Monterey is one of California's iconic seafood spots, but that apparently doesn't mean you always get what you order at the city's eateries and grocery stores.

DNA testing in Monterey showed that that more than one-third of the seafood samples collected from 17 grocery stores, restaurants and sushi venues were mislabeled according to federal standards.

Those results were released Thursday by the international ocean advocacy group Oceana and the Monterey Weekly. The publication targeted species with regional significance and those that were found to be mislabeled from previous studies, including red and yellowtail snapper, wild salmon and sole.

Oceana had other groups have found higher rates of fish mislabeling in Los Angeles (55 percent) and Boston (48 percent), and similar rates in South Florida (31 percent). Last year, the group launched an initiative to reduce what's been dubbed "seafood fraud," in which one species is substituted for another.

The practice can undermine local fishermen and consumers' ability to make choices based on fishing practices, location and variety of seafood.

"Given how famous Monterey Bay is for fresh, local seafood, if we are seeing seafood fraud at this level, it's happening everywhere," said Geoff Shester, California program director for Oceana. He was not aware of any San Diego-specific study on the issue, though his group is testing seafood at other spots nationwide.

Oceana said the biggest surprise was the discovery that restaurants selling popular Monterey Bay sand dabs were actually selling juvenile flathead sole. None of the fish labeled as sand dabs were Pacific sand dab found in local waters, DNA tests showed.

We still dont know whether the baby flatfish sold as sand dabs came from Alaska or as the result of trawling in a local fish nursery habitat," Shester said. Either way, residents and tourists seeking this famous Monterey Bay seafood dish at a local restaurant are being duped, at the expense of local hook-and-line fishermen who can catch real sand dabs sustainably.

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DNA tests show seafood fraud haunts iconic port

By Mike Wagner

The Columbus Dispatch Thursday August 2, 2012 10:55 AM

Attorneys for former Akron Police Capt. Douglas Prade, center, say the tests prove his innocence.

New lab-test results show that DNA recovered from a murder scene in Summit County didn't come from a former Akron police captain who was convicted of killing his ex-wife nearly 15 years ago in a case that received national attention.

Douglas Prade, 66, is currently serving a life sentence at the Madison Correctional Institution, but has always maintained his innocence after being convicted in September of 1998. Prade was found guilty of shooting his ex-wife, Margo, a prominent Akron doctor and the mother of his two daughters. Margo was shot six times following a struggle in her van in a parking lot outside of her office.

They are not going to find my DNA because I didnt do it, said Prade in a prison interview with the Dispatch last year. This has always been about seeking and revealing the truth.

View video interviews The Dispatch conducted with Prade in 2007

The DNA testing, conducted by DNA Diagnostics Center of Fairfield, north of Cincinnati, focused on the lab coat Margo was wearing during the attack and specifically a bite mark left by her killer. Testing results released today found male DNA present within the bite mark but it didnt match Prade. Further testing of the lab coat performed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations during the past several months didnt detect the presence of other male DNA. Fingernail scrapings from Margo Prade and other items collected from the crime scene were also tested and excluded Douglas Prades DNA.

Attorneys at the Ohio Innocence Project, based at the University of Cincinnati, say the testing results prove Prades innocence and he should be exonerated. They are asking Summit County Common Pleas Judge Judy L. Hunter to set Douglas Prade free or, at the very least, grant him a new trial. A hearing in Akron to determine the significance of the new testing results is scheduled for Aug. 21.

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Former Akron police captain excluded by DNA test

Winning government approval would be the first step in increasing public confidence in personalized genetic testing

Maciej Frolow / Photodisc / Getty Images

Earlier this week, the personal gene-testing company 23andMe announcedthat its seeking the blessing of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its DNA tests that allow people to peer into their genetic makeup.

If the FDA grants approval, it would be a major step forward for the growing industry springing up around genetic testing. Every day, it seems, scientists are reporting new gene-based discoveries that allow them to better pinpoint the causes of disease. As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, single-gene tests are being joined by the sort of genotyping technology used by 23andMe, which scans about 1 million points on the genome that are known to vary among humans. An even more complex technique, genomic sequencing, looks at about 3 billion points that cover a persons entire genetic code. 23andMe the name is a reference to the 23 pairs of chromosomes that comprise a persons genome intends to eventually offer sequencing, but the cost starts at around $4,000, which is considerably more expensive than the $299 the company charges for its testing.

Not only is sequencing more costly, but it also uncovers a trove of data that researchers have yet to fully understand. Even among the more targeted areas of the genome that 23andMe examines, there is much information that remains murky if not elusive. Of the 1 million points we look at, theres only a fraction of those that science can tell us anything about, says Ashley Gould, 23andMes vice president for corporate development and its chief legal officer.

Since 23andMe began offering testing in late 2007, more than 150,000 people have become clients. The vast majority have been adults, although parents can give consent for their children to participate. Our goal is to get 1 million in our database, says Gould. Having more people will increase our power to conduct research. There is immense power in coming together to progress research.

(MORE: 23andMe Seeks FDA Approval for Personal DNA Test)

The company was co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, who is married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Her bio on the company website explains why shes interested in personal genetics, expressing her hope that the company will create a common, standardized resource that has the potential to accelerate drug discovery and bring personalized medicine to the public. (Plus, getting access to her own genetic information and understanding it has always been one of Annes ambitions.)

The $299 fee includes processing of a saliva sample via a collection kit the company sends out. The data gleaned from the sample is shared with users via a secure website. Customers also have access to the companys ancestry features, which have helped people track down relatives. There are 242 health reports available for different conditions, enabling users to learn more about traits like freckling or eye color as well as carrier status for cystic fibrosis, for example, and risk for diseases such as Alzheimers. As new literature is published, we add new reports, says Gould.

When data reveals increased risk for certain diseases, 23andMe offers up videos that share more detailed information about that specific condition. The company also has a relationship with a nationwide genetic counseling service that users can call for an appointment.

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Personal DNA Testing: What Can It Reveal?

Ottawa, ON (PRWEB) August 02, 2012

DNA Genotek, a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies Inc. and a leading provider of products for biological sample collection, and BioServe Biotechnologies, Ltd today announced that they are jointly providing support for a new genomic study into craniofacial anomalies (cleft lip and palate) in Ethiopia. The project, titled Collaborative study on gene- environment interaction in craniofacial anomalies, will investigate the genetic and environmental causes of craniofacial anomalies (cleft lip and palate) with the ultimate aim of prevention. The research project will be conducted by principal investigator Dr. Mekonen Eshete of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia with the support of external advisers and collaborators - Professor Peter Mossey of the University of Dundee and Dr. Azeez Butali of the University of Iowa.

In Ethiopia, infectious diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria are the primary health concerns which often results in less focus on congenital problems. However, the impact of a congenital birth defect can be very severe when coupled with poor socioeconomic conditions. Through the DNA Genotek Helping Hands Program, DNA Genotek will be providing OrageneDNA kits to collect DNA from saliva from study participants. DNA Genotek Partner Program member BioServe Biotechnologies will provide the DNA extraction services as part of its corporate philanthropy program. The collaboration will enable the execution of this important research project.

I believe the support we are receiving from DNA Genotek and BioServe will help bring a change in the management of congenital anomalies in general and clefts in particular. While the majority of Africans have knowledge about congenital anomalies including clefts, different superstitious meanings are given to the condition and in fear, many parents leave children born with congenital anomalies to die. Supporting this research will bring a change in both medical treatment and societal attitudes, said Mekonen Eshete, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Addis Ababa University.

BioServe welcomes the opportunity to participate in the DNA Genotek Helping Hands program, particularly for a cause as worthy this one, said Rama Modali, President of BioServe. Its rewarding for our entire company to see our services directly contribute to results-oriented public health projects like this one that offer such large potential impact.

The DNA Genotek Helping Hands Program has a long history of assisting organizations that are innovators in disease research, disease prevention and treatment, said Ian Curry, president, DNA Genotek Inc. We chose to support this project as we firmly believe that it will have a long-term impact on significant numbers of people. We are pleased to work with our partner company, BioServe, on this important initiative to ensure its ultimate success.

The reality is that in the present circumstances many infants born with CL/P in sub-Saharan African countries, and in other low income countries in the world do not survive, often due to lack of awareness and perceived burden of care, said Professor Peter Mossey, University of Dundee. This generous gesture by DNA Genotek and BioServe, by raising awareness is literally life-saving, and will unlock the potential for a study in Ethiopia that can be replicated in other sub-Saharan African countries and that is geared ultimately towards primary prevention.

These are exciting times for cleft research in Africa and this study provides a wonderful opportunity for prevention of clefts and other birth defects, said Dr Azeez Butali of the University of Iowa.

Oragene is a registered trademark of DNA Genotek Inc. All other brands and names contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Some DNA Genotek products may not be available in all geographic regions.

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DNA Genotek Inc. and BioServe Biotechnologies, Ltd. to Support Genetic Study of Craniofacial Anomalies in Ethiopia

By Ador Vincent Mayol, Chito Aragon Cebu Daily News

DNA test results of items owned by kidnap-homicide suspect Bella Ruby Santos showed no traces of bloodstains from slain kidnap victim Ellah Joy Pique.

The disclosure of the DNA test results by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas (CIDG-7) caused Santos lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo to declare that the case against his client will be dismissed soon.

But Senior Supt. Jose Pante, CIDG-7 chief, said it wouldnt affect the case.

We rely more on the testimony of the witnesses, Pante told Cebu Daily News.

The DNA test results on two items seized by police confirmed that the dead body found in Barili town was that of 6-year-old Ellah Joy.

The two items, a yellow- blanket and yellow comforter, were used to cover Ellah Joys remains.

Still, Villagonzalo said the results only showed the failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt of his client.

The suppression of evidence by the prosecution is over. The truth has come out. Their efforts to mislead the public is finished, he said.

Villagonzalo said the prosecution is only giving false hope to the Pique family, who blamed Santos and her British partner Ian Charles Griffiths of being responsible for their daughters death.

Link:
DNA test results turn negative in Bella’s items

Scotland is home to a least a hundred thousand feral cats. Unfortunately, the cats that now live in the Scottish Highlands are not native to the country, and they have helped push the already squeezed native felines closer toward extinction.

The native groupthe Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia), also known as the Highland tigerisnt much bigger than your average house cat, although it has a larger tail and a reputation for wild ferocity. The subspecies probably descended from the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) between 7,000 and 9,000 years ago, roaming throughout Britain until deforestation dramatically reduced its habitat. The 19th century brought further population declines, spurred by more habitat loss, hunting for the animals fur, and persecution by livestock farmers and game bird hunters. By 1880 it existed only in Scotland.

The 20th century saw the population dwindle further. Roads and cars proved deadly; at the same time, feral and domestic cats (Felis catus) competed with the wildcats for prey and also hybridized with them, diluting their gene pool. Today the Scottish wildcat is a whisker away from extinction. An attempt to count the wild population in 2004 estimated that just 400 or so remained.

But even that number may be too optimistic. Many conservationists put the figure at 100 and some think there may be none left, Steve Piper, a wildlife filmmaker and trustee of the Scottish Wildcat Association, told The Scotsman. They are disappearing so fast they are more in peril than pandas, tigers or polar bears.

But theres still hope. Paul ODonoghue, biological sciences lecturer at the University of Chester in England, is collaborating with the WildGenes Laboratory at Edinburgh Zoo to develop a DNA test that can help identify whether a wildcat is purebred or a hybrid. ODonoghue and his team will map the wildcats genome using century-old museum samples, allowing them to determine the genetic markers of a pelage perfect specimen. This information, in turn, will help future captive breeding efforts by allowing conservationists to pair up animals that contain the most wildcat DNA. ODonoghue said the test should be ready by the end of this year.

Douglas Richardson, animal collections manager at the Highland Wildlife Park, which recently premiered two new Scottish wildcat kittens, told The Herald that saving this iconic catthe only feline native to the U.K.should be a priority. We get our knickers in a twist because the Indians arent doing all they can to protect their tigers or the Kenyans their black rhinos, but its okay for us to let this one slip through the net? I dont think so.

Of course, any captive breeding program will need to have a decent number of wildcats on hand to be successful. Of the 75 adult wildcats currently living in captivity only one shows strong signs of being a purebred, and about a dozen, including all those at Highland Wildlife Park, show at least some hybrid characteristics. The rest are clearly hybrids.

More pure wildcats might be out there: This past April camera traps in Cairngorms National Park caught sight of several wildcats, the first time they had been spotted in that area. It is not yet known if they are pure wildcats or hybrids. Despite the low odds, ODonoghue says he is hopeful that some pure wildcats will be found somewhere.

Keeping wildcats pure in the wild will remain the ultimate challenge. Conservation groups are calling for widespread neutering and sterilization of domestic and feral cats to prevent, or at least slow, any future hybridization. Weve got to act decisively and immediately, ODonoghue told The Herald. Otherwise, he says, there wont be any wildcats much longer.

Photo by Peter Edin via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license

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DNA Test Could Help Save Scottish Wildcat from Extinction If It Still Exists

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fractal Analytics, a leading provider of Big Data predictive analytics, announced today a breakthrough analytics solution that redefines the way marketers engage with consumers. Customer DNA is an advanced machine-learning solution that drives extreme personalization and relevance to increase affinity and loyalty based on a deeper understanding of each customers preferences. The solution has been implemented by a national retail group to enhance target marketing, store promotions, assortment and pricing.

Customer DNA infers consumer personality traits and preferences from behavior across multiple channels and from multiple data sources such as business transactions, consumer provided information, social networks and third party information. The Big Data that drive Customer DNA are processed by Hadoop for speed and efficiency. The solution applies an advanced scientific approach to continuously update and reassess what the system understands about consumers - based on what they buy, how they prefer to shop, how and when they respond to seasonal promotions or discounts, as well as how they express themselves in social networks.

Natwar Mall, SVP, Fractal Sciences at Fractal Analytics, said, Customer DNA will bring back the personalized service experience that was delivered previously only by mom & pop stores. It will help large organizations maximize revenue by targeting shoppers with efficient one-to-one message and offer interactions across campaigns and customer touch points.

Mall added, Data, science and technology are converging to create unprecedented opportunities to build breakthrough solutions for companies. In response to the high demand from companies that need to deliver a high ROI from Big Data analytics, we developed an advanced analytics organization called Fractal Sciences. Staffed by our best and brightest, Fractal Sciences mission is to apply the latest scientific advances and find new synergies across disciplines to bring more cutting-edge solutions to solve key market issues. The Customer DNA solution is among this teams latest key wins.

The Customer DNA model is designed to support both Business- to-Consumer and Business-to-Business organizations for retail as well as consumer goods, hotel and entertainment, financial services, insurance, airlines, and direct distributers. In addition to personalized marketing, the solution supports merchandise planning, product assortment and inventory management.

About Fractal Analytics

We believe analytics is critical to deeply connect with consumers, earn customer loyalty, make better decisions to reduce waste, and ultimately improve lives. Fortune 500 companies partner with Fractal to build breakthrough analytic solutions, set up analytical centers of excellence, and create a culture of data driven decisioning.

We solve problems, operationalize solutions to drive results, and ultimately drive change in organizations towards fact-based decisioning. We help businesses: (a) Understand, predict and influence consumer behavior; (b) Improve marketing, pricing, supply chain, risk and claims management; (c) Harmonize data, visualize information, build dashboards and forecast business performance.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

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Fractal Analytics Announces Customer DNA Solution for Personalized Marketing

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire -08/01/12)- Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN) (Twitter:@APDN), a provider of botanical DNA-based product verification solutions, announces that celebrated guitar maker C.F. Martin & Co. ("Martin Guitar") has expanded DNA marking to protect and authenticate its guitar strings. Martin Guitar produces millions of strings per year, and is one of the leading manufacturers of guitar strings in the world. Martin Guitar strings are made in Navojoa, Mexico.

"Botanical DNA marking provides the ultimate security by protecting the guitar strings and the guitar itself at the original point of manufacture. DNA technology will help us to ascertain product authenticity, and it is consistent with Martin Guitar's intellectual property protection strategy," said C. F. Martin & Co. Vice President, Business Development, Gregory Paul. "Use of this technology for strings and other musical instruments by others in our industry can only help in the fight against counterfeiting."

Martin Guitar, an iconic American brand that is acknowledged as the creator of some of the world's finest musical instruments for over 175 years, has partnered with Applied DNA Sciences to protect its products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. Since 2011, Martin Guitar has been incorporating its unique "Martin Guitar" botanical DNA mark onto each of its guitars, produced in its factories at Nazareth, Pennsylvania and Navojoa, Mexico. As part of the DNA authentication platform, any guitars made by Martin Guitar from 2011 will be able to be identified and forensically authenticated.

Every year, several thousand dedicated guitar owners attend a special event hosted by Martin Guitar to learn about new products, as well as new technologies. APDN will exhibit its botanical DNA authentication technology at the Martin Owners Club Event on Friday, August 3, 2012 in Nazareth. Applied DNA will be exhibiting at this event for the second year in a row.

At the Martin Owners Club Event in 2011, Chris Martin IV, Chairman and CEO, stated: "People around the world know the high level of quality that is inherent in each and every guitar that features the C. F. Martin logo, and protecting our intellectual property is of vital importance, as we face new counterfeit-related challenges at home and abroad."

Chris Martin IV commented recently: "We continue to work with Applied DNA Sciences on developing this program, first with our custom guitars, which have now extended to our laminates, and soon we will begin to mark our strings. We are serious about protecting our brand. Like I have said before, if you want to make guitars go ahead -- just don't use the Martin Guitar name on it."

Martin Guitar selected botanical DNA over other authentication technologies because it can be used to covertly mark a guitar, with its location known only to Martin Guitar, and for the strength in DNA generally in prosecution. As an identification procedure, DNA is recognized in courts in general as strong forensic evidence.

Botanical DNA can also be used in combination with wireless tracking technologies such as RFID as a way to ensure that those devices are not copied or tampered with. As guitars are botanically DNA-marked in quantity, forensic authentication by our labs, both as a quality control measure and also testing of products already in the field, can prove in time to be a strong anti-counterfeiting platform.

Famously wielded by singers like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Freedy Johnston, and Robbie Robertson, historic Martin guitars are on display at a museum at the factory in Nazareth, where the Martin Owners Club Event is held. Last year, the company celebrated the creation of guitar number 1,500,000, counting from its first creations in a workshop in what is now the TriBeCa section of New York in 1833. Applied DNA Sciences is honored to help protect the historic legacy of this cherished American brand.

Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO, Applied DNA Sciences stated:

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Legendary Guitar Maker C. F. Martin & Co. Expands DNA Marking to Guitar Strings and Protects Brand With Botanical DNA