Monthly Archives: June 2012

Study: Omega-3 effecting brain health a myth

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Study: Omega-3 helping brain health a myth

Omega -3 Fatty Acids effect on brain health in people 60 or older may be more myth than medical fact.

Researchers with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine issued a report Wednesday that found direct evidence on the effect of omega-3 on incident dementia is lacking.

Dr. Alan Dangour, author of the new study, admits he was disappointed in the results which reviewed 3,536 patients taking placebos versus fish oil for six months to more than three years.

"This is a great shame, Dangour said. "It would be lovely to find a solution for cognitive decline and dementia, and unfortunately, the evidence as it stands says it does not benefit cognitive function in older people."

Dr. Deborah Harding, CEO of The Harding Anti-Aging Center in Orlando, says the window of time for the studies is too short to make any real conclusions.

"This study, in my opinion, doesnt tell us anything," she said. "Number one, its too short, number two they are not measuring the Omega fish oil levels in the participants blood."

Hardings patients are given levels of Omega-3 based on their individual blood results. That was never done in any of the clinical studies reviewed in the London report. Dementia is a progressive illness which mainly affects older people. The changes are subtle at first, then over time, the decline in memory and verbal fluency is stunted.

According to the study, "previous research from observational studies has suggested that increased consumption of fish oils rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) may reduce the chance of developing dementia, while other studies show no effect."

Dr. Dangour, a nutritionist and co-author of the study concedes time may play a key in the impact of fish oil on the brains health.

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Eastman Kodak files for auction of Digital Imaging patents

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Kodak(Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co filed a motion on Monday seeking approval of bidding procedures for bankruptcy auction of its Digital Capture and Kodak imaging Systems and Services patent portfolios, which together comprise more than 1,100 patents.

Kodak's motion outlines a sale process such that only the winning bidder and the successful bid amount will be publicly announced at the end of the auction, it said in a statement.

Kodak, now in bankruptcy, expects the motion to be heard by the Court on July 2, with the auction being held in early August and the winning bidder being announced by August 13.

"In filing these proposed procedures in advance of the June 30 deadline in our lending agreement, we are moving ahead as quickly as possible with the process of monetizing our digital imaging patent portfolio," Timothy Lynch, Kodak's Chief Intellectual Property Officer said.

The company's financial adviser, Lazard, has marketed these assets over the past 12 months, and 20 parties have signed confidentiality agreements to date, the company revealed in a statement.

Kodak, which invented the handheld camera and the digital camera, filed for bankruptcy protection on January 19.

via Yahoo! Finance

Also see: Kodak Posts $114 Million Loss (May 2008) 

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U of M researchers find natural antioxidant can protect against cardiovascular disease

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Public release date: 15-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Matt DePoint mdepoint@umn.edu 612-625-4110 University of Minnesota Academic Health Center

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (06/15/2012) University of Minnesota Medical School researchers have collaborated with the School of Public Health and discovered an enzyme that, when found at high levels and alongside low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), can dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The enzyme glutathione peroxidase, or GPx3 is a natural antioxidant that helps protect organisms from oxidant injury and helps the body naturally repair itself. Researchers have found that patients with high levels of good cholesterol, the GPx3 enzyme does not make a significant difference. However, those patients with low levels of good cholesterol, the GPx3 enzyme could potentially be a big benefit. The enzyme's link to cardiovascular disease may also help determine cardiovascular risk in patients with low levels of good cholesterol and low levels of the protective GPx3.

The new research, published today by PLoS One, supports the view that natural antioxidants may offer the human body profound benefits.

"In our study, we found that people with high levels of the GPx3 enzyme and low levels of good cholesterol were six times less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people with low levels of both," said lead author Jordan L. Holtzman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and medicine within the University of Minnesota Medical School. "This GPx3 enzyme gives us a good reason to believe that natural antioxidants like GPx3 are good for heart health."

The combination of low HDL and low GPx3 affects an estimated 50 million people one in four adults in the U.S. This condition can lead to fatal heart attacks and strokes. Researchers continue to look for new ways to better predict who is at risk for these diseases and how patients can limit the impact of the disease once it's diagnosed.

"It's important to point out that people should not rush out to their doctors and demand testing for the GPx3 enzyme," said Holtzman. "But in time, we hope that measuring this enzyme will be a common blood test when determining whether a patient is at risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes."

To arrive at his results, Holtzman and his colleagues studied the three major risk factors for cardiovascular disease: hypertension, smoking and high cholesterol. Data suggests that those with low levels of HDL and GPx3 were six times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, including heart attack or stroke, than those with low levels of HDL and high levels of GPx3.

The study examined 130 stored samples from the Minnesota Heart Survey from participants who died of cardiovascular disease after 5-12 years of follow-up care. The ages of patients studied ranged from 26-85 years old. Their data was compared to 240 control samples.

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MU biochemistry assistant professor Peter Cornish named Pew Scholar

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Friday, June 15, 2012 | 7:45 p.m. CDT

COLUMBIA Peter Cornish has always been interested in discovery and figuring out how things function.

These interests have led him to national recognition.

Cornish, a biochemistry assistant professor at MU, is one of the22individuals in the nation to be named a 2012 Pew Scholar in the biomedical sciences.He is the first MU faculty member to receive the honor while working at the university.

It is a big deal for me and a big deal for the university, Cornish said. It not only provides money for research but also notoriety.

Pew Scholars are considered to be among the most innovative young researchers. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts website, the community includes Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and Albert Lasker BasicMedical Research Award recipients.

Since 1985, the program has invited top research institutions to nominate one candidate each year. It received 134 eligible nominations from a pool of 179 institutions this year.

Winners receive $240,000over four years to help them pursue their research without major restrictions.The program looks to back scientists early in their careers so they can take calculated risks to help advance the human health field.

Even though Cornish only started at MU in the spring of 2010, his talent, past work and future potential made him a great fit to be MUs Pew Scholar nominee, said Gerald Hazelbauer, chairman of the Biochemistry Department.

Cornish is working with technologycalled Frster resonance energy transfer (FRET), which is relatively new and developing quite rapidly, Hazelbauer said. Single-molecule FRET gives scientists the ability to look at molecules on an individual basis.

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MU biochemistry assistant professor Peter Cornish named Pew Scholar

Study: Omega-3 effecting brain health a myth

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Study: Omega-3 helping brain health a myth

Omega -3 Fatty Acids effect on brain health in people 60 or older may be more myth than medical fact.

Researchers with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine issued a report Wednesday that found direct evidence on the effect of omega-3 on incident dementia is lacking.

Dr. Alan Dangour, author of the new study, admits he was disappointed in the results which reviewed 3,536 patients taking placebos versus fish oil for six months to more than three years.

"This is a great shame, Dangour said. "It would be lovely to find a solution for cognitive decline and dementia, and unfortunately, the evidence as it stands says it does not benefit cognitive function in older people."

Dr. Deborah Harding, CEO of The Harding Anti-Aging Center in Orlando, says the window of time for the studies is too short to make any real conclusions.

"This study, in my opinion, doesnt tell us anything," she said. "Number one, its too short, number two they are not measuring the Omega fish oil levels in the participants blood."

Hardings patients are given levels of Omega-3 based on their individual blood results. That was never done in any of the clinical studies reviewed in the London report. Dementia is a progressive illness which mainly affects older people. The changes are subtle at first, then over time, the decline in memory and verbal fluency is stunted.

According to the study, "previous research from observational studies has suggested that increased consumption of fish oils rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) may reduce the chance of developing dementia, while other studies show no effect."

Dr. Dangour, a nutritionist and co-author of the study concedes time may play a key in the impact of fish oil on the brains health.

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Study: Omega-3 effecting brain health a myth

Neurologist, Dr. William Sutherling Discusses Seizure Disorders (6/11/2012) – Video

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15-06-2012 17:27 On the heels of the unfortunate San Gabriel hit-and-run incident involving US Commerce Secratary, John Bryson, Huntington Hospital's own Dr. William Sutherling discusses the risks of seizure disorders,and the need discover the source of the neurological event.

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Neurologist, Dr. William Sutherling Discusses Seizure Disorders (6/11/2012) - Video

Research and Markets: Austria Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 – Interventional Neurology, Neurological …

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dsmzkg/austria_neurology) has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "Austria Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Others" to their offering.

GlobalData's new report, "Austria Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Others" provides key market data on the Austria 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 company financials and pipeline products, wherever available.

Key Topics Covered:

1 List of Tables and Figures

2 Introduction

3 Neurology Devices In Austria

4 CSF Management In Austria

5 Interventional Neurology In Austria

6 Neurological Diagnostic Equipment In Austria

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Research and Markets: Austria Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological ...

Research and Markets: Australia Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 – Interventional Neurology, Neurological …

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/759qr2/australia_neurolog) has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "Australia Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Others" to their offering.

GlobalData's new report, Australia Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices and Others provides key market data on the Australia Neurology Devices market. The report provides value (USD million), volume (units) and average price (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment within six market categories - CSF Management, Interventional Neurology, Neurological Diagnostic Equipment, Neurostimulation Devices, Neurosurgical Products and Radiosurgery. 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 company financials and pipeline products, wherever available.

Key Topics Covered:

1 List of Tables and Figures

2 Introduction

3 Neurology Devices In Australia

4 CSF Management In Australia

5 Interventional Neurology In Australia

6 Neurological Diagnostic Equipment In Australia

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Research and Markets: Australia Neurology Devices Market Outlook to 2018 - Interventional Neurology, Neurological ...

Real Products, Different Results

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by Gwyneth K. Shaw | Jun 15, 2012 10:36 am

(NHI Nanoblog) Its become a rallying cry for some researchers who are scrutinizing the potential health and environmental effects of super-small particles: Test the products that use nanomaterials, not just the substances themselves.

A new study looking at the exposure risk of nano-enabled cosmetic powders offers a powerful validation of that argument. The researchers conclude that the hazards are different from what might be expected, given the size of the particles involved.

They also found that even the rudimentary labeling of nano-enabled products isnt always accurate: Five of the six powders contained nanoparticles, even though only three were marketed that way.

The researchers, from Rutgers University and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, predict that exposure to nanoparticles from cosmetic powders is more likely to be in the upper respiratory system, rather than in the deeper, smaller alveolar area. In other words, these products are mostly coming throughand maybe lodging inyour nose, throat and the bronchial area.

The study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, an open-access journal put out by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Experimental studies using pure versions of nanomaterials suggested that they would migrate to the alveolar region, home of the tiny sacs that form the end of the smallest airways and where the exchange of air and carbon monoxide takes place.

Our findings on potential nanomaterial inhalation exposure due to the use of actual consumer products emphasize that properties and effects of the pure nanomaterial ingredients cannot be used to predict actual consumer exposures and resulting health effects, the authors write. Therefore, experimental techniques for toxicity studies of de facto nanotechnology-based consumer products must be developed. Results of such studies will provide guidance for the developing market of nanotechnology-based consumer products and help clarify the need and feasibility of its regulation.

Nanotechnology is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of uses of very small materials. (A nanometer is a billionth of a meter.) These substances can make better batteries or lighter and stronger bike frames, as well as new medical instruments and medicines that can save lives. Theyre increasingly common in consumer products, from sunscreens to stain-repellent pants to boat paints that resist algae growth.

Nanomaterials are believed to hold great promise for a wide variety of applications. Their ultra-tiny size often gives them different properties, which is the basis of their appeal; scientists are struggling to figure out whether that can make them dangerous in the process, and how and why it happens.

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Real Products, Different Results

JMU Hosts Medical School Program for High School Students

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James Madison University hosted a three day medical school for local high school students interested in the field. The event was called the "Careers in Health and Medicine Program."

It gave the students a sample of what health professionals do. Many speakers from the health care industry spoke and the high school students took advantage of opportunities for hands on experience. They learned how to dress wounds and take blood pressure readings.

Organizer, Erika Kancler described how the program's first year went.

So far, so good, said Kancler. We've had some technical difficulties. I'm learning how to use the simulated patient myself but I think it's going very well. So far, the response has been extremely favorable.

Those in charge of the program hoped that the three day event would help the students realize what job opportunities are available to them.

Copyright 2012 WHSV / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Chemistry you can dance to

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LOS ANGELES UCLA psychobiology major Anantha Singarajah admits she disliked chemistry before taking professor Neil Garg's popular undergraduate organic chemistry course (Chemistry 14D) this quarter.

"Chem 14A was the first class I took as a first-year, and it was disheartening," she said. "By the end of 14C, I could not wait to get it over with. However, I had heard good things about 14D with Neil Garg and waited until spring quarter especially to take it with him. This class is just as amazing as everyone describes it, and now I enjoy chemistry. Professor Garg engages you, and he brings himself to your level so you achieve full comprehension. I can say that Chem 14D has been one of my favorite classes at UCLA."

You can see that joy in "Remember the Mechs," a music video that Singarajah and three of her classmates produced as an extra-credit assignment. As most undergraduates in the sciences know by now, students in Garg's course are given the option of making their own music videos about organic chemistry, with lyrics containing mostly technical information about chemical structure, reactions and synthesis.

Maria-Kassandra "Kassey" Coronel, a psychobiology major who helped create "Remember the Mechs" with Singarajah, said that because of this course, she now finds herself "falling back in love with learning."

"Who knew putting a chem spin on an old song could be so educational?" Coronel said. "What's funny is that after making the video, I realized every time the instrumental came up on my playlist, I found myself rapping my chem lyrics instead of the original ones by Fort Minor.

"Professor Garg is without a doubt the best professor I have had at UCLA. He finds revolutionary ways to combine what college students like music videos, technology and expressing ourselves with what they need to know: organic chemistry. His passion for teaching and dedication to students is such a breath of fresh air, and it really shows when so many students, like me, are even more inspired to learn. What I love most about organic chemistry is it combines problem-solving and deduction skills with creativity, and gives me that great feeling that I'm accomplishing something meaningful. Shhh! I'm an O-chem nerd at heart now! If UCLA had a chemistry minor, I would do it in a heartbeat."

When Garg gave his students the guidelines for the music video assignment, he first showed them "Chemistry Jock," a video produced by his students in 2010 that is now approaching 60,000 views on YouTube. (Its creators, Justin Banaga, Kimberly Bui and Yannick Goeb, are graduating from UCLA this month, and all will attend graduate school.) The classroom echoed with laughter throughout the video, and one student gasped, "How did they do that?"

Then they went to work. For Singarajah, Coronel, Oz Davis and Brian Dickey, that meant 6:30 a.m. meetings that resulted in "Remember the Mechs," which itself has a few "how did they do that?" moments. (The "mechs," Coronel explained, refer to the mechanisms that show the step-by-step occurrences of a particular reaction, given certain chemical conditions.)

A common reaction among people who watch the chemistry music videos made by Garg's students is, "I love them, but what do the lyrics mean?" The answer is that they are about various chemical reactions the undergraduates study in organic chemistry.

Garg said he is amazed by the quality and creativity of the videos. Among this year's best are "Payphone," by Karla Canizales, China Magno and Anuvir Singh, (with beautiful lead vocals by Canizales) and "Hey There Neil Garg" by Firuz Yumul, Aaron Lalehzarian, Neda Ghassemi and Tianna Wilson.

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Chemistry you can dance to

American Oriental Bioengineering Announces Change of Independent Auditors

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NEWARK, N.J., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ --American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. (the "Company", or "we"), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving health through the development, manufacture and commercialization of a broad range of prescription and over-the-counter ("OTC") products, today announced that the Company's audit committee has released Ernst & Young Hua Ming ("EY") as the Company's independent auditor, and at the same time has retained Weinberg & Company as its independent auditor.

About American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc.

American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving health through the development, manufacture and commercialization of a broad range of prescription and over the counter products.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. The economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact:

American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. Kewa Luo (646) 367-1765

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American Oriental Bioengineering Announces Change of Independent Auditors

Soft drinks are not the major contributor to childhood obesity, say researchers

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Consumption of soft drinks and other sweetened beverages is not a major contributor to the rising levels of childhood obesity, according to Canadian research that assesses consumption and risk in over 10,000 children and youths.

The study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism examines the relationship between beverage intake patterns of Canadian children and their risk for obesity. Led by Susan Whiting of the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, the researchers revealed that sweetened beverage intake is not a risk factor for childhood obesity in most agree groups, noting that intake seems to be a risk factor only in boys aged 6-11.

Whiting and her colleagues revealed that whilst many children and youths consume soft drinks and other sweetened beverages such as fruit punch and lemonade almost all groups are not at any higher risk for obesity than their peers who drink healthier beverages.

"We found sweetened drinks to be dominant beverages during childhood, but saw no consistent association between beverage intake patterns and overweight and obesity," said Whiting.

However, the lead researcher noted that overconsumption of sweetened beverages may put some children at increased risk for overweight and obesity, especially as consumption habits formed early in life and are often maintained into adulthood.

Indeed, boys aged 6-11 years who consumed mostly soft drinks were shown to be at increased risk for overweight and obesity as compared with those who drank a more moderate beverage pattern," she revealed.

Study details

The researchers noted that sweetened beverage intake has risen in past decades. This increase in consumptions has been matched with a rise in prevalence of overweight and obesity among children.

Our objective was to examine the relationship between beverage intake patterns and overweight and obesity among Canadian children.

The research team determined beverage consumption patterns among Canadian children aged between two years old and 18 years old using cluster analysis where socio-demographics, ethnicity, household income, and food security were significantly different across the clusters.

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Soft drinks are not the major contributor to childhood obesity, say researchers

Herbalife Becomes Nutrition Sponsor of Team SpiderTech Powered by C10

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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) and UCI Professional Cycling Team SpiderTech powered by C10 announced a one year sponsorship agreement making Herbalife the teams Official Nutrition partner.

The riders will be fueled with the new Herbalife24 sports performance line, which includes Formula 1 Sport, Hydrate, Prepare, Prolong, Rebuild Endurance, Rebuild Strength, and Restore.

SpiderTech will compete in the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado, as well as having raced in the Amgen Tour of California, two of the biggest cycling stage races in the U.S. In addition, SpiderTech has 100 racing days planned across Europe. With a full-range of sports nutrition products, Team SpiderTech riders will have an optimal pre-race meal, hydration, on-the-bike fuel, and multiple recovery options with Herbalife24. Riders have absolute confidence in the products since every batch of product is certified and tested by BSCG (Banned Substances Control Group, http://www.bscg.org) for illegal performance-enhancing substances.

Herbalife had a deep understanding of athletes nutritional needs when formulating these products, says Steve Bauer, Director Sportif, and Olympic medalist who wore the famed Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey) in the Tour de France in 1988 and 1990. The product diversity suits all of our riders needs. Team SpiderTech also hails the fact that the Herbalife24 products do not contain any artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Its something a lot of our riders have been advocates for, says Ian McLagan, team manager. In addition to the Herbalife24 line, Herbalife offers a wide array of other supplements including heart health products ranging from omega-3 fish oils to joint health support.

SpiderTech powered by C10 team soigneur comments that the riders love the recovery products, and on cold days, we even serve them warm, something they really look forward to. Rider Guillaume Boivin, who finished 7th at Amgen ToC stage 4, said, Herbalife24 Prolong really helped me have good sensations at the end of the stage. I had good feelings in my legs, and I was able to smash the hammer down in the sprint.

About Herbalife

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) is a global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in 81 countries through a network of independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to children. Herbalife's website contains a significant amount of information about Herbalife, including financial and other information for investors at http://ir.Herbalife.com. The company encourages investors to visit its website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

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Herbalife Becomes Nutrition Sponsor of Team SpiderTech Powered by C10

Mead Johnson Nutrition Announces Steve Golsby’s Intent to Retire as President and CEO in 2013

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GLENVIEW, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (MJN) announced today that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Golsby, notified the Board of Directors of his intent to retire by the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Golsby informed the Board of his intentions at the Companys Board meeting and pledged his commitment to support the succession plan in the months ahead.

Subsequently, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Kasper Jakobsen, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mead Johnson Nutrition, as CEO-elect and appointed him to the MJN Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. Jakobsen is expected to succeed Mr. Golsby as Mead Johnson Nutrition President and CEO upon Mr. Golsbys retirement. Kasper Jakobsen will continue in his role as Chief Operating Officer, and the current senior leadership structure and reporting relationships will remain in effect.

Chairman of the Board Jim Cornelius stated that, Steve has been an extraordinary leader of the Mead Johnson Nutrition team since the Companys initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange in February 2009, and for many years prior to that, while MJN was a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb. The Board is fully supportive of Mr. Golsby continuing to serve as a director on the MJN Board following his retirement. The Board maintains robust succession plans at all senior levels of the organization contemplating such events. As Steves replacement, Kasper Jakobsen has the confidence of the full Board, reflecting his experience as a 14-year veteran of Mead Johnson, including operational leadership responsibility for the businesses in Asia, North America and Latin America prior to becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer earlier this year.

Commenting on his planned retirement, Mr. Golsby thanked the Board for the strong support and insightful guidance it has given him during his tenure as CEO, saying, I feel privileged to have led Mead Johnson for over eight years and to have had the opportunity to manage its transformation into a high-performing public company and a global leader in its category. I know I will be leaving the Company in good hands, with an outstanding Board and talented global management team who can build upon the success we have achieved to date, and I look forward to having the opportunity to serve on the Mead Johnson Board following my retirement as CEO.

About Mead Johnson

Mead Johnson, a global leader in pediatric nutrition, develops, manufactures, markets and distributes more than 70 products in over 50 markets worldwide. The company's mission is to nourish the world's children for the best start in life. The Mead Johnson name has been associated with science-based pediatric nutrition products for over 100 years. The company's "Enfa" family of brands, including Enfamil(R) infant formula, is the world's leading brand franchise in pediatric nutrition.

For more information on the company, go to meadjohnson.com.

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Mead Johnson Nutrition Announces Steve Golsby’s Intent to Retire as President and CEO in 2013

Scientists tie DNA repair to key cell signaling network

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Public release date: 15-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Kelly jpkelly@utmb.edu 409-772-8791 University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have found a surprising connection between a key DNA-repair process and a cellular signaling network linked to aging, heart disease, cancer and other chronic conditions. The discovery promises to open up an important new area of research one that could ultimately yield novel treatments for a wide variety of diseases.

"This is a totally new concept it goes against current dogma about the role of DNA repair," said UTMB professor Istvan Boldogh, senior author of a paper on the work now online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. "We couldn't believe it ourselves, but the data convinced us."

Boldogh and his colleagues came up with the idea of a link between DNA repair and cellular signaling after a close examination of the relationship between DNA damage and cell death produced unexpected results. Conventional DNA-repair dogma holds that a cell's lifespan is determined by the amount of accumulated DNA damage it suffers the overall corruption of genetic information stored in sequences of molecules called bases, which form the "rungs" of the DNA double helix. The cells used in Boldogh's study were especially vulnerable to damage because they lacked a key enzyme that repairs the DNA base guanine. According to dogma, this should have shortened the cells' lives; instead, they actually lived longer than expected. This made Boldogh wonder if another factor was involved in reducing the lifespan of normal cells.

"We proposed the hypothesis that instead of the accumulation of damaged guanine in DNA causing ill effects, what is significant is the release of a DNA-repair byproduct that somehow activates processes that shorten the lifespan of cells," Boldogh said.

The researchers knew just where to look to find this hypothetical repair byproduct. The majority of DNA damage is caused by ubiquitous reactive oxygen species, very chemically active molecules created as byproducts of respiration. When DNA meets reactive oxygen species, one of the most common results is the transformation of the DNA base guanine into a molecule called 8-oxoguanine, which can produce mutations in genes.

To protect the integrity of the genetic code, cells remove 8-oxoguanine from their DNA with a repair enzyme called OGG1. OGG1 does its job by attaching to a damaged base, cutting it free from the DNA molecule, and then releasing it. Boldogh and his collaborators found that their key byproduct was being produced just after this repair process was completed. Analyzing test-tube, cell-culture and mouse experimental data, they realized that immediately after being released by OGG1, 8-oxoguanine reunites with the repair enzyme, attaching at a bonding site different from the one used previously. And the resulting 8-oxoguanine-OGG1 complex, they found, has the ability to activate the powerful Ras signaling pathways, some of the most important biochemical networks in the cell.

"Ras family proteins are involved in almost every cell function: metabolism, activation of genes, growth signals, inflammation signals, apoptosis," Boldogh said. "Because it activates Ras pathways, the release of 8-oxoguanine in DNA base repair could be a master regulator of many very basic processes."

According to Boldogh, learning to control this "master regulator," could result in profound consequences for biomedical science and human health. "The ability to regulate 8-oxoguanine excision may give us the ability to prevent the inflammation that's key to a number of chronic diseases arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's and others," he said. "We believe it may even enable us to extend lifespan, or at least healthy lifespan, which would be a very big achievement. Possibilities like that make us believe that this discovery is going to be very significant."

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Scientists tie DNA repair to key cell signaling network

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'Tree of Life' symposium at NYBG

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Public release date: 15-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Stevenson Swanson sswanson@nybg.org 718-817-8512 The New York Botanical Garden

Three leading researchers in evolutionary biology and biodiversity will explore pressing current issues in one of the most important projects in contemporary sciencethe quest to understand the fundamental evolutionary relationships among speciesat the 2012 Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Symposium on Wednesday, June 20, at The New York Botanical Garden.

Ever since Charles Darwin sketched a simple tree to illustrate how species are related, scientists have endeavored to construct a "tree of life" that traces the evolutionary ancestry of related species. The advent of fast, reliable DNA sequencing and dramatically increased computing capacity has transformed that endeavor, allowing researchers to discover relationships among species at the molecular level.

The Cullman Symposium, "Assembling the Tree of Life," will cover such subjects as the significance of the tree of life as a scientific endeavor with practical applications, the impact it is having on environmental research and information technology, and its potential to help address a wide array of problems, from climate change to human disease.

Quentin Wheeler, Ph.D., Founding Director of the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University, will discuss his experiences as the former director of the Division of Environmental Biology at the National Science Foundation, where he was responsible for launching the Assembling the Tree of Life (AToL) program.

Sandra Knapp, Ph.D., Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, will talk about the importance of understanding the species at the tips of the tree of life, not just its branching patterns, in using tree-of-life information to conserve plant diversity.

Dennis Stevenson, Ph.D., the Botanical Garden's Vice President for Laboratory Research, will draw on his extensive research as a leading evolutionary botanist to show how understanding evolutionary problem solving at the genetic level could help address such current problems as species conservation, climate change, and even human diseases.

From June 16th to June 22nd, the Garden is hosting scientists from around the world who study one of the oldest but often overlooked forms of plant life on Earth--mosses. This group of plants, called bryophytes, was a pivotal step in the evolution of plants from water to land, and their significance in maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is increasingly recognized.

The weeklong series of scientific presentations and lectures encompasses two separate conferences and the Cullman Symposium, which is held every other year at the Garden to inform a diverse audience, ranging from scientists to the general public, about the latest advances in molecular biology.

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'Tree of Life' symposium at NYBG

10 foods that can make you look YOUNGER

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No anti-aging cream, lotion or medicine can have your skin looking as young as when you consume foods that keep it healthy.

When you have the money, a scalpel and a knife can reverse your natural aging process and have you looking younger, but then it's rather plastic. You can get that genuine radiance from deep within -- a little restructuring of your diet will let the glow stay forever. So here's the list of top 10 foods which will trap your youth for the long term!

1. Nuts

Rich in Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are a rich source of nutrients vital to your skin. They protect it by forming a fluid, rich membrane in the skin that is moist and flexible. Hence, wrinkles are kept away at bay and the radiance is blemish-free. The fluidity keeps the skin supple and prevents premature aging.

Your pick: Walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed

LifeMojo is one of the most trusted sources of information about good health and wellness. To those who want to manage their health themselves, LifeMojo provides necessary information, tips, tracking tools and support to help them stay informed and motivated.

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10 foods that can make you look YOUNGER

QualityStocks News – International Stem Cell (ISCO) Announces Discovery of New Protein-Based Stem Cell Technology

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Technology to provide ISCO with future out-licensing opportunities to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industriesScottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) June 15, 2012 QualityStocks would like to highlight International Stem Cell Corporation, a publicly traded company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell ...

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QualityStocks News - International Stem Cell (ISCO) Announces Discovery of New Protein-Based Stem Cell Technology

Stem cell treatment helps heal stroke victims

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"So it's interesting to see that in all the patients so far they have improved slightly over the course of their involvement in the study."

The six patients suffered strokes between six months and five years before they were treated, and all had been left with limb weakness.

The patients were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale which ranked the first five patients with a median score of eight before the treatment and four points three months afterwards.

The sixth patient was treated less than three months ago. Six further patients will be treated as part of this Phase 1 trial.

Professor Muir said he was "intrigued" by the early results.

He added: "We know that if you're involved in a trial you are going to see patients change in behaviour, particularly if you're doing something invasive, so we need to be very cautious indeed in interpreting these results.

"However, that said, it is not something we'd anticipated seeing in this group of patients."

Further trials are needed to establish whether stem cells actually help the brain repair damaged tissue.

Michael Hunt, chief executive officer of the company developing the treatment, ReNeuron, said: "The clinical trial is primarily a safety study and we must therefore treat any of the observed early indications of functional benefit with considerable caution at this stage.

"That said, we remain encouraged by the results seen in the study to date and we look forward to providing further updates."

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Stem cell treatment helps heal stroke victims