Author Archives: ev1

Microbiology junior Cate Lynn chosen for trip to Africa

Posted on by

Microbiology junior Cate Lynn chosen for trip to Africa

An OU student recently won the opportunity to take a trip to Africa and learn how to affect change.

Chegg, an online textbook rental company, and the ONE campaign chose Cate Lynn, microbiology junior, as one of eight students to travel to Zambia and South Africa this July at no cost.

From close to 5,000 applicants, Chegg and ONE selected Lynn because of her passion and interest in learning about the issues surrounding these countries, said Heather Porter, Chegg director of philanthropy.

Porter said Lynn was chosen in one round of the competition to attend a summit with the organization. Lynn came to the conference with limited knowledge of ONE, but gained knowledge and confidence after the first day.

Cate stood out as if she were an expert, Porter said. She had such a passion, very clear articulation and effort.

Winners were selected based on essay and video submissions and interaction at the summit, Porter said.

Lynn will travel to Africa with students from all over the nation on the trip from July 15 through July 25.

The students will meet with African students, visit health facilities and meet with community leaders to discuss poverty issues, according to a press release.

While on the trip, students will share their experiences on the ONE campaigns blog.

Read the original:
Microbiology junior Cate Lynn chosen for trip to Africa

Green Tea and Longevity

Posted on by

For those readers that seek to be proactive with care of their bodies and minds; new studies abound.

The general consumer wants to have options for themselves. I am often asked by readers what my opinions are regarding the consumption of green teas. I refer to the knowledge that I have gained over the years and unraveling the myriad of studies and tests.

First, there are at least six different green teas. Each of these green teas are grown differently, use different varietal tea plants and are harvested and processed differently. All green tea still originates from the camellia senensis bush/plant. Here is the short list of Japanese green teas: Gyokuro, Sencha, Genmaicha, Houjicha and Matcha.

Gyokuro translated means Jade Dew and is considered the finest of the Japanese green teas by many. Gyokuro is part of the first flush of tea harvest in spring. Gyokuro is painstakingly handpicked. The early leaf buds are picked. It is considered naturally sweet.

Sencha means decocted tea. It is also a steamed harvest, but is picked in the second flush. Sencha tastes somewhat grassy and bittersweet.

Genmicha is a tea that is also combined with brown rice. It is considered by many to be aromatic and Bold.

Houjicha is tea that is roasted and has a nutty flavor. Matcha tea is ground into powder and this green tea is fully dissolvable into the water.

In other words, one fully ingests more actual tea. (there are no residual leaves) Matcha contains vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Each of these teas are low in caffeine, and very high in naturally occurring chemicals that are helpful in boosting the immune system. Those are facts. Now to unravel the actual studies, many have been done and many will continue to be done. Some testing is done by the medical field, some are done by scientists and some are done by companies that sell ice tea/tea.

Each of the studies can be slanted toward what the study may be geared to. If one reads a study and huge medicinal claims are being made or if it is too unbelievable to be true; it is.

See the original post:
Green Tea and Longevity

Eating for Longevity

Posted on by

Foods to keep your heart, brain, and bones healthy.

Is there such a thing as a longevity diet? Increasingly, studies suggest the answer is yes.

Around the world, certain groups of people enjoy exceptionally long lives. Consider the lucky people of Okinawa: These Pacific Islanders have an average life expectancy of more than 81 years, compared to 78 in the United States and a worldwide average of just 67. Closer to home, members of the Seventh Day Adventists, who typically eat vegetarian diets, outlive their neighbors by four to seven years on average.

Stuck in the Middle with You

If youre caring for an elderly parent -- or parents -- and your own children at the same time, youre probably overwhelmed, overworked, overscheduled, and exhausted. Youre also part of a growing cultural phenomenonknown asthe sandwich generation. As todays parents have children later in life, it often means that their childrearing and other family responsibilities collide head-on with the growing needs of aging parents. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP),...

Read the Stuck in the Middle with You article > >

The residents of the San Blas islands, meanwhile, off the coast of Panama, very rarely suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease. Indeed, research shows that their rate of heart disease is only nine per 100,000 people, compared to 83 per 100,000 among nearby mainland Panamanians.

What makes these groups so fortunate? A growing body of findings suggests that diet is one of the important contributors to longevity and a healthy life. WebMD examined the research and talked to the experts. Heres whats on the menu of people who enjoy long and healthy lives.

Most of us know to go easy on saturated fat, the kind found in meat and high-fat dairy products. Saturated fats have been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels into the danger zone. Just as important is what you should be eating. For heart health and longevity, you should eat:

Plenty of fruits and vegetables: Plant-based foods are abundant in fiber and many vitamins and minerals. Packed with nutrients, theyre also relatively low in calories. Studies consistently show that diets plentiful in fruits and vegetables help people maintain a healthy weight and protect against cardiovascular disease.

Read more from the original source:
Eating for Longevity

No DNA found from Jennifer Hudson family murder suspect

Posted on by

People News

May 4, 2012, 4:02 GMT

DNA of Jennifer Hudson family murder suspect absent

The DNA of the man accused of killing Jennifer Hudson's family was not found on the offending weapon.

Illinois State Police forensic scientist Pauline Gordon said she tested the gun and found an inadequate measure of DNA belonging to a man.

She also stated that it excluded main suspect William Balfour.

However, Pauline added that reasons for the DNA not being present would include if the killer wiped the weapon clean or wore gloves, a Chicago court heard.

The SUV vehicle which Jennifer's perished brother Jason owned and which her nephew, Julian King, was found dead in was also tested.

She told the court she took swabs from door handles, the rearview mirror, gear shift and other areas someone might have touched.

Her colleague Robert Berk testified that he found gunshot residue on the ceiling above the rear seat of Jason's car and on a steering wheel cover in Balfour's vehicle.

Originally posted here:
No DNA found from Jennifer Hudson family murder suspect

Posted in DNA

DNA sampling case develops

Posted on by

Maryland officials have set the stage for an appeal to the Supreme Court to revive their legal right to collect DNA samples from individuals who have been arrested, but not yet convicted of a crime if the stateshighest court cannot be persuaded to reconsider its partial ban on that procedure. The issue has divided lower federal and state courts, and the case of King v. Maryland would appear to pose the issue in a simple and direct way a rape conviction would fall, and getting a guilty verdictat a new trial could be in considerable doubt.

The ruling last month by the Maryland Court of Appeals, the states supreme court, is here. The state attorney generals motion to reconsider, indicating plans to go on to the Supreme Court if necessary, can be read here. State Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler asked the state court at least to put its ruling on hold until after it could be tested in the Supreme Court.

Marylands DNA sampling law was originally passed in 1994, but was extended in 2008 to require sampling of those arrested and not yet convicted. The federal government and 25 of the 50 states have similar laws, and disputes over their constitutionality have arisen across the country. The Supreme Court on March 19 refused to hear a case involving a challenge to a DNA sample taken from a Pennsylvania man (Mitchell v. United States, docket 11-7603), but the sample was not used in that case to identify the individual as the perpetrator of a different crime.

Among the constitutional issues that have arisen over such DNA sampling laws, these are some of the most significant:

** What level of privacy do arrested individuals have, compared to those actually found guilty of crimes?

** How intrusive is a DNA sample, both in terms of the physical procedure of swabbing inside the mouth, and in terms of the amount of private information gathered by such a swab?

** Do constitutional limits on it apply both to the original swabbing, and also to the later interpretation of the personal markers found?

** For constitutional purposes, is using the DNA result to tie an individual to other crimes simply another form of identification, or is it a form of investigation of another crime? (In other words, cansuch a sample be used constitutionallyonly if it helps identify that arrested individualas the person the police want for that particular crime, or can it also be used validly to link that individual to other crimes, such as unsolved offenses (cold cases)?

** Is the constitutional equation different if a sampling law puts strict limits on what information from a sample may be used by prosecutors? (In other words, is there no constitutional problem if the sample reveals only what are called junk factors that really do not tell much about an individuals biological profile?)

** And, if such a sampling procedure is invalid in some particular factual situations, may it remain on the books for other situations? (In other words, shouldsuch a law be struck down as written that is, facially or only as applied to specific scenarios?)

Go here to read the rest:
DNA sampling case develops

Posted in DNA

Jennifer Hudson family murder suspect DNA not on weapon, court hears

Posted on by

Rex Features / Erik Pendzich/Rex/Rex Features

Illinois State Police forensic scientist Pauline Gordon said she tested the gun and found an inadequate measure of DNA belonging to a man who was not a match for main suspect William Balfour, The AP reports.

However, Gordon also told the court in Chicago that that a DNA sample may not be present if the killer had wiped the weapon clean, or had worn gloves.

The SUV vehicle which Jennifer's brother Jason owned and which her nephew, Julian King, was found dead in was also tested by Gordon, who explained that she took swabs from door handles, the rearview mirror, gear shift and other areas of the car.

> Jennifer Hudson breaks down in tears in family murder trial

Gordon also tested other objects, but said that she found nothing matching the murder suspect's DNA.

Her colleague Robert Berk testified that he found gunshot residue on the ceiling above the rear seat of Jason Hudson's car, and on a steering wheel cover in Balfour's vehicle.

Berk added that the residue on the steering wheel cover correlated with someone firing a gun, before driving the car.

Balfour faces three counts of first-degree murder relating to Jennifer's mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, Jason and Julian in October 2008.

He is also accused of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, residential burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

See the article here:
Jennifer Hudson family murder suspect DNA not on weapon, court hears

Posted in DNA

A needle in a haystack: How does a broken DNA molecule get repaired?

Posted on by

ScienceDaily (May 3, 2012) Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology have discovered a key element in the mechanism of DNA repair. When the DNA double helix breaks, the broken end goes searching for the similar sequence and uses that as a template for repair. Using a smart new dual-molecule technique, the Delft group has now found out how the DNA molecule is able to perform this search and recognition process in such an efficient way.

This week, the researchers report their findings in Molecular Cell.

A staggering problem

Sometimes, the DNA double helix gets broken: both strands are accidentally cut. This presents a vital problem because cells cannot cope with such damaged DNA. Genomic DNA instabilities such as these, are a known cause of cancer. The good news is that an intricate DNA repair system exists which is impressively error-proof and efficient. How does this work?

First, proteins form a filamentous structure on the broken DNA end. Second, this filament examines recently copied DNA or the second DNA chromosome (remember that we have two copies of each chromosome) in search of a DNA sequence that matches that of the broken end. Note that this is a daunting task: given that, for example, our human genome contains three billion base pairs, finding your few hundred base pairs of interest, is really like finding a needle in a haystack.

'Still this search process occurs within minutes and with great efficiency. How that is achieved, has been a mystery for decades. The new experiments from our group now resolve this by revealing the key step in the process, the molecular recognition step', says scientist Iwijn de Vlaminck, who was the postdoc that did the experiments in the group of prof. Cees Dekker at Delft.

Search operation

'In bacteria, the so-called RecA protein is responsible for conducting the search operation. In E. coli bacteria, a filament of RecA protein formed on DNA, searches and pairs a sequence within a second DNA molecule with remarkable speed and fidelity. To do so, individual molecules of RecA first come together to form a filamentous structure on the broken DNA. The filament then grabs DNA molecules in its vicinity and compares their sequence to the sequence of the broken DNA. When a sequence match is found, both molecules bind tightly to one another allowing repair to ensue', says De Vlaminck (since recently at Stanford University).

'We found that the filament's secondary DNA-binding site interacts with a single strand of the incoming double-stranded DNA during homology sampling. Recognition is achieved upon binding of both strands of the incoming DNA to each of two DNA-binding sites in the filament.'

The data indicate that the fidelity of the search process is governed by the distance between the DNA binding sites. The Delft experiments clarify what exactly happens in the sequence comparison of the two molecules, making clear why a 'wrong' sequence leads to quick dissociation of the molecules while a 'correct' sequence makes a strong bond leading up to further repair. These are the two elements that lead to the impressive speed and high efficiency of the DNA repair process.

More:
A needle in a haystack: How does a broken DNA molecule get repaired?

Posted in DNA

KU senior wins top prize at Commonwealth of University Biologists meeting

Posted on by

Kutztown University, senior biology major, Jazzmyn McCoy, of Shamokin, won the top prize for her poster display in the cellular/molecular sub-division at the Commonwealth of University Biologists Annual Meeting, at Slippery Rock University, on April 14.

McCoy worked in close collaboration with Dr. Cristen Rosch, KU assistant professor of biological sciences on her display on the effects of embryonic exposure to catnip oil in comparison to standard household mosquito repellent which contains DEET. McCoys results suggested that catnip oil does not result in bird embryo mutations that are caused by DEET. Her poster was judged out of ten others from other commonwealth universities in that subdivision.

I think Jazzmyns poster was in a unique area and had strong results, so it was very impressive to the judges. Kutztown University biology assistant professor Dr. Daniel Aruscavage said.

For more information about the Commonwealth of University Biologists, please visit their website at http://academics.sru.edu/cpub/index.php?content=proceedings.

McCoy worked in close collaboration with Dr. Cristen Rosch, KU assistant professor of biological sciences on her display on the effects of embryonic exposure to catnip oil in comparison to standard household mosquito repellent which contains DEET. McCoys results suggested that catnip oil does not result in bird embryo mutations that are caused by DEET. Her poster was judged out of ten others from other commonwealth universities in that subdivision.

I think Jazzmyns poster was in a unique area and had strong results, so it was very impressive to the judges. Kutztown University biology assistant professor Dr. Daniel Aruscavage said.

For more information about the Commonwealth of University Biologists, please visit their website at http://academics.sru.edu/cpub/index.php?content=proceedings.

Go here to read the rest:
KU senior wins top prize at Commonwealth of University Biologists meeting

Cell membrane is patterned like a patchwork quilt

Posted on by

The membrane of the yeast cell is divided into different domains (highlighted in colour), giving it the appearance of a molecular patchwork quilt. MPI f. Biochemistry/Wedlich-Sldner

(Phys.org) -- As the interface between the cell and its environment, the cell membrane, which consists of fats and proteins, fulfils a variety of vital functions. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich have performed the first comprehensive analysis of the molecular structure of this boundary layer, and revealed precisely how it is organised. In yeast cells, the entire membrane is made up of independent domains, each containing just one or a few protein types. If a protein is relocated to an inappropriate domain, it may even fail to function. The study shows that the membrane is a kind of patchwork quilt and should help scientists to gain a better understanding of basic cellular processes.

The cell membrane must process numerous signals from the environment and the cell interior in order to initiate apposite molecular responses to changing conditions. For example, if certain messenger substances bind to the membrane, this can trigger the growth or division of a cell. The cell membrane has long been the focus of scientific research. One aspect that has remained largely unexplained, however, is exactly how its various components organise themselves. According to an early model, the fats (lipids) and proteins anchored in the membrane are in constant flux and do not form fixed structures. That at least some are organised in bounded domains was only proven quite recently, and only for a small number of proteins.

Researchers working with Roland Wedlich-Sldner, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, have now carried out the first comprehensive analysis of the molecular structure of the cell membrane. They used advanced imaging technologies for the purpose, enabling them to obtain much sharper images of the cell membrane and the marked proteins within them than were previously available. They discovered that domain formation in the cell membrane is not the exception, but the rule. Each protein in the cell membrane is located in distinct areas that adopt a patch- or network-like structure. The entire cell membrane thus consists of domains like a kind of molecular patchwork quilt.

Some areas contain more than one type of protein, says Roland Wedlich-Sldner. Even if these molecules fulfil entirely different functions, they generally have one thing in common: they are attached to a shared domain in the membrane by a similar or identical molecular anchor. In another experiment, the scientists succeeded in demonstrating the extent to which the protein function depends on this specific environment: they replaced the original anchor in some proteins with another molecular variant. The modified proteins then relocated to a foreign domain that matched the new anchor. However, they were no able longer to function correctly in their new surroundings.

How then do proteins find the appropriate domain and remain associated with it, despite being relatively mobile in the plane of the membrane? The researchers were able to show that the lipids in the cell membrane play a central role in this process. Different lipids prefer to accumulate around certain protein anchors. Therefore, areas arise that are particularly attractive to proteins with a similar type of anchor. This could explain how cell membranes self-organise another previously unanswered question in biology. The highly ordered structure of the cell membrane could help scientists to gain a better understanding of its many functions. One may assume that many processes only function efficiently thanks to the formation of domains in the cell membrane, says Wedlich-Sldner. It is possible that the cell exploits a principle that also applies in everyday life: a certain degree of order makes it much easier to get things done.

Provided by Max Planck Society (news : web)

Read the original post:
Cell membrane is patterned like a patchwork quilt

UAB researcher elected to prestigious National Academy of Sciences

Posted on by

For just the second time in history, a UAB faculty member has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences.

Louise Chow -- professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, and a senior scientist in the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Comprehensive Cancer Center -- was one of 105 people picked this year for their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Chow received her FedExed letter of invitation from the academy on Wednesday.

The National Academy of Sciences -- sometimes called the science hall of fame -- has only 2,582 members. No one else from an Alabama institution is listed in the academy's directory.

Chow, a citizen of Taiwan, was elected as one of 21 foreign associates this week, along with 84 new members who are U.S. citizens.

The only previous National Academy of Sciences member from UAB was Dr. Max Cooper, a physician and immunologist who was elected in 1988. Cooper was the first person from an Alabama institution ever chosen for that august scientific body. He left Birmingham in 2007 after 40 years at UAB, lured to Emory University in Atlanta with the help of funding and support from the Georgia Research Alliance.

Chow came to UAB in 1993 from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. For the past 25 years she has worked on the pathobiology of human papilloma viruses. These viruses can be sexually transmitted and some types of the papilloma viruses are associated with cervical, penile and laryngeal cancers.

Chow earned her Ph.D. in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology, and for years worked at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. As a talented electron microscopist, she helped discover mRNA splicing in the adenovirus.

Her collaborator in that work, Richard Roberts, won a share of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993. In his Nobel banquet speech, Roberts gave tribute to his talented colleagues, particularly naming Chow and four other researchers.

More:
UAB researcher elected to prestigious National Academy of Sciences

Cdn Denis drops biochemistry for Octagon

Posted on by

THE CANADIAN PRESS

UFC bantamweight Nick Denis credits an episode of "Star Trek" for his career path. Not fighting, but biochemistry.

He started at the University of Ottawa as a math and physics student. But hooked on "Star Trek," he saw an episode where a disease hype-accelerated some on board the Enterprise and Dr. McCoy had to figure it out.

"After that episode, I was like 'Screw physics. I want to do biochemistry. It's cool,"' Denis said with a laugh.

"I based that decision purely on an episode of TV."

Denis went on to get a bachelor's and master's degrees in biochemistry, electing at the start of 2011 to focus on fighting rather than continue with his PhD studies.

On Saturday night, the Montreal-based fighter steps into the Octagon for a second time when he takes on Ronald Delorme in all-Canadian bantamweight battle on a televised UFC card in East Rutherford, N.J.

The main event at the IZOD Center features lightweights Jim Miller (21-3) and Nate Diaz (15-7).

Denis' diving into biochemistry illustrates his penchant for setting a goal and accomplishing it.

Denis got into MMA at 20, just looking for something different than lifting weights. He joined a gym and got to meet some fighters. "One thing led to another."

Read more from the original source:
Cdn Denis drops biochemistry for Octagon

Denis drops biochemistry for the octagon

Posted on by

THE CANADIAN PRESS

UFC bantamweight Nick Denis credits an episode of "Star Trek" for his career path. Not fighting, but biochemistry.

He started at the University of Ottawa as a math and physics student. But hooked on "Star Trek," he saw an episode where a disease hype-accelerated some on board the Enterprise and Dr. McCoy had to figure it out.

"After that episode, I was like 'Screw physics. I want to do biochemistry. It's cool,"' Denis said with a laugh.

"I based that decision purely on an episode of TV."

Denis went on to get a bachelor's and master's degrees in biochemistry, electing at the start of 2011 to focus on fighting rather than continue with his PhD studies.

On Saturday night, the Montreal-based fighter steps into the Octagon for a second time when he takes on Ronald Delorme in all-Canadian bantamweight battle on a televised UFC card in East Rutherford, N.J.

The main event at the IZOD Center features lightweights Jim Miller (21-3) and Nate Diaz (15-7).

Denis' diving into biochemistry illustrates his penchant for setting a goal and accomplishing it.

Denis got into MMA at 20, just looking for something different than lifting weights. He joined a gym and got to meet some fighters. "One thing led to another."

Read the original post:
Denis drops biochemistry for the octagon

Grey's Anatomy Star Rescues Teen From Car Crash

Posted on by

Dempsey successfully pulled the driver from the wreckage -- a 17-year-old named Weston Massett -- who tells TMZ, when he opened his eyes, the actor was looking right down at him. Massett asked, "Are you famous?" ... and Patrick coolly replied, "I'm a doctor."

We're told Patrick called Massett's mother and told her about the accident -- keeping her calm the entire time. Massett was then airlifted to a nearby hospital, and Patrick followed to make sure the kid was okay.

Miraculously, Massett suffered no serious injuries -- just a concussion and a "stretched" optic nerve. He's expected to make a full recovery.

There was also a passenger in the car, Dylan Miller, but thankfully we're told Miller suffered no injuries whatsoever. - See photos here.

TMZ submitted this story. Copyright TMZ - Excerpted here with permission.

antiMUSIC News featured on RockNews.info and Yahoo News

...end

Read more:
Grey's Anatomy Star Rescues Teen From Car Crash

Dr. Aaron Schimmer Receives the Till and McCulloch Award – Award Lecture to be Presented Today on Drug Screening with …

Posted on by

MONTRAL, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's most coveted stem cell prize will be awarded to a Stem Cell Network researcher who has used drug screening to find a potential new treatment for a deadly form of cancer.

Dr. Aaron Schimmer, associate professor in the University of Toronto's Department of Medical Biophysics and a clinician-scientist in the Princess Margaret Cancer Program/Ontario Cancer Institute at University Health Network, has received the 2012 Till & McCulloch Award, presented each year by the Stem Cell Network in recognition of the year's most influential peer-reviewed article by a researcher in Canada. Dr. Schimmer will accept the award and present a lecture entitled "Novel therapeutic strategies to target leukemia stem cells" as part of the Till and McCulloch Meetings in Montral at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

In an advance interview, Dr. Schimmer described his findings and their potential as a new drug therapy in the treatment of leukemia.

"When you treat patients with leukemia, you can kill off 99 per cent of their leukemic cells with just about anything, and yet, 80 per cent or more of patients relapse," Schimmer explained. "When we examined this in a really objective way, the question was not how to kill off those bulk cells - we already knew how to do that - but are we really missing a critical component of what we should be targeting?"

Dr. Schimmer and his team eventually found that cutting off the energy production capacity of bulk leukemia cells and leukemia stem cells was a way of treating the disease, and that the compound tigecyclinean FDA-approved antibiotic sometimes used to treat skin and abdominal infectionswas up to the task.

"Tigecycline appeared to work by essentially shutting down the energy supply of the leukemia cells and stem cells," said Dr. Schimmer. "Essentially it is like producing a selective power outage in leukemia cells but not normal cells."

By focusing on FDA-approved drugs, Dr. Schimmer was able to produce results that were quickly translated into clinical trials. Less than two years passed between his initial findings and the commencement of a phase-one clinical triala process that can otherwise take three or four times that long.

"It is incredibly impressive how much progress Dr. Schimmer has made in such a short period of time by using these stem cell screening techniques," said Stem Cell Network Scientific Director Michael Rudnicki. "By identifying drugs which are already approved for human therapies and testing their efficacy in treating diseases such as leukemia, Dr. Schimmer has shaved years off of the clinical trial process. It is likely that his discovery will improve the outcomes for many patients in the near future."

In 2005, the Stem Cell Network established the Till & McCulloch Award in honour of Canadians Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch, whose pioneering work established the field of stem cell research. The Award had been granted at the Stem Cell Network's Annual Scientific Meeting, but became part of the Till & McCulloch Meetings this year.

The previous winner was Timothy Caulfield, who was recognized for his global leadership in the field of stem cell ethics.

Read this article:
Dr. Aaron Schimmer Receives the Till and McCulloch Award - Award Lecture to be Presented Today on Drug Screening with ...

American CryoStem Announces ACS Laboratories Adipose Tissue and Adult Stem Cell Testing Services

Posted on by

RED BANK, NJ--(Marketwire -04/30/12)- American CryoStem Corporation (CRYO.PK - News) announced the launch of its new adipose tissue and adult stem cell testing services to assist physicians involved in tissue engraftment, regenerative medicine procedures and cellular therapies utilizing adult adipose derived stem cells. The new testing services provide physicians an affordable method for self assessment of their procedures and methods to better understand the relationship between tissue quality and engraftment success.

American CryoStem recognizes the need for independent testing services as reinforced by the increasing focus and scrutiny of physician office based tissue laboratories by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The menu of testing services includes full 14 day sterility testing, viability testing, growth assay and additional tests for each selected service. The tests can be ordered individually or in multiples over time and are designed to allow physicians to self evaluate their current methods and performance, or to assess new methods or devices designed to improve procedure and tissue quality. Long term and customized programs are available upon request. Physicians enrolled as a provider of the Company's stem cell storage services can obtain discounts for individual and multi test programs.

"We are very excited about rolling these new services out to our existing providers and all participants in the tissue engraftment, regenerative medicine and cellular therapy markets. We believe that this is the first such program offered commercially and meets a critical need for the advancement of the regenerative and cellular therapy markets," said Anthony Dudzinski, the Company's COO. "Now there is a way for physicians to assess their own performance without the need to overcome the significant costs of purchasing and maintaining their own testing facilities."

The new testing services are offered by ACS Laboratories reflects the Company's increasing branding and commercialization of products and services developed around its proprietary clinical tissue processing and storage methodologies. ACS Laboratory incorporates its proprietary cGMP/cGTP aseptic methods and FDA guidance's into these services to ensure the highest quality and most useful information for physicians.

About American CryoStem: American CryoStem Corporation (CRYO.PK - News) markets clinical processing services and patented products for Adipose (fat) Tissue and Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cells. The Company's clinical processing, patented cell culture media products and cellular preservation platform supports the science and regenerative medicine applications being developed globally. The Company provides the highest quality, clinically processed cells assuring their purity, viability and growth capabilities, while at the same time developing cutting edge applications, therapies and patented laboratory products and services for consumer and commercial applications.

Originally posted here:
American CryoStem Announces ACS Laboratories Adipose Tissue and Adult Stem Cell Testing Services

Stem Cell Treatment Helps Pets with Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia

Posted on by

Sanford, FL (PRWEB) May 01, 2012

Veterinarians at Val-U-Vet are performing adipose stem cell therapy on dogs and cats suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia and more. After treatment, severely arthritic pets experience substantial decrease in pain, and have significantly increased mobility.

These are not the controversial embryonic stem cells of the past. Adipose stem cells are harvested from a pets own fat tissue. According to MediVet, the patented technology provider, adipose stem cell treatment can actually reverse some degenerative diseases previously thought to be incurable. The documented before and after video footage of the patients is quite compelling.

All animals have billions of dormant stem cells in their bodies. Adipose tissue (fat) has the highest concentration of dormant stem cells. The treatment begins with the vet surgically removing a small amount of fat from the patient. The fat is then processed on-site with MediVets LED technology to awaken the hibernating stem cells.

The activated stem cells are injected back into the patient by the millions, where they go to work like heat-seeking missiles, repairing tissue. The stem cells also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which reduces the pets pain almost immediately stated Brandon Godwin, Marketing Director for Val-U-Vet.

Within 30 days of the procedure, the patients have significantly increased mobility and little or no pain in their knee and hip joints. In many cases the benefits remain throughout the rest of the pets life, but occasionally more injections are beneficial. Since the procedure is all natural and uses the pets own cells, there is no chance of bodily rejection.

Val-U-Vet has performed over 60 stem cell procedures in Central Florida. About 95% of our cases have shown lasting improvement and no longer need to take their daily pain medication. Our goal is to fix the problem, not mask the symptoms, said Godwin.

The results of the procedure are partially determined by the age and overall health of the pet. Stem cells taken from a young and healthy pet will typically be the most effective. The doctors at Val-U-Vet recommend banking a young pets potent stem cells in combination with their routine spay or neuter. The stem cells can be stored at sub-zero temperatures until they are needed.

There are two important tests that a pet must pass to qualify for the procedure. The pet is screened with blood work and full body x-rays to assure there is no cancer or active infections and that the pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Val-U-Vet offers a free consultation for any pet suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia or ligament/cartilage damage. The all-inclusive cost of the same-day procedure is $1800, and they do offer payment plans.

For more information about the procedure, visit: http://www.valuvet.com/stem_cell_therapy.html

Go here to see the original:
Stem Cell Treatment Helps Pets with Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia

Important mechanism that affects the aging process identified

Posted on by

ScienceDaily (May 1, 2012) Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a key mechanism of action for the TOR (target of rapamycin) protein kinase, a critical regulator of cell growth which plays a major role in illness and aging. This finding not only illuminates the physiology of aging but could lead to new treatments to increase lifespan and control age-related conditions, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration.

Over the past decade, studies have shown that inhibiting TOR activity, which promotes cell growth by regulating protein synthesis, increases lifespan in a variety of species including flies and mice; in recent years research has focused on uncovering the precise mechanisms underlying this effect. The Joslin study, published in the May 2 issue of Cell Metabolism, reports that TOR has a direct impact on two master gene regulator proteins -- SKN-1 and DAF-16 -which control genes that protect against environmental, metabolic and proteotoxic stress. The TOR kinase acts in two signaling pathways, TORC1 and TORC2. When TORC1 is inhibited, SKN-1 and DAF-16 are mobilized, leading to activation of protective genes that increase stress resistance and longevity. This new finding was demonstrated in experiments with C. elegans, a microscopic worm used as a model organism, but activation of protective genes was also observed in mice. Most findings in C. elegans have turned out to be applicable to mice and humans.

"We uncovered a critical mechanism in the relationship between TOR and aging and disease. There is a homeostatic relationship between protein synthesis and stress defenses: when protein synthesis is reduced, stress defenses increase," says lead author T. Keith Blackwell, MD, PhD, co-head of the Joslin Islet Cell & Regenerative Biology Section and Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School. The Blackwell lab studies the aging process and how it is influenced by insulin and other metabolic regulatory mechanisms.

TOR activity, which is essential for early development but can lead to age-related decline, is implicated in a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In diabetes, TOR has both positive and negative effects: It promotes beta cell growth and insulin production but inappropriate TORC1 activity leads to insulin resistance and beta cell demise, as well as fat accumulation. At the same time, insufficient TORC2 activity can lead to insulin resistance.

The new results on TOR and SKN-1 suggest that SKN-1 might have a positive effects in Type 2 diabetes: "Turning on this pathway could be important in defending against the effects of high glucose, and promoting beta cell health" says Blackwell.

In the study, TOR activity was inhibited by genetic interference and the TOR-inhibitor rapamycin, a naturally occurring compound which is used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplants, and has been shown to increase lifespan in mice. Using rapamycin or related drugs to treat diseases affected by TOR has been a subject of intense interest among scientists and clinicians. The study found that rapamycin inhibits both TORC1 and TORC2, which will interest scientists investigating rapamycin as a pharmaceutical. "We need to increase understanding of rapamycin and its effects on TOR activity to determine how targeting TOR or processes it controls can help treat diseases that involve TOR and derangement of metabolism. We also need to look at therapies that work on TORC1 and TORC2 independently," said Blackwell. However, one caveat with TOR inhibition is that the kinase plays such a central role in the basic physiology of growing and dividing cells. The new results suggest that in some situations we might want to bypass TOR itself, and directly harness beneficial processes that are controlled by SKN-1 or DAF-16.

Future research will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of how TOR acts on beneficial defense pathways and affects aging and disease. "In science, we are always looking for ways to interfere with mechanisms that promote aging and disease in ways that are beneficial to people," says Blackwell.

The study was supported by supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute of General Medical Sciences) and the Ellison Medical Foundation.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

More here:
Important mechanism that affects the aging process identified

Neuro Researchers Sharpen Our Understanding of Memories

Posted on by

Newswise Scientists now have a better understanding of how precise memories are formed thanks to research led by Prof. Jean-Claude Lacaille of the University of Montreals Department of Physiology. In terms of human applications, these findings could help us to better understand memory impairments in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Lacaille said. The study looks at the cells in our brains, or neurons, and how they work together as a group to form memories. Chemical receptors at neuron interconnections called synapses enable these cells to form electrical networks that encode memories, and neurons are classified into two groups according to the type of chemical they produce: excitatory, who produce chemicals that increase communication between neurons, and inhibitory, who have the opposite effect, decreasing communication. Scientists knew that inhibitory cells enable us to refine our memories, to make them specific to a precise set of information, Lacaille explained. Our findings explain for the first time how this happens at the molecular and cell levels.

Many studies have been undertaken on excitatory neurons, but very little research has been done on inhibitory neurons, partly because they are very difficult to study. The scientists found that a factor called CREB plays a key role in adjusting gene expression and the strength of synapses in inhibitory neurons. Proteins are biochemical compounds encoded in our genes that enable cells to perform their various functions, and new proteins are necessary for memory formation. We were able to study how synapses of inhibitory neurons taken from rats are modified in the 24 hours following the formation of a memory, Lacaille said. In the laboratory, we simulated the formation of a new memory by using chemicals. We then measured the electrical activity within the network of cells. In cells where we had removed CREB, we saw that the strength of the electrical connections was much weaker. Conversely, when we increased the presence of CREB, the connections were stronger.

This new understanding of the chemical functioning of the brain may one day lead to new treatments for disorders like Alzheimers, as researchers will be able to look at these synaptic mechanisms and design drugs that target the chemicals involved. We knew that problems with synapse modifications are amongst the roots of the cognitive symptoms suffered by the victims of neurodegenerative diseases, Lacaille said. These findings shine light on the neurobiological basis of their memory problems. However, we are unfortunately many years away from developing new treatments from this information.

The findings were published in the Journal of Neuroscience on May 2, 2012. The researchers received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Fonds de recherche du Qubec Sant. Jean-Claude Lacaille is the Canada Research Chair in Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology. Israeli Ran, recipient of a Fellowship of the Savoy Foundation, and Isabel Laplante contributed to this research. All three researchers were affiliated with the Department of Physiology and the Groupe de Recherche sur le Systme Nerveux Central of the University of Montreal when the research was undertaken. The University of Montreal is officially known as Universit de Montral.

Read more here:
Neuro Researchers Sharpen Our Understanding of Memories

Mayo Clinic completes implementation of new SCC Soft Computer laboratory information system

Posted on by

Public release date: 27-Apr-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Ginger Plumbo plumbo.ginger@mayo.edu 507-266-0517 Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic today announced that it has completed a multiyear implementation of a new laboratory information system for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Mayo Medical Laboratories. The new system, which connects Mayo laboratories in Arizona, Minnesota and New England, was developed in collaboration with SCC Soft Computer of Clearwater, Fla.

Mayo Medical Laboratories, Mayo Clinic's reference laboratory, now has the most advanced laboratory information system in the market. The single system allows Mayo to manage testing in multiple locations, provides real-time location of a specimen, and enables continuous improvement in turnaround times and processes. The new laboratory information system helps Mayo Medical Laboratories to offer its clients broader ordering and resulting configurations (e.g., partial results, flagging, and richer test result details). Additionally, the system has helped Mayo Medical Laboratories process client specimens more efficiently to further improve turnaround times.

"We are excited to take yet another forward step in the pathway of clinical excellence," says Franklin R. Cockerill, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and president and CEO of Mayo Medical Laboratories. "Mayo is delivering on its commitment to provide the highest-quality, patient-focused laboratory medicine and pathology in the world. Our hospital and medical center lab clients, as well as patients worldwide, will benefit directly from the successful replacement of our entire laboratory information system." The SCC Soft Computer laboratory information system now manages all inpatient and outpatient collections in Minnesota and Arizona as well as the majority of laboratory testing in Arizona, Minnesota and Mayo Medical Laboratories New England.

"SCC is proud to lead the modernization of the laboratory information systems at Mayo Clinic," says Gilbert Hakim, chief executive officer of SCC Soft Computer. "By putting forth continuous effort to stay ahead of trends in the health care field, SCC focuses not only on the improvement of existing software suites, but the development of new and advanced products as well. This works perfectly with an innovative partner like Mayo."

###

About Mayo Clinic Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology/Mayo Medical Laboratories

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic maintains an active diagnostic test development program. This program incorporates Mayo Clinic discoveries and expertise with discoveries from other diagnostic and biotechnology companies and leading academic and research organizations. Mayo uses these proven diagnostic technologies to care for its own patients and offers them to more than 5,000 health care institutions around the world through Mayo Medical Laboratories. Revenue from testing is used to support medical education and research at Mayo Clinic.

About SCC Soft Computer

Read more:
Mayo Clinic completes implementation of new SCC Soft Computer laboratory information system

Laboratory analyzes shrapnel to look for uranium

Posted on by

Military doctors at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland are examining shrapnel taken from service members and veterans, looking for depleted uranium and other metals.

The Joint Pathology Center's Biophysical Toxicology and Depleted Uranium/Embedded Metal Fragment Laboratories branch is analyzing the embedded fragments and providing second opinions at military and Veterans Affairs medical centers to treat those who had retained shrapnel.

Our goal is to improve the care of wounded warriors, said Army Col. (Dr.) Thomas Baker, interim director of the Joint Pathology Center, the umbrella organization for the lab.

We advise [doctors] how to follow up and what treatment is needed to mitigate the potential effects of uranium and other metals, he said.

The lab analyzes all combat-associated metal fragments taken from DOD personnel that might pose a long-term health risk, such as depleted uranium, which can contribute to kidney damage over time, Baker explained. The lab also develops laboratory capabilities in metal toxicology to support the Defense Department, The Pathology Center and VA and Army programs that require exposure assessment to depleted uranium, embedded fragment analysis and analysis of certain metal alloys, officials said.

The only one of its kind in the United States, Baker said, the lab keeps a registry of the fragments for future re-evaluation. The register now includes 600 specimens.

The lab also has the only diagnostic equipment in the nation that can detect where the uranium originates in the body, noted Dr. Jose Centeno, the lab's director.

A wide range of materials are packed in improvised explosive devices, the doctors said.

The metal fragments and alloys the labs analyze comprise common metals and alloys of steel, aluminum, copper and brass. Depleted uranium is contained in some fragments, the doctors said, noting that shrapnel specimens are tested in triplicate for accuracy.

Concerns about tainted fragments began in 1993 following the Gulf War, when evidence arose of kidney damage from uranium, the doctors said.

Read the original here:
Laboratory analyzes shrapnel to look for uranium