Monthly Archives: August 2012

Pets May Help Kids With Autism

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Study Shows Bonding With New Pet May Improve Socialization

By Salynn Boyles WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 1, 2012 -- By just about any measure of accomplishment, Danny Gross would be considered a successful young adult.

The 25-year-old is a popular graduate student in cinematic arts at the University of Southern California, and his mother, Patty, calls him an all-around great kid.

He is also on the autism spectrum.

His mother is convinced that his childhood golden retriever, Madison, who joined the family when Danny was 7, played a part in his success, and a new study backs up the claim.

Although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence linking pet ownership to better socialization in children with autism, the study is among the first to explore the connection.

Researchers in France tested behavior and intelligence in 260 children with autism who did and did not have pets -- mostly dogs and cats.

They found that those who became pet owners after the age of 5 performed better than children without pets on two key measures of social functioning -- offering comfort and offering to share.

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Pets May Help Kids With Autism

International Autism Conference Concludes in Jerusalem

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JERUSALEM--(Marketwire -08/02/12)- The 2012 International Autism Conference concluded today in Jerusalem with organizers laying out a detailed plan for ICare4Autism to lead the global movement to help those on the autism spectrum. After two days of intense panels that included over a thousand participants from over twenty different countries, ICare4Autism has announced that it will focus on three key areas over the next twelve months.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to realize our dream of ICare4Autism's new global headquarters on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem, we will move quickly to implement a state-of-the art database system to allow families and caregivers to check information from various governmental and NGO offices in one place, and finally, we will work to implement a workforce initiative for training young adults with autism and placing them in appropriate level jobs," said Dr. Joshua Weinstein, founder CEO of ICare4Autism.

Mayor Nir Barkat greeted the conference participants, "With strong research and care, we have the ability to send a message all over the world." Mayor Barkat's greetings were followed by speeches from Dr. Shekhar Saxena of the World Health Organization, and First Lady Marta Linares de Martinelli of Panama.

"As the keynote speaker at the conference, I was extremely impressed with the depth and diversity presented," said Dame Stephanie Shirley, the founding UK Ambassador for Philanthropy.

Dr. Shekhar Saxena noted that, "The key is collaboration for NGOs, developmental organizations and social activists to work together to make a difference for affected families."

Dr. Joshua Weinstein indicated, "We firmly believe that collaboration will lead to the breakthroughs necessary to best confront this condition and we are confident that ICare4Autism will be the catalyst in this global process."

Over the two-day event, the focus was on important disciplines relating to autism; "Policy and Awareness," "Bio-Medical Research and Practice," "Education and Behavioral Techniques," and "Technology and Resources."

Dr. Eric Hollander, the Chairman of the ICare4Autism Advisory Council, added, "The ICare4Autism 2012 Global Conference was a unique opportunity for leading researchers, clinicians, educators and policymakers to share their latest findings and create powerful new international collaborations. This global cross-disciplinary gathering will speed the development of improved methods of autism detection and treatment that are urgently needed by patients and the families."

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International Autism Conference Concludes in Jerusalem

BioLife Cell Bank and Intrexon Establish Worldwide Exclusive Collaboration for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

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DALLAS and GERMANTOWN, Md., Aug. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioLife Cell Bank, Inc., the leader in cryogenic storage of adipose (fat) tissue and adult mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells, and Intrexon Corporation, a synthetic biology company that utilizes its proprietary products to provide control over cellular function, announced today the formation of a global exclusive research collaboration. Under the collaboration, BioLife, with its extensive physician network and stem cell experience coupled with Intrexon's innovative technology, will strive to produce new treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

"With the tremendous potential of this collaboration, we are more than excited for the SMA community," said John A. Carbona, Chief Executive Officer of BioLife. "Intrexon's impressive suite of technologies will give researchers access to unprecedented resources including new techniques and processes which could rapidly propel us toward the development of new treatments and products to help treat children with SMA."

Carbona continued, "I am happy to help realize the dream of our founders, Dr. David G. Genecov and John D. Harkey Jr., to make a positive and sustainable impact in health care. We're elated by our new collaboration with Intrexon and will undertake immediately the establishment of relationships with the world's leading scientists in SMA research such as: Dr. Arthur Burgess of Ohio State, Dr. Brian Kaspar of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dr. Charlotte Sumner of Johns Hopkins, Dr. Chris Lorson at the University of Missouri, and Dr. Kathy Swaboda at the University of Utah. BioLife, through its ongoing relationships with Intrexon and these dedicated individuals, hopes for great strides toward lessening the impact of this terrible disease, if not curing it completely--which, of course, is our ultimate goal."

Thomas D. Reed, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Science Officer of Intrexon, said, "Intrexon's mission is to invent, acquire, and integrate the diverse technology platforms required to modulate cellular behavior through genome re-engineering. We are dedicated to building the molecular toolbox and scientific expertise needed to empower clinicians to treat previously intractable diseases. SMA is a devastating genetic disorder that requires a gene rescue paradigm. Intrexon looks forward to working with BioLife and their growing network of clinical specialists to define, explore, and develop several different cell therapy approaches for treating SMA."

Under the collaboration, Intrexon, acting through its Human Therapeutics Division, will be applying its technologies to the discovery of autologous, genetically-modified stem cell therapeutics. BioLife will be supplying the collaboration with stem cells and clinical expertise. BioLife also will be responsible for conducting preclinical and clinical development of candidate SMA therapeutic products that may be advanced out of the collaboration, as well as for aspects of manufacturing and regulatory approval.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakness of the lower motor neurons. SMA is caused by a genetic defect in the SMN1 gene which codes SMN, a protein necessary for survival of motor neurons. SMA kills more infants than any other genetic disease in today's world.

About BioLife

As part of their core business, BioLife Cell Bank, Inc. offers individuals a way to safely store their adipose (fat) tissue and/or their adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells--giving patients and physicians easy, multi-use access to cells and tissue for future cosmetic, reconstructive, and regenerative therapies. Tissue is extracted via liposuction and sent to BioLife in a collection kit (validated to E.T.L. standards). Tissue is processed using proprietary technology and Cytori Therapeutics' (CYTX) products. Tissue is cryogenically preserved, and may be stored indefinitely. BioLife is registered with the FDA as a processing bank and complies with FDA regulations and guidance including current Good Tissue Practice (cGTP). BioLife is based in Dallas, Texas, at Forest Park Medical Center. For more information: http://www.biolifecellbank.com.

About Intrexon Corporation

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BioLife Cell Bank and Intrexon Establish Worldwide Exclusive Collaboration for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Embryonic Blood Vessels that Make Blood Stem Cells can also Become Beating Heart Muscle Cells

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Newswise UCLA stem cell researchers have found for the first time a surprising and unexpected plasticity in the embryonic endothelium, the place where blood stem cells are made in early development.

Scientists found that the lack of one transcription factor, a type of gene that controls cell fate by regulating other genes, allows the precursors that normally generate blood stem and progenitor cells in blood forming tissues to become something very unexpected - beating cardiomyocytes, or heart muscle cells.

The finding is important because it suggests that the endothelium can serve as a source of heart muscle cells. The finding may provide new understanding of how to make cardiac stem cells for use in regenerative medicine, said study senior author Dr. Hanna Mikkola, an associate professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology in Life Sciences and a researcher with the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA.

It was absolutely unbelievable. These findings went beyond anything that we could have imagined, Mikkola said. The microenvironment in the embryonic vasculature that normally gives rise to blood cells can generate cardiac cells when only one factor, Scl, is removed, essentially converting a hematopoietic organ into a cardiogenic organ.

The two-year study is published Aug. 3, 2012 in the peer-reviewed journal Cell.

The findings were so surprising, in fact, that Mikkola and her team did not want to believe the results until all subsequent assays proved the finding to be true, said Amelie Montel-Hagen, study co-first author and a post-doctoral fellow.

To make sure we had not switched the samples between blood forming tissues and the heart we ran the experiments again and repeatedly got the same results, Montel-Hagen said. It turns out Scl acts as a conductor in the orchestra, telling the other genes in the endothelium who should be playing and who shouldnt be playing.

The team used microarray technology to determine which genes were playing in embryonic endothelium to generate blood stem and progenitor cells and found that in the absence of Scl, the genes required for making cardiomyocytes were activated instead, said study co-first author Ben Van Handel, a post-doctoral fellow.

The lone difference was that Scl was missing in the process that resulted in the fate switch between blood and heart.

Scl has a known role as a master regulator of blood development and when we removed it from the equation, no blood cells were made, Van Handel said. That the removal of Scl resulted in fully functional cardiomyocytes in blood forming tissues was unprecedented.

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Embryonic Blood Vessels that Make Blood Stem Cells can also Become Beating Heart Muscle Cells

Stemcells, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

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NEWARK, Calif., Aug. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (STEM), a leading stem cell company developing and commercializing novel cell-based therapeutics and tools for use in stem cell-based research and drug discovery, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 and provided a business update.

"We continue to be encouraged by our progress in developing cell-based therapeutics for a broad array of disorders affecting the central nervous system," said Martin McGlynn, President and CEO of StemCells, Inc. "We have already reported top line results from our Phase I PMD trial and I am pleased to report that the manuscript with the complete PMD trial data is under peer review for publication by a top tier journal.

Our other clinical development efforts also continue to advance. We recently reported interim safety data from our chronic spinal cord injury trial, showing that our cells and the procedure have been well tolerated. We have also initiated a Phase I/II trial in dry AMD and look forward to enrolling our first patients in this study soon. Lastly, we recently reported preclinical data showing that our cells restored memory in two animal models relevant to Alzheimer's disease without having to reduce beta-amyloid or tau burden that are the pathological hallmarks of the disease. Results of this kind underscore the potential of our HuCNS-SC cells to potentially address a number of devastating CNS disorders.

Financially, we aim to do more with less and continue to carefully manage our burn rate. Last week's decision by CIRM to award us a $20 million disease team award is exciting and welcome. This award will not only provide additional resources, but is also a vote of confidence in our technology, our program and our people. Moving forward, we will continue to generate clinical data from our HuCNS-SC program in a thoughtful, cost effective manner, which is, we believe, the best pathway to grow shareholder value."

Second Quarter and Recent Business Highlights

Second Quarter Financial Results

Revenue from product sales increased 14% to $211,000 in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 as our SC Proven media and reagents business continued to see increased unit volume. Total revenue in the second quarter of 2012 was $249,000, compared to $234,000 in the same period of 2011.

Our operating expenses decreased 24% to $5,535,000 in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter of 2011. Research and development expenses were 26% lower, and selling, general and administrative expenses were 16% lower, compared to the second quarter of 2011. The significant reduction in operating expenses was primarily attributable to continuing tight cost controls and a number of measures taken last year to reduce infrastructure and overhead costs, including a reduction in workforce implemented in May 2011.

Other income in the second quarter of 2012 was $6,184,000, compared to $3,055,000 in the second quarter of 2011. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in the estimated fair value of warrant liability. Our outstanding warrants are classified as a liability, with subsequent changes in the estimated fair value recorded as income or loss.

Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2012 was $5,350,000, a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2011. Net income for the quarter was $834,000, or $0.03 per share, compared with a net loss of $4,035,000, or $(0.29) per share, for the second quarter of 2011.

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Stemcells, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

ACT Announces First Dry AMD Patient Treated with Higher Dosage of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cells

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

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, today announced treatment of the fourth patient, the first in the second patient cohort, in the companys Phase I/II clinical trial for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) using retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The surgery was performed on Wednesday, Aug. 1 atWills Eye Institutein Philadelphia, by a surgical team lead by Carl D. Regillo, M.D., Chief of the Wills Eye Institute Retina Service, and professor of ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. The patient was injected with 100,000 hESC-derived RPE cells and is recovering uneventfully.

We are very pleased to have the second dose cohort in both of our U.S. clinical trials underway, commented Gary Rabin, chairman and CEO of ACT. We are encouraged by our ongoing progress in all three of our clinical trials using our hESC-derived RPE cells to treat forms of macular degeneration. We have not observed any complications or side effects from the stem cell-derived RPE cells, and we will continue to monitor the patients for safety, tolerability and efficacy of this therapy.

The dry AMD trial is one of three clinical trials being carried out by the company in the U.S. and in Europe. Each trial will enroll 12 patients, with cohorts of three patients in an ascending dosage format. These trials are prospective, open-label studies, designed to determine the safety and tolerability of hESC-derived RPE cells following sub-retinal transplantation into patients with dry AMD or Stargardt's macular dystrophy (SMD) at 12 months, the studys primary endpoint. Preliminary results from the two U.S. trials were reported in The Lancet earlier this year.

Doubling the cell dosage in both our U.S. trials is an important step forward in our clinical programs, said Robert Lanza, M.D., ACTs chief scientific officer. We anticipate continued progress and safety findings in both our U.S. trials as well as our concurrent European trial.

Dry AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in patients over 50 years and affects around 30 million people worldwide, said Dr. Regillo. Dry AMD is a form of macular degeneration with no approved drug treatment available to date. ACTs hESC-derived RPE cells could address the unmet medical need of combating dry AMD and other macular degenerations such as Stargardts disease. We are looking forward to analyzing the safety and efficacy data.

Further information about patient eligibility for ACTs dry AMD study and the concurrent studies in the U.S. and the E.U. for SMD is available atwww.clinicaltrials.gov,with the following Identifiers: NCT01344993 (dry AMD), NCT01345006 (U.S. SMD), and NCT01469832 (E.U. SMD).

About dry AMD

Degenerative diseases of the retina are among the most common causes of untreatable blindness in the world. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 60 in the United States, and the vast majority of cases of AMD are of the dry form, which is currently untreatable.

About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.

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ACT Announces First Dry AMD Patient Treated with Higher Dosage of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cells

Stem Cell Therapy May Fix Defects From Injuries To Head And Mouth

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Stem Cell Research Article Date: 03 Aug 2012 - 14:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Stem Cell Therapy May Fix Defects From Injuries To Head And Mouth

4 (1 votes)

The clinical trial was a collaboration of researchers from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research together with Ann Arbor-based Aastrom Biosciences Inc. involving 24 patients who required jawbone reconstruction after tooth removal. The researchers divided the patients into two groups, with one group receiving experimental tissue repair cells (ixmyelocel-T) and the other group receiving traditional guided bone regeneration therapy. The tissue repair cells ixmyelocel-T are currently being development at Aastrom.

Leading investigator Darnell Kaigler, who is assistant professor at the U-M School of Dentistry said:

Kaigler stated that the treatment is best suited for large defects, like those resulting from trauma, diseases or birth defects, since these are very challenging to treat due to their complex nature of requiring various different tissue types, including bone, skin and gum tissue.

He continued saying that the key advantage of using stem cell therapy is that the patient's own cells are used to regenerate tissue instead of using man-made, foreign materials.

The study achieved promising results. Study participants in the cell therapy group received dental implants at 6 and 12 weeks after their experimental cell therapy and were noted to have a greater bone density and quicker bone repair compared with those who underwent traditional guided bone regeneration therapy. They also needed less secondary bone grafting when receiving their implants compared with the traditional bone regeneration group.

The team used cells extracted from the patient's hip bone marrow, which was subsequently processed using Aastrom's proprietary system. This allows the growths of many different cells, including stem cells, which were then relocated into different areas in the patient's mouth and jaw.

Kaigler concluded saying that stem cell therapies are still probably 5-10 years away from becoming a standard treatment for oral and facial injuries and defects and that more clinical trials need to be conducted, which include a larger number of patients with larger craniofacial defects.

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Stem Cell Therapy May Fix Defects From Injuries To Head And Mouth

Brains in robots plan for immortality

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A RUSSIAN billionaire has a plan to make himself, and others, live forever.

Dmitry Itskov, a 31-year-old media mogul, implored other magnates to fund cybernetic immortality and the artificial body - basically transferring human consciousness into a robot body.

In open letter to the Forbes richest list he wrote, "Currently you invest in business projects that will bring you yet another billion."

"You also have the ability to finance the extension of your own life up to immortality. Our civilisation has come very close to the creation of such technologies: it's not a science fiction fantasy. It is in your power to make sure that this goal will be achieved in your lifetime."

According to Mashable, his timetable is tight:

1. By 2025, scientists will be able to transfer the human brain into a robotic skeleton.

2. By 2035, an avatar brain will be created and your personality inserted within.

3. By 2045, humans will walk around in holographic avatars that will never die.

Indeed, Wired magazine reported that the Russian wants to end the need for surgery and troubleshoot our robo-bodies instead.

Itskov has said that he has already assembled a team of scientists for the job but still needs more funds to continue the project, reported the National Turk.

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Brains in robots plan for immortality

Russian billionaire wants immortality by 2045

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Posted on August 3, 2012, Friday

Dmitry Itskov, 31, implored other magnates to fund cybernetic immortality and the artificial body basically transferring human consciousness into a robot body, Global post quoted.

A Russian billionaire has a plan to make himself, and others, live forever.

Dmitry Itskov, a 31-year-old media mogul, implored other magnates to fund cybernetic immortality and the artificial body basically transferring human consciousness into a robot body.

In open letter to the Forbes richest list he wrote, Currently you invest in business projects that will bring you yet another billion.

You also have the ability to finance the extension of your own life up to immortality. Our civilization has come very close to the creation of such technologies: its not a science fiction fantasy. It is in your power to make sure that this goal will be achieved in your lifetime.

According to Mashable, his timetable is tight:

1. By 2025, scientists will be able to transfer the human brain into a robotic skeleton.

2. By 2035, an avatar brain will be created and your personality inserted within.

3. By 2045, humans will walk around in holographic avatars that will never die (cue evil laughter).

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Russian billionaire wants immortality by 2045

Immortality studies gets a big boost at UC Riverside

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Immortality studies at the University of California, Riverside got a big funding boost this week.

The John Templeton Foundation gave the university $5 million to fund research on aspects of immortality, including analyses of belief of the afterlife and near-death experiences.

The Pennsylvania-based foundation said that it will give the award over three years.

The Los Angeles Times reported that philosophy professor John Martin Fischer will receive $1 million of the money to run a website and host conferences relating to the topic.

More from GlobalPost: 3D printing - Your body parts made to order

Fischer will also be responsible for doling out the next $4 million to researchers worldwide.

We will be very careful in documenting near-death experiences and other phenomena, trying to figure out if these offer plausible glimpses of an afterlife or are biologically induced illusions, Fischer said, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Fischer insisted that the money won't be wasted on questionable "theories."

Our approach will be uncompromisingly scientifically rigorous," he added, in a statement.

"Were not going to spend money to study alien-abduction reports. We will look at near-death experiences and try to find out whats going on there what is promising, what is nonsense, and what is scientifically debunked. We may find something important about our lives and our values, even if not glimpses into an afterlife.

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Immortality studies gets a big boost at UC Riverside

New Pall GeneDisc System For Rapid Microbiological Monitoring Solution In Beer Production

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PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) announced today that it has launched a quick, easy and affordable test for beer-spoilage microorganisms based on its GeneDisc Rapid Microbiology System.

GeneDisc(R) Plate for Beer-spoilage Bacteria (Photo: Business Wire)

Utilizing real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, Palls GeneDisc test provides a fast, reliable and user-friendly detection method to identify typical bacteria that are known to spoil beer. The system yields consistently repeatable results and virtually eliminates operator error. Test results from a beer sample are available after enrichment and DNA isolation within one hour.

"For the first time, the benefits of PCR technology are available to brewers for routine, day-to-day use, said Jonathan Pratt, president, Pall Food and Beverage. The new GeneDisc system offers breweries an extremely easy-to-use and rapid test method to better ensure that products at every stage of the production process are free of spoilage organisms."

The Pall GeneDisc system features an exceptionally robust PCR platform combined with ready-to-use GeneDisc test plates. Using the GeneDisc plate for beer-spoilage bacteria, the system simultaneously screens for the presence or absence of 20 critical beer-spoilage bacteria, including the relevant species of Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, Pediococcus and Pectinatus sp. beer-spoilage groups.

With its intuitive touch-screen interface, built-in software and barcode reader, the system enables minimally trained personnel to routinely perform sophisticated biological sample testing for rapid decision-making. The flexible GeneDisc system also helps optimize work flow and offers the capability to process multiple samples simultaneously.

Learn more about the GeneDisc Rapid Microbiology System and the Beer Spoilage Plate at the World Brewing Congress, an international gathering of brewing industry professionals, July 28-31, 2012 in Portland, Oregon, booth # 855.

About Pall Food and Beverage

Pall Food and Beverage serves the food and beverage industries with advanced membrane filtration technology and systems engineered for reliability and cost-effectiveness. Innovative filters, which are easy to install and simple to use, allow a cost-effective and well-controlled process operation. Visit us on the Web at http://www.pall.com/foodandbev.asp.

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New Pall GeneDisc System For Rapid Microbiological Monitoring Solution In Beer Production

DNA tests could help free man convicted of killing wife

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DNA tests could help free man convicted of killing wife

According to the Ohio Innocence Project, DNA testing has exonerated a man convicted of killing his ex-wife.

Former Akron police Capt. Doug Prade has consistently maintained he didn't kill Margo Prade as he served a life sentence for her 1998 murder.

Investigators said the killer bit Margo PRade and left saliva on the lab coat she was wearing, but tests performed before the trial were inconclusive.

"The DNA testing at the time of trial couldn't find the perpetrator's DNA," said Carrie Wood, of the Innocence Project. "The DNA technology available today found the perpetrator's DNA and it excluded Doug Prade."

A judge ordered the test two years ago, and researchers at a Fairfield laboratory released the results Thursday.

The state stands by the jury's verdict and cites eyewitness testimony placing Prade at the scene of the crime, but attorneys with the Innocence Project say such testimony is a factor in three of every four wrongful convictions.

"Now I just have stronger views on the use of DNA evidence and how strong it is when compared to any other types of evidence that are used in trials," said second-year law student Scott Leaman, who worked on Prade's case.

The state's brief indicates Margo Prade was fearful of her ex-husband, and her friends shared her concern and urged her to arm herself.

A hearing will be held in three weeks to determine what will happen next in the case.

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DNA tests could help free man convicted of killing wife

Posted in DNA

DNA clue to why women live longer

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2 August 2012 Last updated at 12:50 ET

Scientists believe they have discovered a clue to why women tend to live longer than men - by studying fruit flies.

Writing in Current Biology, they focus on mutations in mitochondrial DNA - the power source of cells.

Mitochondria are inherited only from mothers, never from fathers, so there is no way to weed out mutations that damage a male's prospects.

But one ageing expert said there were many factors that explained the gender difference in life expectancy.

By the age of 85, there are approximately six women for every four men in the UK, and by 100 the ratio is more than two to one.

And females outlive males in many other species.

In the research, experts from Australia's Monash University and the UK's Lancaster University analysed the mitochondria of 13 different groups of male and female fruit flies.

Mitochondria, which exist in almost all animal cells, convert food into the energy that powers the body.

I certainly don't think this is a discovery that explains why women live five-to-six years longer than men

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DNA clue to why women live longer

Posted in DNA

DNA, fingerprint experts take stand in Oliver trial

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LAKEPORT, Calif. On Thursday the jury in the trial of a Lakeport man accused of stabbing his neighbor to death heard from DNA and fingerprint experts and a criminologist about the testing of evidence found at the crime scene.

California Department of Justice criminologist Richard Waller, DNA expert Stephanie Carpenter and latent fingerprint expert Terry Hamlin testified Thursday in the murder trial of 34-year-old Ivan Garcia Oliver.

Oliver is charged with murder, burglary, elder abuse and several special allegations for the stabbing death of 67-year-old Michael Dodele on Nov. 20, 2007, at Western Hills Mobile Home Park on Lakeshore Boulevard outside of Lakeport.

The prosecution is alleging that Oliver killed Dodele after finding out he was listed as a sex offender on the Megans Law Web site. Oliver mistakenly believed Dodele had molested children, which he hadnt, although he had done prison time for raping an adult female victim.

The trial began last week. On Wednesday the jury heard an audiotape of a jailhouse interview in which Oliver allegedly admitted to killing Dodele.

Thursdays testimony included DOJ criminologist Richard Waller, who was able to match a footprint made in blood in Dodeles kitchen to one of the shoes Oliver was alleged to have been wearing.

Afternoon testimony, which totaled about an hour, included DOJ DNA expert Stephanie Carpenter, who analyzed blood spots on the pants and sweatshirt Oliver allegedly was wearing at the time of Dodeles death. She also tested blood spots on a knife, bleach bottle, a bathroom water knob and a white rug.

Dodeles blood was found on Olivers sweat shirt, with Olivers blood found on the other items, according to testimony.

Carpenter offered the jury an explanation of what DNA is and how testing is conducted.

DNA is essentially a set of instructions that tells your body how to grow and develop, she said.

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DNA, fingerprint experts take stand in Oliver trial

Posted in DNA

European researchers identify materials at the nanoscale

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Spanish and German researchers have made a new instrumental development that solves a key materials science and nanotechnology question: how to chemically identify materials at the nanometre scale.

One of modern chemistry and materials science's main goals is to achieve the non-invasive chemical mapping of materials with nanometre-scale resolution.

Although a variety of high-resolution imaging techniques currently exist, such as electron microscopy or scanning probe microscopy, their chemical sensitivity cannot meet the demands of modern chemical nano-analytics. And despite the high chemical sensitivity offered by optical spectroscopy, its resolution is limited by diffraction to about half the wavelength, thus preventing nano-scale-resolved chemical mapping.

But now the European team has come up with a new method called Nano-FTIR, as they explain in the journal Nano Letters.

Nano-FTIR is an optical technique that combines scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

The team illuminated the metallised tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) with a broadband infrared laser, and analysed the backscattered light with a specially designed Fourier Transform spectrometer. This meant they could demonstrate local infrared spectroscopy with a spatial resolution of less than 20 nanometres.

Lead study author Florian Huth from Spanish research centre nanoGUNE, based in San Sebastin, comments: 'Nano-FTIR thus allows for fast and reliable chemical identification of virtually any infrared-active material on the nanometer scale.'

To boot, nano-FTIR spectra match extremely well with conventional FTIR spectra. The spatial resolution is increased by more than a factor of 300 compared to conventional infrared spectroscopy.

Rainer Hillenbrand, also from nanoGUNE, says: 'The high sensitivity to chemical composition combined with ultra-high resolution makes nano-FTIR a unique tool for research, development and quality control in polymer chemistry, biomedicine and pharmaceutical industry.'

For example, nano-FTIR can be applied for the chemical identification of nano-scale sample contaminations.

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European researchers identify materials at the nanoscale

Commonwealth Medical college names new leader

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The Commonwealth Medical College has named a new leader.

Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., professor of medicine and pharmacology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, will become the second permanent president and dean of the region's only medical school.

Dr. Scheinman's appointment comes less than two months after the school received provisional accreditation and as the college continues to seek an affiliation with a hospital or another college to ease financial difficulties. He will also be charged with seeing the school's first class of students through their fourth year, with the college's first medical-degree graduation this spring.

He begins Sept. 10.

After the school's founding dean and president Robert D'Alessandri, M.D., abruptly resigned in April 2011, Lois Margaret Nora, M.D., served as interim president for one year. Robert Wright, M.D., has served in the interim role since the end of June.

Dr. Scheinman previously served as SUNY Upstate Medical University's senior vice president and dean of the College of Medicine. He earned international prominence for his research into the genetics of inherited kidney diseases and kidney stones, according to TCMC. He has been on the faculty at Upstate for nearly 30 years, during which he served as chief of the nephrology division in the department of medicine for 10 years where he doubled the size of the faculty and grew the dialysis program.

He received his medical degree with honors from Yale University and is board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology.

"After an extensive national search, Dr. Scheinman emerged as an exceptional leader with a strong and broad vision to advance the college's educational, administrative, and research activities in exciting new ways," Louis DeNaples, chairman of the college's board of trustees said in a statement from the school. "TCMC is extremely fortunate to have recruited a leader with Dr. Scheinman's outstanding talents and breadth of experience in medical education. His character is consonant with TCMC's mission and values."

Check back for updates.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com

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Commonwealth Medical college names new leader

Lawsuit: Corpse was too fat for med school

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Published: Aug. 2, 2012 at 12:01 PM

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A New York family's lawsuit against a hospital alleges a medical school rejected a man's corpse for being too large.

The family of George Cardel filed a lawsuit after the 59-year-old man, who weighed about 300 pounds, was pronounced dead at Long Island Jewish Medical Center after suffering a heart attack Dec. 29, 2011, the New York Daily News reported Thursday.

The lawsuit alleges Cardel's last request was for his body to be donated to science, but the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University rejected the corpse for being too large and the hospital took 13 days to return the body, resulting in heavy decomposition that led to the body needing to be cremated.

"We thought everything was taken care of until 13 days later," said Cardel's sister, Maryann O'Donnell.

Officials at the hospital said they attempted to donate the corpse to multiple medical schools, but there were no takers.

The lawsuit alleges "grave humiliation."

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Lawsuit: Corpse was too fat for med school

Research and Markets: US Biotechnology Sector: Industry Profile

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dn327p/us_biotechnology_s) has announced the addition of the "US Biotechnology Sector: Industry Profile" report to their offering.

This industry profile helps to gain an insight into the evolution of the industry and competitive dynamics prevalent in the market. It discusses the significant developments in the industry and analyzes the key trends and issues. The profile provides inputs in strategic business planning of industry professionals.

This profile is of immense help to management consultants, analysts, market research organizations and corporate advisors.

Key Topics Covered

Industry Snapshot

This section gives a holistic overview of the industry. It starts with defining the market and goes on to give historical and current market size figures. It also clearly illustrates the major segments of the market which would be discussed later on in the report.

Industry Analysis

It involves a comprehensive analysis of the industry and its market segments. This section discusses the key developments that have taken place in the industry. It also identifies and analyzes the driving factors and challenges of the industry. A description of the regulatory structure tells us about the major regulatory bodies, laws and government policies.

Country Analysis

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Research and Markets: US Biotechnology Sector: Industry Profile

BIO Thanks Sens. Baucus, Hatch for Extending Tax Policy That Drives Innovation

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and members of the Senate Finance Committee for including the Cellulosic Biofuels Producer Tax Credit (PTC), the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biofuel Plant Property, adding algae biofuels in the tax extenders package, and extending the R&D tax credit for two years.

BIOs President and CEO Jim Greenwood made the following statement:

Tax policy should be focused on driving innovation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower gas prices, and create high quality U.S. based career opportunities. Perhaps more than any other investment, biorefineries can help achieve these objectives by leveraging U.S. biotech innovation and agricultural productivity to revitalize domestic manufacturing.

Advanced biofuel and renewable chemicals tax credits drive innovation while leveling the playing field for U.S. companies and ensuring these American-born technology innovations are deployed here at home.

U.S. tax policy should support the full range of biorefinery opportunities biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals and extending the tax credits helps to do just that. Producing affordable domestic alternatives to all products that come from foreign oil is vital to renewed economic growth and energy security. These tax credits give companies that are innovating a stable policy to bring commercial-scale alternatives to the market.

By extending the cellulosic biofuels producer tax credit and accelerated depreciation allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property, and by adding algae-based biofuels to these two sections of the code, this proposal sends an important signal to investors that Congress continues to support the key role these technologies must play in securing our energy future.

Furthermore, BIO strongly supports the provisions of the package which would extend the valuable R&D tax credit for two years. Like others, BIO has consistently urged that this credit be made permanent, and we will continue to work toward this goal."

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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BIO Thanks Sens. Baucus, Hatch for Extending Tax Policy That Drives Innovation

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Phytofare(TM) Shows Potential for Treating Many Infectious Diseases

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SEATTLE, Aug. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (PLPL), a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts, today announced that research has demonstrated the potential use of its proprietary green tea gallate catechin extract, Phytofare(TM), for treating a broad spectrum of infectious parasitic and bacterial infections. Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the green tea catechins, EGCG and ECG, on blood stages with research published in the US National Library of Medicine pointing to use of glucose in establishing a foothold in parasitic infected humans. Simply put, glucose is the food that parasites need to survive and multiply. A new field of research has opened up focusing on developing glucose and hexose inhibitors--agents that essentially cut off the food supply by preventing the infection from up taking the glucose.

A November 2009 in vitro study demonstrated that gallate catechins, such as those found in green tea, are effective glucose and hexose inhibitors. The catechins bind themselves to the adhesion molecules, preventing mobility of the parasite or bacteria and also inhibiting glucose absorption. Unable to move or feed, the infection is unable to replicate itself and, effectively, dies.

Plandai Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, "While the anti-parasitical properties of green tea have been known for years, only recently has science begun understanding the specific mechanism at work. The effectiveness of green tea catechins as a glucose inhibitor opens up an entire new field of research to us. Phytofare(TM) is potentially the long sought-for key to unlocking an effective, inexpensive treatment for the hundreds of millions of people suffering from parasitic infections throughout the world. Many of these infections have become increasingly drug resistant, forcing medicine to explore new methods for eradicating these diseases."

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa.

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai's ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Phytofare(TM) Shows Potential for Treating Many Infectious Diseases