Monthly Archives: February 2014

Enviornment ministry green light for gene modification field trials: Veerappa Moily

Posted on by

Environment Minister M Veerappa Moily has cleared a Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) decision to allow gene modification field trials for certain food crops after the same was put on hold for about a year by his predecessor, Jayanthi Natarajan.

Environment Minister M Veerappa Moily has cleared a Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) decision to allow gene modification field trials for certain food crops after the same was put on hold for about a year by his predecessor, Jayanthi Natarajan.

While giving his nod, Moily, however, sought to downplay the approval row, saying there was some "misunderstanding" over the issue and there was no "embargo" from Supreme Court on such trials. The minister's nod will pave the way for GM field trails for rice, wheat, maize and cotton.

Moily, however, made it clear that the trials are subject to approval by state governments and fulfilment of certain conditions.

The clearance will enable companies such as Bayer Bioscience, Mahyco and BASF and Monsanto India to carry out field trials for the crops. Bayer Bioscience, for example, has been given clearance to test GM rice across the country.

Earlier, Natarajan had blocked the approval obtained by GEAC in March of last year, reportedly because the issue was pending in the apex court.

But Moily said he had examined the case with officials and found that there was no embargo on the clearance by Supreme Court, Moily said.

"It is a report from a statutory committee. I don't think a ministry or a minister will have any business holding it back. We can't do that. We have to work with the rules... and the law of the land is same for everyone. That is why, as a law-abiding minister, I approved it," Moily told reporters here.

The minister also said that the Environment Ministry, Agriculture Ministry and the Department of Biotechnology had a "common position" on the issue, which would be placed before Supreme Court. Natarajan had, in fact, not "disagreed" with the decision of the GEAC, he further stated.

The next meeting of GEAC has been called on March 21 to discuss some more issues, he said.

Excerpt from:
Enviornment ministry green light for gene modification field trials: Veerappa Moily

Environment Min Nod for Gene Modification Field Trials

Posted on by

Environment Minister M Veerappa Moily has cleared a Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) decision to allow gene modification field trials for certain food crops after the same was put on hold for about a year by his predecessor, Jayanthi Natarajan.

While giving his nod, Moily, however, sought to downplay the approval row, saying there was some "misunderstanding" over the issue and there was no "embargo" from Supreme Court on such trials.

The minister's nod will pave the way for GM field trails for rice, wheat, maize and cotton.

Moily, however, made it clear that the trials are subject to approval by state governments and fulfilment of certain conditions.

The clearance will enable companies such as Bayer Bioscience, Mahyco and BASF and Monsanto India to carry out field trials for the crops. Bayer Bioscience, for example, has been given clearance to test GM rice across the country.

Earlier, Natarajan had blocked the approval obtained by GEAC in March of last year, reportedly because the issue was pending in the apex court.

But Moily said he had examined the case with officials and found that there was no embargo on the clearance by Supreme Court, Moily said.

"It is a report from a statutory committee. I don't think a ministry or a minister will have any business holding it back. We can't do that. We have to work with the rules... And the law of the land is same for everyone. That is why, as a law-abiding minister, I approved it," Moily told reporters here.

The minister also said that the Environment Ministry, Agriculture Ministry and the Department of Biotechnology had a "common position" on the issue, which would be placed before Supreme Court.

Natarajan had, in fact, not "disagreed" with the decision of the GEAC, he further stated.

See the original post here:
Environment Min Nod for Gene Modification Field Trials

TEDx through Google Glass – We Should Teach All Kids How To Use Facebook – Ramsey Mohsen at UMKC – Video

Posted on by


TEDx through Google Glass - We Should Teach All Kids How To Use Facebook - Ramsey Mohsen at UMKC
Ramsey Mohsen shares why he believes we should teach all kids how to use Facebook. Social technologies are embedded into our day to day lives and culture. Th...

By: Ramsey Mohsen

View post:
TEDx through Google Glass - We Should Teach All Kids How To Use Facebook - Ramsey Mohsen at UMKC - Video

Results of the 2014 Valero & Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Regional Science Fair

Posted on by

The results for the 2014 Valero & Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Regional Science Fair named a few students from surrounding school districts as those who will be advancing to the state level.

The regional science fair took place on February 20-21 at the American Bank Center. It is open to students between grades kindergarten through 12th grade and whose science fair projects have been selected for advancement to the regional science fair.

Students who participated were up against several other county areas including Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.

The students who advanced will be making their way to the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair in San Antonio on March 20 through March 23.

In kinder in the physical science category, first place went to William McCall from Calallen Independent School District, second place went to Alexis Farias from the Alice Independent School District and third place went to Evan Hinojosa from the Robstown Independent School District. In the life science category third place went to Lilian Paniagua, Tuloso-Midway Independent School District.

In third grade in the physical science category, third place went to Taylor Grant from Calallen Isd and in the life science category, second place went to team Allison Flower and Ashley Flower from TM ISD.

In fourth grade in the life science category first place went to Addie Lamontagne from TM ISD, second place went to Rubena Casas from Calallen ISD and third place went to Joeli Robledo from Robstown ISD. In fifth grade in the physical science, third place went to JoAnn Robledo from TM ISD.

The Junior/Senior Divisions was made up from grades sixth to twelfth. In the Behavioral and Social Science category, second place went to Nicholas Coleman from Alice ISD.

In the Chemistry-Biochemistry category, second place went to Austin Sannes from Calallen ISD. In the Earth Science category, first place went to Avery Lopez and second place went to Jesaiah Torres both from Alice ISD. In the Plant Sciences category, second place went to Caitlin Sannes from Calallen ISD.

Like my page at http://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaGarciaAliceNewspapersInc

View original post here:
Results of the 2014 Valero & Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Regional Science Fair

Dr. Marc L. Epstein, Aesthetic MD, Introduces Sculptherapy: a Revolutionary, Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative

Posted on by

Dr. Marc L. Epstein, Aesthetic MD, Introduces Sculptherapy: a Revolutionary, Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative

Aesthetic Medicine specialist, Dr. Marc L. Epstein, of Harrison, NY introduces Sculptherapy, a revolutionary, anti-aging combination therapy that utilizes Scultpra Aesthetic cosmetic injections and Ultherapy ultrasound to provide patients with a non-surgical alternative to facelift surgery. Both Sculptra & Ultherapy offer exceptional levels of patient satisfaction and both are approved by the FDA.

Sculptherapy combines clinically proven, anti-aging procedures: Sculptra Aesthetic cosmetic injections with Ultherapy ultrasound to lift, tighten and tone face and neck skin. Sculptherapy is exciting and revolutionary because of the dramatic synergistic affects these combined therapies offer as an alternative to going "under the knife." Dr. Epstein understands that many patients do not want to endure facelift surgery but still want to look and feel younger. For many patients, Sculptherapy offers a real alternative to facelift surgery. Sculptherapy triggers the bodys own collagen regenerative process restoring both face and neck to a natural looking, more youthful appearance. Results appear gradually and subtly over two to three months with clinically proven results that require maintenance treatment only at about two years.

Dr. Epstein explains, As we age, we lose collagen, facial fat and bone mass resulting in drooping and wrinkling of the face and neck skin. Up until now, facelift surgery was the definitive solution. We now have the ability to offer non-surgical facial restoration with dramatic and natural looking results that require maintenance treatments only every two years. This revolutionary treatment stimulates your bodys own endogenous collagen while lifting, tightening and toning skin on the face and neck. Patients love the gradual, natural, long lasting results that saves them from invasive surgery and frees them from the time and expense of repeated dermal filler injections.

Ultherapy is the first and only non-invasive, aesthetic treatment cleared by the FDA with a non-invasive face and neck"lift" indication. Ultherapy utilizes micro-focused ultrasound that bypasses the surface of the skin targeting the deepest foundational layer of the skin where collagen resides. This deep foundational layer provides support to the skin and facial structure and is the same deep layer that is addressed in facelift surgery. All natural Ultherapy rejuvenates and strengthens collagen within the skin. It achieves a more open look to the eyes, lifts the eyebrows, creates a more defined jaw line, and tightens loose and sagging skin under the chin and on the neck.

Sculptra volumizing filler stimulates collagen regeneration to replace lost facial volume and contours. Sculptra is the only collagen stimulating, facial injectable approved by the FDA to last over two years. Each treatment consists of a few injections to the areas to be volumized, the cheek, and temple and jaw line. Usually 2 or 3 treatment sessions are required to get the desired effect. Sculptra Aesthetic is administered with local anesthesia and the discomfort is minimal. As with all other injections there can be temporary swelling and bruising. Otherwise, there is no 'downtime'.

Dr. Marc Epstein is a highly skilled Aesthetic Medicine MD specializing in non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that manage the signs of aging. Dr. Epstein performs Botox cosmetic injections, dermal filler cosmetic injections, Liquid Facelifts, Sculptra, Chemical Peels, Ultherapy and Sculptherapy that help restore youth to your face and neck . Dr. Marc Epstein is one of the first certified providers in Westchester County, NY to offer Ultherapy and first to offer the newest combined alternative to facelift surgery called Sculptherapy. Dr. Epstein performs all treatments personally in his private and discreet practice located at 600 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, New York. Dr. Epstein is licensed in both New York and Connecticut and serves patients through out Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Appointments and complimentary consultations can be scheduled through his office at 914.301-9425 or via email at MarcEpsteinCosmeticMD.com

For more information contact media representative: Carolyn Brown Okay, 917.620.8104, Carolyn@DigitInteractiveMarketing.com http://www.DigitInterActiveMarketing.com

View original post here:
Dr. Marc L. Epstein, Aesthetic MD, Introduces Sculptherapy: a Revolutionary, Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative

Comets Easily Sweep Ambush

Posted on by

February 27, 2014 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Missouri Comets INDEPENDENCE, Missouri (February 27, 2014) - The Missouri Comets closed out their season series against the St. Louis Ambush with their sixth win versus the cross-state rival. Max Touloute led all scorers with five goals while Leo Gibson chipped in with four assists. Altogether, six different players scored for the Comets as they roll to a 27-6 victory.

Missouri got off to a hot start when Alex Megson tapped in a rebound off an early Gibson shot, then Max Touloute scored his first of night 30 seconds later to put the Comets up 4-0 in the first two minutes of the game. Stefan St. Louis and added a score before Touloute closed the opening period with another goal.

Leading 12-0, the Comets did not rest on their laurels and attacked with high pressure. John Sosa scored midway through the quarter and Touloute completed his hat trick towards the end of the half. Gibson assisted on three scores in the first half, helping his side to a 12-0 lead at the midway point.

The second half began just as the first did, with the Comets scoring less than 30 seconds into the period. This time Stefan Stokic found the net. Milan Ivanovic scored another impossible angle shot, followed by yet another Touloute score.

Leading 16-0, veteran goalkeeper Danny Waltman gave way to rookie Brendan Allen for the rest of the night.

The St. Louis Ambush finally got on the board with eight minutes remaining in the third period, but it was too little, too late for the home team.

Leo Gibson put his name in the goal-scorer column twice in the second half, after Touloute notched his fifth goal. The Ambush were able to score twice, but the Comets were never in danger as the finish 6-0 against their rivals from the east, final score 27-6.

Missouri travels to face the Milwaukee Wave at 2:00p.m. CT on Sunday, March 2nd for the final regular season game. With the win tonight, the Comets have secured the third seed in the MISL Playoffs and will face either the Wave or the Baltimore Blast on March 9th in Game 1 of the MISL Semi-Finals.

For group tickets and information call 855.4KC.GOAL or email tickets@kcproscoccer.com.

Discuss this story on the Major Indoor Soccer League message board... Digg this story Add to Del.icio.us

Visit link:

Comets Easily Sweep Ambush

Comets Win, Lose In Regional

Posted on by

Stew-Stras basketball got off to a good start in the Cumberland 1A Regional by beating Cumberland, 57-48. Then they lost their semifinal to Dieterich, 76-37.

The Comets were almost shut out in the 1st period on an 11-2 Toledo run. They then matched Toledo in the 2nd and reeled off a 16-9 run in the 3rd to knot the score, 29-29. The 4th was a jailbreak with both teams scoring 17 points and having the game called a draw at the end of regulation. In OT, the Comets flipped the coin on Cumberland. They answered the Pirates 11-2 run in the 1st with a Comet 11-2 run in OT for the win.

Cumberland made 21 field goals and Stew-Stras just 17. But, the Comets were 19-of-29 at the line and Cumberland just 5-of-8.

Monday

Toledo Regional

Stew-Stras 57, Cumberland 48 - OT

St-St 2-11-16-17-11--57

Cland 11-9-9-17-2--48

Stew stats: Helmuth 22 (4-2s, 2-3 pt FGs, 8/10 FTs), 11 rebounds, 5 steals; Fry 15 (4 FGs, 7/12 FTs), 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists; Jones 10 (2-2s, 2-3 pt FGs); Bugger 5 (FG, 3/5 FTs), Kessler 2 (FG), A. Blythe 2 (FG), Rincker 1 (1/2 FTs). Team FGs 17. 3-Pointers: 4 (Helmuth 2, Jones 2). Team FTs 19-of-29.

Cland stats: Shoan 12 (6 FGs), Bauguss 10 (3-2s, 1-3 pt FGs, 1/2 FTs), Mo. Wolke 9 (3 FGs, 3/4 FTs), McMechan 7 (3 FGs, 1/2 FTs), Napier 6 (3 FGs), Brumleve 4 (2 FGs). Team FGs 21 (1-3). Team FTs 5-of-8.

See original here:

Comets Win, Lose In Regional

CNIO researchers discover new strategies for the treatment of psoriasis

Posted on by

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

27-Feb-2014

Contact: Nuria Noriega nnoriega@cnio.es Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO)

Almost ten years ago, the group led by Erwin Wagner, currently at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), developed genetically modified mice showing symptoms very reminiscent to psoriasis. After publishing this discovery in Nature, the researchers decided to use this mouse model to study the underlying molecular pathways involved in disease development, and to look for innovative and efficient therapies. Now the group has discovered two possible novel treatments, based on existing pharmacological compounds, which are likely to cause fewer side effects.

Psoriasis affects up to 3% of the world's population and can seriously affect the quality of life of these patients. The primary causes are largely unknown and the disease is not curable. The latest generation of drugs developed to combat it - so-called biological therapies - are thought to be a big step forward, but can only be applied for limited periods of time due to serious side effects, which can generate other forms of psoriasis, or even cause tuberculosis or leukaemia. Due to this it is important for psoriatic patients to develop efficient non-toxic treatments.

The two new strategies now published by CNIO researchers are the result of in-depth studies of the disease biology that have revealed some of the underlying molecular causes.

In the first study published in the December issue of the high impact journal Immunity, it is shown how the symptoms of psoriasis disappear by deleting a protein called S100A9. In the second article, which is published in Science Translational Medicine, the researchers show that inhibiting a non-coding micro RNA, named miR-21, ameliorates the disease symptoms.

As Helia Schnthaler, the first author, and collegues write in Immunity: "over the past decade, biological therapies have been shown to be effective against inflammatory diseases. These treatments, however, are a cause of worry due to their side effects, which might cause a possible increase in the risk of infection or cancer. The development of efficient, locally applicable drugs without these side effects, therefore would be beneficial for patients with psoriasis". Specifically, S100A9 inhibiting strategies "have the potential to become effective new treatments against psoriasis", the authors state.

In the article in Science Translational Medicine, which features Juan Guinea-Viniegra as the lead author, the authors state that: "blocking miR-21 could offer advantages over current treatments given that the efficiency obtained is the same and the side effects are probably reduced". The authors highlight that in the mouse model and in patient samples transplanted into mice this new strategy "shows a significant therapeutic response".

Helia Schnthaler and Juan Guinea-Viniegra are members of the group of Erwin Wagner, who is the director of the F-BBVA-CNIO Cancer Cell Biology Programme.

More:

CNIO researchers discover new strategies for the treatment of psoriasis