Monthly Archives: October 2012

For Mass. lab chemist, an unlikely road to scandal

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By BRIDGET MURPHY and DENISE LAVOIE Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) - As a girl and young woman, Annie Dookhan was quiet, unassuming, not one to wear makeup. She was charming but stood out more for her dedication to her studies, and by all accounts appeared headed for success.

The only child of hard-working immigrant parents, she enjoyed their pride as she glided through a prestigious Boston prep school, graduated from college with a degree in biochemistry and appeared headed for medical school.

Now, as she takes center stage in a shocking scandal that has sent the Massachusetts legal system into a tailspin, those familiar with her from school and work are struggling to reconcile the Annie Dookhan they knew with the chemist accused of falsifying criminal drug tests.

"I find it hard to believe that she was an individual who decided to falsify lab results ... that she would turn into someone who did something like that. ... That isn't the person I remember," said John Warner, an instructor who gave her A's and A-minuses in 2000 when she took his biochemistry class as a senior at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

"Obviously, things can happen to people," he said. "Either something happened in her life that changed the person that she is, or this is a deeper story."

Dookhan's struggle with both personal and professional problems in 2009 - including a miscarriage and a legal ruling that put new pressures on chemists at the lab - may help offer an explanation, one former co-worker said.

"Perhaps she was trying to be important by being the go-to person," Elizabeth O'Brien told state police, who shut down the lab in August after discovering the extent of Dookhan's alleged mishandling of drug samples sent to the lab by local police departments.

In her own interview with police, Dookhan said she had not tested all the drugs she claimed she did, forged initials of her co-workers, and sometimes mixed drug samples to cover her tracks.

"I messed up bad; it's my fault. I don't want the lab to get in trouble," she said, according to a state police report.

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For Mass. lab chemist, an unlikely road to scandal

'Grey's Anatomy': Watch April's Awkward Return to Seattle Grace (Videos)

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ABC

'Grey's Anatomy's' Sarah Drew

Let the awkward moments begin on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

In three new clips from Thursday's episode, titled "Love the One You're With," April (Sarah Drew) makes her triumphant return to Seattle Grace after Owen (Kevin McKidd) asked her to return to her former position.

VIDEO: 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 9 Trailer: Sex, Marriage and Arizona's Road to Recovery

Turns out, the lovely Dr. Hunt didn't tell anyone that she'd be returning -- as an attending, no less! -- including Jackson (Jesse Williams). Even better: the chief of surgery also didn't mention to April that Jackson opted to pass on taking the gig in Tulane and that the guy with whom she had a boards-inspired fling was still scrubbing in at Seattle Grace.

Elsewhere, Cristina (Sandra Oh) begins to make new friends in Minnesota -- with Dr. Parker (Desperate Housewives' Steven Culp) -- as the shop talk turns potentially flirtatious.

STORY: 'Grey's Anatomy's' Jessica Capshaw on Arizona's Heartbreaking Loss and What's Next

Speaking of flirting, Alex (Justin Chambers) has new intern Jo (Camilla Luddington) assigned to his service and begins to make a move on the chick with the guy's name. Callie (Sara Ramirez), however, has other ideas about the potential pairing and doesn't hold back with what so far has been the funniest line of the medical drama's dark and twisty ninth season.

STORY: 'Grey's Anatomy' Adds Neve Campbell as Derek's Sister

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'Grey's Anatomy': Watch April's Awkward Return to Seattle Grace (Videos)

VIDEO B-ROLL AVAILABLE VIA CNW – Specialists answer important questions about the Guiding Stars® nutrition navigation …

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TORONTO , Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The following B-Roll is available by Video On-Demand web download:

STORY SUMMARY: Specialists answer important questions regarding Guiding Starsavailable exclusively at 44 Loblaws stores locations in Ontario. Guiding Stars is an objective, nutrition navigation program that provides at-a-glance nutritional ratings for foods found in every store aisle. With Guiding Stars, foods are rated for their nutrition quality and can earn up to three stars based on a debit and credit scoring system. Foods are credited for containing vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, whole grains and omega 3 and debited for containing saturated fat, trans fat and added sodium or added sugars.The stars are displayed on the shelf tag associated with each food.

SHOT LIST:

GS_Interview-Alexis:

GS_Interview-Alison:

GS_Interview-Michael:

Guiding_Stars_B-Roll:

WEB Video Preview and Download link:

http://cnw.pathfireondemand.com/viewpackage.action?packageid=614

TIME OF POSTING:Available Now DATE OF POSTING:Available Now

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VIDEO B-ROLL AVAILABLE VIA CNW - Specialists answer important questions about the Guiding Stars® nutrition navigation ...

Global Medical Nutrition Market Discussed in New Cutting-Edge Industry Experts Report Now Available at …

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LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The market for medical nutrition expands rapidly. Its growth is primarily fuelled by the ageing population. The rising number of people suffering from diseases that require medical nutrition therapy, market position strengthening by medical nutrition companies, clinical as well as economic effectiveness are other key industry drivers. Infant nutrition and enteral nutrition are the largest market segments.

The world market for medical nutrition is set to surpass USD 27 billion mark in 2012. It is likely to expand by 6 percent per year in the coming 4-5 years to hover at about USD 39-40 billion in 2017. At a country scale, the South Korean market, for instance, is forecast to be around USD 84 million in 2017.

New study Medical Nutrition - A Global Market Overview elaborated by Industry Experts provides access to all-inclusive analysis of the global market for medical nutrition. It offers all-inclusive review of market and its segments at a global, regional and country scale. Comprehensive assessment of industry drivers and restraints, discussion of the key market and business trends, valuable data on market majors are available in the study. The research also includes description of market expansion perspectives.

Report Details:

Title: Medical Nutrition - A Global Market Overview

Published: October, 2012

Pages: 387

Price: US$ 4,050.00

http://marketpublishers.com/report/medicine_pharmaceuticals_biotechnology/healthcare_equipment_services/medical-nutrition-a-global-market-overview.html

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Longevity Global Inc. Offers Season's Best Deals on its Quality Welding and Cutting Machines

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Longevity Global Inc., the pioneer modern welding machines and cutting tools manufacturing company now has offered season's biggest discounts on its manufactured quality product lines. Longevity Global Inc. is industry's leading manufacturer of Industrial Welding machines and the quality standards the company maintains in its machines have been scaled very high by many international quality checking organizations.

Hayward, CA (PRWEB) October 12, 2012

President of Longevity Global Inc., Simon Katz came up with a delightful announcement before the culmination of this season. Simon Katz said, We would never need the bombastic marketing slogans like the other companies. We believe in doing instead of saying that is why we have never disappointed the consumers and have always came up with back to back lucrative offers. This time I am here with no other objective except to present the welding machine consumers with one more beneficial deal. So far we have saved the season's best offer for the last, people can surely say that. This is the season's last and best opportunity for industrialists and professional welders to avail this season's biggest discounts on our offered industrial welders and other machines. The opportunity is limited. So, I invite all our existing customers and others to make the full use of our current bumper offer.

Longevity Global Inc. has maintained its dominance in the welding industry ever since it started its operations. Delivering valuable products like Tig Welder, Mig Welders, Plasma Cutters and other allied accessories, the company has indeed become one of the biggest brand in the welding industry. Longevity Global Inc. also manufactures and sells the most portable and powerful generators. Comprehensive warranty on each and every product and foremost priority of customer satisfaction are also two major factors which make Longevity Global Inc. different and better from the other similar product producers.

About the company:

Longevity Global Inc. is providing its dedicated service since 2001. It is growing at a phenomenal pace with high customer satisfaction, innovative products and efficient industrial production. It works in different parts of world with distributors in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, United Kingdom, and other countries. Longevity Welding serves globally with manufacturing facilities with its logistic companies to effectively distribute products in a punctual and effective manner. To know more visit http://www.longevity-inc.com

Simon Katz Longevity, Inc. 1.877.566.4462 Email Information

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Longevity Global Inc. Offers Season's Best Deals on its Quality Welding and Cutting Machines

Challenge to European DNA records

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12 October 2012 Last updated at 12:42 ET

A legal challenge to the retention of DNA samples by police in Northern Ireland could have repercussions across Europe, Belfast High Court has heard.

The test case has been brought by convicted drink driver Fergus Gaughran.

His lawyers argued DNA profiles and fingerprints of those found guilty of lesser offences should not be retained.

They want a European ruling which found it was unlawful to hold samples from people arrested but later acquitted to be extended to cases like Gaughran's.

Our case is that the collection of this information and the indefinite retention on the police computer systems is unlawful

Newry-based solicitor Paul Fitzsimons predicted potentially huge consequences if the judicial review challenge succeeds.

He said: "If there is a judgment upholding our client's position it could lead to the destruction of vast amounts of police records built up in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and throughout Europe."

Mr Fitzsimons issued legal proceedings on behalf of Gaughran, who was stopped at a police checkpoint in Camlough, County Armagh three years ago.

Gaughran failed a breath test and was subsequently convicted and disqualified from driving for a year.

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Challenge to European DNA records

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South Jones Teacher awarded State Biology Teacher of the Year

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JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) -

South Jones High School Biology Teacher Abigail Warden will receive an award that has been a long time goal.

"State Biology Teacher of the Year. I will get an award at the National Convention for Biology Teachers," said Warden.

Two students, who were taught by Warden in the ninth grade, rememberWarden going the extra mile with all her students, making sure they excel inside and outside the classroom.

"She definitely gives the extra time. I knowI can come to her for anything, and she is actually my senior high beta club sponsor. She is really like a second mom to everyone at the school," said South Jones Senior, Molly Marshall.

"She's a teacher, but she is also your friend. She will stay afterwards. She will help you. She really puts her whole effort into making a student successful," said South Jones Senior, Neal Steinwinder.

A former student nominated Warden for the State Biology Teacher Award. Warden says the accolade drives her to work harder.

"I was humbled because there is so much more I can still learn . So much more I can still do. It makes me want to work hard for the students," said Warden.

Warden remembers what sparked her love for science and desire to teach.

"I had asixth grade teacher who was my science teacher thatI really loved.Her name was Mrs. Thomas. She was a really sweet lady," said Warden.

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South Jones Teacher awarded State Biology Teacher of the Year

The Synthetic Biology Pathway to Innovation in Fuels and Chemicals

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Rob Carlson a principle at Biodesic, an engineering, consulting, and design firm in Seattle moderated a plenary session focused on synthetic biology at BIOs Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy. The panel, Status Report: The Synthetic Biology Pathway to Innovation in Fuels and Chemicals, consisted of scientists from both the biotechnology industry and academia expressing their views on the importance of synthetic biology and discussing how the technology has evolved over time.

Todd Peterson, synthetic biology vice president at Life Technologies said, synthetic biology is based on building living systems or rebuilding those that are living. Peterson described synthetic biology as engineering life for useful purposes, based on a rapidly growing field of research and new approaches to life sciences. It impacts a broad range of industrial applications using standardized parts, engineered hosts, assembly tools, computational design tools, and analytical tools in health care, renewable energy, renewable chemicals, agriculture and bio-remediation. Like traditional recombinant DNA technology, synthetic biology further manipulates nature, enhancing, human beings or other organisms.

Carlson said economic demand will serve as a driver for continued proliferation of biotechnology. Today, in the United States, revenues from genetically modified systems contribute the equivalent of almost 2 percent of GDP, and are growing in the range of 15 to 20 percent per year. Our ability to manipulate biology to produce economically useful products is now moving along the road traveled by many other technologies in the 20thcentury.

Plastics, therapeutic drugs, biofuels and industrial chemicals are all being produced in engineered organisms. This transformation is taking place in the context of global communication, and is a push by the educated populations of China, India and other up-and-coming nations to improve their economic influence. Biological engineering, whether home-grown or practiced abroad, will soon be integrated into our society and economy as never before.

Another industrial scientist, Lori Giver, vice president from Codexis said whole genomes, integrated platforms for use with cellulosic sugars, and training enzymes to work in different conditions will lead to novel products. For example, the design of new enzymes from manipulating wild type enzymes for new mutations will lead to fatty alcohols for detergents.

Yizhi Cai, a senior scientist at John Hopkins University School of Medicine spoke aboutsaccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast that has been instrumental to winemaking, baking and brewing since ancient times. He also touched on his work on reengineering the microorganism, which would fortify bread with vitamins, which he envisioned could be easily and cheaply shared among impoverished people in the form of starter dough. This presents just one way that synthetic biology can lead to a sustainable solution to a critical global health problem. As time goes on synthetic biology will continue to evolve leading to further innovation.

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The Synthetic Biology Pathway to Innovation in Fuels and Chemicals

Hail to a scientist

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The first emotion, for those of us in North Carolina who havent just won the Nobel Prize in chemistry, is pride. We are proud to have Dr. Robert Lefkowitz of Duke University living and working in our midst. We are proud of what his achievements say about this areas intellectual climate and depth of scientific expertise.

Pride verges with respect and gratitude. The award to Lefkowitz which he shares with Stanfords Brian Kobilka, whom he mentored at Duke recognizes a career that reached the apex of achievement in medical research.

Over the years in his lab, he hammered away at riddles of cell biology and biochemistry in search of answers that would make medicines work more effectively. It was a dedication that must have been driven not only by the thrill of discovery but also by the physicians desire to ease peoples suffering.

In the process, Lefkowitz fulfilled the high calling of a professor of medicine training more than 200 other scientists such as Kobilka to make their own discoveries in their own labs. That Duke, where he has worked since 1973, proved to be a fertile and compatible home base is a great credit to the university, which for the first time can point to a Nobel awarded for work done on its campus.

It takes a special kind of environment to foster research at such a high level. North Carolina is fortunate indeed that the region we know as the Research Triangle provides the environment that can support a scientist of Lefkowitz caliber.

He becomes the fifth Triangle-area Nobel winner, following previous laureates associated with UNC-Chapel Hill, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Wellcome Research Laboratories.

This state looks to the life sciences as an economic mainstay, both in the conduct of research that attracts many millions in federal grants and as a focus of industry. The honor to Lefkowitz amounts to putting a fresh shine on the North Carolina brand. And it underscores the appeal of that tried-and-true goal doing well by doing good.

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Hail to a scientist

Grace under pressure: Resilience is a rare but valuable character trait

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By Kristen Ziman For the Beacon-News October 12, 2012 1:12PM

HEATHER EIDSON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER New, improved mug of Aurora Police Lt. Kristen Ziman, columnist for The Beacon News.

storyidforme: 38341265 tmspicid: 13712563 fileheaderid: 6318206

Updated: October 12, 2012 1:12PM

As a police officer, my job description has changed over the years but the one thing that still fascinates me about policing is human behavior.

I was never a psychology major in college but I have come to believe that those entering law enforcement should, at the very least, minor in behavioral science.

When I worked the street, I was puzzled by the way different people reacted to similar situations. I found myself viewing the world as a laboratory and every human encounter was an experiment in social behavior.

I started to analyze the ways in which some people reacted to a traffic ticket. Some would be extremely argumentative and rude while others would receive it politely and respectfully. Of course, you might say that a police officers demeanor sets the tone for the interaction and I cant disagree, so perhaps that is not the best example.

I noted that when responding to traumatic incidents, some crime victims were emotionally strong while others seemed to break down when faced with a similar scenario. Although I noted that people handle death and trauma quite differently, Ill reserve my commentary because reactions to these situations are at the core of emotion and there are many variables involved.

Rather, Im referring to incidents where there is a notable hardship incurred other than loss of life. For example, in responding to burglary victims, it was fascinating to have a front row seat into the layers of emotion that surface when a person was faced with this type of an invasion. Some saw it as a devastating and debilitating blow to their security and peace of mind. Others put it in perspective and even found a way to be grateful that there was no human life harmed.

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Grace under pressure: Resilience is a rare but valuable character trait

Research and Markets: Anatomy of the Horse, 6th edition

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5m7lcm/anatomy_of_the) has announced the addition of the "Anatomy of the Horse, 6th edition" report to their offering.

The sixth edition of this highly successful book contains updates to functional anatomy which has now been totally revised. There are also new chapters on the eye, abdomen, female reproduction, ultrasonography and orthopaedics. The atlas is superbly illustrated throughout with colour drawings, photographs, and radiographs providing the reader with detailed information on the structure, function, and clinical application of all equine body systems and their interaction in the live animal.

Already acknowledged by students and teachers as an essential resource for learning and revision, the sixth edition is a valuable reference for veterinary practitioners and for those who own and work with horses.

Published by Schluetersche, Germany and distributed by Manson Publishing.

Key Features:

- Fully illustrated with colour drawings based on new dissections plus osteology photographs and radiographs

- Includes topographic anatomy of the entire body; detailed information in tabular form on muscles, lymph nodes, and peripheral nerves; and clinical and functional aspects of selected structures

Reviews:

... The aim of the authors has been admirably achieved. The textbook is already acknowledged as an essential resource for students, teachers and for veterinary practitioners and horse lovers in the English-speaking world.

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Research and Markets: Anatomy of the Horse, 6th edition

Seahorse Bioscience Announces Neuroscience 2012 Travel Award Winners

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BILLERICA, Mass., Oct. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Seahorse Bioscience, the world leader in manufacturing instrumentation and assay kits for measuring cell metabolism, announces travel award recipients, who will be presenting data generated with the Seahorse XF Analyzer at the Neuroscience 2012 Conference, in New Orleans, Oct 13-17.

Seahorse XF Extracellular Flux Analyzers and stress test kits are the industry Gold Standard for simultaneously measuring the two major energy pathways of the cell - mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis - in a microplate, in real-time.

"Our lab is using the Seahorse XF to help explore the specific mitochondrial electron transport chain deficiencies observed in a novel human Parkinson's Disease cell model. The opportunity to study mitochondrial bioenergetics in adherent cells is unique to the Seahorse XF technology," stated Dr. Patricia A. Trimmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University. "With our cell model, we hope to use the Seahorse to develop therapies that can specifically improve mitochondrial function in Parkinson's Disease."

Seahorse supports the exploration of cell metabolism through travel awards that are offered to graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and young investigators who present a talk or poster citing data generated on the XF platform at scientific meetings and conferences. Through this program, Seahorse seeks to increase the body of knowledge that is enabling new discoveries about the role of cell metabolism in pathophysiology.

"XF technology provides us with a means to investigate the functional significance of mitochondrial dysfunction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)," stated Shannon Rose Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in Autism Research, at the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, in Little Rock, AR. "While poorly understood, mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the most common metabolic abnormalities affecting children with ASD. We believe mitochondrial dysfunction in children with ASD, and our findings, indicate that it may be associated with the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of the disorders. In addition, our studies on the XF have provided us with in vitro support for a clinical trial of N-acetyl-cysteine in children with ASD."

"These young researchers are to be congratulated. They are leading the way in neuroscience research, and by embracing XF technology are reaching new levels of discovery into cell metabolism and disease," stated Cynthia Egan, Director of Marketing at Seahorse Bioscience.

The XF Analyzer and stress test kits standardize the measurement of mitochondrial dysfunction detecting subtle changes in neuronal cell metabolism, before the development of observable neurodegeneration. This knowledge is enabling scientists to better understand the connection of physiological traits of cells with genomic and proteomic data, leading to a greater understanding, and new treatments of neurological disease.

About Seahorse Bioscience

Seahorse Bioscience XF Analyzers and stress test kits are the industry standard in cell metabolism measurements. Over 2,500 scientists worldwide are advancing their research in understanding the role of bioenergetics in Neurodegeneration, Aging, Cancer, Cardiovascular, Cell Physiology, Toxicology & Hepatobiology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Mitochondrial Diseases, Model Organisms, Obesity, Diabetes, Metabolic Disorders, Screening, and Translational Medicine. Founded in 2001, Seahorse Bioscience is headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, U.S., and has regional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark; and Shanghai, China. Learn more about Seahorse Bioscience at http://www.seahorsebio.com.

About the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

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Seahorse Bioscience Announces Neuroscience 2012 Travel Award Winners

Norwegian Cruise Line defends title at World Travel Awards – Breaking Travel News

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Avis, Europcar, Europcar UK Limited Recognized in Europe’s World Travel Awards

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The World Travel Awards recognized Avis and Europcar in this years awards for Europe on Oct. 6.

Avis was honored as Europe's Leading Business Car Rental Company. This is the fourth year in a row Avis has received the award. Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt were the other nominees in the category.

For the 10th consecutive year, Europcar was recognized as the Leading Car Rental in Europe. Other nominees included Auto Europe, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Autos, Sixt and Thrifty.

Europcar UK Limited received the Responsible Tourism Award for the first time. This years nominees in the category included Eagles Palace Hotel Greece, Hotel Omm, NCL Freestyle Cruising - Norwegian Epic, The Alnwick Garden and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Click here to see the full list of winners.

The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

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Avis, Europcar, Europcar UK Limited Recognized in Europe’s World Travel Awards

Did Super Micro Computer Squander Its Latest Sales Increase?

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Margins matter. The more Super Micro Computer (Nasdaq: SMCI) keeps of each buck it earns in revenue, the more money it has to invest in growth, fund new strategic plans, or (gasp!) distribute to shareholders. Healthy margins often separate pretenders from the best stocks in the market. That's why we check up on margins at least once a quarter in this series. I'm looking for the absolute numbers, so I can compare them to current and potential competitors, and any trend that may tell me how strong Super Micro Computer's competitive position could be.

Here's the current margin snapshot for Super Micro Computer over the trailing 12 months: Gross margin is 16.3%, while operating margin is 4.8% and net margin is 2.9%.

Unfortunately, a look at the most recent numbers doesn't tell us much about where Super Micro Computer has been, or where it's going. A company with rising gross and operating margins often fuels its growth by increasing demand for its products. If it sells more units while keeping costs in check, its profitability increases. Conversely, a company with gross margins that inch downward over time is often losing out to competition, and possibly engaging in a race to the bottom on prices. If it can't make up for this problem by cutting costs -- and most companies can't -- then both the business and its shares face a decidedly bleak outlook.

Of course, over the short term, the kind of economic shocks we recently experienced can drastically affect a company's profitability. That's why I like to look at five fiscal years' worth of margins, along with the results for the trailing 12 months, the last fiscal year, and last fiscal quarter (LFQ). You can't always reach a hard conclusion about your company's health, but you can better understand what to expect, and what to watch.

Here's the margin picture for Super Micro Computer over the past few years.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Dollar amounts in millions. FY = fiscal year. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Because of seasonality in some businesses, the numbers for the last period on the right -- the TTM figures -- aren't always comparable to the FY results preceding them. To compare quarterly margins to their prior-year levels, consult this chart.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Dollar amounts in millions. FQ = fiscal quarter.

Here's how the stats break down:

With recent TTM operating margins below historical averages, Super Micro Computer has some work to do.

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Did Super Micro Computer Squander Its Latest Sales Increase?

Stem cells from muscle tissue may hold key to cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases

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Public release date: 12-Oct-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Marguerite Beck marbeck@wakehealth.edu 336-716-2415 Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. Oct. 12, 2012 Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have taken the first steps to create neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue in animals. Details of the work are published in two complementary studies published in the September online issues of the journals Experimental Cell Research and Stem Cell Research.

"Reversing brain degeneration and trauma lesions will depend on cell therapy, but we can't harvest neural stem cells from the brain or spinal cord without harming the donor," said Osvaldo Delbono, M.D., Ph.D., professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the studies.

"Skeletal muscle tissue, which makes up 50 percent of the body, is easily accessible and biopsies of muscle are relatively harmless to the donor, so we think it may be an alternative source of neural-like cells that potentially could be used to treat brain or spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors and other diseases, although more studies are needed."

In an earlier study, the Wake Forest Baptist team isolated neural precursor cells derived from skeletal muscle of adult transgenic mice (PLOS One, Feb.3, 2011).

In the current research, the team isolated neural precursor cells from in vitro adult skeletal muscle of various species including non-human primates and aging mice, and showed that these cells not only survived in the brain, but also migrated to the area of the brain where neural stem cells originate.

Another issue the researchers investigated was whether these neural-like cells would form tumors, a characteristic of many types of stem cells. To test this, the team injected the cells below the skin and in the brains of mice, and after one month, no tumors were found.

"Right now, patients with glioblastomas or other brain tumors have very poor outcomes and relatively few treatment options," said Alexander Birbrair, a doctoral student in Delbono's lab and first author of these studies. "Because our cells survived and migrated in the brain, we may be able to use them as drug-delivery vehicles in the future, not only for brain tumors but also for other central nervous system diseases."

In addition, the Wake Forest Baptist team is now conducting research to determine if these neural-like cells also have the capability to become functioning neurons in the central nervous system.

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Stem cells from muscle tissue may hold key to cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases

Regenevéda Opens Flagship Stem Cell Therapy Clinic in Beverly Hills

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Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) October 12, 2012

Regenevda (http://www.regeneveda.com) recently opened its brand new flagship facility in Beverly Hills. Founded by world renowned surgeon Dr. Thom Lobe, Regenevda specializes in cutting edge anti-aging treatments such as Stem Cell Therapy, IV Vitamin Therapy, and HGH Therapy.

Dr. Thom Lobe is an internationally respected surgeon and has been in practice for over 30 years. Consistently pioneering advances in medicine, Dr. Lobe was one of the first doctors to ever separate conjoined twins. Consistently working to help make advances in medicine, Dr. Lobe also has over 200 publications to his credit.

Overseeing the business aspect of Regenevda is Lindsey Combs. She is responsible for sales, staff, accounting, facility management, and business development. A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, Ms. Combs has been working in the anti-aging field for over 10 years and has been a California Licensed Esthetician since 2003.

Being one of the very few physicians in the country to hold the most advanced board certification (FAARM), Dr. Lobe is able to offer Stem Cell Therapy at the Regenevda clinic. Inside each persons own body, there are special cells in nearly every organ and tissue that have the ability to help heal damage. These special cells are called Stem Cells and this therapy works by harvesting these cells from a persons own blood, bone marrow, or fat and can help with different conditions. Some examples of procedures that use Stem Cell Therapy are: Stem Cell Facelifts, Stem Cell Breast Augmentation, and Stem Cell Joint Therapy. Stem Cell treatments are safe, non-invasive, and are done under local anesthesia.

Intravenous Nutrition Therapy (or IV Vitamin Therapy) is another anti-aging and rejuvenation treatment that can also help patients prevent migraines, lose weight, fight chronic infections like hepatitis, candida, lyme disease, as well as fight acute infections like the flu and mono. IV Therapy works by using intravenous solutions to deliver vitamins and minerals directly to the body cells. This bypasses the digestive system and provides a more direct method of delivery, which ensures that all of the nutrients required are delivered, allowing the patient to feel an improvement in condition almost immediately.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Therapy is another advanced treatment offered at Regenevda. HGH is secreted by the Pituitary gland and fuels cell growth and reproduction. This production peaks at adolescence. Over time, due to the effect of aging, the production of HGH slows down dramatically. As production declines, it makes it more difficult for the body to recover from physical and mental exertion. HGH Therapy acts as a supplement for HGH deficient adults to lessen body fat, boost lipid lineament, improve memory, promote bone density, as well as decrease risk factors that involve cardio-vascular conditions. If used at the onset of the decrease in HGH production, HGH Therapy can help curtail early aging and even be used as preventive measure against osteoporosis. A complete analysis of the patients sex hormones, evaluation of glucose regulation and functions of the adrenal gland, thyroid gland, and pancreas are performed before the treatment is administered for optimal results.

Combining decades of medical experience with the most cutting edge advances in medical technology, the Regenevda clinic looks to pave the way for the future of anti-aging treatments. The Regenevda Beverly Hills Institute of Cellular Therapy is located at 50 North La Cienega Boulevard. For any inquiries, they can be reached at 855-734-3638, or visit http://www.regeneveda.com.

About Regenevda :

Regeneveda, home of The Beverly Hills Institute of Cellular Therapy, provides state-of-the-art Stem Cell Therapy. Stem Cell Therapy is an effective treatment for chronic conditions such as Arthritis, Diabetes, Chronic Sports Injuries, and Chronic Pain, but is also revolutionizing anti-aging treatments such as Breast Enhancement, Erectile Dysfunction, and Facial Aging.

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Regenevéda Opens Flagship Stem Cell Therapy Clinic in Beverly Hills

Woodstock Film Festival highlights local issues, people

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Anti-fracking film big draw on Day 2

People take their seats at the Woodstock Playhouse for the world premiere of the anti-fracking documentary Dear Governor Cuomo ... Thursday in Woodstock at the Woodstock Film Festival.KELLY MARSH/For the Times Herald-Record

Published: 2:00 AM - 10/12/12 Last updated: 9:45 AM - 10/12/12

WOODSTOCK At first glance, the films would seem to have almost nothing in common.

One, "First Winter," is about a bunch of privileged, young city folk stranded at a yoga retreat in a remote area during a blizzard. Another, "One Track Heart," is about a dude from Long Island who gives up his rock 'n' roll dreams and his name to seek spiritual enlightenment in India. The third, "Dear Governor Cuomo ...," chronicles an anti-fracking protest/concert in Albany in May.

But these three films, which were among the highlights of the 14 films that kicked off Thursday's official opening of the Woodstock Film Festival, are typical of what the festival is all about. It's about music in this town that has counted Bob Dylan, The Band and Jimi Hendrix among its residents and recording artists. Both "One Track Heart" which features that former almost-member of Blue Oyster Cult, Jeffrey Kagel/now Krishna Das and "Dear Governor Cuomo ... ," which features Woodstock-area stars like Natalie Merchant, Joan Osborne and John Sebastian, have lots of music.

It's about showcasing the bounty of films and filmmakers the Hudson Valley produces. "First Winter" was shot in Goshen and Campbell Hall. "Dear Governor Cuomo ..." was directed by Stone Ridge's Jon Bowermaster and features local actors Melissa Leo and Mark Ruffalo.

And the Woodstock Film Festival is about the local community a community that gathered in Albany to protest what it says is a grave threat to the Hudson Valley environment, the natural gas extraction method of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Perhaps no festival film typifies what the Woodstock Film Festival is all about more than the official opener, "Dear Governor Cuomo ..." The documentary, which sold out the 300-plus seat Woodstock Playhouse Thursday evening, has everything that makes the festival what it is a locally produced film with national impact and an accent on one of the region's treasures: music.

"It's the perfect Woodstock film," said Bowermaster. "It's about music, the environment and community."

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Woodstock Film Festival highlights local issues, people

SpaceX Commercial Cargo Craft Arrives at International Space Station – Video

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10-10-2012 09:29 Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 33 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and station Commander Sunita Williams of NASA used the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple the SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft October 10 2012, signaling the arrival of the vehicle at the orbital laboratory for the first US commercial resupply service for the complex. Within hours after grappling Dragon following its 2-day transit following launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Williams and Hoshide installed the SpaceX craft to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module. Dragon is scheduled to remain berthed to the station until its departure October 28 for its deorbit and parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern California.

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SpaceX Commercial Cargo Craft Arrives at International Space Station - Video

Sarah Brightman to fly to space

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New blastoff for Sarah Brightman: flight to space

MOSCOW -- Sarah Brightman's voice, beloved by audiences and renowned for its three-octave range, rocketed to fame more than two decades ago as the heroine of "The Phantom of the Opera." Now the world's biggest-selling soprano is heading to outer space.

On Wednesday, Brightman told a news conference in Moscow that she has booked a trip to the International Space Station. Brightman, who had a hit in 1978 with "I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper" and has sold more than 30 million records, will become the first recording artist in space.

The British singer said that after touring the world in 2013 for her new album, "Dreamchaser," she will spend six months in Russia's Star City cosmonaut training center.

"I think of myself not just as a dreamer, but as a dream chaser," she said.

Brightman, a UNESCO ambassador, said the trip would also serve as a way to promote the U.N. agency's message, by encouraging women's education in the sciences and environmental awareness. She hinted at the possibility of doing a promotional "space concert."

She wouldn't give a precise time for her mission, but Alexei Krasnov, the head of manned programs at the Russian space agency Roscosmos, said she would likely make it in the fall of 2015.

Krasnov said the price tag for the flight was in "tens of millions of dollars," but refused to name a precise figure.

Brightman teamed up with the private company Space Adventures, which organizes trips for private space explorers. When questioned about the expense of the journey, Eric Anderson, co-founder and chairman of Space Adventures, wouldn't give a figure but joked that "it's a round-trip flight."

Previous flights have cost the adventurous travellers over $20 million each, according to several of the participants.

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Sarah Brightman to fly to space