Author Archives: ev1

Rape DNA process 'not adequate'

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1 October 2012 Last updated at 12:38 ET

Forensic procedures carried out by a private firm which wrongly linked the DNA of a man to a rape were "not adequate", a report says.

Adam Scott, from Devon, was held for a couple of months after being accused of raping a woman in Manchester.

The charges were dropped when it emerged a DNA sample had been contaminated at LGC Forensics.

Forensic Science Regulator Andrew Rennison said Mr Scott was an "innocent victim of avoidable contamination".

LGC Forensics said that it "deeply regrets the incident of contamination".

Mr Scott was charged in 23 October 2011 after a plastic tray containing a sample of his DNA was re-used in the analysis of a swab from a rape victim in Plant Hill Park, Blackley. The result of that test linked him to the crime.

The report said police investigating the rape allegations raised concerns seven weeks later because phone records suggested Mr Scott had been in Plymouth a few hours after the alleged attack.

In March this year, the government wound up the Forensic Science Service, leaving private companies and police laboratories to take on its work.

That month, news emerged of the DNA mix-up involving Adam Scott at the Teddington lab of the biggest private provider, LGC.

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Release of NASA Research Announcement NNH12ZTT001N "Research Opportunities in Space Biology"

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This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicits hypothesis-driven research proposals for 1) Ground-Based Research Designed to Lead to Space Flight, 2) Rapid Turn-Around Space Flight Experiments 3) ISS Flight Experiments and 4) New Space Biology Investigations. NASA Space Biology experiments have one or more of the following primary goals: 1) to effectively use microgravity and the other characteristics of the space environment to enhance our understanding of basic biological processes; 2) to develop the scientific and technological foundations for a safe, productive human presence in space for extended periods and in preparation for exploration; and 3) to apply this knowledge and technology to improve our nation's competitiveness, education, and the quality of life on Earth. NASA Space Biology experiments will be designed to discover how space flight affects a diverse group of microorganisms, plants, and animals; study the effects of gravity (g) across the g-spectrum, i.e., from micro- to hyper-gravity; and characterize the biological effects of radiation, magnetic fields, and the interaction amongst species in the unusual environments of space and spacecraft.

The full text of the solicitation is available on the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com under menu listing "Open Solicitations." Potential applicants are urged to access this site well in advance of the proposal due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and to register in the NSPIRES system. Proposals must be submitted electronically.

Step-1 proposals are due on October 31, 2012 at 5 PM Eastern Time, and invited Step-2 proposals are due on December 19, 2012 at 5 PM Eastern Time. Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Proposers can use either NSPIRES (see URL above) or Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) for proposal submission. NASA's selection of research projects will be guided by recommendations of the National Research Council's 2011 Decadal Survey Report, "Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era" (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/13048.html).

All categories of U.S. institutions are eligible to submit proposals in response to this NRA. Principal Investigators (PIs) may collaborate with investigators from universities, Federal Government laboratories, the private sector, state and local government laboratories and other countries.

Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to this NRA must be registered with NSPIRES, and such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the electronic proposal. Instructions on how to register in NSPIRES will be described in the NRA. Each electronic proposal system places requirements on the registration of principal investigators and other participants (e.g. co-investigators). Potential proposers and proposing organizations are urged to access the system(s) well in advance of the proposal due date(s) of interest to familiarize themselves with its structure and enter the requested information. Questions in regards to responding to this NRA may be addressed to the contacts referenced in the full solicitation document.

This is a broad agency announcement as specified in FAR 6.102 (d)(2). Notwithstanding the posting of this opportunity at FedBizOpps.gov, nspires.nasaprs.com, or Grants.gov, NASA reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for each proposal selected pursuant to this announcement.

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Release of NASA Research Announcement NNH12ZTT001N "Research Opportunities in Space Biology"

Macrophage accumulation of triglycerides yields insights into atherosclerosis

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Public release date: 1-Oct-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cody Mooneyhan cmooneyhan@faseb.org 301-634-7104 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Bethesda, MDA research report appearing in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology helps explain how specific immune cells, called macrophages, accumulate triglycerides to support their function. Because a characteristic finding in atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fat in macrophages in the arterial wall, understanding how macrophages accumulate triglycerides may lead to new approaches toward slowing or stopping the development of atherosclerosis.

"Activation of macrophages leads to the accumulation of triglycerides in macrophages by multiple pathways that may have beneficial effects in host defense but could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis that occurs in chronic infections and inflammatory disease," said Kenneth R. Feingold, M.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Metabolism Section at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, California. "By understanding the pathways that lead to this lipid accumulation in activated macrophages one might be able to manipulate these pathways to stimulate lipid accumulation to improve host defense or inhibit these pathways to reduce atherosclerosis depending on the clinical circumstances."

To make this discovery, scientists conducted laboratory experiments using a macrophage cell line, or mouse peritoneal macrophages. These cells were stimulated with various substances and the effect on macrophage glucose and fat metabolism was determined. They found that activated macrophages are more efficient at taking up glucose and use this glucose to synthesize fat. They also found that activated macrophages are more efficient at taking up fatty acids and use the fatty acids to synthesize triglycerides. Finally, the breakdown of fat (triglycerides) is decreased in activated macrophages. Together these changes in macrophage metabolism lead to the accumulation of fat inside the macrophage itself. The fact that multiple pathways are altered suggests that the accumulation of fat in activated macrophages is important to the function of activated macrophages.

"Drilling down to understand exactly how triglycerides are used by our body should ultimately help us better treatments for diseases such as atherosclerosis," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "This report gives us important insights into how triglycerides accumulate in key immune cells involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease."

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on original investigations focusing on the cellular and molecular biology of leukocytes and on the origins, the developmental biology, biochemistry and functions of granulocytes, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and other cells involved in host defense and inflammation. The Journal of Leukocyte Biology is published by the Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Heather Parker, Mike Dragunow, Mark B. Hampton, Anthony J. Kettle, and Christine C. Winterbourn. Requirements for NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase in neutrophil extracellular trap formation differ depending on the stimulus. J Leukoc Biol October 2012, 92:841-849; doi:10.1189/jlb.1211601 ; http://www.jleukbio.org/content/92/4/829.abstract

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Macrophage accumulation of triglycerides yields insights into atherosclerosis

Fluoxetine increases aggressive behavior, affects brain development among adolescent hamsters

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Public release date: 1-Oct-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Lori Lennon l.lennon@neu.edu 617-680-5129 Northeastern University College of Science

BOSTON, Mass.-- Fluoxetine was the first drug approved by the FDA for major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents, and to this date, it remains one of only two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) registered for treatment of MDD in children and adolescents, despite reports that indicate this class of drugs is associated with side effects, such as agitation, hostility and aggression.

SSRIs have been amongst the most widely prescribed medications in psychiatry for over a decade. While there is a wealth of information regarding their effectiveness and safety in adults, considerably less data exists regarding whether they are safe for children.

A study published in Behavioral Neuroscience by Prof. Richard Melloni of Northeastern University shows that repeated administration of a low dose of fluoxetine to adolescent hamsters dramatically increased offensive aggression and altered the development of brain areas directly associated with controlling the aggressive response. "These data show clearly that repeated exposure to fluoxetine during adolescence directly stimulates aggressive responding and alters the normal development of two important brain systems, i.e., the serotonin and vasopressin neural systems, in a fashion consistent with the expression of the highly aggressive behavioral characteristics."

For over a decade, Prof. Melloni and his team have researched the neural and behavioral consequences of illicit drugs and prescribed medications on the adolescent brain. Importantly, the data collected during the study indicates that clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine, when administered during adolescent development, can dramatically alter the wiring of brain circuits implicated in aggression control. "These data support the notion that interactions between adolescent fluoxetine and the developing vasopressin neural system might underlie fluoxetine-induced aggressive behavior and hint that serotonin, perhaps by acting on vasopressin neurons, may play a more permissive role in this response."

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For more information on this study, please contact:

Lori Lennon Communications Coordinator/Senior Writer College of Science Northeastern University 617/373.7686 617/680.5129 (cell) l.lennon@neu.edu

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Fluoxetine increases aggressive behavior, affects brain development among adolescent hamsters

The great stem cell dilemma

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By Jeffrey M. O'Brien, contributor

Stem cells stored in liquid nitrogen at Advanced Cell Technology in Marlborough, Mass.

FORTUNE -- Imagine yourself the proud but rueful owner of an ancient Jaguar. Every day you dread the uncertainty that comes with trying to get from here to there -- there, more often than not, being the shop. No sooner does one ailment find repair than another appears. At best, it's a slow, uncomfortable ride. Lonely too. There's really no one around who fully understands your plight.

That is how Patricia Riley describes life in a 95-year-old body. Riley, who reached that milestone birthday last St. Patrick's Day, lives alone in the same 1,100-square-foot house in Plainfield, Conn., that she's called home for 64 years, having survived her husband (heart disease), a daughter (breast cancer), and every friend she ever had. "All the people I knew have all gone, Jeffrey," she says in a quivering voice laced with melancholy. "They've all died. I go to church and I never see people my age." Her remaining family includes two daughters, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, including my two young sons. In a nod to her French-Canadian heritage, we call her Mme.

Mme attributes her longevity to good genes, but she clearly owes a debt to modern medicine. Over the years she's had a cholecystectomy, a hysterectomy, esophageal surgery, a stroke, and ulcerative colitis. Lately she relies on a cane and a walker, and her daily regimen includes pain pills for arthritis, two inhalers for asthma, high-blood-pressure meds, a statin, vitamins, digestion aids, and an anti-anxiety drug that she calls "my nerve pill." Her vision also comes courtesy of medical science. Three years ago Mme was diagnosed with a form of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, a disease of the back of the retina that is the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world. The ophthalmologist gave her a choice: a needle into her eyeballs every six weeks, or blindness. Mme opted for the injections and now receives shots of an off-label cancer drug called Avastin, which has demonstrated efficacy in halting the progress of her type of AMD. Holding the ailment at bay is all she can hope for. "I'll have to go for as long as I live," she says. "It's just a treatment -- it's not a cure."

Treatments, not cures. This, in a nutshell, is the MO of our health care system, and it's precisely the reason that regenerative medicine -- and stem cell therapy in particular -- has been the subject of so much hope and hype over the past decade or so. Stem cell therapies promise to empower a body to fight ailments by enabling it to build new parts. Think about growing new neurons or heart tissue. Think about the difference between perpetually slathering that old Jag with Bondo and having it heal itself overnight in the garage.

MORE:Stem cell dollars: California leads the way

While stem cells have ignited plenty of religious outrage and political grandstanding, behind the headlines the underlying science has been advancing the way science often does -- by turns slowly and dramatically. To be clear, the earliest stem cell therapies are almost certainly years from distribution. But so much progress has been made at venerable research institutions that it now seems possible to honestly discuss the possibility of a new medical paradigm emerging within a generation. Working primarily with rodents in preclinical trials, MDs and Ph.D.s are making the paralyzed walk and the impotent virile. A stem cell therapy for two types of macular degeneration recently restored the vision of two women. Once they were blind. Now they see! Some experts assert that AMD could be eradicated within a decade. Other scientists are heralding a drug-free fix for HIV/AIDS. Various forms of cancer, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and ALS have already been eradicated in mice. If such work translates to humans, it will represent the type of platform advancement that comes along in medicine only once in a lifetime or two. The effect on the economy would be substantial. Champions of stem cell research say it would be on the order of the Internet or even the transistor.

The obstacles along the road from lab rat to human patients are many, of course, but the biggest by far is money. With the dramatic events in the lab, you might think that a gold rush would be under way. That's far from true. Long time horizons, regulatory hurdles, huge R&D costs, public sentiment, and political headwinds have all scared financiers. Wall Street isn't interested in financing this particular dream. Most stem cell companies that have dared go public are trading down 90% or more from their IPOs. Sand Hill Road is AWOL. The National Venture Capital Association doesn't even have a category to track stem cell investments.

Big Pharma would seem to be the most obvious benefactor. The drug companies understand the complexities (and billion-dollar outlays) involved in bringing therapies to market. A few drug companies have kicked the tires on stem cells over the years, but waiting for them to undo the current model is akin to banking on Big Oil to rethink energy. They may do it, but it's unlikely to be by choice. Which leaves stem cell researchers begging for state and federal grants at a time scientific funding is under siege.

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ECU notes: Protein may save tissue

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Research by an East Carolina University scientist could lead to a product that helps preserve heart tissue during a heart attack.

Dr. Jitka Virag, an assistant professor of physiology at the Brody School of Medicine, and collaborators are working with a protein called ephrinA1. They have found that an injection of the protein into a rodent heart at the onset of a myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, reduces the death of heart tissue by as much as 50 percent. Their work was published last year in the Journal of Physiology.

If it works in the acute and chronic models and ultimately reduces the progression of heart failure and mortality, I think the potential for therapeutic use is great, Virag said.

She recently received a $75,000 grant from the N.C. Biotechnology Center to further her research. She hopes that will clarify how the protein works to protect heart tissue and whether it can be developed into a viable therapy for people who have had heart attacks.

Technically, a myocardial infarction is caused when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, usually by a break-up of plaque inside the artery. At worst, death occurs, but in almost all cases, tissue dies, and the heart loses part of its capacity to pump blood. If caught early, damage can be minimized. However, therapies available to limit the progression to heart failure are geared toward relieving the symptoms, not repairing the injury.

Ephrins are a type of protein known as receptor tyrosine kinase ligands that regulate certain cellular processes. In particular, the ephrinA1 ligand is angiogenic, meaning it can create blood vessels. Due to that property and others, Virag hypothesized that ephrinA1 would help reduce tissue damage. It did, but not because of its angiogenic properties.

Thus, Virag and her team are now working to determine why ephrinA1 works.

ECU is pursuing a patent on the discovery and eventually could work with a biotechnology firm or pharmaceutical company to commercialize it.

Although preliminary data from ongoing experiments is quite promising, there are many questions that remain unanswered, and so this is an exciting time for this work, Virag said.

ECU students recently took their underwater archaeology training above ground as they examined maritime artifacts on the site of the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum.

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Warming sparks smaller-fish fears

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New Delhi, Sept. 30: Fish in Indias coastal waters and elsewhere in the worlds oceans might become smaller and lighter in the coming decades, a study of the effects of climate change on fish physiology has suggested.

The computer simulation study of the impact of warmer and less-oxygenated oceans on some 600 species of marine fish has predicted that their average body weight in 2050 would be 14 to 24 per cent less compared with 2001.

The Canadian and US scientists involved in the research have found that most of the species they studied could experience a five to 39 per cent drop in their maximum body weight. The findings were published today in the journal Nature Climate Change.

These results may have implications for the marine ecosystem and for food security, William Cheung, marine ecologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada and lead author of the study, told The Telegraph.

But a senior Indian scientist said the fishing zones for at least two fish species in Indian coastal waters had expanded over the past two decades and there was no evidence of size depletion driven by climate change.

The simulations by Cheung and his colleagues predict the largest decrease in the average maximum body weight of fish in the Indian Ocean (24 per cent), followed by the Atlantic Ocean (20 per cent) and the Pacific Ocean (14 per cent).

According to the projections, the maximum body weights of some fish species found along Indias west and east coasts could fall by more than 20 per cent.

The projected reductions in fish size and weight are accentuated closer to the coasts rather than in deep-sea zones.

This is because changes in the oceans properties that influence fish physiology will be greater in shallow areas than in the deep sea, Cheung said.

The study is part of efforts to predict how warmer temperatures brought about by greenhouse gas emissions would effect the marine ecosystem. Last year, scientists at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland had independently shown that warmer temperatures are likely to reduce the maximum size of the haddock off the Scottish North Sea coast.

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NovoPath Hires Veteran Account Manager – Tami Abell Brings Decades of Experience to Anatomic Pathology Leader

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NovoPath, Inc. announces the addition of Tami Abell to their team, who will concentrate on enriching client satisfaction in her role as Account Manager.

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) September 29, 2012

Tami, a seasoned professional, will hit the ground running as she brings over two decades of hands-on senior level management expertise, backed by a technical background. Her qualifications include a successful track record in healthcare marketing and sales, and her extensive experience in the Healthcare Information Technology sector translates to a comprehensive understanding of this sophisticated arena. For the last 10 years, Tami has drilled down, focusing on the anatomic pathology market specifically laboratory information systems and software.

As Account Manager, Tami will be contributing to the growth of the organization by concentrating on enrichment of NovoPath client satisfaction. In her new role, Tami will act as a conduit to customers when she designs and implements NovoPaths new User Group Program, and as liaison to the New Product Development team translating client needs into viable product enhancements and solutions.

When asked about her new assignment, Tami replied, I joined NovoPath because I wanted to be part of a team actively involved in driving the Anatomic Pathology market. While my primary aim is to listen to clients, thereby increasing their level of satisfaction, I look forward to contributing to a company that is furthering the significant diagnostic advances leading to a more personalized treatment for cancer patients.

About NovoPath, Inc.:

NovoPath, Inc. develops and markets software solutions for the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory market segment that includes local, regional, national, in-house laboratories as well as community and university teaching hospitals and medical centers. Since the release of its flagship product in 1999, NovoPath, Inc. has focused exclusively on Anatomic Pathology. NovoPath's mission is to provide unique and unparalleled solutions and services to all aspects of the Anatomic Pathology sector in a way that improves workflow, reduces the probability of human error, ensures results accuracy for greater patient safety, protects patient confidentiality, and above all, produces more precise and informative diagnostic outcomes. More information is available at http://www.NovoPath.com.

Susan Holland/Public Relations Specialist NovoPath INC 336.693.9101 201 Email Information

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NovoPath Hires Veteran Account Manager - Tami Abell Brings Decades of Experience to Anatomic Pathology Leader

Danone seeks to double nutrition business in 3-4 years

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Mumbai, Sept 30:

The French dairy giant Danone, which had earlier this year acquired the nutrition business of the city-based drug firm Wockhardt, plans to double the business in three to four years, a top company official has said.

The French firm had acquired the nutrition business of Wockhardt for a consideration of Rs 1,280 crore, paving the way for its entry into the domestic baby and medical nutrition market and the new entity was named Nutricia International.

The domestic baby nutrition and medical nutrition is a Rs 300-crore business and is growing at 15-20 per cent. We should grow faster than the market rate. We should be able to double our business in three to four years, Danone Group firm Nutricia International managing director Laurent Marcel told PTI on the sidelines of an industry event here.

Danone acquired Wockhardts various brands under its nutrition business, including Farex, Protinex, Dexolac and Nusobee, apart from related industrial operations from Carol Info Services based in Punjab.

Asked if the company would launch its global brands in the baby nutrition business here, Marcel said, We will leverage on the existing brands in the first phase, as we want to leverage the strengths of Wockhardts brands and understand the market better.

We will see when it is a good time to bring in new brands. This is a strategic roadmap that takes some time for implementation. Danone sells its baby nutrition products in 137 countries with a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for around 40 per cent of its volumes.

Its baby nutrition brands include Milupa, Bledina, Gallia, Aptamil, SGM and Dumex among others.

Keywords: French dairy company Danone,acquired,nutrition business,Wockhardt,double business,French firm,entry,domestic baby,medical nutrition,market,new entity,Nutricia International,Danone Group firm Nutricia International managing director Laurent Marcel,

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Danone seeks to double nutrition business in 3-4 years

Simple truths on nutrition and heating in a microwave

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Home national Simple truths on nutrition and heating in a microwave

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October 1, 2012 1:00 am

"As the RTE is simpler, I think it helps people to have breakfast more conveniently and takes just a few minutes to get ready. The morning meal is important for our health but a lot of people skip it because they don't have time," she explains.

Compared to fresh-cooked food from cooked-to-order shops that can be found on every corner, Prapaisri says the RTE has an advantage in hygienic material and preparation, if it is from a certified company.

"Sanitation is important for frozen-food quality, and we found street-side cooking shops don't have much concern for the sterilization of their utensils, raw ingredients and cooking process," she said.

However, as minerals and vitamins are easily diluted by washing or any cooking process, the frozen meals have yet to equal fresh meals in keeping their nutritional value.

"What concerns me is people get a high salt intake from this food and saturated fat from the cooking process," she explains.

Last year Thailand joined the five-year salt reducing campaign of the World Health Organisation. The nutritionist said the recommendation for salt intake is not more than 6 grams a day which equals two teaspoons of fish salt - the more common salt form in Thai kitchens.

"It is hard to change our habits because the sodium helps the food taste better. Actually we have a salt substitute substance like potassium, but it's not widely used in Thailand," she says.

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Simple truths on nutrition and heating in a microwave

Danone plans to double domestic nutrition biz in 4 yrs

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Danone plans to double domestic nutrition biz in 4 yrs The French firm had acquired the nutrition business of Wockhardt for a consideration of Rs 1,280 crore Press Trust of India / Mumbai Sep 30, 2012, 13:09 IST

French dairy giant Danone, which had acquired the nutrition business of Wockhardt, plans to double the domestic baby and medical nutrition business in three to four years, a top company official has said.

The French firm had acquired the nutrition business of Wockhardt for a consideration of Rs 1,280 crore, paving the way for its entry into the domestic baby and medical nutrition market and the new entity was named Nutricia International.

Danone had earlier this year acquired drug firm Wockhardt's various brands under its nutrition business, including Farex, Protinex, Dexolac and Nusobee, apart from related industrial operations from Carol Info Services based in Punjab.

When asked if the company would launch its global brands in the baby nutrition business here, Marcel said, "We will leverage on the existing brands in the first phase, as we want to leverage the strengths of Wockhardt's brands and understand the market better.

"We will see when it is a good time to bring in new brands. This is a strategic roadmap that takes some time for implementation".

Danone sells its baby nutrition products in 137 countries with a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for around 40% of its volumes.

Its baby nutrition brands include Milupa, Bledina, Gallia, Aptamil, SGM and Dumex among others.

On the investment side, Marcel remained tight-lipped on the amount, but said the company would be pumping in money to enhance capacity.

"We know factories will be reaching full capacity soon. So we will have to plan the next step of investment. We will invest for sure, but I cannot share the numbers. Our plan is to keep manufacturing here, so we will have to invest in production facilities in the coming years," he said.

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Danone plans to double domestic nutrition biz in 4 yrs

Star Nutrition Adds Peak Performance Products, Inc. to Increase Canadian Distribution

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CHICO, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 25, 2012) - Star Nutrition, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : STAU ), a California-based diversified health and wellness industry firm, has announced the addition of Peak Performance Products, Inc. as its newest Canadian distributor. SportsFleet Ventures, Inc., a current Star Nutrition distributor, recently finalized a partnership with Peak Performance Products, which is one of the most well-known and highly respected distributors in the Canadian sports nutrition industry. These relationships allow consumers to more easily gain access to the highly sought-after Incrediwear products.

"We are so excited about the opportunity to support and grow the Incrediwear brand," says John Stoikus of Peak Performance Products, Inc. "We feel Incrediwear products will be a great addition to our current portfolio as well as our retail partners. It is with great pleasure that Peak Performance Products will now securely distribute Incredisocks, Incredibraces and Incrediwear sports recovery line for our premium retailers in Canada."

Other companies working with Peak Performance Products include Nogii, Dymatize, BPI sports, Organique and numerous other athletic, lifestyle and beauty products.

"Canadian interest in the Incrediwear brand has been rapidly increasing," states Star Nutrition CEO Jackson Corley. "Peak Performance Products' impressive track record speaks volumes to their ability to move quality products. By partnering with Peak and SportsFleet Ventures, we will be able to reach more people and create an even higher demand for our already success lines."

Incrediwear products, including Incredibraces, Incredisocks, Increditec, and Incredisoles, couple proven benefits such as aiding blood flow, thermo regulation, and wicking moisture. These factors allow the body to train harder, train longer and recover faster from workouts while aiding pain relief to injured body parts.

About Star Nutrition, Inc. California-based Star Nutrition is a publicly traded company ( PINKSHEETS : STAU ) that prides itself on providing innovative, over-the-counter health care products. Its mission is to focus on producing products that will enhance the lives and wellness of its customers.

For more information visit Incrediwear.com or BuyIncrediwear.com.

Join the Incrediwear community at Facebook.com/Incrediwear and @Incrediwear.

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Star Nutrition Adds Peak Performance Products, Inc. to Increase Canadian Distribution

Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. Acquires Sci-Fit and Nature's Science Brands

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MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. (FITX), a nutritional supplement company focusing on active lifestyles, announced today details of the completed acquisition of Sci-Fit (www.scifitauthentic.com) and Nature's Science product brands. Sci-Fit and Nature's Science debuted in 1997 and grew to a combined 600 product SKU's sold in the United States and twenty foreign markets. The combined company revenues, at peak, were close to $10M annually.

Sci Fit and the Nature's Science line of products will be showcasing its pre launch at the Mr. Olympia Show in Las Vegas September 27-29. Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. manufactures under strict GMP guidelines at GMP Certified and/or FDA registered facilities.

Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. will provide more details of the acquisition in the future as the Company re-launches these well known brands. Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. does anticipate the addition of Sci-Fit and Nature's Science brands to positively impact gross revenues starting late in calendar year 2012.

"The acquisition of Sci-Fit and Nature's Science reinforces our strategy of brand/product roll up and consolidation both horizontally and vertically to support Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc.'s aggressive growth plans" said Bill Chaaban, President and CEO of Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. "We will be showcasing all of our products, including Sci-Fit and Nature's Science, at the Mr. Olympia Show in Las Vegas September 27-29 in booth 281. The Company will continue to aggressively grow and expand our presence in the sports nutrition marketplace through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions."

About Sci-Fit Natures ScienceSci-Fit offers over 600 products to fit every athlete, no matter what the sport or level of competition. While the professionals prefer our products, we also cater to the "enthusiast" who just wants to look and feel his or her best every day. http://www.scifitauthentic.com

About Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc.Creative Edge Nutrition is a holding company and a Nutritional Supplement Company focused on developing innovative, high quality supplements. The company offers a broad spectrum of capsules, tablets, and powders, as well as science based products in the principal categories of weight management, nutrition challenges, energy and fitness. The Company manufactures under strict GMP guidelines at GMP Certified and/or FDA registered facilities. http://www.cenergynutrition.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Edge-Nutrition-Inc/115224738609211

Safe Harbor Notice

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and finances in general, including the ability to continue and manage its growth, competition, global economic conditions and other factors discussed in detail in the Company's periodic filings with the Security and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Paul Thomas (313) 655-1669 Email: Info@cenergynutrition.com

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Eunuchs May Hold Key to Longevity

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Call it making the best of a potentially bad situation. Eunuchs -- castrated men -- live nearly 20 years longer than other men, a new study has found.

The study of over 80 eunuchs from the Chosun Dynasty, which ruled in Korea from 1392 to 1897, looked at the world's only known record of eunuchs' lives and compared them to genealogical records of other men of similar social rank. The researchers cross-checked their results with other royal records.

They found that the average lifespan of a Korean eunuch was about 70 years, 14 to 19 years higher than non-castrated men of similar social standing.

Three of the 81 eunuchs lived to be over 100 years old. The researchers calculated that the rate of centenarians among this group of eunuchs was at least 130 times higher than the current rate in developed countries.

"Our study supports the idea that male sex hormones decrease the lifespan of men," said the lead author of the study, Kyung-Jin Min, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Inha University in Inchon, South Korea.

This study does not prove that castration directly increases human longevity, said S. Jay Olshansky, a professor of public health at the University of Illinois in Chicago, who studies longevity but was not involved with the study. "It may not have anything to do with being eunuchs," he said, adding that this study did not adjust for lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress.

Previous studies have shown that castration -- which removes the source of male sex hormones -- increases lifespan in animals. But studies in humans haven't been conclusive. One past study found that castrati singers did not live significantly longer than non-castrated singers. Another study has shown that castration increased longevity by 14 years in mentally disabled, institutionalized men. That increase in lifespan is similar to the findings in the Korean eunuch study.

Women reach the age of 110 ten times more often than men, said Dr. L. Stephen Coles, a co-founder of the Los Angeles Gerontology Research Group, who was not involved with the study. In a research group of 67 confirmed centenarians, he said, only three are men.

There may be several reasons for a sex difference in lifespan, experts said.

Females may have an advantage in longevity because they have a back-up X chromosome, Coles said. A women's body is a mixture of cells, half containing an active X chromosome from her mother and the other half from her father, he said. If there is a defect on one X chromosome, half of her cells will be unaffected.

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Eunuchs May Hold Key to Longevity

Celebrating longevity: the shape of the future

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Celebrating longevity: the shape of the future

The International Day of Older Persons next Monday (1 October) is a chance to consider the benefits our society gains from people living longer, says Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew.

The day, which is dedicated to the celebration of older people throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world, will feature a wide range of events, including intergenerational activities and events focusing on positive ageing.

Nationally, the celebrations have already begun. There is a huge range of exciting things happening to recognise the valuable contribution older people make to our lives, our neighbourhoods, our workplaces and our communities said Mrs Goodhew.

This years international theme is Longevity: Shaping the Future. New Zealanders are living longer and healthier and it is important for individuals, employers, service providers and the Government to think about the implications and opportunities increased longevity brings. Planning is key take a minute or two to think about what you want your future to look like.

Our attitudes about ageing need to change because older New Zealanders are changing. Older Kiwis are a diverse group the majority are looking to keep active and enjoy life you only need to look at the number of older people still competing in sports events like New Zealands coast-to-coast. Older people keep volunteer organisations afloat and contribute to our communities in many ways.

By valuing and using the skills, knowledge and experience of older people, by caring for those who need it in a respectful manner, we will continue to build a great country to live in.

I encourage you to find out what is happening in your area and join me in celebrating older people. I will be attending events around the country from Christchurch to Whangarei during the week.

ends

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Celebrating longevity: the shape of the future

Donvale centenarian reveals secret to longevity

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CENTENARIAN Mil Mears is quick to reveal his secret to longevity - keep away from wild women.

His answer was accompanied with much laughter and it appears that a sense of irony has also enabled Mr Mears to weather the many ups and downs that 100 years of living brings.

He lost his beloved wife, Lesley, to cancer in 1988 after more than 40 years of marriage.

The couple had three children: Margaret, who was killed in a car accident as a 19-year-old newlywed; Geoff, who succumbed to cancer, aged 50, in 1995; and Ray who lives near Bendigo. There are also four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate Mr Mears' October 9 milestone birthday with a private party, while Donvale Retirement Village, where he has been resident for the past 20 years, will hold a luncheon in his honour.

Mr Mears has also accepted an invitation to attend a Seniors Week function at Parliament House where he will continue celebrations "with other ancients''.

"I'm half worn out already,'' Mr Mears said.

"I just want a good feed and I'm happy.''

Mr Mears has always looked after his health. He smoked his first and last cigarette as a 14 year-old school boy in India, and he doesn't like wine or beer.

Horace Milsom Frederick Mears was the third of five children born to missionary parents working in India.

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Donvale centenarian reveals secret to longevity

DNA testing facility in Pune to speed up cases in Mumbai

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Mumbai, Oct. 1 -- The forensic lab in Pune will soon have DNA testing facilities and share the workload of the Kalina FSL, speeding up cases delayed by over 2,000 pending DNA test reports.

Currently, the forensic science laboratories at Kalina and Nagpur handle DNA testing for all crimes in Maharashtra. The DNA testing facility will be set up in Pune FSL by December and tackle samples found at crime scenes in Pune and nine surrounding districts. These were earlier sent to the Kalina lab. Being spared this workload will help the Kalina FSL work through over 2,000 samples it is yet to test. Some of these samples have remained untested for years.

Setting up the facility will cost the state about Rs. 1-3 crore, according to state FSL director Dr MK Malve. "We have got approval for setting up a DNA testing facility at the Pune FSL as well. Currently, only our forensic labs in Mumbai and Nagpur have facilities for testing DNA," he said.

The DNA testing facility at Pune will also cater to nine districts around Pune. "Most of these districts would send DNA samples to the Mumbai FSL for testing. The Mumbai FSL finds it hard to cope with the rising number of DNA samples from cases in Mumbai alone. The samples sent from other districts only added to the workload," said an official from Mumbai FSL.

"It should help reduce the Mumbai FSL's DNA testing workload by at least 25%," Malve said. Currently, the Nagpur FSL tackles samples from districts in eastern Maharashtra, while the rest of the districts send samples to Kalina FSL.

Several case probes have been seriously delayed because of the FSL's backlog, including investigation into the three cases of minors raped and murdered in Colaba and Cuffe Parade last year.

Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times.

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DNA testing facility in Pune to speed up cases in Mumbai

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DNA testing has its limits

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DNA testing, often a difficult process, can help identify who was the victim was in a murder cause, but other evidence is needed to convict the murderer as is becoming clear in the case where a police doctor is the main suspect.

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Pol Lt Gen Jaramporn Suramanee explains the procedures used in testing for DNA in bone samples that have been buried for a long time. WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

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Identifying three corpses dug up at Phetchaburi site a painstaking task

Wassayos Ngamkham

Pol Lt Gen Jaramporn Suramanee. WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

While murder suspect Supat Laohawattana has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a couple in Phetchaburi, the case remains shrouded in mystery.

Police investigators are gathering forensic evidence to establish the identity of three skeletons dug up from the suspect's pineapple orchard in Phetchaburi. They're also putting pieces of evidence together to see if their deaths were connected to him.

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DNA testing has its limits

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DNA evidence exonerates 300th prisoner nationwide

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A Louisiana man has been released from death row, becoming the 300th prisoner nationwide to be freed after DNA evidence showed he was innocent.

Of those 300 prisoners, 18 had been on death row, according to lawyers from the New York-based Innocence Project.

"It feels good. I'm still processing it," said Damon Thibodeaux, 38, when reached by phone in New Orleans.

A Jefferson Parish judge overturned his murder conviction Friday and ordered Thibodeaux released after 16 years in prison, 15 on death row. The decision was one of several recent exonerations across the country.

Last Monday, John Edward Smith was released from a Los Angeles jail nearly two decades after he was wrongfully imprisoned in connection with a gang-related shooting. In August, Chicago prosecutors moved to dismiss murder charges against Alprentiss Nash 17 years after he was convicted of a murder that recent DNA tests indicated he didn't commit. Earlier that month in Texas, David Lee Wiggins was freed after DNA tests cleared him of a rape for which he had served 24 years.

Thibodeaux, a deckhand, was convicted in 1997 and sentenced to death after he confessed to the July 19, 1996, rape and murder of his 14-year-old step-cousin, Crystal Champagne, in Westwego, a dozen miles southwest of New Orleans.

The girl was last seen alive by her family when she left their Westwego apartment to go to a nearby Winn-Dixie grocery store. When she failed to return, her parents alerted police and a search ensued.

Her body was discovered the next evening under a bridge, her pants pulled down, a wire ligature around her neck; she appeared to have been strangled. That night, detectives began interrogating potential witnesses, including Thibodeaux.

After a lengthy interrogation, Thibodeaux confessed to raping and murdering Crystal, a confession that became the primary basis for his conviction in October 1997.

He unsuccessfully appealed his conviction in 1999, arguing that he was coerced into giving a false, unrecorded confession after being interrogated for nine hours by Jefferson Parish sheriff's investigators. He also said that there was insufficient evidence to convict him and that he did not receive a fair trial.

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DNA evidence exonerates 300th prisoner nationwide

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