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The American Society for Microbiology honors David Tobin

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Public release date: 22-Aug-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Garth Hogan ghogan@asmusa.org American Society for Microbiology

David M. Tobin, Ph.D., Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, has been honored as a recipient of the 2012 ICAAC Young Investigator Award. These awards recognize and reward early career scientists for research excellence and potential in microbiology and infectious disease. Already Tobin has made important contributions to infectious disease therapeutics, explains Lalita Ramakrishnan, University of Washington. "His findings are changing the way we treat TB meningitis, and his work will pave the way for a whole new way to tackle TB, including drug resistant TB."

Tobin received his Ph.D. with Cori Bargmann at the University of California, San Francisco, where he defined the role of a set of TRPV-related ion channels in C. elegans behaviors. Bargmann describes Tobin as "scholarly and deep; a star in the making. An excellent scientist, Tobin is very smart and intensely interested in his own work and related work." After graduating, Tobin spent two and a half years living in Guatemala where he taught undergraduate classes at the national university. He became particularly interested in tuberculosis through an HIV and tuberculosis clinic he became involved with while there, and with which he continues to collaborate.

For his postdoctoral studies, Tobin joined Ramakrishnan's laboratory at the University of Washington, where he used a zebrafish model of tuberculosis. He developed a genetic screen in zebrafish to probe the host genetic determinants of susceptibility to mycobacterial infection. Tobin found that the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids plays an important role in susceptibility and has applied these findings in human cohorts. A functional variant in the human gene LTA4H is associated with disease severity as well as responsiveness to adjunctive therapies for TB meningitis. "As a postdoc in Ramakrishnan's group, Tobin was instrumental in developing a system to perform forward genetic screens in zebrafish to identify factors influencing disease by the tuberculosis bacillus," explains nominator Raphael Valdivia, Duke University. "Tobin identified mutations associated with susceptibility to mycobacterial infection in zebrafish and defined the mechanism underlying this susceptibility. More impressively, he then showed that this information could be used to identify genetic variations in human populations that strongly correlated with susceptibility to tuberculosis and leprosy," Valdivia continued. "These variations predicted outcomes to therapeutic intervention, which he was then able to validate in zebrafish. His study is one of the most scientifically impressive ones I have seen in the field of infectious diseases."

In 2011, Tobin became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University. His laboratory at Duke studies the host response to mycobacterial infection using zebrafish, bacterial, and human genetics. "Tobin is at the forefront of a new field, where he will make seminal discoveries in TB pathogenesis based on real time observation of the dynamics of cellular immunity within a genetically tractable vertebrate system," claims Valdivia. Ramakrishnan concluded, "He is one of the most intelligent, intuitive, inventive and resourceful scientists I have ever encountered. These traits, coupled with his strong humanitarian predisposition, will lead him to continue his trajectory of making ground breaking discoveries that will impact the treatment of TB and other infectious diseases."

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The ICAAC Young Investigator Award will be presented during ASM's 52nd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), September 9-12, 2012 in San Francisco, CA. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 40,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health, economic, and environmental well-being.

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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The American Society for Microbiology honors David Tobin

Elderly Sardinian siblings party

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22 August 2012 Last updated at 06:51 ET

The eldest of a group of Sardinian siblings hailed for their longevity is celebrating her 105th birthday.

Consolata Melis is the eldest of the nine Melis siblings, whose combined age totals over 881 years and 205 days.

Her Mediterranean island home is known for the longevity of its residents, claiming to have 370 centenarians.

Ms Melis, from Perdasdefogu village in south-eastern Sardinia, has nine children, 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Her three brothers and five sisters are also in good shape, with Claudia, 99, still attending weekly masses and Adolfo, 89, running a local bar.

The youngest Mafalda, 78, is their "baby sister".

The Mediterranean island has long been be the subject of research for the longevity of its residents, and explanations range from genetics to hard work.

Luca Deiana, professor of clinical biochemistry at the University of Sassari in Sardinia, said: "On the one hand it is about genetics, about inherited longevity... but there is also the bounty of the land and the local fruit, particularly pears and prunes."

The researcher, who has studied more than 2,000 people over the age of 100 for the past 15 years, told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that "strong local family traditions" also contributed to the longevity of the Sardinians.

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Elderly Sardinian siblings party

Research and Markets: Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pmbk5w/advanced_topics_in) has announced the addition of Elsevier Science and Technology's new report "Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology" to their offering.

Intended as a companion to the Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing volume published in 2009, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology contains 18 chapters with 4 appendices providing up-to-date coverage of essential topics in this important field and citation to more than 2800 articles and internet resources. The book builds upon the previous two editions of John Butler's internationally acclaimed Forensic DNA Typing textbook with forensic DNA analysts as its primary audience. This book provides the most detailed information written to-date on DNA databases, low-level DNA, validation, and numerous other topics including a new chapter on legal aspects of DNA testing to prepare scientists for expert witness testimony. Over half of the content is new compared to previous editions. A forthcoming companion volume will cover interpretation issues.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Sample Collection, Storage, and Characterization

2. DNA Extraction Methods

3. DNA Quantitation

4. PCR Amplification: Capabilities and Cautions

5. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Loci and Kits

6. Capillary Electrophoresis: Principles and Instrumentation

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Research and Markets: Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology

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The American Society for Microbiology honors Andrew Lovering

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Public release date: 22-Aug-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Garth Hogan ghogan@asmusa.org American Society for Microbiology

Andrew Lee Lovering, Ph.D., School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, has received a 2012 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his seminal work on the structural biology and biochemistry of the proteins that synthesize and modify cell walls in bacteria. Natalie Strynadka, University of British Columbia, describes the significance of Lovering's work: "his spectacular abilities in structural biology clearly paved the way for our understanding of these important antibacterial targets which are also membrane-anchored, a hurdle that has thwarted literally decades of attempts at previous characterization by many groups worldwide." "His protein structure work has shown how Gram positive bacteria synthesize teichoic acids, how bacterial cell walls are transglycosylated, and how enzymes of predatory bacteria partially degrade bacterial cell walls as they invade prey bacteria," explained nominator Liz Sockett, University of Nottingham.

Lovering obtained his B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Birmingham University, where he also earned his Ph.D. in Biosciences. There he used x-ray crystallography to detail the mechanism of action of two enzymes involved in cancer therapies; one a bacterial nitroreductase used in gene therapy of solid tumors, and the other a target for a cell differentiation approach tackling acute myeloid leukemia.

After graduating from Birmingham University, a postdoctoral position in Strynadka's laboratory at the University of British Columbia introduced Lovering to the subject of antibacterial research. This led to determination of the structures of two monotopic membrane proteins involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis. One of these, S. aureus PBP2, represented the first detailed view of how bacteria catalyze the essential step of peptidoglycan polymerisation, a potentially excellent drug target. The other, S. epidermidis TagF, revealed how the Gram-positive wall polymer teichoic acid is synthesized and may form the basis for the development of antivirulents. The PBP2 publication was chosen as one of the highlights of the year by Science and C&E News.

Since establishing his own research group in 2010, Lovering's focus has shifted to deciphering the molecular basis of bacterial predation by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a phenomenon that may lead to its exploitation as a "living antibiotic". In collaboration with Sockett at the University of Nottingham, this approach has already begun to detail how the invading bacterium modifies the prey cell wall for purposes of niche formation, and also how Bdellovibrio and other bacteria hydrolyze the ubiquitous bacterial second messenger cyclic-di-GMP. "As invited speaker of the 2012 Gordon Conference on Bacterial Sensory Transduction, he described the first ever crystal structure of an HD-GYP bacterial signaling protein," says Sockett.

"Lovering's enthusiasm and fascination with the microbial world is always palpable. His level of insight, profound knowledge of fundamental biochemistry, and ability to see connections that others would have missed never fail to amaze me," summarizes Klaus Ftterer, University of Birmingham. "As he builds his research group it is clear that his work will enlighten our understanding of an unusual microorganism, and his enthusiasm will inspire junior researchers in both the structural biology and microbiology communities."

Strynadka agrees, "he is highly collegial, modest, and a natural teacher. His love of and interest in science is truly infectiousknowledge he loves to share with others. Collectively, I believe him to be a truly exceptional rising star who will continue to make fundamental advances to structural microbiology."

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The ICAAC Young Investigator Award will be presented during ASM's 52nd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), September 9-12, 2012 in San Francisco, CA. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 40,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health, economic, and environmental well-being.

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The American Society for Microbiology honors Andrew Lovering

Purdue grad hopes to grow Tymora startup into ‘multimillion-dollar company’

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Anton Iliuk never expected to be an entrepreneur.

Now, the former Purdue University biochemistry students doctoral project to develop new technology that can help pinpoint potential targets for cancer therapy has transformed into a growing startup in Purdue Research Park.

Iliuks former adviser, biochemistry associate professor W. Andy Tao, is his business partner.

Most science majors have two paths, Iliuk said. One is academia. One is industry. This is the path less traveled. Im not a business guy.

But the companys first product, PolyMAC, still managed to generate sales of nearly $50,000 in five months for his company, Tymora Analytical Operations LLC.

Id like to turn this into a multimillion-dollar company, Iliuk said. If you dont believe, nobody else will.

Iliuk, the companys president and chief technology officer, said a realistic goal for next year would be to double the sales of PolyMAC, which analyzes tissue modification on a cellular level.

You send in a fishing net, you try to pick up everything there is, sort through it and see what has changed from normal tissue to cancer tissue, Iliuk said.

The next step for Tymora is to get its next product, pIMAGO, to market. Iliuk said the goal of pIMAGO is to cut the cost associated with the early stages of drug development by showing which drugs will be more effective.

Its sort of a launch pad, Iliuk said. Were trying to improve the way people do lab research.

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Purdue grad hopes to grow Tymora startup into 'multimillion-dollar company'

Proteonomix Licenses Exclusive Worldwide Rights to Novel Anti-Tumor Technology

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PARAMUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Proteonomix, Inc. (PROT), a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based upon the use of human cells and their derivatives, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement for a novel source of primary human cells that secrete a factor capable of inhibiting tumor cell growth and causing tumor cell death. The technology was developed by Ian McNiece, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the Company.

The technology consists of methods for isolation and propagation of the primary human cells, gene profiles obtained from the cells identifying candidate micro RNAs and growth factor genes, and methods for generating culture media conditioned by these cells for isolation of the inhibitory factor or factors.

Recent experiments demonstrated the ability of these novel human cells and even the culture media conditioned by these cells to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, ultimately leading to their death, said Proteonomix Chief Technology Officer Steven Byle. This technology has the potential to identify molecules that can kill tumor cells and provides insights into the potential delivery of these inhibitory factors in vivo.

Terms of the license included an upfront license fee, an agreement with a related party and payments due upon achieving clinical and regulatory milestones based on success in developing products, as well as a royalty on sales of products resulting from this technology.

About Proteonomix, Inc.

Proteonomix is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based upon the use of human cells and their derivatives. The Proteonomix family of companies includes Proteoderm, StromaCel, PRTMI and THOR Biopharma. Proteoderm is a wholly owned subsidiary that has developed an anti-aging line of skin care products. StromaCel develops therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and plans to file an IND application for treatment of patients who have suffered post-myocardial infarction. Proteonomix Regenerative Translational Medicine Institute, Inc. (PRTMI) intends to focus on the translation of promising research in stem cell biology and cellular therapy to clinical applications of regenerative medicine. Additional information is available at http://www.proteonomix.com and http://www.proteoderm.com.

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Proteonomix, Inc. cautions that statements made in this press release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from projections. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made.

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Proteonomix Licenses Exclusive Worldwide Rights to Novel Anti-Tumor Technology

Record profit as Sonic Healthcare booms

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Sonic Healthcare expects expansion in the United States and Germany to boost its growth, despite the gloomy US economy.

The international pathology, radiology and medical centres group on Tuesday reported a record net profit for the 2011/12 financial year, up 7.3 per cent to $316 million compared with the previous 12 months.

Chief executive Dr Colin Goldschmidt said the company expected to increase its earnings by five to 10 per cent this financial year, pointing to the US and Germany as key markets for future growth.

"Our big growth for the future is probably going to come out of the USA and Germany where the markets are still quite fragmented and our positions are still relatively young," he told investors.

By comparison, the Australian laboratory market was more mature and consolidated, he said.

Revenue growth in the US for 2011/12 year ending June 30 was 11 per cent, including acquisitions.

But once acquisitions were stripped out, that left organic growth at just two per cent.

"That sounds low but we have an unprecedented low-growth environment in the US lab market," he said.

"That two per cent is higher than our major competitors have reported recently."

The low growth was probably associated with the high unemployment rates in the US, where private health insurance is provided by employers, Dr Goldschmidt said.

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Record profit as Sonic Healthcare booms

Advances in Molecular Diagnostics, Genetic Testing, and Personalized Medicine to Be Focus at CAP ’12 — THE …

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Annual Scientific Meeting of the College of American Pathologists Gives Special Attention to Lung Cancer

Newswise NORTHFIELD, ILL. New science in molecular diagnostics, personalized medicine, and genetic testing for cancer will be featured topics when more than 1,000 pathology leaders gather at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on September 9-12, 2012, for the annual scientific meeting of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAP 12THE Pathologists Meeting will highlight advances in anatomic and clinical pathology related to laboratory medicine with a special focus on pulmonary pathology, the diagnosis of lung disease.

Revolutions in the molecular understanding of cancer have changed the way pathologists diagnose this disease and guide treatment, said CAP President Stanley J. Robboy, MD, FCAP. Today, the most effective treatment options are based on appropriate testing, accurate diagnosis, and a team approach to patient care one that includes the pathologist. Weve created a curriculum at our annual meeting for pathologists to keep current on the new diagnostic procedures that can enhance patient care.

At CAP 12, expert pathologists from around the globe will lead educational seminars that provide practical tools, which pathologists can immediately incorporate into their practices. Hot topics include breakthroughs in the molecular testing of lung cancer, a disease that strikes more than 230,000 Americans each year. This special scientific session will offer perspectives from one of the nations leading pathology experts in the study of lung cancer, Marc Ladanyi, MD, FCAP, an attending pathologist on the Molecular Diagnostics Service in the Department of Pathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, and Kim Norris, a UCLA Lung SPORE patient advocate and president of the Lung Cancer Foundation of American. Additional hot topics include: o Next-Generation Sequencing for Inherited Disorders o Companion Diagnostics for Targeted Therapy Cancer o Treatment Implication of ER-Positive and HER2-Positive Breast CancerThe Critical Role of Pathologists o Molecular Classification of Multiple Myeloma Using Genomic Profiling

Abstract Program Showcases Junior CAP Members Original Research As part of the CAP 12 Abstract Program, five CAP physician residents will receive special recognition for outstanding original research. Editors from the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine evaluated the submissions. This years winning abstracts cover a range of topics, including major discrepancies between clinical and postmortem pediatric diagnoses, and a large multi-institutional study that sought to determine whether the 2-tier ovarian serous carcinoma grading system was useful in stratifying these carcinomas.

CAP Will Honor San Diego High School Students for Excellence in Science Additionally, the CAP is honoring six of the best and brightest high school science students in San Diego through its Path to the Future in Medicine program. As part of this program, the students are invited to display their winning projects at CAP 12. In addition, they will have the opportunity to tour the CAP 12 meeting and discuss possible careers in medicine and science, as well as general science issues, with leaders in pathology.

The students, who competed at the 2012 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair in March were judged for excellence in five areas: creativity, scientific thought, attention to detail, skill, and clarity.

The College of American Pathologists (CAP), celebrating 50 years as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation, is a medical society serving more than 18,000 physician members and the global laboratory community. It is the worlds largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists and is the worldwide leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College advocates accountable, high-quality, and cost-effective patient care.

### Editors note: Please call Julie Monzo at 847-832-7538, or e-mail jmonzo@cap.org, for free media registration. Or visit our Web site at: http://www.cap.org/CAP12.

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Schools prepare for new nutrition guidelines

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HOLMEN, WI (WXOW)For school nutrition employees, the new school year brought a new set of nutrition guidelines they must follow when feeding children school lunches.

In preparation for the new school year, 325 school employees from 18 school districts gathered in Holmen to learn about the new guidelines for National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

They also picked upsome tips on how to make food taste good using less sodium, as required by federal laws, and more herbs.

Studies have shown children that are well nourished do better in school and have less behavioral problems, which is why there is such a big push for healthier lunches.

Over the next ten years, schools will have to change meal standards and gradually become healthier.

At school, the days of greasy old hamburger and french fries are over.

"You're going to see a lot of the same names but it will be a healthier version," Michael Gasper, Holmen School District Food Service Director said. "It won't be like going to McDonalds and getting a chicken nugget. It will be a baked chicken nugget with whole grain."

Students will see fewer foods high in carbohydrates and sodium and more fruits and vegetables.

"It will take time for students to get used to some of the foods they're going to see," Katie Wilson, Executive Director National Food Service Management Institute.

Wilson said helping children broaden their palate will be easier if parents change their habits at home too.

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Adia Nutrition, Inc. Expands Distribution to New York/New Jersey

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NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwire -08/21/12)- In keeping with our strategy of expanding distribution across the United States, Adia Nutrition (ADIA) is happy to announce that we have contracted a new multi-line distributor in Union City, NJ. Our new distribution partner, who just placed their initial stocking order, is an authorized Pepsi distributor who services hundreds of retail accounts in the NJ area just across the Hudson River from New York City. "This is what we hope to be the first of many distribution partnerships on the East Coast," says Wen Peng, Adia Nutrition CEO.

"Our distribution and sales efforts are being supported by an advertising campaign which includes TV media aimed to drive awareness and demand," says Peng.

For more information, please visit http://www.adianutrition.com.

About Adia Nutrition, Inc.Adia Nutrition, Inc. (ADIA) is a company specializing in shelf stable probiotics. Currently, Adia offers four flavors of probiotic powders and the Adia Slim weight loss product as well as two flavors of probiotic chews. Adia sells their products across the country in independent pharmacies, health food stores, fitness centers and grocery store chains. In states and countries where Adia does not yet have retail distribution partners you can find Adia online.

According to a market research report titled 'Probiotics Market,' published by Markets and Markets (www.marketsandmarkets.com), the global probiotics market is expected to be worth US$ 32.6 billion by 2014. Moreover, the global market is expected to record a CAGR of 12.6%.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "should," "intend," "estimate," and "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the Company's filings, which are on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Adia Nutrition, Inc. Expands Distribution to New York/New Jersey

See Yeasayer Play Dubsteppy Slow Jam 'Longevity' on 'Fallon'

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There ain't nothin' wrong with a little wub and grind. Yeasayer's third album, Fragrant World, is out today on Secretly Canadian, and last night they returned to Late Night With Jimmy Fallon to perform "Longevity," a cyborg slow jam with rattling, post-dubstep sub-bass. The smoldering violin solo had to be piped in, but otherwise, the dancing, zoned-in band appeared to be taking their own carpe-diem/YOLO advice: "Live in the moment / Never count on longevity," Yeasayer singer Chris Keating repeats. Your mind might be telling you no, but your body, your body is telling you yes.

Read our Q&A: Yeasayer on Not Being the 'New Cool Band' Anymore

NEWSWIRE Daniel Johnston Song Makes Axe Ad A Little Less Stinky

NEWSWIRE Avril Lavigne and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger Are Engaged...

SPLITS & REUNIONS Juliana Hatfield Rejoins the Lemonheads for Psychedelic...

SPOTLIGHT Ariel Pink: In Praise of Guilty Genius

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See Yeasayer Play Dubsteppy Slow Jam 'Longevity' on 'Fallon'

New laboratory test assesses how DNA damage affects protein synthesis

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ScienceDaily (Aug. 21, 2012) Transcription is a cellular process by which genetic information from DNA is copied to messenger RNA for protein production. But anticancer drugs and environmental chemicals can sometimes interrupt this flow of genetic information by causing modifications in DNA.

Chemists at the University of California, Riverside have now developed a test in the lab to examine how such DNA modifications lead to aberrant transcription and ultimately a disruption in protein synthesis.

The chemists report that the method, called "competitive transcription and adduct bypass" or CTAB, can help explain how DNA damage arising from anticancer drugs and environmental chemicals leads to cancer development.

"Aberrant transcription induced by DNA modifications has been proposed as one of the principal inducers of cancer and many other human diseases," said Yinsheng Wang, a professor of chemistry, whose lab led the research. "CTAB can help us quantitatively determine how a DNA modification diminishes the rate and fidelity of transcription in cells. These are useful to know because they affect how accurately protein is synthesized. In other words, CTAB allows us to assess how DNA damage ultimately impedes protein synthesis, how it induces mutant proteins. "

Study results appeared online in Nature Chemical Biology on Aug. 19.

Wang explained that the CTAB method can be used also to examine various proteins involved in the repair of DNA. One of his research group's goals is to understand how DNA damage is repaired -- knowledge that could result in the development of new and more effective drugs for cancer treatment.

"This, however, will take more years of research," Wang cautioned.

His lab has a long-standing interest in understanding the biological and human health consequences of DNA damage. The current research was supported by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

Wang was joined in the research by UC Riverside's Changjun You (a postdoctoral scholar and the research paper's first author), Xiaoxia Dai, Bifeng Yuan, Jin Wang and Jianshuang Wang; Philip J. Brooks of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Md.; and Laura J. Niedernhofer of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Penn.

Next, the researchers plan to use CTAB to investigate how other types of DNA modifications compromise transcription and how they are repaired in human cells.

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New laboratory test assesses how DNA damage affects protein synthesis

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DNA may solve 21-year-old murder case

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DNA evidence may help solve the murder of a young NSW nanny more than 20 years ago, with police collecting samples from more than 100 people across the state.

Penny Hill, 20, died from her injuries two weeks after she was found unconscious on the side of a country NSW road on July 8, 1991.

The young woman had just started working as a live-in nanny for former Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs drummer Col Baigent and his then wife, Barbara Baigent, at the Black Stump Motel in Coolah.

In July, a second inquest into her death failed to shed any light on how she died, and the case was referred back to homicide police.

Now, in a bid to 'follow every rabbit down a hole', police are taking DNA samples from anyone who was in the Coolah area, or had contact with Ms Hill in 1991.

Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy said every person required to give a sample has previously been questioned by police in connection with the murder.

'It's a basic process of elimination,' he told AAP on Wednesday.

'The DNA material we got ... we don't know where it fits into the investigation.'

Police will test the new DNA samples against evidence collected from the scene at the time of the murder, and additional evidence taken from the Black Stump Motel earlier this year.

Sergt Darcy said each of 100 people contacted about the samples were happy to co-operate with police.

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Harnessing technology to pinpoint foodborne disease

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Some of the UKs top public health officials have hailed DNA sequencing techniques, such as next generation sequencing, as one the most powerful laboratory tools to help tackle foodborne disease, such as E.coli and salmonella, and have underlined their commitment to use this technology in future.

Earlier this year, experts gathered at a workshop organised by the Food Standards Agency, the Health Protection Agency, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food, to discuss how advances in molecular biology could be used to pinpoint the source in major outbreaks of foodborne disease. The report of this workshop can be found below.

Andrew Wadge, Chief Scientist at the Food Standards Agency, said: The devastating effects of incidents such as the E.coli O104 outbreak in Germany, remind us of the need to embrace cutting-edge technology to help us transform the way we investigate incidents in the future.

We are fully committed to exploiting the potential of molecular biology tools, such as next generation sequencing, in our fight against foodborne disease. By using these techniques, outbreaks could be investigated more quickly and effectively than ever before. This could shape the way we respond to incidents in the future and, ultimately, save lives.

An estimated one million people a year in the UK suffer from foodborne illness, with 20,000 receiving hospital treatment and causing about 500 deaths. This costs the UK economy approximately 1.5 billion annually.

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Former JSU Biology Department Chair Dr. Frank Romano dies

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Former JSU Biology Department Chair Dr. Frank Romano dies

by Special to The News Jacksonville News

Dr. Frank Romano, retired chair of the Biology Department, passed away last night after an extended illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dr. Romano joined the JSU faculty in 1989 and became department head in 2002. He retired in May 2012.

Throughout his career, his expertise, professionalism and rapport with his students and colleagues were unparalleled.

In addition to his lifes work in the classroom and his numerous presentations, workshops and publications, Dr. Romano conducted extensive research on the physiological ecology of limno-terrestrial, freshwater and marine invertebrates with emphasis on tardigrades and mollusks. In recent years, he worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service on northern Gulf of Mexico deep-sea microscopic animal communities with emphasis on tardigrades. This led to the discovery of four new species of tardigrades.

Among his recent accolades was selection for the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) 2010 Meritorious Teaching Award. Earlier this month, Dr. Romano and a team of colleagues were awarded a Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) grant supporting studies of the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Dr. Romano received his Ph.D. in Physiological Ecology from Syracuse University, New York and was a member of Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society. He held professional society memberships in the Alabama Academy of Science, the Association of Southeastern Biologists, the American Microscopial Society, the International Tardigrada Society, and the International Meiofauna Association. In addition to the ASB Meritorious Teaching Award, his honors included a Syracuse University Summer Fellowship (1977), selection to Men and Women in American Science (1984), Leadership Kennessaw State College (1987), Jacksonville State University College of Letters and Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award (1994), Service Award from the U.S. Forest Service for continuing activities with personnel from the Shoal Creek District of Talladega National Forest (2004), and nomination as The 2005 International Scientist of the Year.

Funeral arrangements will be shared as soon as they become available.

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Former JSU Biology Department Chair Dr. Frank Romano dies

Synthetic Biology Market is Expected to Reach USD 16.7 Billion Globally in 2018: Transparency Market Research

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ALBANY, New York, August 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research (http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com) "Synthetic Biology Market, Global Industry Analysis, Size, Growth, Share and Forecast, 2012 - 2018", global Synthetic biology market was worth USD 1,537.5 million in 2011. The market grew to a value of USD 2,120 million in 2012, and is expected to reach USD 16,745 million by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 41.1% from 2010 to 2018. In the overall global market, Europe holds the maximum market share, and is expected to maintain its lead position in terms of revenue till 2018.

Browse the full report athttp://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/synthetic-biology-market.html

The global Synthetic biology market is driven by factors such as increasing incidence of oceanic oil spills and other types of pollutions, potential substitute of genetic engineering, increasing demand for cross bred animals, dropping prices of DNA sequencing and DNA synthesis, increasing population is increasing the demand for GM (Genetically Modified) food, increasing demand for alternative energy resources like biofuels, and rising R&D investments in drug development.

Some of the opportunities in the synthetic biology market which would drive the revenue of the industry in the future include rising economies of Asia Pacific regions and the BRICS nations, and increasing investments of WHO and other NGOs in third world countries to fight epidemic diseases such as malaria. Europe holds the maximum market share in the synthetic biology market, owing to high demand of synthetic biology products like biofuels and increasing R&D activities in the field of synthetic biology. The Europe synthetic biology market was valued at USD 619.5 million in the year 2011, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 39.8% from 2012 to 2018, to reach USD 6,389.5 million by the year 2018.

The synthetic biology market can be segmented into 4 major categories: synthetic biology market by products, synthetic biology market by enabled product application, synthetic biology technology by enabling technology and synthetic biology by geography. The global synthetic biology market by enabling technology was valued at USD 183.84 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 44.7% from 2012 to 2018, to reach an estimated value of USD 1780.40 million by 2018.

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Synthetic Biology Market is Expected to Reach USD 16.7 Billion Globally in 2018: Transparency Market Research

Murad® Debuts Newest Product Innovation in Anti-Aging Acne Line: Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Murad, Inc. announced today the launch of the latest innovation in its Anti-Aging Acne line - Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator. This multi-tasking hydrator helps to maintain fresh, youthful skin by clearing and tightening pores for a refined complexion. Additionally, Murads Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator provides essential hydration to soothe and help heal breakouts with an age-balancing formula that boosts collagen to minimize signs of aging and leave skin plumper and smoother.

Acne is not just a problem for teens. Because acne can be triggered by a number of factors, such as hormones, stress and environment, more and more women are beginning to complain of acne as they get older, said Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc. To help combat both aging and acne simultaneously, we formulate efficacious products that provide users with maximum benefits, while also recommending an Inclusive Health approach that combines topical care, internal care and a focus on a sense of self to optimize skin health.

Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator works to reduce existing breakouts and prevent new blemishes from forming, while repairing skins barrier and optimizing collagen levels to minimize the signs of aging. Formulated with Kombucha Collagen Defense to stimulate collagen production and inhibit its breakdown, Lentil Seed Extract and Witch Hazel to tighten pores and help control excess oil and Cinnamon Extract to restore skin surface by reducing inflammation and optimizing oil production, Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator is ideal for those who suffer from adult breakouts.

Regardless of skin type, pore size increases with age; this condition is exacerbated for those with acneic skin, said Jeff Murad, Vice President of Product Development. We created Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator to address this concern for our Anti-Aging Acne consumers whose skin type is already prone to larger pores.

As the latest product addition to Murads Anti-Aging Acne line, created to reduce acne and aging concerns simultaneously, Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator is the ideal complement to the entire family of products.

Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator ($49.50 for 1.7 FL. OZ.) is available on Murad.com, at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa and Murad Inclusive Health Medical Group beginning August 2012 and will be available in salons, spas and at Sephora and Ulta September 2012. For more information about Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator or any Anti-Aging Acne products, please visit Murad.com or call 1.800.33.MURAD.

About Murad, Inc.

Murad, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Howard Murad. M.D., one of the world's foremost authorities on health care and a pioneer of the clinical skincare movement. Dr. Murad is a practicing physician at the Murad Inclusive Health Medical Group in El Segundo, Calif. where he pioneered the Inclusive Health approach to optimal living. All Murad products and services are based on The Science of Cellular Water, Dr. Murad's unified theory of health and aging. Sold in 41 countries, Murad is the #1 selling clinical skincare brand at many locations including Sephora and Ulta. For more information go to Murad.com, Facebook.com/murad or @DrMurad on Twitter.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50383092&lang=en

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Murad® Debuts Newest Product Innovation in Anti-Aging Acne Line: Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator

Baby Boomers are Flocking to Injectable Hormone Replacement Therapy

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Benjamin Franklin once said, the only thing certain is death and taxes. For all of us, there is no escape from aging, at least not yet. As it stands right now, there is no cure for aging, even though some futurists are saying stem cell and gene therapy research will lead to human immortality in the next 20 to 40 years. Stem cell and gene therapy are still in the clinical trial phases, and will likely not be available to the full mainstream for another 10 or more years. Right now however, there is Hormone Replacement Therapy, considered one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of our time. People who want to transform their lives, and reduce or even reverse the gathering accumulation of aging associated disease are turning to HGH or Sermorelin Injections and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). It is available right now and it's 100% legal to get it from a physician in the united states to treat hormone deficiency.

Let's Talk About Hormone Decline in Men and then Women

It doesn't matter how good you eat and how much you exercise, you can only slow down the aging process, not stop it, eventually no matter how much you go to the gym or eat right, every part of your body is degenerating at different speeds. A 50 year old who worked out his whole life, and could bench press 375lbs one day strained his his back and could no longer lift weights, he got and MRI and the doctor noticed degeneration in the spine. The patient asked the doctor how is it possible that the areas between his vertebrae degenerated when he ate right, took vitamins and worked out. The doctor told him the unfortunate news, eventually serious medical problems are coming, even for the rare people who live to be over 100 yeas old. The patient had blood tests done, sure enough, he was low in IGF-1 and testosterone, despite working out 4x a week for 90 minutes. The doctor prescribed him HGH and Testosterone within 3 months, the patient claimed he felt better than he did 20 years ago. If you are not feeling like you're old self, and are having serious problems with your health, get your hormone levels checked. It's a really easy blood test, if you live in the United States and want to schedule a blood test, take the first step: http://hghinjectable.org/hgh-blood-test/

Introduction to Andropause (Male Menopause) Low T, Low Testosterone and Hypogonadism

Millions of men in the United States are suffering from from different degrees of Andropause which is often centered around low testosterone (low T), medically called Hypogonadism. Sadly only a small number of men get treatment for it and even more sad, is that many doctors are not specialists in TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Fortunately there are Testosterone Clinics for men specializing in testosterone prescriptions. Weight gain and depression are not the only prominent symptoms of Low T (low testosterone), the lack of desire for sex and poor performance in bed can be one of the biggest problems for men in a relationship or seeking female companionship. Hormone decline and Low T can cause a man to have emotional and mood changes that are swift and unplanned, especially known as grumpy old man syndrome, getting angry or upset easily. Low T is also associated with memory loss, declining motivation, mental fatigue, weak heart, poor cardiovascular system, inability to do physical activities for a long period of time. Some studies indicate Testosterone has anti-inflammation properties as well, which could explain why some men experience inflammation as a result of low testosterone. One third of men who have heart attacks have low testosterone, which is not surprising, because testosterone is key to muscle strength, development and maintenance. Testosterone supplementation via injections or cream, can bring back the youthfulness of men who seek to treat testosterone deficiency.

Though testosterone is not the only deficiency in men, Human Growth Hormone deficiency can also plague men. Both of these hormones work fantastically together for men deficient in them, because the scientific medical approach behind hormone replacement therapy seeks to replace all hormone deficiency together, not just approaching the problem singularly with single hormones. Men who go on proper hormone replacement therapy programs have communicated astonishing changes in their quality of health. HGH injections with a testosterone program can do wonders for hormone deficient men.

Hormone Treatment for Women.

Men are not the only people affected by low hormone and deficiency, women suffer from the age related decline of hormones decades before menopause. Women experience very similar symptoms as men when hormone decline sets in from an expanding mid section, gain of cellulite around the thys and buttocks, to adipose (fat) deposits swelling around the lower abdomen area. Women can also experience the inability of the vagina to lubricate itself which can cause discomfort during sex. Experiencing "hot flashes" is a common symptom of hormone decline in women. Depression, fatigue, emotional mood swings, crying for no reason, bouts of anger or sadness without a reason, moodiness, getting upset easily, starting fights and rapid mood changes plague women with hormone deficiency.

To learn more about hormone deficiency visit Hormone Replacement Clinic for a Hormone Blood Deficiency Test.

Sonic unveils record full year profit

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Pathology and radiology provider Sonic Healthcare says it expects to increase its earnings by up to 10 per cent after posting a record profit for the 2011/12 financial year.

Sonic, which operates in the United States and Australia, lifted its net profit by 7.3 per cent to $316 million in the year to June 30, from $294.5 million in 2010/11.

On a constant currency basis, the net profit result was $323.3 million.

Revenue rose eight per cent to $3.3 billion, from $3.1 billion.

Sonic's earnings benefited from strong organic revenue growth, cost cuts, operational improvements and better returns on invested capital.

In a statement, Sonic said it expected to grow its earnings by between five and 10 per cent, on a constant currency basis.

It also expects its net interest expenses to fall by between five and 10 per cent.

Chief executive Dr Colin Goldschmidt said Sonic had won market share from its rivals during the year and that its record net profit would have been even higher if it weren't for the impact of the strong Australian dollar.

He said the pathology and radiology divisions each increased their margins.

However, the pathology business struggled with constrained growth in the US and cost pressures in Australia as a result of the deregulation of collection centres.

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Sonic unveils record full year profit

Nutrition program begins Sept. 17 at L+M

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NEW LONDON The next session of Healthier, Happier You, a nine-week nutrition and wellness program offered by Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, begins Sept. 17.

Each week, Mary Ann Nash, L+M nutritionist and a registered dietician, begins the program with a 45-minute presentation designed to increase nutritional knowledge. Then, Sal Argento, L+M executive chef, conducts a one-hour cooking class and demonstration.

Participants are then served dishes inspired by the days topic and based on the Mediterranean diet, a heart healthy menu based on the cuisine of countries near the Mediterranean Sea. Participants can also have their blood pressure monitored throughout the nine weeks of the program.

Classes meet each Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the hospitals Wave Caf classroom, adjacent to the main lobby.

Weekly program topics include: Guide to Healthy Weight and Defensive Eating; The Lion of Nutrition Carbohydrates; Building Step-by-Step Protein; The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Fats; Mom was Right: Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables; A Virtual Grocery Store Tour; To Your Health You are What You Drink; Be Flexible Moving Your Body Every Day; Getting Street Wise About Supplements.

The cost is $200 per person for the series. Registration and pre-payment is required prior to the first class. Space is limited. To register, or for more information, call 860-442-0711, ext. 3109.

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Nutrition program begins Sept. 17 at L+M