Monthly Archives: June 2017

Tamil Nadu will draft aerospace and defence policy: Chief Minister – Times of India

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CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu would soon come out with a aerospace and defence policy aimed at benefitting companies planning to invest in these two sectors, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Saturday.

"I am happy to inform that the state Government, along with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, is engaged in setting up an aerospace park on 267 acre land in Sriperumbudur", he said.

"As a next step, a new aerospace and defence sector policy will be released soon" he said at the third edition of Southern Regional Council Meeting, organised by industry body CII.

Referring to 98 MoUs that attracted Rs 2.42 lakh crore investments in the maiden Global Investor Meet held in 2015 by the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, he said 61 projects worth Rs 62,738 crore are in various stage of implementation.

"Through this initiative, 76,777 new jobs have been created", he said.

Palaniswami said the second edition of the event would be conducted in 2018 following the success of GIM 2015.

On the status of Foreign Direct Investments in the state, Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu attracted Rs 1.25 lakh crore of FDI between May 2011 and December 2016.

As per information provided by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the assured total number of investments in the State between 2011-17 was Rs 3,07,457 lakh crore, he said.

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Tamil Nadu will draft aerospace and defence policy: Chief Minister - Times of India

Aerospace Soars Past S&P 500 – Seeking Alpha

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This research report was produced by Colorado Wealth Management Fund, Founder of The Mortgage REIT Forum, with assistance from Big Dog Investments.

Which sector has dominated?

The PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA) is invested in the industrial sector which has been dominating for a while now. The returns have come with a lot of volatility, which along with current market valuations is why I would not want to be starting a position in this fund. That's not to say it isn't good and hasn't performed well - it's just valued too high. The underlying index for PPA is the SPADE Defense Index.

I'll be focusing on analyzing the ETF. The market is priced too high right now and so is this fund. This is probably one of the best times to take a look at funds and decide which ones should go on a watch list for when the market takes a dive.

Expenses

The expense ratio right now is at .64%. Compared to the equity ETFs I have been covering, this is on the expensive side. I wouldn't be comfortable paying an expense ratio this high, but every investor has a different tolerance level. What I would be willing to do is take the holdings of this company and simulate its results.

Yield

The current yield is .90%, which may not be high enough for a lot of investors going for a dividend yield. The growth of this fund has more than made up for a small yield if an investor had a long-term investment approach.

Risk profile

Let's take a look at how volatile this fund has been.

Since the inception of the fund on October 26, 2005, there has been total returns of 239.8% compared to SPY's returns of 152.9%. These returns are fantastic, but look at the volatility:

PPA:

SPY:

Yes, the great returns have been there, but the fund has shown more volatility and a larger drawdown than SPY since it started. This is the kind of volatility it sometimes takes to beat SPY. I prefer to allocate my funds more defensively. Consumer staples has been my go-to choice when it comes to looking at ETFs, but there's been other sectors like industrial which has done very well.

Even over the last couple of years PPA has done amazing.

PPA:

SPY:

Sector

Here are the sector holdings from the Morningstar website:

There is only a tiny bit of diversification, and the rest of the fund is in industrials. This sector has done quite well over the last decade, but that doesn't mean it will continue to do so. I worry about investing in any sector when all the money is flooding there.

Holdings

Here's a chart of the top 30 holdings:

Ticker

Name

Allocation

Div Yield

(NYSE:GD)

General Dynamics Corp.

7.02%

1.66%

(NYSE:UTX)

United Technologies Corp.

7.01%

2.17%

(NYSE:HON)

Honeywell International, Inc.

6.89%

2.00%

(NYSE:LMT)

Lockheed Martin Corp.

6.83%

2.57%

(NYSE:BA)

Boeing Co./The

6.82%

3.04%

(NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon Co.

5.64%

1.95%

(NYSE:NOC)

Northrop Grumman Corp.

5.30%

1.40%

(NYSE:TDG)

TransDigm Group, Inc.

3.89%

0.00%

(NYSE:COL)

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

3.85%

1.23%

(NYSE:TXT)

Textron, Inc.

3.59%

0.17%

(NYSE:LLL)

L3 Technologies, Inc.

3.56%

1.79%

(NYSE:HII)

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

2.50%

1.22%

(NYSE:HEI)

HEICO Corp.

1.72%

0.19%

(NYSE:OA)

Orbital ATK, Inc.

1.64%

1.26%

(NASDAQ:ESLT)

Elbit Systems Ltd.

1.42%

1.32%

(NYSE:BWXT)

BWX Technologies, Inc.

1.33%

0.78%

(NYSE:OSK)

Oshkosh Corp.

1.32%

1.29%

(NYSE:HXL)

Hexcel Corp.

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Aerospace Soars Past S&P 500 - Seeking Alpha

TransDigm Group acquires three aerospace product lines – Crain’s Cleveland Business

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Crain's Cleveland Business
TransDigm Group acquires three aerospace product lines
Crain's Cleveland Business
The product lines will be consolidated into TransDigm businesses and include "highly engineered aerospace controls, quick disconnect couplings, and communication electronics," the release stated. "Each of these acquisitions contain proprietary products ...
TransDigm Acquires Three Add-On Aerospace Product LinesPR Newswire (press release)
TransDigm (TDG) Adds 3 Aerospace Product Lines to PortfolioZacks.com
Transdigm Group Incorporated - TDG - Stock Price Today - ZacksZacks

all 109 news articles »

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TransDigm Group acquires three aerospace product lines - Crain's Cleveland Business

New cancer medicine targets rare genetic flaw, finds study – Hindustan Times

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An experimental cancer medicine called larotrectinib has shown promise in treating a diverse range of cancers in people young and old, researchers said at a major cancer conference in the United States.

The treatment targets a genetic abnormality which is often found in rare cancers including salivary gland cancer, juvenile breast cancer, and a soft tissue cancer known as infantile fibrosarcoma which are particularly difficult to treat. This abnormality also occurs in about 0.5% to 1% of many common cancers.

In the study released at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, 76% of cancer patients both children and adults with 17 different kinds of cancer responded well to the medicine.

A total of 79% were alive after one year. The study is ongoing. And 12% went into complete remission from their cancer.

The clinical trial included 55 patients 43 adults and 12 children. All had advanced cancers in various organs, including the colon, pancreas and lung, as well as melanoma.

These findings embody the original promise of precision oncology: treating a patient based on the type of mutation, regardless of where the cancer originated, said lead study author David Hyman, chief of early drug development at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

We believe that the dramatic response of tumours with TRK fusions to larotrectinib supports widespread genetic testing in patients with advanced cancer to see if they have this abnormality.

Researchers said 76% of cancer patients both children and adults with 17 different kinds of cancer responded well to the medicine. (Shutterstock)

Made by Loxo Oncology Inc., larotrectinib is a selective inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusion proteins. TRK proteins are a product of a genetic abnormality when a TRK gene in a cancer cell fuses with one of many other genes, researchers said.

The US Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the treatment for widespread use.

The treatment was well tolerated by patients, and the most common side effects were fatigue and mild dizziness.

If approved, larotrectinib could become the first therapy of any kind to be developed and approved simultaneously in adults and children, and the first targeted therapy to be indicated for a molecular definition of cancer that spans all traditionally-defined types of tumors. said Hyman.

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New cancer medicine targets rare genetic flaw, finds study - Hindustan Times

Drug Helps Fight Breast Tumors Tied to ‘Cancer Genes’ – The Tand D.com

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SUNDAY, June 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- A twice-daily pill could help some advanced breast cancer patients avoid or delay follow-up sessions of chemotherapy, a new clinical trial reports.

The drug olaparib (Lynparza) reduced the chances of cancer progression by about 42 percent in women with breast cancer linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, according to the study.

Olaparib delayed cancer progression by about three months. The drug also caused tumors to shrink in three out of five patients who received the medication, the researchers reported.

"Clearly the drug was more effective than traditional chemotherapy," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.

"This is a group where a response is more difficult to obtain -- a young group with a more aggressive form of cancer -- and nonetheless we saw a close to 60 percent objective response rate," he said.

The study was funded by AstraZeneca, the maker of Lynparza.

Olaparib works by cutting off the avenues that malignant cancer cells use to stay alive, said lead researcher Dr. Mark Robson. He's a medical oncologist and clinic director of Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

The drug inhibits PARP, an enzyme that helps cells repair damaged DNA, Robson said.

Normal cells denied access to PARP will turn to the BRCA genes for help, since they also support the repair of damaged DNA, Robson said.

But that "backup capability" is not available to breast cancer cells in women with BRCA gene mutations, Robson said.

"When you inhibit PARP, the cell can't rescue itself," Robson said. "In theory, you should have a very targeted approach, one specifically directed at the cancers in people who have this particular inherited predisposition."

Olaparib already has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in women with BRCA-related ovarian cancer. Robson and his colleagues figured that it also should be helpful in treating women with breast cancer linked to this genetic mutation.

The study included 302 patients who had breast cancer that had spread to other areas of their body (metastatic breast cancer). All of the women had an inherited BRCA mutation.

They were randomly assigned to either take olaparib twice a day or receive standard chemotherapy. All of the patients had received as many as two prior rounds of chemotherapy for their breast cancer. Women who had hormone receptor-positive cancer also had been given hormone therapy.

After 14 months of treatment, on average, people taking olaparib had a 42 percent lower risk of having their cancer progress compared with those who received another round of chemotherapy, Robson said.

The average time of cancer progression was about seven months with olaparib compared with 4.2 months with chemotherapy.

Tumors also shrank in about 60 percent of patients given olaparib. That compared with a 29 percent reduction for those on chemotherapy, the researchers said.

Severe side effects also were less common with olaparib. The drug's side effects bothered 37 percent of patients compared with half of those on chemo. The drug's most common side effects were nausea and anemia.

"There were fewer patients who discontinued treatment because of toxicity compared to those who received chemotherapy," Robson said. "Generally it was pretty well tolerated."

Only about 3 percent of breast cancers occur in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, the researchers said in background notes.

Despite this, the results are "quite exciting," said Dr. Julie Fasano, an assistant professor of hematology and medical oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Olaparib could wind up being used early in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer as an alternative to chemotherapy, and future studies might find that the drug is effective against other forms of breast cancer, Fasano said.

"It may be a practice-changing study, in terms of being able to postpone IV chemotherapy and its associated side effects" like hair loss and low white blood cell counts, Fasano said.

Lichtenfeld noted that olaparib also places less burden on patients.

"It may be easier for women to take two pills a day rather than go in for regular chemotherapy," Lichtenfeld said. "Clearly, this is a treatment that will garner considerable interest.

The findings were scheduled to be presented Sunday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, in Chicago. The study was also published June 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Deploying therapeutic payloads to cells – MIT News

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The founding mission of MIT may seem like an unusual meal-time story for a child. But when Mark Bathe was growing up, it was a regular topic of conversation around the dinner table.

That is because Bathes father, mechanical engineer Klaus-Jrgen Bathe, was a long-standing, proud MIT faculty member, and regularly talked about MIT founder William Barton Rogers mission for the Institute.

Bathes father was a huge presence in his childhood, and his enthusiastic descriptions of MITs focus on fundamental yet hands-on science to benefit society made quite an impression on him. My father was the lens through which I saw the world, Bathe says.

So when Bathe was admitted to both MIT and another university as a senior in high school, there was little doubt in his mind as to where he would be enrolling.

Bathe joined MITs Department of Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate, where he considers himself fortunate to have been trained in a broad and fundamental, yet problem-oriented, manner.

But with a longstanding desire to impact human health through medicine, Bathe moved on to graduate research in biomechanical engineering, in part under the stewardship of Alan Grodzinsky, a professor of biological, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and director of the MIT Center for Biomedical Engineering.

After receiving his PhD in 2004, Bathe decided to deepen his understanding of biomolecules by moving to the University of Munich in 2006, to carry out postdoctoral research in biological physics.

He then returned to MIT in 2009, joining the Department of Biological Engineering, where he established an interdisciplinary research group focused on using approaches from engineering, chemistry, physics, and computer science to understand and solve problems in applied biology.

I find the new emerging world of personalized medicine fascinating, Bathe says. In particular, the prospect of using gene-editing tools to correct disease-causing mutations that are either inherited or acquired, as well as the use of messenger RNAs to express specific proteins that are needed to alleviate disease.

Bathe, now an associate professor of biological engineering at MIT, creates a huge variety of programmed three-dimensional shapes out of single strands of synthetic DNA, a process known as DNA origami. These nanoparticles may ultimately be deployed as structural scaffolds to deliver vaccines, drugs, or even gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 to specific parts of the body, he says.

Once delivered, the therapeutic payload could be released to edit the faulty genes that cause certain diseases.

It amazes me that with two therapeutic tools, namely CRISPR for gene editing and therapeutic messenger RNAs for protein production, we could, in principle, cure nearly any disease, potentially with minimal side-effects, but only if we can figure out how to successfully deliver these tools to act highly specifically in the target cells of interest, such as the gut, lungs, brain, or other organs, he says.

Tackling this problem can only be achieved through an interdisciplinary, long-term research effort, he believes.

Targeted therapeutic delivery is a highly interdisciplinary problem, involving everything from very applied, clinical medicine to basic macromolecular chemistry of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as the physics and engineering of macromolecular transport, Bathe says.

As a starting point, his laboratory, which includes engineers, chemists, computer scientists, and physicists, developed DAEDALUS (DNA Origami Sequence Design Algorithm for User-defined Structures), an algorithm designed to automate the process of assembling DNA nanoparticles. DAEDALUS, which takes a simple 3-D representation of the object and determines how this should be assembled from the DNA strands, can build any type of enclosed 3-D shape.

As a result, the algorithm, combined with new nucleic acid synthesis procedures, which were published in a paper in the journal Science last year, are allowing Bathe and his team to build the nanoparticles far more quickly and easily than was previously possible.

Despite decades of research into the delivery of nucleic acids and proteins, and the considerable potential for these therapeutics in clinical medicine, little progress has been made as measured by FDA-approved therapies, says Bathe. This is likely due in part to our poor understanding of macromolecular transport in the complex human anatomy, but also due to the lack of techniques available to engineer delivery tools, he says.

Were hopeful that fully synthetic, viral-like nucleic acid nanoparticles developed in our lab offer a new opportunity for the rational engineering of delivery tools for gene-centric therapies, he explains.

Working with with the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Bathe and his team are also investigating novel methods of imaging patient-derived neuronal cells, in a bid to better understand how genes affect the signals sent between individual neurons in the brain.

He is also investigating the use of DNA and other molecules to store and process information, with density that is orders of magnitude higher than conventional silicon-based computing hardware.

When not in the classroom or his laboratory, Bathe takes part in a range of outdoor activities, including cycling, running, skiing, and hiking, as well as indoor swimming with MITs Masters Swim Team. He also greatly enjoys an occasional sprint triathlon on summer weekends.

My favorite weekend in the Boston area, however, is a ferry ride down to Marthas Vineyard for a bike ride around the island, ending with a swim and lobster roll by the seaside in Edgartown, he says. I cant recommend it highly enough!

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Deploying therapeutic payloads to cells - MIT News

Jets are rebuilding team chemistry — with help from military – ESPN (blog)

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Jets coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Johnny Morton, right, keep watch over OTAs.

A look at what's happening around the New York Jets:

1. Team harmony? There are two ways to improve locker room chemistry: Get rid of the bad apples and create a positive, team-first environment. The Jets are attacking the issue from both angles.

In addition to shaking up the roster, coach Todd Bowles is trying to change the culture by exposing the players to outside voices. Guest speakers have addressed the team this offseason, including an Army unit that conducted team-building exercises with the players.

Bowles declined a request to talk about it, and players were hesitant to give away specifics on who and what, but it sounds like the new approach has been well received.

"A lot of times, when somebody from the outside comes in, you're kind of like, 'Man, I don't know,' but everybody he brought in had a good message," cornerback Buster Skrine said. "I think everybody who took part in those workouts and certain meetings really appreciated it, and we learned a lot -- how to be a team, how to lead."

Safety Rontez Miles said, "You see the change from last year. People are really serious about this. We're holding each other accountable, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes."

Kudos to the coach for taking steps to eradicate the bad karma that enveloped last season's team.

2. Candid coach: The Jets held their annual town hall last week, drawing more than 100 season-ticket holders to the team facility for a Q&A with Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan. It wasn't open to the media, but I got wind of a few things that were said.

Bowles was asked by one fan about the quarterback competition, and he was quite a bit more forthcoming than usual. From what I hear, he left the distinct impression that Josh McCown will be the opening-day starter. Bowles didn't come out and say it, but he told the crowd he has a pretty good idea of how it will turn out. He said McCown has an advantage over Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty because of his familiarity with the West Coast offense. But he also noted that he expects Hackenberg to play at some point.

These weren't groundbreaking comments -- Bowles stated what people have been reporting for weeks -- but he gave more context than his usual coachspeak at news conferences.

3. A deal for the ages: The Calvin Pryor-for-Demario Davis swap was a rare player-for-player trade. In fact, it was the Jets' first since they unloaded Wayne Hunter in 2012, according to Randy Lange of the Jets' official website. That's when they exchanged tackles with the St. Louis Rams. The Jets got Jason Smith, the Rams got Hunter.

Maccagnan has made several player trades during his three-year tenure, but the Pryor deal was the first time he dealt away a player. Why were the Jets so hell-bent on unloading him to the Cleveland Browns? It was a combination of factors, on and off the field. His fate probably was sealed when safety Jamal Adams unexpectedly slipped to the Jets with the sixth pick in the draft.

Those in Pryor's camp could point to the following stats, which show the pass defense was significantly better last season when he was on the field ... but apparently not enough to alter the Jets' plans:

4. Scouting report on Johnny Mo: Former Jets coach Eric Mangini held his annual youth football camp Saturday in Hartford, Connecticut, drawing more than 700 campers and dozens of pro and college coaches. One of them was the Jets' new offensive coordinator, Johnny Morton. Mangini and Morton were together for the 2013 and 2014 seasons on the San Francisco 49ers' staff, so Mangini witnessed up close how Johnny Mo -- as his friends call him -- operates.

"Johnny is really smart, really disciplined," Mangini told me. "He's not afraid to be multiple, he's not afraid to attack weaknesses. He's not afraid to use guys in different spots. I always liked that about him: his willingness to try new things. Sometimes that's hard for coaches -- to get out of their comfort zone.

"And he's tough," Mangini continued. "He's going to be demanding of the players. He's going to hold them accountable. I think he's going to be a really good hire."

5. Adjusting the books: The Jets gained $6 million in cap room Friday as Marcus Gilchrist's salary officially came off the books. Because they released the safety last month with the post-June 1 designation, the Jets had to wait until June 2 until his money was cleared. The post-June 1 route allowed them to spread the remaining prorated portion of his bonuses over two years ($1.375 million in each) instead of absorbing the full hit ($2.75 million) this year.

6. Money for nothing: While we're on the subject of the salary cap, it's worth noting that 10 percent of the Jets' total cap is devoted to players no longer on the roster -- about $16 million in "dead" money. They have a $1.14 million charge for Pryor. The biggest charges are Darrelle Revis ($6 million) and Ryan Fitzpatrick ($5 million).

7. Weight watchers: A week ago, I wrote about tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and how he dropped 25 pounds since the end of last season. He's not the only player who has lost serious poundage. Miles told me he's down to 200 pounds, a 26-pound loss from last year. He's back to his college weight, and he believes it'll help his movement skills, especially in pass coverage.

8. Help wanted: One position that has fallen between the cracks for the Jets is fullback. Remember the fullback? They didn't carry one last season, as they ran one-back sets out of Chan Gailey's spread offense. Morton will use some two-back sets in his West Coast-based system, and the only fullbacks on the roster are the unproven Julian Howsare and undrafted rookie Anthony Firkser. The Jets flirted with a few in free agency, including former Minnesota Vikings fullback Zach Line (still unsigned). It wouldn't be a surprise if they address it in the near future.

9. OTA observations: Juston Burris is getting a lot of reps; he's working as an outside cornerback in the starting nickel package. He's a player to watch. ... Brandon Shell and Brent Qvale are splitting reps at right tackle. Ben Ijalana continues to hold down left tackle as Kelvin Beachum deals with knee soreness. ... Is there a punt returner in the house? I could list the candidates, but you probably haven't heard of any of them. ... Dylan Donahue, the small-school pass-rusher from West Georgia, worked with the starting nickel package last week. He's relentless. ... Seferian-Jenkins continues to turn heads. ...

10. Calendar: The Jets have one more week of OTAs (four practices), followed by a mandatory minicamp (June 13-15).

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Jets are rebuilding team chemistry -- with help from military - ESPN (blog)

Lacking chemistry, Mystics react well enough to hold off the Dream – Washington Post

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Ahead of the Washington Mystics 78-72 win over Atlanta on Sunday, Mystics Coach Mike Thibault was asked to describe the progress his retooled roster is making toward becoming a cohesive unit. His response was simple.

Slow, he said.

That disconnect showed Sunday, when for the second straight game Washington needed the final seconds to seal a home win. The Mystics (5-2) staved off an impressive comeback from Atlanta after frittering away an 18-point lead. Washington trailed 72-71 with 43 seconds left before it won the game at the foul line, with Elena Delle Donne hitting five free throws and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough sinking two as the Dream (4-2) missed its final two field goals.

Its hard, eight players, we got tired legs shooting the ball, Thibault said. ... But its really nice to have one of the best players in the league on your team when youre down the stretch.

[Mystics Ivory Latta has a book and a message]

Delle Donne led Washington with 23 points and a career-high 15 rebounds and hit 10 of her 12 free throw attempts. Tierra Ruffin-Pratt added 11 points, and a hot-handed Kristi Toliver had 15 on a season-high five three-pointers.

Washington was without starting guard Tayler Hill (neck/left shoulder strain) and backups Natasha Cloud (left knee strain) and Asia Taylor (neck pain), but a shortened rotation is just one of the reasons team chemistry on offense was spotty Sunday.

A month into the season, the Mystics are integrating six new players. Starting forward Emma Meesseman is overseas with the Belgian national team, and Toliver is still catching up after missing all of training camp.

Hills injury also forced Walker-Kimbrough into the starting lineup just four games into her WNBA career. Her first task as a starter was no easy ask the former Terp had to guard Eastern Conference player of the month Tiffany Hayes, who averages 19.8 points and had 24 against the Mystics.

All that offensive adjustment resulted in Washingtons second shoddy shooting game in a row: The Mystics shot 36.5 percent from the field Sunday.

I just think were operating at about 50 percent offensively right now, Thibault said.

His star player agreed, though no one in the Mystics locker room is fretting. The win put Washington ahead of Atlanta at the top of the Eastern Conference and in second place in the league overall behind undefeated Minnesota.

We have great moments, and then we have some bad moments, Delle Donne said. But its early in the season, and its kind of expected. Were a brand-new team, and were all trying to figure one another out. Obviously I hope to see us improve each game and get better and better, but until then, we just have to continue to be really good on defense.

Defense helped Washington dominate the first half. Hot shooting from Toliver, who had three three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game, got the Mystics off to a good start, and they kept Atlantas offense from getting out in transition as they went on lengthy runs at the start of the second and third quarters.

With Walker-Kimbrough on her, Hayes got to the free throw line only twice in the first half and was held to just seven points.

But breakdowns crept in midway through the third quarter, when Hayes finally pushed through a tired Washington defense and the Mystics sputtering offense lost its safeguard.

Hayes had seven points in the third quarter alone. Washington ended the game with 14 turnovers to Atlantas three, many of them a result of miscommunication.

I thought we had two terrible possessions on offense where causal, not executing what we called, then we watched us shoot a jump shot, and while were watching, theyre out running two-on-one a couple times, Thibault said of third quarter. They had us on our heels a little bit.

Delle Donne stepped in when the Mystics were really reeling, after Sancho Lyttle nabbed Atlantas first lead of the game with a 12-foot jumper with 43 seconds to play. Washington came out of a timeout with the ball, and Delle Donne drew a three-shot foul when Lyttle jumped to block her shot far too early.

Walker-Kimbroughs two free throws with four seconds left provided insurance and accounted for two of the rookies three points Sunday. Her first career start was a solid one defensively, and she may be seeing more minutes soon.

Hill strained her neck in Wednesdays win over Connecticut but could play this week. Cloud had a gnarly collision with Taylor in practice Friday, and an MRI exam Saturday morning revealed a left knee strain. There is no timetable for Clouds return.

For now, at least, she is another missing piece for Washington to work around.

New York tops Phoenix

Kiah Stokes scored a career-high 23 points and added 14 rebounds to help the New York Liberty beat the visiting Phoenix Mercury, 88-72.

Its the second straight game that Stokes has had a career high in points and finished with a double-double. I think shes in a good place and I think shes shown great progress, New York Coach Bill Laimbeer said of Stokes.

Shavonte Zellous added 21 points, and Tina Charles had 16 for New York (4-3).

Brittney Griner scored 26 points, and Diana Taurasi added 17 for Phoenix (4-3).

Associated Press

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Lacking chemistry, Mystics react well enough to hold off the Dream - Washington Post

Football, paramedic career, UMSL chemistry lead Chris Tipton to med school – UMSL Daily (blog)

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Chris Tipton poses next to the helicopter he works on as a critical care flight paramedic for Survival Flight Inc. Paramedic medicine inspired Tipton to go back to school for a masters degree in chemistry. The UMSL spring grad is now headed to medical school at Mizzou, where he used to play football while earning his bachelors degree in agricultural science. (Photo by August Jennewein)

At first glance, Chris Tipton appears an odd fit in a laboratory. The hulking former Mizzou Tiger offensive linemans big stature looks potentially hazardous surrounded by glassware and equipment.

But the truth is, Tipton is right at home. The soon-to-be masters in chemistry graduate works as a research assistant for Professor Chris Spilling at the University of MissouriSt. Louis when he isnt busy being a part-time critical care flight paramedic for Survival Flight Inc.

Through football Tipton indirectly found his true calling in medicine.

After graduating from the University of MissouriColumbia in 2007 with a bachelors degree in agricultural science, Tipton started a career path popular among his football buddies firefighting. In his training to get his emergency medical technician and paramedic licenses, he discovered he liked treating the patients more than the fire.

Tipton took a ground paramedic job in Northeast Missouri shortly thereafter and eventually became the lead paramedic for Pike County.

You handle people on the worst day of their lives, Tipton says. Youre the first person a lot of times that this person will be seeing in their whole continuum of care. So its really important, the job we do.

In his first week, Tipton delivered a baby on the side of a highway.

Youre almost scared for the tones to go off, says Tipton, recalling his early days on the job.

Hes been a paramedic for nine years now, spending the last four and half of those in the air not a place paramedics start off.

You get the sickest of the sick, he says. You might only run one call a day, but that one call has you go through almost every single skill youve possibly learned and all kinds of drugs that you would maybe use in a months time as a ground paramedic.

After some years, Tipton started to feel as if he had maxed out his paramedic certification. A drive to do more in the field of medicine led him back to school, specifically to UMSL, where he could get a masters degree and some more science classes and research under his belt before applying to medical school.

Dr. Spilling has given me a tremendous opportunity, says Tipton, who is fully funded and receives a stipend. That was the only way I could go part time as a paramedic and pursue research full time.

In the lab at UMSL, he works on creating novel therapeutic compounds for people who suffer from sepsis, a type of blood poisoning. Hes also found a lot of value in his UMSL coursework.

Class after class, light bulbs go off, he says. Ive learned a lot of the concepts at the paramedic level, but now Im learning them at the cellular and molecular levels.

Tipton scored in the 93rd percentile in the science sections of the MCAT. Hes returning to his old stomping grounds this summer, not as a football player, but as a student in Mizzous medical school/PhD program. Tipton plans on conducting cancer research and possibly doing a residency in pathology or immunology.

Helping people is a huge part of why I do what I do, he says. What Ive gotten from UMSL is seeing how the science translates to that.

This story was originally published in the spring 2017 issue ofUMSL Magazine. Have a story idea for UMSL Magazine? Email magazine@umsl.edu.

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Zymeworks IPO bears good tidings for Canadian biotechnology – The Globe and Mail

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A Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) logo is seen in Toronto November 9, 2007. (Mark Blinch / Reuters) A Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) logo is seen in Toronto November 9, 2007. (Mark Blinch / Reuters) Subscribers Only

Sean Silcoff

OTTAWAThe Globe and Mail

Published Sunday, Jun. 04, 2017 3:36PM EDT

Last updated Sunday, Jun. 04, 2017 3:39PM EDT

The Canadian biotechnology business is a picture of good health.

On Friday, management of Vancouver-based cancer therapy developer Zymeworks Inc. rang the bell on the Toronto Stock Exchange, five weeks after its stock debuted in a $59-million (U.S.) initial public offering in Canada and on the New York Stock Exchange. It was by far the largest biotech IPO on a Canadian exchange in a decade and came on the heels of one of the largest stock offerings ever by a Canadian biotech firm, after dual-listed lupus-drug developer Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. raised $150.5-million in March.

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Studying Biotechnology And Microbiology For Career Building … – Good Herald

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Science has multiple wings and streams and studying one of them and specializing in it can open up various career prospects for the candidates. A couple of such streams that are gaining importance and popularity are biotechnology and microbiology. Both are integral parts of biological science and both have their respective uses. Pursuing a graduation or masters degree in the field may prove extremely rewarding for the users. Many students these days are pursuing the BSc Biotechnology and higher degrees in search of building up their career graph.

Understanding Biotechnology

Biotechnology involves the use of genetic as well as biochemical processes related to the living organisms for using them for humans. There are numerous genetically modified crops in the field of agriculture and there are also multiple genetically modified vaccines in the field of healthcare and medications. In some of the leading science colleges in Dehradun particular emphasis is given to the application of the principles of biotechnology in DNA applications and cell regulation in human anatomy. While the BSc degrees offered by these colleges include basic applications in the field the MSc Biotechnology degree offers higher levels of use of the biochemical processes and their impact studies.

Work Placement and Laboratory Works

Students seeking to obtain the MSc Biotechnology degree may not find the task easy enough. There are very strong optional work placements involved and the course also includes high degrees of laboratory works. This ensures practical experience induction in the student preparing him or her to be strong enough to face all the challenges that come their way. Thus the courses are intelligent combination of theories and practices.

Biotechnology Course Components

Course components for the students studying for obtaining graduation or masters degree in biotechnology include biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Physics is not normally included but students can separately study physics and even go up to the level of passing MSc Physics. In degree courses there are no majors. Students may however opt to specialize in a subject and choose the honors course in it. Taking honors has two benefits. First it can enhance job prospects and second it would make entry into the MSc course easier.

Job Prospects in the Field

People with graduate or masters degree in biotechnology get job opportunities in a host of industries. These are pharmaceuticals, environment, agriculture, horticulture, research, and forensic science among others. Job opportunities are available in both public as well as private sectors. Consulting services, academes, research organizations and NGOs are other major job sources.

Study of Microbiology

An important wing of biotechnology is microbiology that deals with organisms in microscopic sizes. They include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and algae as well as fungi affecting the life of human beings. Studying their characteristics, impact on human anatomy and remedial solutions constitute the basic features of the MSc Microbiology.

Biotechnology is not a new invention and has been in use for over six thousand years. The technology has been used to prepare foodstuff like bread and cheese, for preservation of dairy products and also for fermenting beer. Candidates need a good college to pursue their course of BSC or MSc Microbiology or any other wing of the biotechnology. To choose the right academy the need information and a qualitative site can provide the required information for them.

Know more visit http://bfitdoon.com/

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Tips to choose right Biotechnology College in Canada – Good Herald

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A post-secondary program in biotechnology opens doors to various careers in clinical research, DNA analysis, quality control and assurance, industrial microbiology and biochemistry, biology instrumentation and calibration. The graduates of this program demonstrate the ability to

Isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms Collect and store samples Prepare specimen for staining Prepare microbiological media and reagents and culture pathogenic microbes Design and perform microbiology experiments Sample, measure, collect and analyze data Calibrate and use laboratory instruments Apply appropriate safety procedures Handle hazardous chemicals

The professionals can find employment in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as biotechnology technicians, lab technicians, biology lab assistants, life science lab technicians and instrumentation and calibration assistants. They can also work with companies into clinical research, quality testing and biotechnology product development.

Choosing a Biotechnology College in Canada

How you start your career depends on where you have studied, to a great extent. The biotechnology programs that have met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) offer better placement opportunities.

It is important to ask the following questions before enrolling into a biotechnology college or course in Canada:

Is the program accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB)? Is the program affiliated to the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)? Does it combine laboratory work with classroom learning? Does the college allow you to apply for certification through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists for using the designation: Certified Technician? Does the program incorporate training in Occupational Health and Safety, HACCP, GMP or WHMIS to industry standards? Does the prospective college allow you to apply academic credits earned during the program to study for an advanced program? Does the program incorporate independent microbiology projects?

A program is worth considering if answer to all these questions is a yes. Centennial Colleges two-year post-secondary program in biotechnology meets all the above mentioned criteria. In addition, a special feature of the program is the project approach. It allows students to design independent projects to help them enhance their problem-solving and research approach. With this, the program is also a repeat recipient of the College Presidents Academic Program Recognition Award for outstanding student satisfaction.

Studying Biotechnology

The post-secondary diploma program in biotechnology typically runs for two years and covers a wide range of subjects. Students develop strong fundamentals in chemistry, inorganic chemistry, mathematics for applied science, and statistics for applied science, biotechnology, microbiology and technical report writing.

With this, they also study occupational health and safety, microbiology techniques, food microbiology, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical microbiology and recombinant DNA technology. The program also lays a strong emphasis on computer education and covers microcomputer applications for technology A.

Enrolling in a Biotechnology Program

Students interested in applying for this program need to submit:

Secondary school diploma or equivalent English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent scores Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent scores

Students currently in high school can also apply for this program. Their grades will be automatically transferred to the college.

Jason White, the author here gives an account of Biotechnology technician course at Centennial College. He further explains how the course helps the students to take up a career as lab assistants, quality testing and controlling assistants in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

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American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. (AOBI) Upgraded at ValuEngine – Sports Perspectives

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American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. (OTCMKTS:AOBI) was upgraded by equities researchers at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, May 24th. Shares of American Oriental Bioengineering (AOBI) ...

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How I Aced Biochemistry – PreMedLife – The Lifestyle Magazine for Pre-Medical Students

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College hallways abound with rumors on the blood, sweat, and tears that accompany biochemistry. Mechanisms, pathways, enzymes Anxiety crept upon me after I signed up for the class and anticipated syllabus day until I stood up, determined, that I willsucceed biochemistry! I understand the heavy workload, tediousness, and specificity of the material, so I would like to share a handful tips on how I aced the class!

When we hear judgments, we could feasibly become influenced by their opinions and prejudge our experiences before we even set foot. I eventually decided to block out peoples opinions on the class, and focus on making the course my own experience. It is crucial to realize other peoples experiences do not determine yours. Further, avoid assuming the nature of the class. It may be boring, and on top of that, nearly impossible! I just hate memorizing pathways! Your attitude affects your performance. Perhaps, approach with a more open viewpoint of the class: It might be challenging, but Im open to learning about the underlying machinery of the human body. If you already find biochemistry intriguing, you are ahead of step one!

Some professors provide students with lecture notes online to print, as others do not. If your professor does not, recording the lecture could help tremendously to go back and listen to what you may have missed or to gain a more solid understanding. If the professor does provide online lecture notes, make sure to print them or download them onto your computer. I read over the lecture notes the same day of the class and quizzed myself over simple questions on the material on the notes. (Keep in mind: biochemistry includes application, critical thinking, and memorization, so your exam most likely may ask questions on a deeper level, but understanding the basics of the lecture is the point of quizzing yourself over the lecture notes). I divided the notes into sections and turned the stated lecture notes into questions to ask and quiz myself over. With this step, you will be familiar with what was covered in class.

A helpful way to perform on exams is to ask the professor if the lecture notes or textbook serve more as a basis for the exams. I studied lecture notes and read the textbook, regardless of when my professor stated the lecture notes were sufficient for the tests (reading the textbook chapters helped tremendously with the exams!) Not everybody prefers to read textbooks, or even needs the textbook for high performance, so this step depends on personal preference. As the material can be overwhelming, I divided my reading into paragraphs. I would read one paragraph once, read it again and highlight, then write my notes in my own words. Be sure to take breaks too!

You cannot go wrong with getting to know your professor! They could introduce you to resources that can help you, take time to elaborate concepts, and overall, help you along your academic journey. If you do not understand material, be sure to make time to visit your professors office hours with a list of things to ask. Emailing is a great option as well (if your professor checks it!); however, face-to-face interaction facilitates the ability to ask questions.

I am such a visual learner! It can be hard for me to visualize the chymotrypsin mechanism or the way translation works. Looking up these mechanisms on YouTube eased understanding of these concepts because I obtained a visual grasp on how they work.

My professor provided us with practice exams for the class; however, if your professor does not, worry not! I sometimes chose not to go with the exams the professor offered and googled biochemistry practice exams for a particular set of topics. It obviously will most likely not resemble your exams difficulty, application style, etc., but it will help train you to apply your knowledge, rather than soak up everything you have learned without using it. Be sure to practice those math problems too!

I have disappointed myself a few times throughout the class, and overall, my college experience. It happens! We are human. Breathe. What matters is your attitude, which drives the recovery. If you did not get the grade you expected, contact the professor, let him/her aware of your concern and what you can do to perform better next time, go over the exam, go over practice problems, etc. At the end of the day, you are taking a challenging class and are willing to succeed! Give yourself credit for the amazing effort you are putting in! Believe in yourself!

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Why ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Jaggie Is the Worst Idea Ever – BuddyTV (blog)

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The Grey's Anatomy Season 13 finale introduced us to the world of Jaggie. Apparently this had been teased for a while, but honestly I never saw it. For those who aren't quite sure about shipper names, Jaggie is Jackson and Maggie, who are step-siblings through their parents' (Catherine and Richard) marriage. It's been two weeks since the Grey's Anatomy season finale and fans are still discussing the idea, with the majority agreeing that this is the worst relationship Shonda Rhimes and her writers have ever come up with. I, for one, fully agree with these fans. Jaggie is the worst idea ever for Grey's. The Relationship Came out of Nowhere

I know a lot of fans discussed the idea of Jaggie happening weeks before the season finale. I remember soon after Maggie's mom died and fans said there were hints that they were getting together in those moments of the two together.

Now, fans do have a habit of seeing things that aren't always there. This is the beauty of TV. It's possible to pick up on sly looks or the way someone says a line but have completely different opinions about what the characters actually meant. That scene of Jackson sharing the photos he'd found of Diane with Maggie never looked like a hint of a relationship to me. It looked like a hint of friendship, something that both characters have needed for a very long time.

When April told Maggie that Jackson liked her in the season finale, it felt rushed and unnecessary. The whole idea of Jaggie came out of the blue -- even Maggie didn't realize Jackson had feelings for her.

Jackson and April Had Just Reconnected

Grey's Anatomy fans had been waiting for Japril to happen again for a long time. There have been hints for months that they would find their way back to each other, and then in Montana it finally happened. Jackson and April fans danced around with glee at the idea of this couple finally rekindling their romance.

It's clear that April still has feelings for her ex-husband and vice versa. April is still living with Jackson as they raise their baby together. Bringing Maggie into the mix just complicates matters.

Sure, this can mimic real life, but this just doesn't sit right. There was a big thing about April and Jackson rekindling their relationship and then the idea was just abandoned. April is brushed to one side, as if she never even meant anything to Jackson at all. There Are Too Many Characters to Develop This Relationship

Grey's Anatomy took a lot on in season 13. We saw the relationship between Meredith and Riggs develop (with the problem of Maggie liking Riggs.) Fans had to deal with the Minnick/Webber drama, while trying to support the idea of Arizona finding love with the unlikeable Minnick. On top of that we had the Alex court case problem, mixed with Stephanie being written out of the show.

There is something about Grey's Anatomyseason 13 that just didn't work. There were far too many storylines over the space of 24 episodes, leaving some unfulfilling moments, abandoned/forgotten storylines and difficult-to-follow moments.

Bringing in another couple just doesn't work. Season 14 is already going to have multiple storylines to run. Megan is back, causing all types of drama for Owen and Riggs. Amelia and Owen are still getting through their rough patch, and Bailey needs to reverse the mess she caused by hiring Minnick. There just isn't room for a new (out of the blue) relationship to be introduced.

To top this off, fans just don't want it. They want to see Jackson and April together. Fans want to see the two raise their daughter together.

Do you think Grey's Anatomy's Jaggie will work? What were your thoughts in the first moment you found out Jackson really does have feelings for Maggie? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Grey's Anatomyseason 14 returns in the fall on Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC. Don't forget to like our Grey's AnatomyFacebook page to get the latest updates and articles straight to your newsfeed.

(Image courtesy of ABC)

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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 14 spoilers: Meredith, Nathan together again? – Blasting News

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Fans are hoping to see Meredith and Nathan together again in the upcoming Season 14 of "#Grey's Anatomy." So, what should the fans expect in the new season of the hit ABC drama?

According to new reports, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Nathan (Martin Henderson) might be able to continue their relationship in "Grey's Anatomy" Season 14. Their relationship could finally get through the struggles that fans saw in the ending of GA Season 13.

There is no doubt that "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 left a lot of cliffhangers in the story. Speculations are making the rounds that Meredith and Nathan might finally rekindle their romance in the upcoming GA Season 14.

Meredith and Nathan's relationship was affected by the return of Megan. In Season 13 of the show, Megan, Owen's sister, and Nathan's fiance were found to be alive after disappearing for several years. People thought she had already died, but the lives and relationship of Nathan and Meredith will change now that she is back. Although Meredith and Nathan's romance was just getting started, it seems like it has already ended now that Megan is back.

During the Season 13 finale of the show, Meredith was the one who broke the news to Nathan. She told hem that Megan is actually alive and urged him to visit her. Meredith even told Nathan that she would have rushed to Derek if she knew he was alive. It seems like Meredith is willing to give up Nathan just to see him happy. However, fans are worried about the future and happiness of Meredith.

It was clear that Meredith was actually ready to introduce Nathan to her kids as her boyfriend. She was even ready to let her friends know that he and she are already dating. However, Megan's return has affected their new relationship.

Rumors are now making the rounds that Megan's traumatic experience might cause her to refuse to go with Nathan. If this happens, then Nathan can finally move on with Meredith. Fans are hoping to see the two continue their relationship in GA Season 14.

Reports claimed that the fans are tired of seeing Meredith unhappy, which is why they are hoping to see her end up with Nathan in GA Season 14. Hopefully, the producers of the show can hear the fans out.

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 14 comes back on small screens in the fall and will air every Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC. #Grey's Anatomy Season 14 #Grey's Anatomy meredith

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A Periodic Table of Behavior for Psychology – Psychology Today (blog)

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A Periodic Table of Behavior for Psychology
Psychology Today (blog)
Modern science took off during the Enlightenment and changed the world. Science was differed from philosophy in that it did not presuppose how nature must be, as the early philosophers tended to do, but instead scientists got up out of their armchairs ...

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LOOSE ENDS: Eldar Shafir on the effects scarcity – centraljersey.com

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Memorial Day weekend followed by Princeton University reunions and graduation is a time when most Princeton residents rarely think about scarcity. Generally, the conversation under tents and in backyards is filled with groans about too much food, too much drink, too many people, too many cars, and too much stuff loaded into those cars.

On the weekend of June 10, however, several Princetonians are going to be thinking a lot about scarcity, thanks to Princeton University Professor Eldar Shafir. Dr. Shafir who is speaking at a Housing Initiatives of Princeton Garden Party benefit June 10 is internationally renowned, along with his co-author Dr. Sendhil Mullainathan from Harvard University, for the 2013 book "Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much."

As a behavioral scientist whose main area of interest is behavioral economics and decision-making, Shafir will talk about the thesis of his book the scarcity vicious cycle and relate it to the mission of HIP. Individuals with a scarcity of funds fail to make smart decisions concerning their finances for a variety of cognitive reasons, including the lack of supportive resources, thus their lives spiral downward. It turns out that the work done by HIP could be a case study for Shafirs academic work.

Since 2004, the Housing Initiatives of Princeton has been helping to break that downward spiral for dozens of people by offering a holistic menu of services to those in dire financial circumstances. It is dedicated to transitioning low-income working families and individuals who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness to permanent housing and sustained self-sufficiency.

The charitable non-profit does far more than place a temporary roof over ones head. The organization becomes a supportive resource for clients by providing individualized case management services to enhance life skills needed to attain self-sufficiency and permanent housing and ultimately to succeed independently.

Most in Princeton have a comfortable life," Shafir said. "We can afford to hire accountants, investment brokers, mortgage brokers, psychologists, attorneys to help make smart decisions about our well being. But there are those who are struggling with a scarcity of funds and do not have the support systems. The problems associated with poverty consume mental energy and capacity. Those struggling financially often make decisions that perpetuate and exacerbate poverty."

The concept of scarcity and smart decision-making applies to more than financial decisions, and thus everyone can relate to the premise of the book, regardless of his or her economic situation, noted HIP Interim Board Chair Carol Golden. The authors research and conclusions describe how scarcity creates a similar psychology for everyone struggling to manage with less than they need. Busy people fail to manage their time efficiently for the same reasons the poor and those maxed out on credit cards fail to manage their money. The dynamics of scarcity reveal why dieters find it hard to resist temptation, why students and busy executives mismanage their time.

The book is so significant, in my opinion, because it gives individuals who have no financial problems a real understanding as to why it is extremely difficult for people with great financial challenges to change their lives unless they have access to outside help, said Golden, a Princeton resident and attorney who volunteers her services as the full-time chair of the organization, officially known as Housing Initiatives of Princeton Charitable Trust.

Shafir further elaborated on his thesis in a research paper, Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function, published in the August 2013 issue of Science (written with Anandi Mani and Jiaying Zhao).

According to the papers summary, the poor often behave in less capable ways, which can further perpetuate poverty.

We hypothesize that poverty directly impedes cognitive function and present two studies that test this hypothesis," the authors wrote. "First, we experimentally induced thoughts about finances and found that this reduces cognitive performance among poor but not in well-off participants. Second, we examined the cognitive function of farmers over the planting cycle. We found that the same farmer shows diminished cognitive performance before harvest, when poor, as compared with after harvest, when rich.

"This cannot be explained by differences in time available, nutrition, or work effort. Nor can it be explained with stress: Although farmers do show more stress before harvest, that does not account for diminished cognitive performance. Instead, it appears that poverty itself reduces cognitive capacity. We suggest that this is because poverty-related concerns consume mental resources, leaving less for other tasks. These data provide a previously unexamined perspective and help explain a spectrum of behaviors among the poor.

As Princeton University Professor of Behavioral Science and Public Policy, Shafir, who has been working at the university for the past 25 years, also serves as the director (its inaugural director) of Princetons Kahneman-Treisman Center for Behavioral Science and Public Policy, and co-founder and scientific director at ideas42, a social science research and development lab.

A $10 million anonymous gift created theCenter for Behavioral Science and Public Policy at Princeton, enabling the university to strengthen its leading role in this emerging field and improve the development of effective policymaking. The donor, a Princeton University parent, was a longtime admirer of the work of Dr. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, and a Princeton University professor of psychology and public affairs emeritus, and Dr. Anne Treisman, a Princeton University professor of psychology emerita.

The center is building on the research that earned Kahneman the Nobel Prize in economic sciences in 2002. The award-winning work integrated insights from psychological research into economics, particularly concerning decision making under uncertainty.

In the traditional view, policies are designed for people who make rational decisions based on thorough consideration of the options and on well-informed cost-benefit analyses," the university stated in a release announcing the gift in 2015. "In the approach pioneered at Princeton, policies are developed with a focus on what really drives people in decision making the idiosyncratic and sometimes surprising ways in which they view their choices, perceive the social, economic and political world around them, and decide whether or not, and how, to act. Why do some people spend too much and save too little, choose unhealthy diets that might shorten their lives?"

Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber said:

This generous gift will allow us to deepen and expand our efforts in an extremely promising area of teaching and research. . . . Princetons faculty members are applying behavioral science techniques to topics that include law, economics, health care, household finance and dispute resolution, Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber said. "We expect that the research conducted at the center will directly influence local, national and global public policy, identifying new approaches to address social problems and improve lives.

And HIP clients and supporters offer an abundance, not scarcity, of thanks for the academic work and research that will help HIP serve the community in the most effective manner possible.

The Housing Initiatives of Princeton will host its annual Garden Party, June 10, beginning at 4 p.m. at a private residence in Princeton. Admission costs $95 and features Shafir's talk, cocktails and light fare. To register, go towww.housinginitiativesofprinceton.org.

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People trust science. So why don't they believe it? – WXIA-TV

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Alia E. Dastagir , USA TODAY , TEGNA 12:48 PM. EDT June 02, 2017

Members of the Union for Concerned Scientists pose for photographs with Muppet character Beaker in front of The White House before heading to the National Mall for the March for Science rally in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Jessica Kourkounis, Getty Images)

Editor's note: This story was originally published in April. It has been updated to include the latest on the Paris climate agreement.

Thousands of scientists and their allies filled the streets of the nations capital onEarth Day for theMarch for Science, advocating for the importance of scientific truth in an era weve ominously been told doesnt value the truth any longer. Just a week later, the People's Climate March in Washington, D.C., demanded policymakers not only respect science, but that they also act on it.

And now, drawing global dismay and condemnation,President Trump has announced that the U.S. willno longer participate in the landmark Paris climate agreement.

Advocates say science is under attack. President Trumps Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt doesnt accept evidence that shows humans are causing climate change.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos'2001 commentson wanting to advance Gods kingdom through education have educatorsworried she could undermine the teaching of evolution in public schools.Trumps budget blueprint slashes funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy's Office of Science.

Esteemed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, in an impassioned video on hisFacebook page, said he fears people have lost the ability to judge what's true and what's not.

"That is a recipe for the complete dismantling of our informed democracy," he says.

The scientific community is alarmed by the Trump administration, and by whatthey see as the diminishing role of objectivescience in American life. But theGeneral Social Survey, one of the oldest and most comprehensive recurring surveys of American attitudes, shows that although trust in public institutions has declined over the last half century, science is the one institution that has not suffered any erosion of public confidence. Americans who say they have a great deal of confidence in science has hovered around 40% since 1973.

Many scientists say there is no war on their profession at all.

According to the 2016 GSS data released this month, people trust scientists more than Congress (6%) and the executive branch (12%). They trust them more than the press (8%). They have more trust in scientists than in the people who run major companies (18%), more than in banks and financial institutions (14%), the Supreme Court (26%) or organized religion (20%).

So why all the headlines about the "war on science"?

Though science still holds an esteemed place in America, there isa gapbetween what scientists and some citizens think a rift that is not entirely new on issues such as climate change, nuclear power, genetically modified foods, human evolution and childhood vaccines.

Americans dont reject science as a whole. People love the weather forecast. They love their smartphones. When people reject science, its because theyre asked to believe something that conflicts with a deeply held view, whether political (myparty does not endorse that), religious (my god didnot say that) or personal (that's not how I was raised).

Manyconservatives reject the science of man-madeclimate change, just as manyliberals reject the science that shows nuclear energy can safely combat it. The views we express signal which politicalgroup we belong to. The gap between what science shows and what people believe, sociologists say, is about our identity.

The issue of climate change isnt about what you know, said Dan Kahan, a professor of psychology and law at Yale and a member of the universitysCultural CognitionProject. Its about who you are.

Polarization has exacerbated our differences, andwe know some of whats to blame:Therise of social media. A more partisan press. A dearth of universally-accepted experts. And greater access to information, which Christopher Graves, president and founder of the Ogilvy Center forBehavioralScience, said does not tug us toward the center, but rather makes us more polarized.

A human being cannot grasp something as a fact if it in any way undermines their identity, Graves said. And that is animmutable human foible. These things have always been there, but not at scale."

The GSS data show confidence in institutions overall has been in decline since the 1970s, though political scientists are quick to caution that this is animperfect benchmark.

Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist atDartmouth College, said trust in the mid-20th century was unnaturally high and polarization was unnaturally low,bolstered by unusual growth in middle class income and a reduction of inequality, which is when the "20th century version of the American dream and the trust in government to produce it was fully mythologized."

There was an usually high level of trust that came out of World War II, before the turn towards a more cynical view ofthe institutions of society especially politics and media after Vietnam and Watergate,"Nyhan said.

So how much more polarization can we expect?

Social scientists aren't sure, but they agreeTrump complicates things.

"He really is an us-versus-them figure," Kahan said. "People arent thinking about the arguments. Theyre thinkingaboutwhat side they're on."

Think about the way you search for information. If youre a new mom who believes vaccines cause autism (and a number of women in your mommy group do, too) are you searching for research that shows whether they actually do, or are you Googling vaccines cause autism to find stories to affirm your belief? (Studies show there isno link between vaccines and autism.)

The mother above is probably motivated by fear. Suchmotivated reasoning,says political scientistCharles Taberof Stony Brook University, shows that we are all fundamentally biased.

You have a basic psychological tendency to perpetuate your own beliefs, he said to really discount anything that runs against your own prior views.

It gets even more complicated.Once weve convinced ourselves of something, research suggests factsdont appeal to us.A studyco-led by Nyhanfound that trying to correct a persons misperception can have a backfire effect. When you encounter facts that dont support your idea, your belief in that idea actually grows stronger.

So what if we did a better job teaching people how science works? Doesn't help, Kahan said. Research shows peoplewith the most science intelligence are also the most partisan.

Its not knowledge but curiosity, Kahan says, that makes us more likely to accept scientific truths. Arecent studythat Kahan led found people with more scientific curiosity were more likely to be open-minded about information that challenged their existing political views.

And arguing helps, too. ScientistsHugo Mercier and Dan Sperber contend in their new book,The Enigma of Reason,that reason isn't somethingthat evolved sohumans could solve problems on their own. It developed so we could work together.

Instead of forcing someone to agree that climate change is caused by humans, Graves said, you can stop once you agree that, for example, flooding in Florida is a problem, and that you have to fix it (the bipart
isanSoutheast Florida Regional Climate Change Compactcan teach us about that).

Marcia McNutt, an American geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Sciences, said she isnt worried about a crisis of science, though she hopes more people would understand science is about the unbiased search for truth" and that benefits everyone.

Being a scientist only means that when I have an intuition about something, I test that intuition, and see if Im right, she said. A very, very smart mentor told me once, I don't trust anyone who hasn't at least changed their mind once in their career.

Science, it appears, may havemore lessons for usthan we think.

2017 USATODAY.COM

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People trust science. So why don't they believe it? - WXIA-TV