Monthly Archives: January 2014

Android app to use artificial intelligence to spot malware

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January 24, 2014 - 20:51 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A securtiy startup called Zimperium has launched mobile software that learns from smartphones to fend off malicious cyber attacks, The Inquirer reports.

Claiming to be the first security software to be powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the app is called zIPS, with the "IPS" standing for "intrusion prevention system". The aim of the AI is to better spot malware before it causes harm or spreads to other devices.

The zIPS software works whether the smartphone is offline or online and can protect against malicious apps, such as those that can self-modify, and network attacks like a "man in the middle" attack where a hacker intercepts data being sent between one user and another, according to The Inquirer.

"With zIPS, corporations will now have the opportunity to use [bring your own device] as an advantage to their security. zIPS is the first security solution that can combat modern cyber-attacks on mobile," said Zimperium's founder and CEO Zuk Avraham. "There is already evidence of attacks that are happening to infiltrate organizations, which only zIPS can prevent."

Prior to working on the Android app, Avraham worked as a security researcher for the Israeli Defense Forces and Samsung electronics before setting up Zimperium in response to what he thinks is a poor selection of good mobile security software.

According to MIT Technology Review, Zimperium said that there have as yet been no programs that can detect, notify and protect against cyber attacks deployed through mobile devices.

The zIPS Android app has arrived in the Google Play store for all Android devices at a time when malware on Android is at an all time high, The Inquirer says.

Last year, Trend Micro warned that Google's Android mobile operating system is so beset by cyber criminals creating malicious apps that the malware was on track to hit the million mark before the end of 2013.

The firm said that this was attributable to hackers seeking to exploit Android's growing global user base.

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Android app to use artificial intelligence to spot malware

stem cell therapy treatment for cerebral palsy sri lanka by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india – Video

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stem cell therapy treatment for cerebral palsy sri lanka by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india
improvement seen in just 3 months after stem cell therapy treatment for cerebral palsy by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india. Stem Cell Therapy done date 4/10/201...

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Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

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Jan. 23, 2014 The Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway and microRNA 335 are instrumental in helping form differentiated progenitor cells from stem cells. These are organized in germ layers and are thus the origin of different tissue types, including the pancreas and its insulin-producing beta cells. With these findings, Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen scientists have discovered key molecular functions of stem cell differentiation which could be used for beta cell replacement therapy in diabetes. The results of the two studies were published in the journal Development.

The findings of the scientists of the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR) at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen (HMGU) provide new insights into the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation. These results reveal important target structures for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases such as diabetes.

During embryonic development, organ-specific cell types are formed from pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into all cell types of the human body. The pluripotent cells of the embryo organize themselves at an early stage in germ layers: the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. From these three cell populations different functional tissue cells arise, such as skin cells, muscle cells, and specific organ cells.

Various signaling pathways are important for this germ layer organization, including the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. The cells of the pancreas, such as the beta cells, originate from the endoderm, the germ layer from which the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the lungs also arise. Professor Heiko Lickert, director of the IDR, in collaboration with Professor Gunnar Schotta of LMU Mnchen, showed that the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway regulates Sox17, which in turn regulates molecular programs that assign pluripotent cells to the endoderm, thus inducing an initial differentiation of the stem cells. In another project Professor Lickert and his colleague Professor Fabian Theis, director of the Institute of Computational Biology (ICB) at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen, discovered an additional mechanism that influences the progenitor cells. miRNA-335, a messenger nucleic acid, regulates the endodermal transcription factors Sox17 and Foxa2 and is essential for the differentiation of cells within this germ layer and their demarcation from the adjacent mesoderm. The concentrations of the transcription factors determine here whether these cells develop into lung, liver or pancreas cells. To achieve these results, the scientists combined their expertise in experimental research with mathematical modeling.

"Our findings represent two key processes of stem cell differentiation," said Lickert. "With an improved understanding of cell formation we can succeed in generating functional specialized cells from stem cells. These could be used for a variety of therapeutic approaches. In diabetes, we may be able to replace the defective beta cells, but regenerative medicine also offers new therapeutic options for other organ defects and diseases."

Diabetes is characterized by a dysfunction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Regenerative treatment approaches aim to renew or replace these cells. An EU-funded research project ('HumEn'), in which Lickert and his team are participating, shall provide further insights in the field of beta-cell replacement therapy.

The aim of research at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen, a partner in the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), is to develop new approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of major common diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

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Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Science prodigy Jessie MacAlpine, 18, takes on malaria with mustard oil

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Bug enthusiasts who caught the January 2011 edition of the Journal of Insect Physiology may have noticed something odd on page 35, just under the lead scientists name:

Huron Park Secondary School, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.

Jessie MacAlpine was only a Grade 9 student when she published her first research paper, The effects of CO2 and chronic cold exposure on fecundity of female Drosophila melanogaster.

Today, the 18-year-old is in her first year at the University of Toronto and has moved on to even loftier pursuits. Using a molecular compound she stumbled upon in high school, MacAlpine is developing a potential new drug for malaria, a parasitic disease that infects about 219 million people every year and is growing resistant to available drugs.

If all goes according to plan, MacAlpines drug will be cheap, effective and accessible to people in the developing world. It will also be made from mustard oil.

Globally, were always in desperate need of another anti-malarial product, said Ian Crandall, a U of T professor who has been working with MacAlpine at the Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, where he is a principal investigator.

The interesting thing about what Jessie has been doing is (that) growing mustard oil is not something that requires a huge facility to do. If its kind of a natural product that can be used to treat malaria, then its something thats worth looking into.

The daughter of an accountant and stay-at-home mom, MacAlpine knew she wanted to be a scientist as early as Grade 2, when she signed one of her homework assignments Dr. Jessie MacAlpine. By the time she graduated high school, she had already won a top prize at an international science fair, launched a research collaboration with U of T scientists and made two interesting discoveries in her basement lab both of which she is now in the process of patenting.

One of her patents is for a bioherbicide, which MacAlpine developed using molecular compounds found in garlic mustard plants and Tim Hortons coffee grounds.

The other is a mustard-oil compound, allyl isothiocyanate the stuff that gives mustard and wasabi its pungent kick which she hopes to develop into a treatment.

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Science prodigy Jessie MacAlpine, 18, takes on malaria with mustard oil

Why we should consider obesity a disease

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Welcome to Health Advisor, where contributors share their knowledge in fields ranging from fitness to psychology, pediatrics to aging. Follow us @Globe_Health.

Is Obesity a disease?

Last year, the American Medical Association officially acknowledged obesity as a disease. Not everyone agrees. There is no doubt that excess weight can cause a wide range of health problems, including heart disease and cancer not unlike smoking. But, while we may consider smoking an addiction, we would hardly consider it a disease. So why should obesity qualify?

There are at least three reasons why obesity is different.

The first is related to the complexity of energy balance. While simplistic notions of balancing calories in and calories out work well in physics, with obesity we are dealing with physiology (which I like to describe as biology messing with physics). Our bodies do a remarkable job of sensing changes in caloric intake or expenditure and show a wide variation in how they respond to such changes.

Overfeeding studies at the Mayo Clinic showed an almost four-fold difference in the amount of weight gained by healthy volunteers who were all fed an extra 1000 calories per day for eight weeks. Similarly, numerous studies have shown that individuals following exactly the same diet or exercise program will vary widely in their weight-loss response.

No amount of binge eating will turn Jack Sprat into a sumo wrestler. Meantime, his wife may well find herself stuck with her own excess weight, no matter how hard she tries to lose it.

Which brings me to the second point: Once established, obesity becomes a chronic problem. This has to do with the fact that our bodies will always defend the highest weight that we have achieved. We refer to this as the set-point. No matter how you got to 200 pounds, once there, it becomes the weight that your physiology will defend (and it will do so most effectively).

We not only have increasingly better insight into exactly how this set-point readjusts to ever-increasing body weight (through a process of inflammation and micro-scarring in the hypothalamus, the brain centre that regulates energy balance) but we also understand many of the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur as our bodies effectively defend their increasing fat mass.

Rather than viewing fat tissue as a simple storage depot for excess calories, we now look at body fat as a complex organ that interacts closely with other organs to maximize and sustain fat stores (perhaps in preparation for the next famine, even if it never comes).

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Why we should consider obesity a disease

Synbiota Expands Into Antarctica, Attracts Investors

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Montral (PRWEB) January 23, 2014

Today, with the addition of members in Antarctica, Synbiota Inc. connects synthetic biology researchers across all 7 continents, just 3 months after the company's launch. Also announced today is $300,000 in available funding for Synbiota members and their biological solutions.

"Genetic engineering is our best bet to save the world," says Bill Liao, Founder of CoderDojo, a global network of hackerspaces and partner at SOSVentures. "That's why we're offering Synbiota's global network of researchers and biohackers $300,000 in available funding to accelerate the development of sustainable biological solutions via the SynBio axlr8r program." Learn more, and sign up at synbiota.com/axlr8r.

Synbiota is satisfying a global need for advanced virtual lab technology with its free web-based software. Previously limited to large corporations such as Monsanto, genetic engineering is touted by experts as one of humanity's best tools to combat global challenges in climate, access to food, fuel, materials, and the development of effective, low-cost medicine.

"Biotech is advancing much faster than computer technology, and Synbiota is at the heart of this revolution" says Rob Carlson, principal at Biodesic, and synthetic biology advisor to corporations and governments around the world. "Bringing together a global cadre of independent researchers, and pairing them with real funding opportunities is just the sort of thing that ignites revolutions. This is an incredible opportunity for the iGEM, DIYBio, and entrepreneurial communities to fund their work."

About Synbiota:

Synbiota Inc. was founded in April 2013 with the mission to streamline life science R&D and to make it universally accessible. Synbiota was a Fellow of Mozilla Labs WebFWD, winner of Hacking Healths Most Transformative Technology award, recipient of grants from FedDev and the Eastern Ontario Development Program, and creator of the S PRIZE global biotech contest. Synbiota Inc. has offices at the Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University (DMZ) in Toronto, and Maison Notman in Montral.

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Synbiota Expands Into Antarctica, Attracts Investors

Are enough women included in medical device studies, as required by the FDA?

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

23-Jan-2014

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, January 23, 2013-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates adequate enrollment of women in post-approval studies (PAS) of medical devices to ensure that any sex differences in device safety and effectiveness are not overlooked. A group of authors from the FDA report the results of a study evaluating the participation of women and analysis of sex differences in PAS in Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Women's Health website.

Women may respond differently to medical devices due to factors such as genetics, body size, hormones, or other intrinsic sex-specific or extrinsic societal or environmental factors. They may face greater or lesser risk of adverse events or derive more or less benefit. "Based on these findings, FDA implemented new procedures to ensure participation by sex is evaluated in PAS reviews," state the authors in their article "Enrollment and Monitoring of Women in Post-Approval Studies for Medical Devices Mandated by the Food and Drug Administration."

"It is critically important that we have adequate participation of women in clinical trials, and that we analyze sex differences in study outcomes and adverse events," says Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health.

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About the Journal

Journal of Women's Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. The Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Women's Health website. Journal of Women's Health is the Official Journal of the Academy of Women's Health and the Society for Women's Health Research.

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Are enough women included in medical device studies, as required by the FDA?

Looking for a ‘superhabitable’ world? Try Alpha Centauri B, says Astrobiology Journal

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

23-Jan-2014

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, January 23, 2014The search for extraterrestrial life extends far beyond Earth's solar system, looking for planets or moons outside the "stellar habitable zone" that may have environments even more favorable to supporting life than here on Earth. These superhabitable worlds have unique characteristics and are ideal targets for extrasolar exploration, as described in a provocative Hypothesis Article in Astrobiology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Astrobiology website.

In "Superhabitable Worlds" Ren Heller, McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) and John Armstrong, Weber State University (Ogden, UT), propose how tidal heating can create conditions in which life could emerge on an icy or terrestrial planet or moon once thought to be uninhabitable.

"A great place for hydrothermal microorganisms and a volcanic eruption in the weather forecast every morning and evening," says Norman Sleep, Senior Editor for Astrobiology and Professor in the School of Earth Sciences at Stanford University, "a tidally heated planet would be unpleasant though spectacular to visit."

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About the Journal

Astrobiology, led by Editor-in-Chief Sherry L. Cady, Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and a prominent international editorial board comprised of esteemed scientists in the field, is the authoritative resource for the most up-to-date information and perspectives on exciting new research findings and discoveries emanating from interplanetary exploration and terrestrial field and laboratory research programs. The Journal is published monthly online with Open Access options and in print, and is the Official Journal of the Astrobiology Society. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Astrobiology website.

About the Publisher

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Looking for a 'superhabitable' world? Try Alpha Centauri B, says Astrobiology Journal

Bioquark Inc. Appoints Dr. Joel I. Osorio MD, Specialist in Functional Anti-Aging Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine …

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014

Bioquark, Inc., (http://www.bioquark.com) a company focused on the development of combinatorial biologics for regeneration and disease reversion in human organs and tissues, today announces the appointment of Dr. Joel I. Osorio MD, as VP of International Clinical Development.

We are honored to have someone with Dr. Osorios experience join us as we execute on a globalized clinical strategy, said Ira S. Pastor, CEO, Bioquark Inc. His broad clinical experience in functional anti-aging regenerative and stem cell based medicine make him a very valuable addition to the Bioquark team.

Dr. Osorio brings over 9 years of experience in medical practice, both in the private practice and public medical settings. Currently the medical director of the medical spa Bamboo Rejuvenecimiento Facial y Coporal (http://www.bamboobelleza.com), Dr. Osorio has served in capacities in both private and public practice, as a hospital staff physician, and as emergency health services coordinator for a variety of private and public institutions throughout Mexico. He earned MD degrees at both Westhill University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico as a medical surgeon, has diplomas in aesthetic medicine from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, is an Advance Fellow by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (http://www.a4m.com/joel-osorio-bamboo-rejuvenecimiento-facial-y-corporal-naucalpan-estado-de-mxico.html), is a visiting scholar at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in dermatology, a fellow in stem cell medicine by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and University of South Florida, and currently is completing additional masters work in metabolic and nutrition sciences at University of South Florida. Dr. Osorio is also a member of the round table of ReGeNeRaTe Laboratories Mexico Committee (a DNAge-Lab Company), and has been actively working in the applied stem cell field since 2007. In 2011, Dr. Osorio became a member of the International Cellular Medicine Society, is a PRP certified practitioner in aesthetic and regenerative fields, and from 2009 to 2012 managed the blood bank at Ruben Lenero public hospital. Dr. Osorio frequently appears on Mexican national television programs and interviews regularly as a speaker on the topic of anti-aging (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4SvkBTS-P0) as well as contributes in various magazines and periodicals on anti-aging related subjects.

I am very excited about the candidates being developed at Bioquark and their very novel approach to human regeneration and disease reversion, as well as the broader biological programs focused on anti-aging," said Dr. Osorio. "I'm pleased to be joining the team and am looking forward to playing a more active role in this truly transformational platform."

About Bioquark, Inc. Bioquark Inc. (http://www.bioquark.com) is focused on the development of biologic based products that have the ability to alter the regulatory state of human tissues and organs, with the goal of curing a wide range of diseases, as well as effecting complex regeneration. Bioquark is developing biological pharmaceutical candidates, as well as products for the global consumer health and wellness market segments.

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Bioquark Inc. Appoints Dr. Joel I. Osorio MD, Specialist in Functional Anti-Aging Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine ...

Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics|Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine – Video

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Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics|Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine
Take a tour of the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine. You can read more about CSMM and the institute #39;s degree programs here: http://www.educations.com/Cypr...

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Nanotechnology ‘Bacteriobots’ Huge Development In Cancer Treatment – Volt Video – Video

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Nanotechnology #39;Bacteriobots #39; Huge Development In Cancer Treatment - Volt Video
Sourcerer http://www.thevoltreport.com Hit this linkage for more pics and details: Nanotechnology in cancer treatment to resolve the issue without the side e...

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ElbaTech Srl: High Voltage Amplifier and Nanotechnology www.elbatech.com – Video

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ElbaTech Srl: High Voltage Amplifier and Nanotechnology http://www.elbatech.com
ElbaTech, Atomic Force Microscopy, SPM, QCM, Quartz Crystal Microbalance, High Voltage Amplifier, Nanotechnology, MEMS, 1-Wire, Phototrap, Sensor for environ...

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ElbaTech Srl: High Voltage Amplifier and Nanotechnology http://www.elbatech.com - Video