Monthly Archives: September 2012

Nanotechnology device aims to prevent malaria deaths through rapid diagnosis

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ScienceDaily (Sep. 24, 2012) A pioneering mobile device using cutting-edge nanotechnology to rapidly detect malaria infection and drug resistance could revolutionise how the disease is diagnosed and treated.

Around 800,000 people die from malaria each year after being bitten by mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites. Signs that the parasite is developing resistance to the most powerful anti-malarial drugs in south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa mean scientists are working to prevent the drugs becoming ineffective.

The 5.2million (4million) Nanomal project -- launched September 26-- is planning to provide an affordable hand-held diagnostic device to swiftly detect malaria infection and parasites' drug resistance. It will allow healthcare workers in remote rural areas to deliver effective drug treatments to counter resistance more quickly, potentially saving lives.

The device -- the size and shape of a mobile phone -- will use a range of latest proven nanotechnologies to rapidly analyse the parasite DNA from a blood sample. It will then provide a malaria diagnosis and comprehensive screening for drug susceptibility in less than 20 minutes, while the patient waits. With immediately available information about the species of parasite and its potential for drug resistance, a course of treatment personally tailored to counter resistance can be given.

Currently for malaria diagnosis, blood samples are sent to a central referral laboratory for drug resistance analysis, requiring time as well as specialised and expensive tests by skilled scientists. Additionally, confirmation of malaria is often not available where patients present with fever. Very often, drug treatments are prescribed before the diagnosis and drug resistance are confirmed, and may not be effective. Being able to treat effectively and immediately will prevent severe illness and save lives.

The Nanomal consortium is being led by St George's, University of London, which is working with UK handheld diagnostics and DNA sequencing specialist QuantuMDx Group and teams at the University of Tuebingen in Germany and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. It was set up in response to increasing signs that the malaria parasite is mutating to resist the most powerful class of anti-malaria drugs, artemisinins. The European Commission has awarded 4million (3.1million) to the project.

Nanomal lead Professor Sanjeev Krishna, from St George's, said: "Recent research suggests there's a real danger that artemisinins could eventually become obsolete, in the same way as other anti-malarials. New drug treatments take many years to develop, so the quickest and cheapest alternative is to optimise the use of current drugs. The huge advances in technology are now giving us a tremendous opportunity to do that and to avoid people falling seriously ill or dying unnecessarily."

QuantuMDx's CEO Elaine Warburton said: "Placing a full malaria screen with drug resistance status in the palm of a health professional's hand will allow instant prescribing of the most effective anti-malaria medication for that patient. Nanomal's rapid, low-cost test will further support the global health challenge to eradicate malaria."

The handheld device will take a finger prick of blood, extract the malarial DNA and then detect and sequence the specific mutations linked to drug resistance, using a nanowire biosensor. The chip electrically detects the DNA sequences and converts them directly into binary code, the universal language of computers. The binary code can then be readily analysed and even shared, via wireless or mobile networks, with scientists for real-time monitoring of disease patterns.

The device should provide the same quality of result as a referral laboratory, at a fraction of the time and cost. Each device could cost about the price of a smart phone initially, but may be issued for free in developing countries. A single-test cartridge will be around 13 (10) initially, but the aim is to reduce this cost to ensure affordability in resource-limited settings.

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Nanotechnology device aims to prevent malaria deaths through rapid diagnosis

Med students’ biggest challenges: educational costs, workload

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The cost of medical education poses the biggest challenge for medical students, according to a national survey of students released Sept. 13.

Theyre really seeing the bills piling up as the costs for medical school go up year after year, said Erica Sniad Morgenstern, spokeswoman for the health information technology company Epocrates.

The company surveyed 1,015 students in August who use its drug reference tool at more than 160 medical schools nationwide. Medical school costs have been an increasing challenge for students in the seven years the company has been conducting the survey, she said.

The average student debt is $162,000 for allopathic students and $205,674 for osteopathic medicine students, according to the latest data from the Assn. of American Medical Colleges and the American Assn. of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Eighty-six percent of allopathic medical school graduates and 91% of osteopathic medicine college graduates had educational debt in 2011.

Milla Kviatkovsky, a third-year medical student at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said she wishes she had taken cost more into consideration when deciding where to go. Depending on the school, tuition and other expenses can range from $20,000 to $60,000 a year, she said.

I think the cost of medical education has become one of the biggest factors, said Kviatkovsky, one of the surveyed students.

The cost of medical education was cited as the top challenge by 45% of surveyed students. The second-biggest challenge cited by 22% of respondents was the sheer volume of information that students must learn.

In a separate question, students were asked about their concerns as future physicians. Fifty-three percent cited being a good physician as among their biggest concerns, 47% mentioned balancing work and personal life, and 30% said they were worried about paying off student loans.

Overall, students ranked their medical school experiences as positive, but many said they would like to have more direct contact with patients and more education about the business side of medicine, Morgenstern said.

The majority of students were satisfied with their training in areas such as bedside manner, patient safety and infection prevention and control. Students indicated that they were less satisfied with other aspects of their education, including billing and coding, practice management and interaction with hospital administration (epocrates.com/who/media/mediaresources/statistics).

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Med students’ biggest challenges: educational costs, workload

OC likes QB chemistry, seeks consistency

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. Chuck Martin likes the chemistry of his quarterback group through the first-third of the season. Just don't bother asking Notre Dame's offensive coordinator about any big-picture plans.

"I have no idea," Martin, speaking for the first time this season, said Wednesday. "If you've got a crystal ball and you could tell me, that would be awesome. We're all just trying to figure out a way to beat Miami. The plan for the future is to try to figure out what's going to shake down. I believe we've got four good quarterbacks, which obviously one quarterback plays at a time so to me, I don't know.

Martin isn't too worried about Everett Golson losing confidence after being pulled for Tommy Rees in both of the Irish's home games. The fact that head coach Brian Kelly has started Golson over three other talented options is all the validation one needs, Martin said, and the growing pains his No. 1 signal caller has suffered are not uncommon for a redshirt freshman.

"Keep accentuating all the good things he's done, because he's played a lot of snaps, he's done a lot of good things," Martin said of Golson. "We said from Day 1, 'You're not going to be a great quarterback as a freshman. It's very rare [a freshman's] great all the time. You might be great in spurts or great on plays or great for a period of time, or even a whole game you might have a complete great game.' But just to play, there's so many new experiences for him."

The fast-talking Martin said the offense is still searching for consistent execution in all phases, though he's less concerned with establishing a true identity than he is with some of the younger players not showing the same sense of urgency early in games as they have lately.

"The good thing so far is the only time we've really had to throw the ball was the two-minute drive against Purdue and we did it when we had to," Martin said, "and the only two times we've had to run the ball was the fourth quarter of two games against two good opponents and we've grinded the clock pretty good."

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OC likes QB chemistry, seeks consistency

Stellar Biotechnologies Presented at World Congress of Marine Biotechnology

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PORT HUENEME, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 26, 2012) - Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. ("Stellar") ( TSX VENTURE : KLH ) ( PINKSHEETS : SBOTF ) ( FRANKFURT : RBT ) today announced that Frank Oakes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stellar, presented at the 2nd Annual World Congress of Marine Biotechnology held September 20 - 23, 2012 in Dalian, China.

"We are the world leader in Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH)," said Frank Oakes. "KLH is a critical material in immunology that is derived from a sole marine source, so we are intensely aware of the importance of the ocean's fragile resources to pharmaceutical sciences."

The World Congress of Marine Biotechnology brought together international scientists and industry leaders to discuss the global growth and latest developments in marine biotechnology.Mr. Oakes delivered a keynote talk titled "Marine Compounds in Immune Therapy; the Pathway to Commercialization" focusing on the deployment of KLH in immunology, one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical fields.

Frank Oakes is an international expert in the commercialization of marine-derived products, with specialization in sustainable aquaculture systems for biotechnology and seafood industries.Stellar Biotechnologies is championing KLH protection and development with support from the National Cancer Institute, the National Science Foundation, and the national Center for Research Resources.

For more information: Visit Stellar Biotechnologies website and the KLH knowledge base KLH Site.

About Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. ( TSX VENTURE : KLH ) ( PINKSHEETS : SBOTF ) ( FRANKFURT : RBT ) is the world leader in sustainable manufacture of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH). KLH is an important immune-stimulating protein used in wide-ranging therapeutic and diagnostic markets. Potent, yet proven safe in humans, KLH operates as both a vital component for conjugate vaccines (targeting cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases) as well as an antigen for measuring immune status. Stellar Biotechnologies was founded to address the growing demand for renewable, commercial-scale supplies of high-quality, GMP-grade KLH. Stellar has developed leading practices, facilities and proprietary capabilities to address this need. To receive regular updates, enter email at bottom of http://stellarbiotechnologies.com/investors/news_releases/

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with applicable securities laws, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities set out herein in the United States, or to, or for the benefit or account of, a U.S. Person or person in the United States. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of these releases.

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Book fair raises funds for speech pathology students

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By Staff Posted on September 25, 2012 | News | No comment

Last week a book fair was conducted in the Don Morris Center to raise scholarship money for speech pathology students.

The ACU Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) put on the book fair where a variety of books were offered. Anystudent or faculty member could shop at the fair, but the sale was aimed towards speechpathology and education students.

The communication sciences and disorders students were involvedin running the fair.

Dr. Denise Barnett, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders,said that the fair was very beneficial for students in her department.

They usethese books a lot with children, and here is a perfect way to acquire them right oncampus, Barnett said.

The money earned will fund scholarships for speech pathology students and assist with the cost to attend a professional convention in the spring.

Denysha Taylor, a junior speech pathology major, said she bought books at the book fair so she can use them in her field where she hopes to work with children.

Books like these are good therapy for kids, she said. They will help me inworking with them and helping them to learn.

Taylor said she was impressed with the fairs selection and was happy to see some of her childhood favorites on the shelves. She said when working with kids, the books cant be too easy or too hard, andthey have to keep the childs interest, so keeping a variety is always a good thing.

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Book fair raises funds for speech pathology students

FBI makes headway on DNA testing backlog, report says

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By Carol Cratty, CNN Senior Producer

updated 9:50 AM EDT, Wed September 26, 2012

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Washington (CNN) -- The FBI lab has made strides in cutting down its backlog of forensic DNA cases, according to a report released Tuesday by the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General.

As of March 2012 the backlog stood at 403 cases compared to 3,211 cases two years prior.

The report attributed the improvement to increased use of automation, more staff and a focus on using DNA analysis in situations in which it's most likely to yield useful results.

The FBI lab tests biological evidence found at crime scenes and items like envelopes, drinking glasses and articles of clothing. The lab does the work for not just the FBI but also for local police departments that don't have forensic labs.

FBI, Justice Department reviewing forensic evidence in thousands of cases

The report found the biggest reduction in cases came in the area of nuclear DNA, in which biological fluids like blood and semen are analyzed. There was not as large a drop in the backlog of cases involving mitochondrial DNA, which looks at such things as teeth, hair and highly degraded fragments of bones.

According to the inspector general, the FBI decided not to examine samples in 300 of the backlogged mitochondrial DNA cases that came from the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center. The report said it had been policy to submit all hairs found on improvised explosive devices. "The FBI told us that there have been no documented instances for which probative results were generated from these mitochondrial DNA examinations," said the report. The FBI changed its policy on analyzing samples from all such cases.

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FBI makes headway on DNA testing backlog, report says

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DNA of victim's partner on rapist

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26 September 2012 Last updated at 09:43 ET

A rapist has been jailed for six years after DNA from his victim's boyfriend led to his conviction.

Mold Crown Court heard the teenage girl had consensual sex with her boyfriend on the night Adam Stapleton raped her.

Stapleton, 48, from Acrefair, near Wrexham, denied rape but was found guilty after a jury heard the boyfriend's DNA was discovered on him.

Judge Niclas Parry also ordered Stapleton to register as a sex offender for life for the "unspeakable" offence.

The prosecution said the transfer of DNA had occurred during the rape.

Stapleton claimed it must have been an accidental transfer from a toilet seat, but the victim said she had not used the toilet.

He held his head in his hands and wept when he was convicted unanimously by the jury.

Sentencing, judge Parry said it was "a dreadful, unspeakable thing that you did".

He said the victim was vulnerable and Stapleton had taken advantage of her.

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DNA of victim's partner on rapist

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DNA recovered during Rayney probe

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Up to two male DNA profiles were recovered during the investigation into Corryn Rayney's murder that could not be matched to people in a national database, the trial of her estranged husband Lloyd Rayney has heard.

Forensic scientist Laurance Webb told the WA Supreme Court trial on Wednesday that the DNA profiles, one of which was only partial, were found but could not be matched.

Mr Webb said the DNA profile was weak and there was only a 'low level' indication of a second person.

The court heard Rayney, a prominent Perth barrister, could not be 'included or excluded' as a potential source of the DNA found on a handkerchief at Ms Rayney's grave site.

Under cross-examination, Mr Webb agreed that DNA results from a street directory inside Ms Rayney's car indicated at least three people, although it was unclear if Rayney was one of them.

He also agreed that DNA recovered from the CD button in Ms Rayney's car and from her debit card indicated a male who was not Rayney.

Mr Webb also gave evidence about a cigarette butt found outside the Rayney's home, which the court previously heard was DNA matched to a person 'well known to police'.

A full DNA profile was recovered from the butt, indicating that it had not been there for a long time, Mr Webb said.

The cigarette butt was among items found on a footpath during a police search on August 22, 2007.

The prosecution alleges Rayney murdered his estranged wife at their home in August 7, 2007 and then dragged her across the front yard to her car before burying her body head-first in a bush grave at Kings Park.

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DNA recovered during Rayney probe

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Australian Biology Expert To Deliver Lecture At UniMAP Tomorrow

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You are here : General News

September 26, 2012 12:35 PM

Australian Biology Expert To Deliver Lecture At UniMAP Tomorrow

KANGAR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Australian biology expert Dr Catherine Ann Symington will deliver an international academic lecture at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) tomorrow.

The lecture, titled "Bumblebees Shouldn't Be Able To Fly", will be held at UniMAP's Dewan Kapitol at 2.15pm and is open to government and private sector staff involved in environmental conservation.

UniMAP Sustainable Development Unit director Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam said Symington's presence was timely as Perlis was working towards improving the environment.

Speaking to Bernama here today, he said UniMAP Chancellor the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail will be attending the event as well.

Symington, a University of Melbourne lecturer, is scheduled to visit the solid waste disposal centre in Padang Siding, the Al Husain floating mosque in Kuala Perlis and Istana Arau during her three-day visit. She will also tour the UniMAP campus and meet with Kangar Municipal Council employees, Dr Mohd Mizan added.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) news coverage in our Newswire service.

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Viewsonic rolls out 27-inch VP2770-LED display

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Billion-color, 2560x1440 resolution display

Consumer electronics manufacturer ViewSonic announced its latest 27-inch professional grade monitor -- the VP2770-LED. The super IPS display offers professionals indigital photography, architecture, computer engineering and design nearly80% more pixels than a standard 1080p display.

The 27 VP2770-LED Super IPS LED monitor features a WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition) 2560 x 1440 resolution with 3.7 million pixels. The new display provides native support for 1.07 billion colors, a high 20,000,000:1 contrast ratio, super wide 178 / 178 viewing angles, and high compatibility with most third party color calibrators on the market.

DisplayPort, HDMI, Dual-Link DVI and VGA inputs are available, along with four USB 2.0 ports to support peripherals. In addition, VP2770-LED gives users with full ergonomics including height adjust, swivel, tilt and pivot, plus 80MM VESA mount compatibility for optional wall mounting functionality.

The display will be available in North and Latin America this month for an suggested retail price of $799. A worldwide launch has yet to be announced.

By Electronista Staff

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Viewsonic rolls out 27-inch VP2770-LED display

Computer glitch delays space station undocking

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An unmanned European cargo ship as large as a double-decker bus inside will have to wait a bit longer before leaving the International Space Station due to computer problems, NASA officials say.

The robotic Automated Transfer Vehicle 3 (ATV-3) spacecraft was slated to undock from the space station Tuesday evening, but a technical glitch with a laptop computer inside the station prevented to orbital departure. The two spacecraft were scheduled to part ways at 6:35 p.m. EDT (2235 GMT).

"We're not undocking today, that's been canceled," a flight controller in Mission Control told the station's three-person crew.

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The computer glitch apparently interrupted signals from a laptop computer inside the station that serves as a command panel for the departing ATV-3 spacecraft. The computer is inside the Russian-built Zvezda module, the rear-most module that serves as the docking port for ATV spacecraft and visiting Russian spacecraft. [ Photos: Europe's Robotic ATV Spaceships ]

Station commander Sunita Williams of NASA told Mission Control that commands sent from the laptop apparently were not reaching the ATV spacecraft. Engineers are expected to meet early Wednesday to discuss the malfunction and determine when the next undocking attempt can be made, NASA officials said.

The space station's current Expedition 34 crew includes Williams, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.

The ATV-3 spacecraft, which is also known as Edoardo Almadi in honor of the late Italian physicist of the same name, is the third unmanned cargo ship built by the European Space Agency to send food, water, science gear and other supplies to the International Space Station. The spacecraft launched to the station in late March and delivered 7.2 tons of food to the orbiting lab.

The cylindrical ATV spacecraft are 32 feet long (10 meters) and nearly 15 feet wide (4.5 m). They are disposable spacecraft designed to fly themselves to the space station, and then be jettisoned at mission's end to burn up in Earth's atmosphere somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. The European Space Agency commands the spacecraft from a mission control center in Toulouse, France.

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Computer glitch delays space station undocking

NASA to build manned space station beyond the Moon?

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After forty years of venturing no farther than low Earth orbit, NASA may have decided to establish a manned outpost at a greater distance than humanity has ever traveled before. According to documents seen by the Orlando Sentinel, NASA has chosen a proposal to build a space station beyond the Moon that will act as a “gateway spacecraft” to explore the Moon, the asteroids and eventually as a ...

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NASA to build manned space station beyond the Moon?

Scheuermann Named New Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

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Patrick Scheuermann (Photo: NASA)

Information from NASA.gov:

WASHINGTON NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced three changes to his senior leadership team Tuesday.

Robert Lightfoot, acting associate administrator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, will assume that role on a permanent basis. Patrick Scheuermann, director of NASAs John C. Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss., will become director of NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Scheuermann, will replace Robin Henderson, who has filled the position on a temporary basis since Gene Goldmans retirement Aug. 3. Lightfoot began his assignment as acting associate administrator March 5.

Scheuermanns successor as the Stennis director is Dr. Richard J. Gilbrech, who currently serves as that centers deputy director. All three management changes are effective immediately.

Robert, Patrick and Rick are three of NASAs finest public servants who will continue to play key roles in our agencys future, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. America is fortunate to have three such talented leaders assuming these important jobs at a pivotal time for NASA and space exploration.

As associate administrator, Lightfoot is the agencys highest-ranking civil servant, responsible for oversight and integration of NASAs broad efforts in human space flight, science and aeronautics. Lightfoot began his NASA career as a test engineer and manager for the space shuttle main engine technology test bed program. He then served in leadership positions at Marshall, Stennis and Headquarters. From 2003 to 2005, he was assistant associate administrator for the Space Shuttle Program, Office of Space Flight, at Headquarters.

Scheuermann has provided executive leadership, overall direction and management of Stennis since being named that centers director in 2010. He is responsible for implementing NASAs mission in the area of rocket propulsion testing, and developing and maintaining NASAs world-class rocket propulsion test facilities.

Scheuermann previously served as Stennis deputy director and associate director, in addition to working as chief operating officer of NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Since joining NASA in 1988 as a propulsion test engineer, he worked on numerous major test projects at Stennis, including serving as project manager for NASAs Reusable Launch Vehicle program, a NASA-industry effort to develop a new generation of safe and cost-effective rockets to send payloads to space.

Gilbrech has served as Stennis deputy director since 2010. He began his NASA career in 1991 at Stennis in the area of propulsion test technology. From 1998 to 2000, he served as chief of the Propulsion Test Engineering Division at Stennis, and in 2003, he was named manager of the Propulsion Integration Office, responsible for managing NASAs rocket propulsion test facilities. Later in 2003, Gilbrech relocated to Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., to become a principal engineer in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center. He later served as deputy of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center and as deputy director of Langley. In 2006, Gilbrech was named director of Stennis, serving in that role until assuming leadership of NASAs Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at Headquarters in Washington.

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Scheuermann Named New Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

Dr. Jon Hallberg: New class of medical students underway

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by Dr. Jon Hallberg, Minnesota Public Radio, Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

September 25, 2012

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ST. PAUL, Minn. Another year of medical school at the University of Minnesota is underway, and physician and instructor Jon Hallberg says these new students have some advantages over his generation of aspiring doctors.

Hallberg, who teaches "Essentials of Clinical Medicine" at the University of Minnesota Medical School, spoke with MPR's Tom Crann this week. Hallberg is a physician in family medicine at the University of Minnesota and medical director of the Mill City Clinic.

Tom Crann: First, you're back for a month. How's it going?

Dr. Jon Hallberg: I love it. I forgot how much I really love teaching.

Crann: These are first-year students right now that you're teaching. What are they learning right now?

Hallberg: Well, they have their basic science courses. One of the big ones they have is gross anatomy, so they're actually in the anatomy lab dissecting cadavers with teams, but my part, the clinical medicine part, is learning how to talk to patients, learning how to examine them.

Crann: Essentials of Clinical Medicine what are you doing in that class with these students?

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Radio Liberty Vows Continued Presence

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Radio Liberty will now focus on live content and digital platforms, including web and mobile devices.

By Jonathan Earle

The St. Petersburg Times

Published: September 26, 2012 (Issue # 1728)

MOSCOW U.S. government-funded Radio Liberty has reiterated its commitment tooperating inRussia after Nov. 10, when anew law forces it todiscontinue AM broadcasts, andafter dozens ofjournalists andeditors left theorganization last week.

We are not giving up onour commitment toprovide you with Svobodas unique perspective onnews andevents inRussia, wrote Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty president Steve Korn, referring tothe networks Russian name, Radio Svoboda, ina statement posted onthe networks website Monday.

Thenetwork, founded in1953 toprovide coverage incountries with limited press freedom, was forgenerations athorn inthe side ofthe Soviet government.

Radio Liberty will now focus ondigital platforms, including web andmobile devices, andon-demand andlive content, Korn wrote.

Thenetwork will stop AM broadcasts onNov. 10, when alaw will take effect that makes it illegal forstations more than 48 percent foreign-owned tobe onthe airwaves.

Thesame law will brand non-governmental organizations that receive grants fromabroad as foreign agents, ameasure that has been roundly condemned byopposition andcivil rights activists.

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Libertarian candidate for governor eyes jobs, ag co-ops, hemp

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HELENA In his low-key race for governor, Libertarian Ron Vandevender says he wants to create more jobs, encourage the formation of more agricultural cooperatives and urge the federal government to legalize hemp.

Vandevender, 53, lives off the power grid in Craig and runs a self-sufficient ranch, raising his own meat and vegetables. He said he barters whatever is left over with other people for other products he needs. He previously managed several fast-food restaurants, ran a chain of pawn shops in Mississippi for the owner and ran an Internet retail business.

The candidate, who has a mailing address in Cascade, has lost previous races for the U.S. House and the state House.

Vandevender said in an interview he has a jobs plan.

I want to push more private-sector jobs in Montana, built by Montanans and employing Montanans and away from the superstore mentality, he said.

Vandevender said his goal is to create 25,000 to 40,000 jobs in a short while.

One thing wed push for is hemp, he said. Its a legal crop in Montana, but nobody plants it because theyre worried about the feds.

The Montana Legislature voted in 2001 to authorize the production of industrial hemp, but federal law prohibits such activity.

If hemp were grown on 1 percent of Montanas farmlands, Vandevender said the state could reap than $300 million in new income. Hemp has thousands of uses, he said, including rope, material and paper products.

Second, Vandevender wants to push for the formation of more agricultural cooperatives to give smaller landowners a chance to raise cattle and grow vegetables and sell or trade them to other co-op members.

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Libertarian candidate for governor eyes jobs, ag co-ops, hemp

Libertarian governor candidate Vandevender wants more ag cooperatives and legalized hemp

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In his low-key race for governor, Libertarian Ron Vandevender says he wants to create more jobs, encourage the formation of more agricultural cooperatives and urge the federal government to legalize hemp.

Vandevender, 53, lives off the power grid in Craig and runs a self-sufficient ranch, raising his own meat and vegetables. He said he barters whatever is left over with other people for other products he needs. He previously managed several fast food restaurants, ran a chain of pawn shops in Mississippi for the owner and ran an Internet retail business.

The candidate, who has a mailing address in Cascade, has lost previous races for the U.S. House and the state House.

Vandevender said in an interview he has a jobs plan.

I want to push more private sector jobs in Montana, built by Montanans and employing Montanans and away from the super-store mentality, he said.

Vandevender said his goal is to create 25,000 to 40,000 jobs in a short while.

One thing wed push for is hemp, he said. Its a legal crop in Montana, but nobody plants it because theyre worried about the feds.

The Montana Legislature voted in 2001 to authorize the production of industrial hemp, but federal law prohibits such activity.

If hemp were grown on 1 percent of Montanas farmlands, Vandevender said the state could reap than $300 million in new income. Hemp has thousands of uses, he said, including rope, material and paper products.

Second, Vandevender wants to push for the formation of more agricultural cooperatives to give smaller landowners a chance to raise cattle and grow vegetables and sell or trade them to other co-op members.

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Libertarian governor candidate Vandevender wants more ag cooperatives and legalized hemp