today hosted two former Secretaries of the U.S. Treasury, Robert E. Rubin and Henry M. Paulson, Jr., during a luncheon keynote session where they discussed the current state and future prospects of the global economy.

The event held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was a part of the 2012 BIO International Convention the worlds largest biotechnology event, which is expected to attract more than 15,500 attendees from 48 states and 65 countries. BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood moderated the discussion, tackling vital issues such as the present global economic trials facing the European sovereign debt crisis, the need to balance austerity and growth, and how such challenges and public policy reactions will affect biotechnology innovation and investment in the coming years.

Global economic developments impact all facets of the biotechnology sector, from startups seeking the next funding round to the largest multinational planning its growth strategy for the years to come. Small- and medium-sized biotech companies also continue to face challenges in accessing the necessary capital required to bring their innovative cures, breakthrough medicines, cleaner fuels and more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture technologies to market.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

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The State of the Global Economy Takes Center Stage During 2012 BIO International Convention Keynote Address

Agile Therapeutics to Present at Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention

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PRINCETON, NJ--(Marketwire -06/19/12)- Agile Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing more convenient women's contraceptive products, announced today that Al Altomari, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention's Business Forum. The event will be taking place June 18-21, 2012 in Boston.

Mr. Altomari will be speaking at the Business Forum at 9:45 am ET on June 20. His presentation will provide a company update on Agile and a commercialization overview as Agile prepares for its first commercial launch and enters the contraceptive market with AG200-15, a once-weekly, low-dose contraceptive patch. Agile recently filed the NDA for AG200-15, and anticipates a response in 1Q 2013.

"I am excited about this opportunity to discuss our strategies for commercialization and growth at this key industry event," said Mr. Altomari. "In support of the anticipated approval and launch of our lead product, AG200-15, we are planning to use the most effective strategies to successfully enter the competitive contraceptive market and respond to a need for more convenient contraceptive choices."

About AG200-15AG200-15 is a combination hormonal contraceptive patch, which in clinical studies has been shown to deliver a low dose of ethinyl estradiol, as well as a dose of levonorgestrel that is consistent with the efficacy and safety profile of low-dose oral contraceptives. The phase III trials for AG200-15 enrolled more than 2,000 women and formed the basis for the Company's application to the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012.

The AG200-15 patch is applied once weekly for three weeks, followed by a fourth, patch-free week. The patch may be applied to the abdomen, buttocks, or upper torso, is soft and flexible with a cloth-like, silky feel, and designed to provide excellent adhesion, comfort, and appearance.

About Agile Therapeutics Agile Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical development company specializing in Women's Healthcare products, with an initial focus on providing women with more options and more convenient methods of hormonal contraception. The company's lead product, AG200-15, is a once-weekly contraceptive patch that has been submitted to the FDA for approval. In addition, Agile is also developing a low dose, progestin-only contraceptive patch, AG890 (formerly AG900). Both AG200-15 and AG890 incorporate proprietary transdermal delivery technology, Skinfusion, developed by Agile, consisting of an active and peripheral adhesive system that allows stable drug delivery and dependable adhesion over seven days. For more information, please visit http://www.agiletherapeutics.com.

About Biotechnology Industry Organization

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. For more information, visit http://www.bio.org.

About the BIO International Convention

The annual BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

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Agile Therapeutics to Present at Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention

Two High School Students Represent Florida as Finalists in Biotechnology Research Competition

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rohan Batra, a junior at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida and Olivia Smith, a senior at Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida, have been named two of 37 finalists in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. Ten U.S. National finalists will be selected to join students from Canada and Australia to compete in the International BioGENEius Challenge which will be held June 19, 2012 at the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention in Boston. Now entering its 14th year, the BioGENEius Challenge is a competition for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

Batra and Smith competed in the local challenge that was held in May in South Florida, and included students from throughout the state.

Batras project, titled, Potential Use of Black Olive (Bucida buceras) Extracts with Antibiotics to Combat Bacterial Infection, seeks to investigate an alternate way to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginos, a usually harmless organism that can only cause disease when the host's resistance is low. Buceda buceras is a native south Florida plant.

Smiths project, titled, Silence is Golden: Assessing the Role of SLC35F2 in Osteosarcoma Through the Programmed Delivery and Release of siRNA-AuNP Conjugates, seeks to understand how to specifically target mutated cells while avoiding debilitating side effects on somatic cells.

Batra and Smith will now advance to the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge and have a chance to compete in the International competition at the BIO International Convention, the largest global event for the biotechnology industry with approximately 16,000 attendees each year. The convention attracts the biggest names and companies in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities and provides insights on the major trends affecting the industry. Winners of the competition will be announced at the conventions June 19 keynote luncheon.

By highlighting the amazing research of these students, at such a young age, the BioGENEius Challenge promotes scientific excellence and curiosity. We encourage our students to make the connection between their research and the potential for solving real, everyday human health, food and environmental problems, says Tom Wiggans, chairman of The Biotechnology Institute. With more than 430 students competing in the Challenge each year, we hope to encourage these students as well as others - to consider pursuing a career in biotechnology.

The International BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute, the national organization dedicated to biotechnology education. Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of leading global pharmaceutical company Sanofi and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, are the generous lead sponsors of the Challenge.

Science-based corporations need to do all we can to encourage and support young students interest in the sciences, and this competition is one way to do that, explains Jeffrey Almond, Ph.D., VP for Discovery Research at Sanofi Pasteur.

Janssen recognizes the tremendous value that innovation in biotechnology has brought and will continue to bring, says Jay P. Siegel, M.D., Chief Biotechnology Officer and Head, Global Regulatory Affairs, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. As part of our commitment to promoting innovation we are proud to support strong science education programs such as the BioGENEius Challenge.

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Two High School Students Represent Florida as Finalists in Biotechnology Research Competition

BayBio: Ten U.S. High School Students Win Biotechnology Research Competition

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ten of the brightest young minds in biotech have won the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. The winners will now advance to compete with students from Canada and Australia in the International BioGENEius Challenge, which will take place at the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention here in Boston. Winners of the International BioGENEius Challenge will be announced tomorrow at the keynote luncheon at the BIO International Convention.

The U.S. National and International BioGENEius Challenges are competitions for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge winners are:

Julia Abelsky, Sandy Springs, Ga. for her research on Analysis of Cylindrically Confined Diblock Copolymers and Gold Nanocomposites for Metamaterials; Aprotim Bhowmik, Lilburn, Ga. for his research on Arterial Hemodynamics in Atherosclerosis Patients - A Mathematical Model; Nikhil Buduma, San Jose, Ca. for his research on Pertussis Toxin-Mediated Inhibition of Lymphocyte Trafficking into Lung Tissue: Considerations for an Improved Whooping Cough Vaccine; Nidhi Gandhi, Sherwood, Ark. for her research on Phase II: Improving the Effectiveness of Anticancer Drugs with Cell Death Modulators; Nathan Kondamuri, Dyer, Ind. for his research on A Novel Porphyrin Based Solar Cell Combining Coordinated Metal Ion Substitution and Self-Assembly to Broaden the Absorption Spectrum to Efficiently Create Sustainable Electrical Energy; Natalie Ng, Cupertino, Ca. for her research on Interrogation of Cancer: Development of a Novel Biomarker Discovery Tool to Identify Clinical Signatures from Statistically Deconvoluted Expressions; Kevin Nguyen, Plano, Texas for his research on The Development of Novel Sutures that Store and Deliver Nitric Oxide for Wound Healing; Aishwarya Raja, Ramsey, N.J. for her research on Spicing Up the Caspase Pathways: Novel Targeted Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Alzheimer's Treatment; Morgan Sinko, San Antonio, Texas for his research on Pop Goes the Diesel: A Linoleic Acid/R. rhodochrous Mixture as a Bioremediation Agent of Diesel Contaminants in Saltwater and Freshwater Environments; Megan Smith, Lenexa, Ky. for her research on The Effect of Coffee Extract & Caffeine on the Locomotory Rate and Basal Slowing Response of a LRRK2 Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (G2019S Mutation) Model of Parkinson's disease.

The U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge is like the Olympic trials for life science, promoting excellence, curiosity and a biotech-driven career among its participants and these ten students get a chance to compete for gold in the International BioGENEius Challenge, said Tom Wiggans, chairman of the Biotechnology Institute. We encourage our students to understand and make the connection between their research for the vast potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems.

Students were evaluated on the quality of their research and display, their responses to questions relating to their scientific knowledge, and the potential commercial applications of their research.

Each year, the BioGENEius Challenge showcases the biotech industrys next generation of leaders and I continued to be amazed at the steep level of competition. These students are the best of the best and all gold medal scientists in my book, said Jeffrey Almond, Ph.D., Vice President for Discovery Research at Sanofi Pasteur.

As exemplified by the upcoming Olympics, competition can inspire the best. Giving ones best in biotechnology means helping create a better world for us all, said Jay P. Siegel, M.D., Chief Biotechnology Officer and Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. We are proud to support, encourage, and recognize the outstanding efforts of these students in the BioGENEius Challenge.

The International BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute, the national organization dedicated to biotechnology education, and sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi; and Janssen.

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BayBio: Ten U.S. High School Students Win Biotechnology Research Competition

Set science free from publishers' paywalls

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Continue reading page |1 |2

IF YOU would like to read the latest research from my lab, be my guest. Our report on a protein from a mouse version of the winter vomiting virus has just been published in the journal PLoS One and is available online for free to anyone (vol 7, p e38723).

Contrast that with my first paper, published in 1990, which you could only have read if you had access to a university library with an expensive subscription to the journal Biochemistry.

Back in 1990 before the world wide web that was how scientific publishing was done. Today it is being transformed by open access publishers like the Public Library of Science. Rather than being funded by journal subscriptions, these publishers charge authors or their institutions the cost of publication and make their papers available for free online.

Many scientists are passionate supporters of open access and want to see the old model swept away. They have launched a protest movement dubbed the Academic Spring and organised a high-profile boycott of journals published by Elsevier. And the tide appears to be turning in their favour. This week the Finch Report, commissioned by the UK government, recommended that research papers especially those funded by the taxpayer should be made freely available to anyone who wants to read them.

Advocates of open access claim it has major advantages over the subscription model that has been around since academic journals were invented in the 17th century. They argue that science operates more effectively when findings can be accessed freely and immediately by scientists around the world. Better yet, it allows new results to be data-mined using powerful web-crawling technology that might spot connections between data insights that no individual would be likely to make.

But if open access is so clearly superior, why has it not swept all before it? The model has been around for a decade but about nine-tenths of the approximately 2 million research papers that appear every year are still published behind a paywall.

Part of the reason is scientists' reluctance to abandon traditional journals and the established ranking among them. Not all journals are equal they are graded by impact factor, which reflects the average number of times that the papers they publish are cited by others. Nature's impact factor is 36, one of the highest going, whereas Biochemistry's is around 3.2. Biochemistry is well regarded many journals have lower factors but a paper in Nature is still a much greater prize.

Unfortunately, it is prized for the wrong reasons. Impact factors apply to journals as a whole, not individual papers or their authors.

Despite this, scientists are still judged on publications in high-impact journals; funding and promotion often depend on it. Consequently few are willing to risk bucking the trend. This has allowed several publishers to resist calls to abandon the subscription model.

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Set science free from publishers' paywalls

Link between vitamin C and twin seedlings can increase seed production in crops

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ScienceDaily (June 18, 2012) Biochemists at the University of California, Riverside report a new role for vitamin C in plants: promoting the production of twins and even triplets in plant seeds.

Daniel R. Gallie, a professor of biochemistry, and Zhong Chen, an associate research biochemist in the Department of Biochemistry, found that increasing the level of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), a naturally occurring enzyme that recycles vitamin C in plants and animals, increases the level of the vitamin and results in the production of twin and triplet seedlings in a single seed.

The value of the discovery lies in the potential to produce genetically identical seedlings and increase production of high-value crops.

"The ability to increase fertility can be extremely useful when the inherent rate of fertility is low or the value of the crop is great, such as corn in which the production of multiple embryos would significantly boost its protein content," Gallie said. "The extra seedlings per seed may also enhance per-seed survival chances for some species."

Study results appear in the online journal PLoS ONE.

Just as in humans, twins in plants can be either genetically identical or fraternal. Gallie and Chen discovered that the twins and triplets produced in tobacco plants when vitamin C was increased were true twins or triplets as they were genetically identical.

In the lab, the researchers went on to show that injecting plant ovaries with vitamin C was sufficient to produce twins or triplets and that the vitamin causes the zygote, the fertilized egg, to divide into two or even three fertilized egg cells before these cells proceed through subsequent stages of development to produce twins or triplets.

Although they used tobacco in their research, Gallie predicts vitamin C could generate twins and triplets in other plants as well.

"Because the early stages of embryo development are so conserved among plant species, we expect that vitamin C will have a similar effect in almost any plant," he said.

A question raised by the study is whether vitamin C might have a similar effect in humans. In contrast to most animals, humans cannot make vitamin C and it must, therefore, be obtained regularly from dietary sources.

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Link between vitamin C and twin seedlings can increase seed production in crops

Get the Most From Your Skin Care Products

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Consumers often spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year on skin care products in an effort to improve the look of their skin. From anti-aging serums to acne medications, many adults and teens regularly apply medications or treatments to their skin. But does the sequence in which skin care products are applied influence how well the products work? Dermatologists say yes.

"Medications or treatments should be applied directly after washing your face," said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD. "This ensures that the medications or treatments are properly absorbed by the skin. Otherwise, people may think a product isn't working because it's applied in the wrong order."

To maximize the effectiveness of skin care products, Dr. Taylor recommended people take the following steps when caring for their skin:

Wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.

Apply medication or treatment. If you are using a medicine or other treatment on your skin, you should apply this right after cleansing unless otherwise recommended by your dermatologist. When applying any cream around your eyes, use your ring finger, as it is the weakest finger and will not pull too hard on this delicate skin.

Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen. Apply makeup, if desired. "It's important for people to know that using several products at the same time may not only negate the benefits of each product but also irritate the skin," said Dr. Taylor. "Using too many products may cause redness, stinging and dryness of the skin, especially if an anti-aging product is included. The signs of aging may then be more noticeable. A dermatologist can address any questions or concerns that you have about caring for your skin." These steps are demonstrated in "Get the Most from Your Skin Care Products," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month. Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).

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Get the Most From Your Skin Care Products

Get the Most From Your Skin Care Products: Dermatologists Say the Sequence in Which You Apply Skin Care Products …

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Newswise SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (June 19, 2012) Consumers often spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year on skin care products in an effort to improve the look of their skin. From anti-aging serums to acne medications, many adults and teens regularly apply medications or treatments to their skin. But does the sequence in which skin care products are applied influence how well the products work? Dermatologists say yes.

Medications or treatments should be applied directly after washing your face, said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD. This ensures that the medications or treatments are properly absorbed by the skin. Otherwise, people may think a product isnt working because its applied in the wrong order.

To maximize the effectiveness of skin care products, Dr. Taylor recommended people take the following steps when caring for their skin:

1. Wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry. 2. Apply medication or treatment. If you are using a medicine or other treatment on your skin, you should apply this right after cleansing unless otherwise recommended by your dermatologist. When applying any cream around your eyes, use your ring finger, as it is the weakest finger and will not pull too hard on this delicate skin. 3. Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen. 4. Apply makeup, if desired.

Its important for people to know that using several products at the same time may not only negate the benefits of each product but also irritate the skin, said Dr. Taylor. Using too many products may cause redness, stinging and dryness of the skin, especially if an anti-aging product is included. The signs of aging may then be more noticeable. A dermatologist can address any questions or concerns that you have about caring for your skin.

These steps are demonstrated in Get the Most from Your Skin Care Products, a video posted to the Academy website and the Academys YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/Q8OdZQU7u-I. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month.

# # #

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).

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Get the Most From Your Skin Care Products: Dermatologists Say the Sequence in Which You Apply Skin Care Products ...

Get the most from your skin care products: Sequence in which you apply skin care products influences their effectiveness

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ScienceDaily (June 19, 2012) Consumers often spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year on skin care products in an effort to improve the look of their skin. From anti-aging serums to acne medications, many adults and teens regularly apply medications or treatments to their skin. But does the sequence in which skin care products are applied influence how well the products work? Dermatologists say yes.

"Medications or treatments should be applied directly after washing your face," said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD. "This ensures that the medications or treatments are properly absorbed by the skin. Otherwise, people may think a product isn't working because it's applied in the wrong order."

To maximize the effectiveness of skin care products, Dr. Taylor recommended people take the following steps when caring for their skin:

1. Wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.

2. Apply medication or treatment. If you are using a medicine or other treatment on your skin, you should apply this right after cleansing unless otherwise recommended by your dermatologist. When applying any cream around your eyes, use your ring finger, as it is the weakest finger and will not pull too hard on this delicate skin.

3. Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

4. Apply makeup, if desired.

"It's important for people to know that using several products at the same time may not only negate the benefits of each product but also irritate the skin," said Dr. Taylor. "Using too many products may cause redness, stinging and dryness of the skin, especially if an anti-aging product is included. The signs of aging may then be more noticeable. A dermatologist can address any questions or concerns that you have about caring for your skin."

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Get the most from your skin care products: Sequence in which you apply skin care products influences their effectiveness

Metformin treatment caused cancer stem cell death in pancreatic cancer cell lines

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Public release date: 19-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jeremy Moore jeremy.moore@aacr.org 215-446-7109 American Association for Cancer Research

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. Results of some preclinical trials have shown that low doses of the antidiabetic drug metformin may effectively destroy cancer stem cells, a group of cells that are considered to be responsible for tumor initiation and, because they are resistant to standard chemotherapies, tumor relapse.

In addition, when metformin was combined with a standard chemotherapy used for pancreatic cancer, the combination treatment was able to efficiently eradicate both cancer stem cells and more differentiated cancer cells, which form the bulk of the tumor, according to data presented by Christopher Heeschen, M.D., Ph.D., at the American Association for Cancer Research's Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges conference, held in Lake Tahoe, Nev., from June 18-21, 2012. Heeschen is professor for experimental medicine at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid, Spain.

Most clinical trials of pancreatic cancer conducted during the last 15 years have failed to show marked improvement in median survival, suggesting that the selected approaches were not sufficient for several reasons, according to Heeschen. In recent years, researchers have identified cancer stem cells which, as opposed to the cancer cells that make up the bulk of the tumor, are a small subset of cells that are resistant to conventional therapy.

"Therefore, efficiently targeting these cells will be crucial for achieving higher cure rates in patients with pancreatic cancer," he said. "Our newly emerging data now indicate that metformin, a widely used and well-tolerated drug for the treatment of diabetes, is capable of efficiently eliminating these cells."

Specifically, the researchers found that metformin-pretreated cancer stem cells were particularly sensitive to alterations to their metabolism through the activation of AMPK. In fact, metformin treatment resulted in the death of cancer stem cells. In contrast, treatment of more differentiated cancer cells with metformin only arrested the cells' growth.

"As the cancer stem cells represent the root of pancreatic cancer, their extinction by reprogramming their metabolism with metformin in combination with the stalling of the proliferation of more differentiated cells should result in tumor regression and long-term, progression-free survival," Heeschen said.

The researchers generated data to support this idea when they treated immunocompromised mice implanted with a diverse set of patient-derived tumors with a combination of metformin and gemcitabine, the standard chemotherapeutic treatment for pancreatic cancer. They found that the treatment resulted in reduced tumor burden and the prevention of relapse as compared with treatment with either drug alone.

"Intriguingly, in all tumors treated with metformin to date, relapse of disease was efficiently prevented and there were no noticeable adverse effects," Heeschen said.

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Metformin treatment caused cancer stem cell death in pancreatic cancer cell lines

More twin births in the city

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Changing lifestyles and busier work schedules are inducing changes in the physiology leading to an increase in numbers of working professionals to opt for fertility treatments. These in turn lead to the numbers of multiple births at hospitals in the city. In effect, multiple births come with a higher risk of developing complications along with added expenses.

While the government hospitals stated that the numbers of twins being born in hospitals across the city have notably increased in the past year, prominent fertility clinics affirmed the same. According to the fertility clinics, the reason can be attributed to busier lifestyles of people, especially working full-time.

Doctors point out that due to hectic work schedules, factors such as irregular food habits leading to obesity, inverted sleep cycles may contribute to growing cases of infertility. More number of couples are thus opting for fertility treatments, relying on various fertility drugs to help them conceive. Moreover, age is another issue that needs to be factored into the matter. According to Dr. Sarat Battina, the infertility specialist at Apollo hospital, Upto 35 years of age, a woman is in the most fertile phase. Between 35 and 39, she enters into a plateau zone and finally 40 years onwards, her chances of conceiving begin to drop steadily.

According to a fertility specialist, normally for a single embryo, a woman goes upto nine months before her delivery. The gestation period is shorter for multiple births. Due to a reduced gestation period, the fetuses have lesser time to develop thus requiring the support of incubators after birth thereby increasing the chances of infant mortality. As a result of these factors, the mother goes into preterm labor which can have several complications risking the life of the unborn child along with the mother.

Shedding light on the likelihood of side effects of fertility drugs, a senior official of the Institute of Obstetrics & Gynecology (IOG) said, "Patients who use certain fertility drugs, need to be closely monitored as there can be possible side effects such as accumulation of fluid in the lungs and other body cavities."

Referring to the science of the issue, fertility treatment drugs, especially gonadotropin used to induce ovulation, causes generation of multiple ova increasing the likelihood of fertilisation of more than one ovum. Patients using fertility treatment therefore require close monitoring. We monitor them very closely. We ask them to come in every day or atleast every alternate day to the clinic for a checkup, said Dr. Battina.

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More twin births in the city

Elephant pregnancy is unique

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// ?> The family life of elephants has been eulogised since time immemorial. Now we've discovered their unique physiology during pregnancy; Earth Times

Inside your ovaries is a yellow body called the corpus luteum (Latin for yellow body.) it secretes the progesterone which maintains your baby during early pregnancy. Now the parasitic nature of mammalian babies, feeding from the mother's blood, is rarely recognised. It is unique in physiology but varies among the placental mammals in how the anatomy adapts.

In this case, the ovary has an average of 5.4 (multiple) yellow bodies in the elephant and a 12-16 week oestrous cycle, as compared with 4 weeks in humans, and a single yellow body for each child. Again, where humans start secreting progesterone from the placenta, to replace that from the yellow body, elephants don't!

Fifteen pregnant Asian and two pregnant African elephants were examined in zoos for this paper published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, today, using ultrasound scans. A mean length of pregnancy of 647 days (22 months) was observed. The researchers, primarily from the Leibniz Institute in Berlin, comprise of Imke Lueders, Cheryl Niemuller, Peter Rich, Charlie Gray, Robert Hermes, Frank Goeritz and Thomas B. Hildebrandt. These scans give some idea of how they observed the embryos developing with many yellow bodies (CL) in the ovaries:

Credit: Imke Lueders

Ultrasonographic images from the ovary

(a) Ovulatory ovary showing multiple corpora lutea (CLs), (i), ovulatory CL, (ii), acCLS, arrow heads, ovarian border (day 162);

(b) depicts minimal blood streams of two CL

What happened was that auxiliary yellow bodies (or CLs) formed in addition to the one CL per child we would have in women. With no hormone coming from the placenta later, these multiple CLs provide progesterone with which to maintain the uterus lining for all stages of the long pregnancy.

The only other known method of supplying the hormone is from the foetus' gonads. This surprising self-preservation method however may not actually be used by elephants. This anatomical variation in the ovary is the key to maintaining that long gestation. (The lengthy pregnancy is thought to slow ageing in order to push the average life-span to 65 years).

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Elephant pregnancy is unique

Do Testosterone And Growth Hormones Impact On Muscle Building? Study Says They Don’t

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness Also Included In: Endocrinology Article Date: 19 Jun 2012 - 0:00 PDT

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Daniel West, graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster, and lead author in both studies, explained that many people, including experts, have been convinced for a long time that anabolic hormones are vital for muscle protein synthesis, a process that eventually leads to larger muscles.

West said:

Participants managed to make new muscle protein at the same rate, despite huge differences in testosterone levels

As muscle proteins eventually lead to muscle growth, their finding was an important one, the authors explained.

West said:

Muscle mass gains ranged from negligible to over 12 pounds (about 5 kilograms). However, the scientists found no relationship between muscle growth and their levels of testosterone and growth hormone after exercise. In other words, muscle growth or strength increase were not linked to growth hormone or testosterone levels.

Muscle growth and strength increases were not associated with raised levels of testosterone or growth hormones after weight training

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Do Testosterone And Growth Hormones Impact On Muscle Building? Study Says They Don't