Monthly Archives: September 2012

First real indicator of longevity in mammals discovered

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ScienceDaily (Sep. 27, 2012) A team of researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), headed by CNIO Director Mara Blasco, has demonstrated in a pioneering study on mammals that longevity is defined at a molecular level by the length of telomeres. The work -- which is published September 27 in the online edition of the journal Cell Reports -- opens the door to further study of these cellular components in order to calculate the rate at which cells age and thus be able to determine life expectancy for a particular organism.

Chromosomes -- the cellular containers holding the genetic information in living creatures -- have repetitive sequences of DNA at their extremities called telomeres. These sequences act as hoods that protect the genetic material in the face of any external agent which might damage it and compromise the function of the cells.

Several transversal population studies -- measuring telomere length once over time in a large group of individuals -- show a relationship between the length of the telomeres and the risk of suffering illnesses -- cardiovascular disease or cancer, for example.

Until now, however, the use of telomeric measurements to predict real life expectancy in mammals had not been evaluated.

"In the transversal studies, it appears that individuals with short telomeres have a significantly increased probability of developing illnesses, including cancer. But this information is not applicable to a specific individual," says Blasco.

To determine a real aeing prediction method, the authors of the present study have carried out longitudinal studies of telomere length in mice, in which a single individual is followed over a period of time.

After taking periodic blood samples from the same individual, from which cells were extracted for study, they found that those mice which managed to live longer were not the ones that had longer telomeres at any given age but those in which showed less telomeric shortening over time.

"The important thing is not so much the long telomeres at any given time as the tendency or the evolution of the length of the telomeres over time," says Elsa Vera, lead author of the study.

With this study, Blasco's team suggests using mice as an animal model in longitudinal studies that allow for health prognoses in humans. Blasco says that: "while telomere length in normal mice is much greater than in humans, we have found, surprisingly, that the telomere shortening rate in mice is 100 times faster than in humans, so the old dogma of normal mice not getting old due to the shortening of their telomeres is wrong."

This study further opens the possibility of studying, via the longitudinal examination of these genetic guardians, the real effect of lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking or exercise on individual aging rates.

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Many female brains contain male DNA

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In the first study of its kind, researchers have discovered that male DNA is commonly found in the brains of women a finding that could hold important implications for diseases like Alzheimers disease and cancer.

Male DNA is likely transferred to female brains during pregnancy, according to researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. During this time, mothers and fetuses exchange and harbor genetic material and cells in a phenomenon called microchimerism.

This means, if a mother is pregnant with a boy, she will end up with male DNA in her system potentially for the rest of her life. If the fetus is female, the mother will end up with genetic material from her daughter, though it is difficult for researchers to distinguish between two sets of female DNA in microchimerism studies.

What this means for treating diseases

Prior studies have observed fetal DNA in many other of the mothers tissues and organs, but this is the first to confirm fetal cells can cross the blood-brain barrier and reside in the mothers brain beyond pregnancy.

We were interested in looking at the human brain because its never been looked at before, and it was really unknown if the cells of fetal origin could reach the brain, study senior author Dr. Lee Nelson, a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and professor of medicine at the University of Washington, told FoxNews.com. Nelson and her colleagues performed autopsies on 59 brains of deceased females and detected male microchimerism in 63 percent of them.

Male microchimerism was distributed across multiple regions of the female brain, including those affected by dementia, and could persist for decades potentially even an entire human lifespan. According to the study, the oldest female with microchimerism detected in her brain was 94.

The question naturally arises what role might the cells have in benefiting health and what role they play in diseases, Nelson added.

The researchers hope further studies on microchimerism might shed new light on various diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons or even brain tumors.

These cells have access to the brain could help us understand different treatment options for diseases that arent well treated, Nelson said. Its a very exciting new area that opens up different possibilities, such as, what if these cells have anti-tumor potential? For example, glioblastomas are deadly tumors, (which) have poor treatment options. Were very much in need of new potential options.

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Many female brains contain male DNA

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Bearing Sons Leaves Male DNA Traces in Mom's Brain

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By Melissa Lee Phillips, ScienceNOW

Giving a whole new meaning to pregnancy brain, a new study shows that male DNA likely left over from pregnancy with a male fetus can persist in a womans brain throughout her life. Although the biological impact of this foreign DNA is unclear, the study also found that women with more male DNA in their brains were less likely to have suffered from Alzheimers disease hinting that the male DNA could help protect the mothers from the disease, the researchers say.

During mammalian pregnancy, the mother and fetus exchange DNA and cells. Previous work has shown that fetal cells can linger in the mothers blood and bone for decades, a condition researchers call fetal microchimerism. The lingering of the fetal DNA, research suggests, may be a mixed blessing for a mom: The cells may benefit the mothers health by promoting tissue repair and improving the immune system but may also cause adverse effects, such as autoimmune reactions.

One question is how leftover fetal cells affect the brain. Researchers have shown that fetal microchimerism occurs in mouse brains, but they had not shown this in humans. So a team led by autoimmunity researcher and rheumatologist J. Lee Nelson of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, took samples from autopsied brains of 59 women who died between the ages of 32 and 101. By testing for a gene specific to the Y chromosome, they found evidence of male DNA in the brains of 63 percent of the women. (The researchers did not have the history of the womens pregnancies.) The male DNA was scattered across multiple brain regions, the team reports online today in PLoS ONE.

Because some studies have suggested that the risk of Alzheimers disease (A.D.) increases with an increasing number of pregnancies, the team also examined the brains for signs of the disease, allowing them to determine whether A.D. correlated with the observed microchimerism. Of the 59 women, 33 had A.D. but contrary to the teams expectation, the women with A.D. had significantly less male DNA in their brains than did the 26 women who did not have A.D..

Whether that correlation means that fetal male DNA helps protect women against A.D. is unclear, however. To me, this suggests that the presence of fetal cells in the female brain prevents disease, says cardiologist Hina Chaudhry of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

In a study published online in Circulation Research late last year, Chaudhry and colleagues found that fetal cells in mice migrated to the mothers heart, differentiated into functioning cardiac cells, and accelerated repair to damaged heart tissue. So, Chaudhry says, a similar thing could be happening when fetal cells migrate to the brain. I would bet these cells are getting into the maternal brain and are able to differentiate into neurons.

A 2010 study in Stem Cells and Development showed that fetal cells can migrate to the brain of a mother mouse and mature into neurons, Nelson says. But, she adds, it remains unclear if something similar is happening in humans and its also difficult to reach any firm conclusions about a potential link between microchimerism and A.D. Part of the problem is that her team had little information about the pregnancy histories of the women in their study. We have to say we really dont know, she says. I hope that kind of work can be done in the future, but its very difficult to do with human samples.

This story provided by ScienceNOW, the daily online news service of the journal Science.

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Bearing Sons Leaves Male DNA Traces in Mom's Brain

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DNA Mapping Uncovers the Mystery to Family History

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Scientific breakthroughs in the study of the human genome coupled with online access to massive genealogical records have opened the doors of ancestral investigation to include all those interested in unearthing their roots and, on October 26-27 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, The Genealogy Event will feature exciting learning opportunities and resources for both novice and professional enthusiasts.

Technology has revolutionized genealogical research and can take you back more than 100,000 years, said Bridget Bray, organizer of the event. Uncovering the mystery and discovering your own history doesnt have to mean hours of pouring over dusty record books locked in courthouse basements. So much of your familys past has been right there in your own DNA, waiting for science to catch up and read it.

DNA testing and analysis has evolved dramatically in recent years casting the widest net possible to ones genetic matrix, said Ken Chahine, SVP and General Manager of AncestryDNA, sponsor of The Genealogy Event. AncestryDNA has merged this new technology with the millions of family trees and billions of records on Ancestry.com providing exciting new family history discoveries for those new to the hobby as well as the most dedicated researcher.

According to Family Tree DNA President Bennett Greenspan, exhibitor and speaker at The Genealogy Event, Through an examination of the Mitochondrial DNA for women the Y-Chromosome for men, we can look at the direct female and male linesgenealogically and anthropologicallyback to the first woman and man who lived in Africa more than 100,000 years ago.

The Genealogy Event will feature 40 expert speaking sessions including ones that demonstrate how an analysis of your DNA can also provide a breakdown of ethnic percentages and reveal the parts of the world from which an individuals ancestors came. Testing could even bring to light distant relations around the globe going back 400 years.

Attendees will also connect with a host of companies, organizations and societies that offer essential services to the genealogical industry.

According to Bray, People have always been fascinated by where they come from, telling and retelling the stories handed down from their elders. Popular shows like Finding Your Roots with Henry Gates, Jr. and Who Do You Think You Are? which trace the heritage of famous personalities have underscored this interest and demonstrated how science can help to expose unknown ethnicities, dispel family myths and reveal even more thrilling truths.

New York City is a melting pot within a melting pot and we are thrilled to present The Genealogy EventNYCs only event of its kindto put people in touch with their pasts. And its all for about the price of a movie ticket, she said.

For more information and to pre-register online for The Genealogy Event, visit http://www.thegenealogyevent.com. Tickets are available for $15 per day.

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DNA Mapping Uncovers the Mystery to Family History

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New drive to take criminals' DNA

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27 September 2012 Last updated at 13:20 ET

Police forces in England and Wales have begun a large-scale operation to collect DNA samples from about 12,000 serious offenders who are not on the national DNA database.

Operation Nutmeg will see officers collect swabs from sex offenders and murderers living in the community.

Criminals are often not on the database if they were convicted before 1994, when sample-taking became routine.

The scheme has been launched after a successful pilot exercise in Hampshire.

Police hope the collection of thousands of new samples could help to solve so-called cold-cases, where a new sample is linked to a past crime.

Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Amanda Cooper, director of information, science and technology at Thames Valley Police, said officers would approach individuals between now and next summer to collect the samples.

Police forces have been given lists of offenders living in their areas and will work though them to collect the samples.

The lists have been drawn up based on information from the Police National Computer, which was first used in the 1970s.

Alex Marshall, the chief constable of Hampshire police, said 167 samples were taken from a list of 471 convicted criminals during the pilot operation.

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New drive to take criminals' DNA

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Biology megaprojects offer ‘diminishing returns,’ warns ex-National Academy of Sciences chief

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OTTAWA The editor of the worlds best-known science journal has issued a call to avoid getting carried away with massive human biology projects that show clear signs of diminishing returns.

Bruce Alberts is editor-in-chief of Science magazine, and a biochemist by training.

What triggered his warning, published Wednesday in an editorial, is the latest biology megaproject: 10 years of work by 442 scientists to create an encyclopedia of DNA elements.

Biology has megaprojects of all sorts. There was the 15-year Human Genome Project, deciphering three billion pieces of our DNA code.

Equally massive studies keep spinning off: proteomics (identifying all the proteins in cells), transcriptomics, epigenomics and metabolomics see the creation of encyclopedia-sized works by hundreds of researchers at many universities and governments, and their staffs.

Whats wrong with that? Alberts warns that the governments funding these projects are producing mountains of data, but not enough understanding.

As a coauthor of a textbook in cell biology that is updated at 5-year intervals, I am painfully aware of the huge gap that remains in our understanding of even the simplest cells, he writes.

For instance, he argues, after 50 years of using the E. coli bacterium as a model, nearly a quarter of its more than 4,000 proteins have unknown functions. He calls this very sobering.

There are clear signs of diminishing returns from the megaprojects, he said. But the culture supporting them remains difficult to stop, and he says its grabbing all the available money.

Alberts is one of the worlds most influential figures in science policy, a past president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences with a global audience. Hes also a divergent thinker who has railed against the gobbledygook of science jargon and pleaded with researchers to speak (and write) plainer English.

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Ember Therapeutics Announces Cell Publication of Key Data Showing TRPV4 Inhibition Activates Brown/Beige Fat and …

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ember Therapeutics, Inc., a company harnessing breakthroughs in brown fat biology and insulin sensitization to revolutionize the treatment of metabolic disease, today announced the publication of key preclinical data demonstrating that inhibition of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) family of ion channels - specifically TRPV4 - resulted in activation of brown/beige fat and protection from diet-induced obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance. Ember holds an exclusive option to license these TRPV4 findings and technology.

This breakthrough TRPV4 research was led by Ember co-founder Bruce Spiegelman, Ph.D., professor of cell biology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, in collaboration with fellow company co-founder Patrick Griffin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of molecular therapeutics and director of the Translational Research Institute at The Scripps Research Institute. Additional co-authors on the paper included researchers from Boston Childrens Hospital, Duke University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This research is exciting in that it looks at the role of TRPV4 and, from high throughput screening to in vivo pharmacological inhibition, demonstrates the important impact it could have on obesity and metabolic disease, said Louis Tartaglia, Ph.D., president and interim chief executive officer of Ember. Not only do these findings identify TRPV4 as a compelling therapeutic target, but they continue to build out our understanding of the role of brown fat in humans and in developing novel brown fat treatments for metabolic disease.

The publication details how researchers first developed a high throughput screen to identify molecules that increase PGC1 gene expression in white fat cells. PGC1 is a key regulator of energy metabolism and drives the browning of white fat and increased thermogenesis. The researchers then demonstrated that small molecule inhibition of TRPV4 not only increased PGC1 levels, but also expression of UCP1 - a gene that is specifically expressed in brown/beige fat. In cultured fat cells, blocking TRPV4 resulted in reduced expression of multiple proinflammatory genes that are involved in the development of insulin resistance. Finally, preclinical mouse models using either mice with a null mutation for TRPV4 or wild-type mice treated with a TRPV4 antagonist demonstrated increased thermogenesis in brown/beige fat tissues and protection from diet-induced obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the compelling therapeutic potential of small molecule TRPV4 inhibition in obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

The paper, TRPV4 is a Regulator of Adipose Oxidative Metabolism, Inflammation and Energy Homeostasis, is now available online and will publish in the print edition of Cell on September 28.

About Ember Therapeutics, Inc.

Ember Therapeutics is a product-focused company harnessing breakthroughs in brown fat biology and insulin sensitization to revolutionize the treatment of metabolic disease. Todays rising epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes coupled with the lack of innovation in the industrys metabolic disorder treatment pipeline underscores the need for novel, peripherally-acting treatments with improved safety profiles. Embers unique approach leverages recent research breakthroughs in brown fat biology to develop a pipeline of proprietary large and small molecules designed to amplify the bodys innate ability to efficiently burn fuels like glucose. Embers expertise is also driving the development of the next generation of highly selective insulin sensitizers that have robust anti-diabetic effects, but lack the serious side effects of currently approved insulin sensitizers. Ember is a private company launched in 2011 by renowned scientific founders, an experienced leadership team and Third Rock Ventures. For more information, please visit http://www.embertx.com.

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Ember Therapeutics Announces Cell Publication of Key Data Showing TRPV4 Inhibition Activates Brown/Beige Fat and ...

New Anatomy Lab at UCSF Prepares Next Generation of Clinicians – Video

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25-09-2012 23:25 The days of carrying hefty, 1500-page Gray's Anatomy textbooks may be long gone, but not much more has changed over the decades in how medical students learn anatomy - until now. Students at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have just begun studies in a new, state-of-the-art anatomy learning center equipped with interactive iPad textbooks, giant video displays and roving cameras that will allow them to observe, discover, and come to understand, in a new way, the complex architecture of the human body.

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New Anatomy Lab at UCSF Prepares Next Generation of Clinicians - Video

Nuvilex's Subsidiary, Austrianova Singapore, to Provide Confirmatory Findings From Additional Pancreatic Cancer Trial …

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SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuvilex, Inc. (NVLX), an international biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today that Austrianova Singapore Pte Ltd (ASPL) will reveal confirmatory findings from a second phase 2 pancreatic cancer clinical trial that used the encapsulated cytochrome P450 expressing cells followed by chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCGT) meeting next week.

ASPL's Chief Operating Officer, Dr John Dangerfield, will be presenting the clinical data at the upcoming ISCGT meeting in Singapore, October 4-7. The ISCGT has previously organized numerous meetings in the US, England, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, China, India and Egypt. The ISCGT works in close collaboration with national societies and organizations, as well as local clinicians, to promote cell and gene therapies for use in cancer therapy advancement and treatment. Council members of the ISCGT include leading experts and peers that have made major contributions to advance cell and gene therapies.

Dr. Brian Salmons, CEO of ASPL stated, "We determined that the ISCGT would be an important forum for presenting this additional data. The value for bringing this to ISCGT is a result of how they have been championing major developments in cell and gene therapy based approaches to treat cancer over the past several years. We are very pleased to have Dr. Dangerfield representing us as a speaker at this year's conference and presenting this important advancement to our work."

Dr. Robert F. Ryan, CEO of Nuvilex said, "The most important aspect of what will be presented at ISCGT is that safety and mean survival pancreatic cancer trial data being shown has not previously appeared in the public domain. Therefore, we are very pleased that this data will be shown at this conference. The data that Dr. Dangerfield will present confirms and extends the previous clinical trial results - namely that our encapsulated cell therapy, when used in combination with the appropriate chemotherapy, is safe, well-tolerated and efficacious for treating pancreatic cancer."

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (NVLX) is an international biotechnology provider of live therapeutically valuable, encapsulated cells and services for research and medicine. Substantial progress in multiple areas will be providing the Company with increased potential and we look forward to bringing those forward shortly. Our company's clinical offerings will include cancer, diabetes and other treatments using the company's cell and gene therapy expertise and live-cell encapsulation technology.

The Nuvilex, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13494

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements described within the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act involving risks and uncertainties including product demand, market competition, and meeting current or future plans which may cause actual results, events, and performances, expressed or implied, to vary and/or differ from those contemplated or predicted. 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. Nuvilex is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, reflect events or circumstances afterward, or disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Nuvilex's Subsidiary, Austrianova Singapore, to Provide Confirmatory Findings From Additional Pancreatic Cancer Trial ...

'Online freedom sees setbacks'

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WASHINGTON, USA - Online freedom has suffered setbacks in many countries but also some gains amid the Arab Spring uprisings and political upheaval in parts of the world, a new study showed.

The report by the research group Freedom House found that 20 countries "experienced a negative trajectory since January 2011" as authorities used newer, more sophisticated controls to quell dissent on the Internet.

"The findings clearly show that threats to Internet freedom are becoming more diverse," said Sanja Kelly, project director at Freedom House and co-author of the report released Monday covering the period from January 2011 to May 2012.

"As authoritarian rulers see that blocked websites and high-profile arrests draw local and international condemnation, they are turning to murkier but no less dangerous methods for controlling online conversations."

The study found that Estonia had the highest level of online freedom among the 47 countries examined, while the United States ranked second.

Iran, Cuba and China received the lowest scores and 10 other countries received a ranking of "not free" Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Bahrain and Syria.

The worst declines, according to the report, were in Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan, reflecting "intensified censorship, arrests and violence against bloggers."

It said online freedom was also hurt in Mexico "in the context of increasing threats of violence from organized crime," and in Ethiopia, "possibly reflecting a government effort to establish more sophisticated controls before allowing access to expand."

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A cockroach could save your life

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Researchers from North Carolina State University have turned the cockroach - perhaps the world's most despised insect - into an emergency rescue worker.

The idea is to develop a cyborg cockroach, one that could be remotely controlled.

With a camera on its back, thecockroach could enter and maneuver through tiny crevices, searching for survivors from an earthquake or another disaster.

Search and rescue workers often have difficulty investigating these areas, and this new and improved (though still disgusting) little guy could be one way to locate survivors.

Reuters reports on how it works:

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/weird-wide-web/cockroach-could-save-your-life

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A cockroach could save your life

Sharks that stray too close to beaches to be killed

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Colin Barnett, Western Australia premier, unveiled a Aus$6.85 million (4.4 million) package in shark mitigation strategies, including a track, catch and destroy programme, in the wake of five fatal attacks over the past year.

A further Aus$2 million would be set aside for shark research, while the remaining funding would be devoted to extra jet-skis for life guards, a study and trial of enclosures and a smartphone application for shark alerts.

"These new measures will not only help us to understand the behaviour of sharks but also offer beachgoers greater protection and confidence as we head into summer," said Barnett.

Western Australia's government has come under growing pressure to increase protection measures after the five deaths over the past year an unprecedented number for such a short period.

The most recent fatality was in July, when a surfer was bitten in half in a savage attack near Wedge Island, north of Perth, with another mauled but escaping alive last month at far-flung Red Bluff.

Most fatal attacks in the region involve great whites, among the largest shark species in the world and made famous by the horror movie "Jaws". They can grow up to 20 feet and weigh up to two tonnes.

Sharks are common in Australian waters but deadly attacks have previously been rare, with only one of the average 15 incidents a year typically proving fatal.

Experts say the average number of attacks in the country has increased in line with population growth and the popularity of water sports.

Source: AFP

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Sharks that stray too close to beaches to be killed

Blue flag fears after poor summer

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27 September 2012 Last updated at 09:45 ET

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Up to a quarter of Welsh beaches are "at risk" of losing their Blue Flag award next year

Almost a third of Wales' blue flag beaches could be stripped of their status due to the poor summer weather.

Environment Agency Wales (EAW) said the wettest UK summer in 100 years has resulted in a rise in bacteria levels in the water due to sewage pollution.

Businesses have expressed fear of a drop in trade if the blue flag status of their local beach is lost.

From next year, new rules will see water quality for blue flags assessed over four years rather than one.

The blue flag award is issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which rates beaches on categories including facilities, environmental management, water quality and all-round cleanliness.

The heavy rain this summer has not only caused significant flooding and problems for farmers and tourism, it has also affected bathing waters at some of our beaches

Forty three beaches and five marinas in Wales earned the status in 2012, two more than in 2011.

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Blue flag fears after poor summer

The danger lurking off Brazil's beaches

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27 September 2012 Last updated at 07:24 ET

Brazil's northeast coast boasts warm waters and beautiful beaches. But the coastal waters are home to many aggressive sharks, and in the last 20 years a spate of attacks has made this one of the most dangerous places in the world to swim. Rob Sawers reports.

In the last week of August, the body of Tiago Jose de Oliveira da Silva, 18, was found in the sea just south of Recife, in north-eastern Brazil. An autopsy ruled he had been killed by sharks.

His death was the 56th shark attack in Recife in 20 years. What is so shocking about Recife's attacks is that so many of them are fatal - 21 of the 56, a death rate of about 37%. This is much higher than the worldwide shark attack fatality rate, which is currently about 16%, according to Florida State Museum of Natural History .

According to Dr Rosangela Lessa of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), and president of the state's team trying to reduce shark attacks, the blame lies with recent environmental disturbances in the region. It is also because there are lots of beachgoers - and lots of aggressive sharks - sharing the water.

Scientists believe most of these attacks are committed by two species - bull sharks and tiger sharks - but forensic evidence has only been able to confirm the species responsible in eight of these attacks.

Bull sharks are considered the be one of the most dangerous shark species, with many proven attacks against man.

There are almost two million people in Recife and surrounding areas, and there are many beaches conveniently located in and around the city. But, some 700 metres off the coast lies a deep trench running parallel to the beaches near the city.

Sharks use this trench as a migratory route and emerge from it to hunt in the shallows.

It is Recife's Port Suape, though, that many see as the biggest cause of the recent attacks. Located 20km (12 miles) south of Boa Viagem Beach, where most of the attacks have occurred, the port has been the cause of much disturbance for marine life along the coast and the nearby estuaries.

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DIAGNOS Inc.: CODELCO, the Main Copper Producer in the World, Has Signed a Second Service Agreement for the Use of …

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BROSSARD, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2012) - DIAGNOS inc. ("DIAGNOS" or "the Corporation") (ADK.V), a leader in the use of artificial intelligence and advanced knowledge-extraction techniques, announced today the signature of a second agreement for the use of its CARDS (Computer Aided Resource Detection System) technology, to generate potential exploration targets on Codelco's (Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile) exploration programs in Chile.

DIAGNOS will assist Codelco in identifying targets by using its CARDS technology, which makes possible the identification of sites having the same signature as known mineralized occurrences. DIAGNOS uses its proprietary technology to analyze geological, geophysical and geochemical to enable the identification of patterns hidden in the large amount of data each customer owns.

DIAGNOS can count on a multidisciplinary team that includes professionals in geophysics, geology, Artificial Intelligence, mathematics, as well as remote sensing and image interpretation.

About Codelco

Codelco is the world's largest copper producer, is headquartered in the Chile. In 2011 Codelco produced 1,796,000 tons of copper, 11% of total world copper production (including its share in El Abra mine). It is also one of the top companies in molybdenum production, with 23,098 metric tons during this period. Codelco is a 100% state-owned company and it has the largest copper reserves and resources known in the world. Codelco's sales in 2011 were US$17,515 million.

About DIAGNOS

Founded in 1998, DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation (ADK.V), with a mission to commercialize technologies combining contextual imaging and traditional data mining thereby improving decision making processes. DIAGNOS offers products, services, and solutions to clients in a variety of fields including healthcare, natural resources.

The Corporation's objective is to develop a royalty stream by significantly enhancing and participating in the exploration success rate of mining.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.diagnos.com or the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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DIAGNOS Inc.: CODELCO, the Main Copper Producer in the World, Has Signed a Second Service Agreement for the Use of ...

Global Supply Chain Summit – Aerospace 2012 – Sustainable development, a priority for the aerospace supply chain

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MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Aro Montral, Qubec's aerospace cluster, in collaboration with the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN), is holding today and tomorrow at the Palais des congrs de Montral the 2nd edition of the Global Supply Chain Summit - aerospace under the theme "Sustainable development with regards to supply." This event is chaired by Janice Davis, Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Bombardier Aerospace,

This industry initiative is in response to a need as expressed by SMEs, that by improving the sustainability of their supply chain it will help them to stand out from the growing competition. The Summit will bring together nearly 400 industry representatives from Qubec, Canada and abroad, including SMEs, OEMs, policy makers and journalists.

"To stay in the race and maintain its position in the world, Qubec's aerospace industry must continue to mobilize and bring solutions to the various challenges and be ready for the long-term growth of the sector," said Gilles Labb, Chairman of the Board of Aro Montral and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hroux-Devtek. "The Summit that begins today will provide unique opportunity to spark concerted discussions on the issue of sustainable development within the supply chain."

"This event, which represents the first activity of the organizations regrouped under Aro Montral, will give aerospace SMEs tools that will help them to better meet the needs of their customers, in particular the compliance with new environmental standards," adds Suzanne M. Benot, CEO of Aero Montral. It will also help them position themselves within the Canadian government's military procurement program."

The Summit program includes conferences and workshops that will address the structural changes that are taking place within the aerospace industry, such as OEM's growing preference for integrators. More than 500 B2Bs are also planned to allow participating companies to network with each other and develop business opportunities. To view the full program of the Global Supply Chain Summit - Aerospace, click here.

About Aro Montral

Aro Montral, Quebec's aerospace cluster, is a strategic think tank that groups all the major decision makers in Quebec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.

Aro Montral's mission is to mobilize industry players around common goals and concerted actions to increase the cohesion and optimize competitiveness of Quebec's aerospace cluster. It aims to foster the growth and expansion of the cluster to ensure that it may continue to create wealth for Montreal, Quebec and Canada. To find out more about Aro Montral, visitwww.aeromontreal.ca.

SOURCE: AERO MONTREAL

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Global Supply Chain Summit - Aerospace 2012 - Sustainable development, a priority for the aerospace supply chain

Research and Markets: Global Aerospace and Defense Market 2011-2015 – Rapid Evolution of New Technologies Proving to …

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/sxdzqw/global_aerospace) has announced the addition of the "Global Aerospace and Defense Market 2011-2015" report to their offering.

TechNavio launched its report Global Aerospace and Defense Market 2011-2015 based on an in-depth study covering the US, and Europe and Rest of the World regions. The report aims to aid decision makers' understanding of the significant trends impacting this market.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio's Automotive team said: ''The Civil Aviation industry in the US has recorded significant growth over the past few years. The Aerospace industry in the US has emerged as an industry with high potential across the world, despite the negative impact of the global financial crisis. The Aerospace industry in the US is showing an uptrend in line with strong market developments. It is expected that the US will buy a huge amount of airplanes by 2028. It is also expected that the world's airlines will take delivery of massive commercial aircraft by the end of 2029. Hence, the growth of the Aerospace industry in the US is helping companies to increase the demand for their products in this market.''

According to the report, the increase in defense spending is one of the major factors driving the growth of the Global Aerospace and Defense market. Governments in countries such as China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Spain are expected to increase their defense budget to double digits by 2015. Hence, the allocation of a huge budget by various governments across the world is driving the Global Aerospace and Defense market.

Further, the report also discusses that one of the main challenges for aerospace and defense vendors is the rapid evolution of new technologies.

The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key players.

Key Topics Covered:

01. Executive Summary

02. Introduction

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Research and Markets: Global Aerospace and Defense Market 2011-2015 - Rapid Evolution of New Technologies Proving to ...

Aéro Montréal and Ohio Aerospace Institute sign a strategic collaboration agreement

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MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Aro Montral, Qubec's aerospace cluster, and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), signed a framework agreement on cooperation during the second edition of Aro Montral's Global Supply Chain Summit - aerospace taking place at the Palais des congrs de Montral.

Suzanne M. Benot, president of Aro Montral, welcomed the initiative, saying it will help to create business opportunities in the Qubec's aerospace industry, particularly the defence sector given OAI's relationship with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. "We share similar objectives for our respective members and strongly believe in the potential sharing of best practices and mutual challenges," she said.

Michael L. Heil, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Aerospace Institute added that "Ohio and Quebec are known worldwide for our leadership in aerospace. We are delighted to sign this agreement with Aero Montreal, and believe that it will be mutually beneficial for our respective organizations and members."

"The Ohio Aerospace Institute is a research and development organization which has a collaborative model similar to that of CRIAQ. There are several complementary industrial themes between Qubec and Ohio. We look forward to the concrete projects that will emerge over the coming years," said Clment Fortin, President and CEO of CRIAQ.

The collaboration agreement involves the exchange of information concerning the two clusters' respective programs and initiatives. It also involves the exchange of information about their respective members' needs, offers and capabilities, allowing for shared knowledge on how both clusters could better integrate, leverage each other's core competencies and therefore develop complementary value chains.

About the agreement signatories

About Aro Montral

Aro Montral, Qubec's aerospace cluster, is a strategic think tank that groups all the major decision makers in Qubec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.

Aro Montral's mission is to mobilize industry players around common goals and concerted actions to increase the cohesion and optimize competitiveness of Qubec's aerospace cluster. It aims to foster the growth and expansion of the cluster so as to ensure that it may continue to create wealth for Montral, Qubec and Canada. To find out more about Aro Montral, visit http://www.aeromontreal.ca.

About the Ohio Aerospace Institute

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Aéro Montréal and Ohio Aerospace Institute sign a strategic collaboration agreement

Aerospace Materials protect surfaces against chafing, abrasion.

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GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials for anti-chafe applications helps minimize vibration force and reduce the abrasive effects of foreign debris between surfaces. In applications such as access panels, fuel bladders, tail booms, and transmission panels, mechanical wear from vibration can cause small particles to become trapped between the interfaces, resulting in chafing, pitting, and scoring. Gores soft durable materials are chemically inert and resistant to aircraft fluids, thereby minimizing potential corrosive effects.

GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials for edge protection are abrasion-resistant and engineered specifically to prevent abrasion and cut-through damage from composite floorboard edges and reduce the likelihood of corrosion. More durable than fiberglass tapes, these materials protect edges by isolating carbon and other components that are galvanically dissimilar. These lightweight, highly conformable materials are easy to install because of their single-component construction, and they simplify maintenance because they are easy to remove for inspection.

According to Ross Livington, Gores global product specialist for GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials for surface protection, the mechanical properties of these materials have been engineered to withstand wear and increase the durability of their protective performance. With decades of experience in the aerospace industry, we understand the importance of reliability and aircraft availability. Our highly conformable materials reduce downtime of the aircraft through their long-term performance, and with easy installation the aircraft availability can be improved.

For more information about Gores full line of products for the aerospace industry, contact Petra Tillmanns at ptillman@wlgore.com or +49/9144/601-6389, or visit http://www.gore.com/aerospace.

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well-known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric, the companys portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Headquartered in the United States, Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates in 30 countries worldwide. In Europe, Gore started its first business operations only a few years after the Enterprise's founding in 1958. Gore now has locations sales offices as as well as production facilities in the key European countries with around 2,000 associates dedicated to serving the markets of all of Gore's product divisions. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. 100 Best Companies to Work For lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. For several years now, Gore has also been voted one of the best workplaces in Europe and has been ranked on top workplace lists in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Sweden. Learn more at gore.com.

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Aerospace Materials protect surfaces against chafing, abrasion.

Robots to help stroke patients

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Starting in October, Phoenix-based neurology specialist Dr. Bart Demaerschalk will be able to roam the halls of Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, look into the eyes of stroke patients, diagnose conditions and consult with colleagues.

And he'll do it all from Phoenix using a joysticklike tool while looking at his computer monitor. His patients will be looking right back at him.

"I use a joystick device," he said. "It's much like a video game. It allows me to drive the robot in another environment."

Demaerschalk is medical director of the Mayo Clinic's telestroke system, which consists of a mobile robot doctors can control, adjust and speak through. ER doctors in Casa Grande will be able to contact the Mayo Clinic staff on a telestroke hotline.

The hospital, at 1800 E. Florence Blvd., in Casa Grande, is 43 miles from Marana.

Using telestroke, doctors can travel with other members of the health-care team throughout the hospital, moving from room to room and through elevators.

The Mayo Clinic developed the technology to care for stroke patients in rural settings. Demaerschalk said stroke neurologists and doctors working at the remote sites have used telestroke together to diagnose strokes with 96 percent accuracy in 1,000 cases.

The Casa Grande hospital is one of 11 in the network. The Mayo Clinic started the program in 2005.

The technology is already in hospitals in Bisbee, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Globe, Kingman, Parker, Phoenix, Show Low, Yuma and Phoenix, as well as St. Joseph, Mo.

In addition to seeing patients himself, Demaerschalk and six other doctors in a rotation will have access to patients' brain scans to look for damage from blocked arteries or hemorrhages.

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Robots to help stroke patients