Agnosticism & Agnostics: What Do Agnostics Believe? What’s …

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There are many misconceptions about agnosticism, agnostics, and the reasons why anyone would adopt a position of agnosticism in the first place. This is unfortunate, because whether agnosticism is conceived of as a philosophy or simply an isolated position on the existence of gods, it is eminently reasonable and defensible.

Agnosticism for Beginners - Basic Facts About Agnosticism & Agnostics Collected here are all the most basic facts and information about agnosticism and agnostics. It will make it easier for beginners and even agnostics themselves to better understand what agnosticism is, what agnosticism is not, this history of agnosticism, the philosophical foundations of agnosticism, and what being an agnostic means.

Standard Dictionary Definitions of Agnosticism To understand the concept of agnosticism, it can be helpful to learn a bit more about its history. It has been used in a variety of ways, not all of which are entirely compatible. They may be similar, but there enough differences that there can be some confusion.

Overview of the Definition of Agnosticism The term agnosticism is used primarily for a single issue: do any gods exist or not? Those who disclaim knowledge of gods or even that such knowledge is possible are labeled agnostics. There are many misconceptions about agnosticism, agnostics, and the reasons why anyone would adopt agnosticism in the first place. This is unfortunate, because...

Short Explanation of the Agnostic Position So, what is the definition of agnosticism? Some imagine that agnosticism represents an alternative to atheism, but those people have typically bought into the mistaken notion of the single, narrow definition of atheism. Strictly speaking, agnosticism is about knowledge, and knowledge is a related but separate issue from belief, the domain of...

Atheism vs. Agnosticism: What's the Difference? Many people who adopt the label of agnostic reject the label of atheist - there is a common perception that agnosticism is a more "reasonable" position while atheism is more "dogmatic," ultimately indistinguishable from theism except in the details. Is this a valid position to take?

Agnosticism & Philosophy Agnosticism is not itself a philosophy, but a relevant and respectable agnosticism depends on philosophical principles: one epistemological and one ethical. When this happens, it means that a person's agnosticism is not just philosophical, but well-considered and reasonable.

Agnosticism & Religion Agnosticism is compatible with religion and is sometimes even an integral part of religions. Agnosticism need not stand outside of religion or religious systems, either as a disinterested observer or as an active critic.

Atheist vs. Agnostic - What's the Difference Between an Atheist and an Agnostic? The difference between being an atheist and being an agnostic is clear. Atheists don't believe in any gods. Agnostics doesn't know if any gods exist or not. These can be the exact same people, but need not be.

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Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages – Biology …

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During the latter stage stages of the 20th century, man harnessed the power of the atom, and not long after, soon realised the power of genes. Genetic engineering is going to become a very mainstream part of our lives sooner or later, because there are so many possibilities advantages (and disadvantages) involved. Here are just some of the advantages :

Of course there are two sides to the coin, here are some possible eventualities and disadvantages.

Genetic engineering may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent history alongside the discovery of the atom and space flight, however, with the above eventualities and facts above in hand, governments have produced legislation to control what sort of experiments are done involving genetic engineering. In the UK there are strict laws prohibiting any experiments involving the cloning of humans. However, over the years here are some of the experimental 'breakthroughs' made possible by genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering has been impossible until recent times due to the complex and microscopic nature of DNA and its component nucleotides. Through progressive studies, more and more in this area is being made possible, with the above examples only showing some of the potential that genetic engineering shows.

For us to understand chromosomes and DNA more clearly, they can be mapped for future reference. More simplistic organisms such as fruit fly (Drosophila) have been chromosome mapped due to their simplistic nature meaning they will require less genes to operate. At present, a task named the Human Genome Project is mapping the human genome, and should be completed in the next ten years.

The process of genetic engineering involves splicing an area of a chromosome, a gene, that controls a certain characteristic of the body. The enzyme endonuclease is used to split a DNA sequence and split the gene from the rest of the chromosome. For example, this gene may be programmed to produce an antiviral protein. This gene is removed and can be placed into another organism. For example, it can be placed into a bacteria, where it is sealed into the DNA chain using ligase. When the chromosome is once again sealed, the bacteria is now effectively re-programmed to replicate this new antiviral protein. The bacteria can continue to live a healthy life, though genetic engineering and human intervention has actively manipulated what the bacteria actually is. No doubt there are advantages and disadvantages, and this whole subject area will become more prominent over time.

The next page returns the more natural circumstances of genetic diversity.

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Crambe could be an even better oil crop thanks to gene technology

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It is possible to apply genetic modification to the crop crambe so it meets market demands and takes into account what modern society wants. These are the results of research for which Weicong Qi will receive his PhD on 27 August at Wageningen University, part of Wageningen UR.

Qi has developed a technique to genetically modify crambe without marker genes appearing in the crop. Using this technique he was able to steer the manufacture of metabolic substances in a direction that would make the crop more attractive to the processing industry.

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica), a bio-based economy crop, is a source of renewable raw materials that will allow industry to become less dependent on petroleum, thus leading to a more sustainable economy.

Biobased Economy

At the moment, however, the quantities of oil this crop produces are too small to meet the needs of industry, which has a particular interest in erucic acid. That is why crambe has been bred for a number of decades. It seems that when Crambe is crossbred, it can produce, at most, 65% erucic acid: too little to make the crop economically viable. That is why the Chinese PhD student Weicong Qi investigated the possibility of enhancing erucic acid production in crambe by applying genetic modification.

Genetically modifying crambe

Qi has developed a workable system for genetically modifying crambe, and one that does not lead to marker genes in the crop. He used the technique to transfer a gene to crambe which meant the plant could build oil molecules with not two, but three erucic acid molecules on the three available positions on each oil molecule (glycerol). In this way Qi managed to increase the erucic acid levels to more than 75%. According to his co-supervisor, Frans Krens, this is an important step forward. "It's not the whole story, but Qi has shown that this approach can work. A start has been made"

Explore further: Research uses camelina to build better biofuel

A Kansas State University biochemist is improving biofuels with a promising crop: Camelina sativa. The research may help boost rural economies and provide farmers with a value-added product.

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Crambe could be an even better oil crop thanks to gene technology

Science | Define Science at Dictionary.com

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c.1300, "knowledge (of something) acquired by study," also "a particular branch of knowledge," from O.Fr. science, from L. scientia "knowledge," from sciens (gen. scientis), prp. of scire "to know," probably originally "to separate one thing from another, to distinguish," related to scindere "to cut, divide," from PIE base *skei- (cf. Gk. skhizein "to split, rend, cleave," Goth. skaidan, O.E. sceadan "to divide, separate;" see shed (v.)). Modern sense of "non-arts studies" is attested from 1678. The distinction is commonly understood as between theoretical truth (Gk. episteme) and methods for effecting practical results (tekhne), but science sometimes is used for practical applications and art for applications of skill. Main modern (restricted) sense of "body of regular or methodical observations or propositions ... concerning any subject or speculation" is attested from 1725; in 17c.-18c. this concept commonly was called philosophy. To blind (someone) with science "confuse by the use of big words or complex explanations" is attested from 1937, originally noted as a phrase from Australia and New Zealand.

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ScienceBlogs – Where the world turns to talk about science.

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Failing to get the time to acclimate to a hot work environment can be deadly. Thats the message I took away from an item in last weeks Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Heat illness and deaths among workers U.S. 2012-2013 reports on 13 occupational heat-related fatalities investigated by federal OSHA. Nine of the

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data on heat deaths among U.S. workers, underscoring the often-tragic consequences that result when employers fail to take relatively simple and low-cost preventive actions.

On July 5, James Baldasarre, a 45-year old a Medford, Massachusetts US Postal Service employee who had worked for USPS for 24 years, died from excessive heat. According to news reports, shortly before collapsing in the 95-degree heat, Baldasarre texted his wife to say, Im going to die out here today. Its so hot. On

A hot work environment killed at least 13 people in 2012 and 2013 (not counting cases from nineteen states, including California, that operate their own OSHA programs). On The Pump Handle, Celeste Monforton writes "the report shows the diversity of jobs and situations in which workers are at risk of suffering a heat-related illness or death." Kim Krisberg says "most of the people worked outdoors, though seven of the cases happened indoors in work settings with a powerful heat source." Nine of the thirteen died in their first three days of being on the job, showing that the human body needs time to acclimate to a hot new schedule. Krisberg continues "heat illness prevention programs were either incomplete or entirely absent from the workplaces in question." Considering that workplaces in the study were as hot as 106 Fahrenheit, and that heat stroke can damage the brain and organs as well as kill you, simple interventions like providing water, shade, and rest should be a top priority for any employer.

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Evolution – Main Page – Conservapedia

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From Conservapedia

The theory of evolution is a naturalistic theory of the history of life on earth (this refers to the theory of evolution which employs methodological naturalism and is taught in schools and universities). Merriam-Webster's dictionary gives the following definition of evolution: "a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations..."[2] Currently, there are several theories of evolution.

Since World War II a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the evolutionary position which employs methodological naturalism have been atheists and agnostics (see also: Causes of evolutionary belief)[3] In 2007, "Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture...announced that over 700 scientists from around the world have now signed a statement expressing their skepticism about the contemporary theory of Darwinian evolution."[4]

In 2011, the results of a study was published indicating that most United States high school biology teachers are reluctant to endorse the theory of evolution in class. [5] In addition, in 2011, eight anti-evolution bills were introduced into state legislatures within the United States encouraging students to employ critical thinking skills when examining the evolutionary paradigm. In 2009, there were seven states which required critical analysis skills be employed when examining evolutionary material within schools.[6]

A 2005 poll by the Louis Finkelstein Institute for Social and Religious Research found that 60% of American medical doctors reject Darwinism, stating that they do not believe man evolved through natural processes alone.[7] Thirty-eight percent of the American medical doctors polled agreed with the statement that "Humans evolved naturally with no supernatural involvement." [8] The study also reported that 1/3 of all medical doctors favor the theory of intelligent design over evolution.[9] In 2010, the Gallup organization reported that 40% of Americans believe in young earth creationism.[10] In January 2006, the BBC reported concerning Britain:

Furthermore, more than 40% of those questioned believe that creationism or intelligent design (ID) should be taught in school science lessons.[11]

The theory of evolution posits a process of transformation from simple life forms to more complex life forms, which has never been observed or duplicated in a laboratory.[12][13] Although not a creation scientist, Swedish geneticist Dr. Nils Heribert-Nilsson, Professor of Botany at the University of Lund in Sweden and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, stated: "My attempts to demonstrate Evolution by an experiment carried on for more than 40 years have completely failed. At least, I should hardly be accused of having started from a preconceived antievolutionary standpoint."[14][15]

The fossil record is often used as evidence in the creation versus evolution controversy. The fossil record does not support the theory of evolution and is one of the flaws in the theory of evolution.[16] In 1981, there were at least a hundred million fossils that were catalogued and identified in the world's museums.[17] Despite the large number of fossils available to scientists in 1981, evolutionist Mark Ridley, who currently serves as a professor of zoology at Oxford University, was forced to confess: "In any case, no real evolutionist, whether gradualist or punctuationist, uses the fossil record as evidence in favour of the theory of evolution as opposed to special creation."[18]

In addition to the evolutionary position lacking evidential support and being counterevidential, the great intellectuals in history such as Archimedes, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and Lord Kelvin did not propose an evolutionary process for a species to transform into a more complex version. Even after the theory of evolution was proposed and promoted heavily in England and Germany, most leading scientists were against the theory of evolution.[19] The theory of evolution was published by naturalist Charles Darwin in his book On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life, in 1859. In a letter to Asa Gray, Darwin confided: "...I am quite conscious that my speculations run quite beyond the bounds of true science."[20]Prior to publishing the book, Darwin wrote in his private notebooks that he was a materialist, which is a type of atheist.(see: religious views of Charles Darwin) [21] Charles Darwins casual mentioning of a creator in earlier editions of The Origin of Species appears to have been a merely a ploy to downplay the implications of his materialistic theory.[22] The amount of credit Darwin actually deserves for the theory is disputed. [23] Darwin's theory attempted to explain the origin of the various kinds of plants and animals via the process of natural selection or "survival of the fittest".

The basic principle behind natural selection is that in the struggle for life some organisms in a given population will be better suited to their particular environment and thus have a reproductive advantage which increases the representation of their particular traits over time. Many years before Charles Darwin, there were several other individuals who published articles on the topic of natural selection.[24]

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Anti-Aging Medicine – Medical Services – Holistique …

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Anti-Aging Medicine is a specialty of Western Medicine similar to Naturopathic Medicine. Physicians practicing anti-aging medicine are dedicated to prevention, balancing hormones, and providing detoxification and nutrition to keep you healthier in order to slow down the aging process and prevent chronic disease. Anti-aging medicine also involves aesthetic practices that keep the skin and the physical appearance looking more radiant and younger.

At Holistique Medical Center, we practice anti-aging medicine using natural and holistic methods to increase your wellness, reverse the aging process and to make you feel full of life and vitality.

We provide nutrients intravenously as prevention for disease and aging. Energy, stamina, skin, immune system, and memory improve as a result. Hormone evaluation using functional urine, blood or saliva tests are done followed by balancing hormones using herbs, nutrients, homeopathic hormones or bio-identical hormone replacement when indicated. Properly balanced hormones are important in both females and men and affect energy, muscle, bone and skin health, mental clarity, mood, sexual function, cancer, chronic disease and aging.

Regular personalized detoxification significantly improves aging, mood and general wellness. As toxins, resulting from stress, chemical and environmental pollutants, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, build up in our system, oxidation of cells occurs. Oxidation of cells is the main culprit for aging. Once oxidation is minimized, the aging process is reversed and chronic disease and cancer prevented.

At Holistique, our physicians use numerous other techniques and procedures to keep you young. These may include: Needle-Free Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, mesotherapy, neural therapy, prolotherapy, Ondamed Biofeedback, complete digestive system analysis and treatment, and most importantly, emotional release and detoxification. Qigong and Jin Shin Do treatments are also excellent anti-aging treatments, which may be prescribed by one of our physicians. So for your anti-aging needs whether you are preventing disease or wanting to look your best, Holistique Medical Center offers the ideal natural non-toxic and cutting-edge anti-aging medical procedures.

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Anti Aging Medicine | Houston & Denver | Longevity Centres

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Most people assume that physical, mental and sexual decline are an inevitable part of the aging process. However, at Longevity Centres of America, our anti-aging doctors don't promise an instant remedy that will alleviate all signs of aging. Instead, we offer an extensive anti-aging program that specifically targets the most physically and emotionally restrictive symptoms so you can age gracefully.

Our rejuvenating program pairs natural hormone replacement therapy with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, plus prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements to fill any gaps in your diet.

This comprehensive combination of treatments was designed to counter weight gain, energy and memory loss, wrinkle development, decreased sexual drive, shrinking muscle mass, hair loss and other signs of aging that can have an adverse effect on your quality of life.

What is hormone replacement therapy and is it safe?

Hormone replacement therapy is the process of restoring your body's natural balances by replenishing hormones that have depleted with age. At Longevity Centres of America, our anti-aging experts have based their hormone pellet therapy on the work of renowned endocrinologist Thierry Hertoghe, M.D, a leader in the field of anti-aging hormone modulation.

Hormone pellet therapy is one of the most misunderstood practices, though, because the synthetic imposters that mimic natural hormones can cause disastrous side effects. At our clinic, the anti-aging doctors at Longevity Centres of America use bioidential hormones in Denver and Houston that are natural replicas of the compounds in your body to restore your levels without wreaking havoc on your system.

How can sex hormones make me feel young again?

Two of the most well-known forms of hormone pellet therapy are estrogen and testosterone-based treatments. Estrogen pellet therapy, for example, is often prescribed for menopausal women looking for relief from the mood fluctuations, mental difficulties, hot flashes and weight gain that often characterize this time of life.

But, the benefits of estrogen pellets don't stop there. This hormone may also reduce the risk of detrimental illnesses including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and arthritis. Plus, you may feel like a whole new women again, as this treatment can restore a youthful flush to your skin, as well as a natural lift to your breast and, of course, a healthy boost to your libido.

Longevity Centres of America also provides hormone replacement for men who are eager to regain their masculinity. As well as increasing your sex drive, testosterone pellet implants also encourage muscle growth and general endurance, and can even boost your confidence, leading you to become more assertive in all aspects of your life.

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How lizards regenerate their tails: Researchers discover genetic ‘recipe’

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Aug 20, 2014 The green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis), when caught by a predator, can lose its tail and then grow it back. Researchers have discovered the genetic 'recipe' as to how this happens. Credit: Joel Robertson

By understanding the secret of how lizards regenerate their tails, researchers may be able to develop ways to stimulate the regeneration of limbs in humans. Now, a team of researchers from Arizona State University is one step closer to solving that mystery. The scientists have discovered the genetic "recipe" for lizard tail regeneration, which may come down to using genetic ingredients in just the right mixture and amounts.

An interdisciplinary team of scientists used next-generation molecular and computer analysis tools to examine the genes turned on in tail regeneration. The team studied the regenerating tail of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis), which when caught by a predator, can lose its tail and then grow it back.

The findings are published today in the journal PLOS ONE.

"Lizards basically share the same toolbox of genes as humans," said lead author Kenro Kusumi, professor in ASU's School of Life Sciences and associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "Lizards are the most closely-related animals to humans that can regenerate entire appendages. We discovered that they turn on at least 326 genes in specific regions of the regenerating tail, including genes involved in embryonic development, response to hormonal signals and wound healing."

Other animals, such as salamanders, frog tadpoles and fish, can also regenerate their tails, with growth mostly at the tip. During tail regeneration, they all turn on genes in what is called the 'Wnt pathway'a process that is required to control stem cells in many organs such as the brain, hair follicles and blood vessels. However, lizards have a unique pattern of tissue growth that is distributed throughout the tail.

"Regeneration is not an instant process," said Elizabeth Hutchins, a graduate student in ASU's molecular and cellular biology program and co-author of the paper. "In fact, it takes lizards more than 60 days to regenerate a functional tail. Lizards form a complex regenerating structure with cells growing into tissues at a number of sites along the tail."

"We have identified one type of cell that is important for tissue regeneration," said Jeanne Wilson-Rawls, co-author and associate professor with ASU's School of Life Sciences. "Just like in mice and humans, lizards have satellite cells that can grow and develop into skeletal muscle and other tissues."

"Using next-generation technologies to sequence all the genes expressed during regeneration, we have unlocked the mystery of what genes are needed to regrow the lizard tail," said Kusumi. "By following the genetic recipe for regeneration that is found in lizards, and then harnessing those same genes in human cells, it may be possible to regrow new cartilage, muscle or even spinal cord in the future."

The researchers hope their findings will help lead to discoveries of new therapeutic approaches to spinal cord injuries, repairing birth defects, and treating diseases such as arthritis.

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New process helps overcome obstacles to produce renewable fuels and chemicals

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(Phys.org) There's an old saying in the biofuels industry: "You can make anything from lignin except money." But now, a new study may pave the way to challenging that adage. The study from the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) demonstrates a concept that provides opportunities for the successful conversion of lignin into a variety of renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials for a sustainable energy economy.

"Lignin Valorization Through Integrated Biological Funneling and Chemical Catalysis" was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The NREL-led research project explores an innovative method for upgrading lignin.

The process for converting glucose from biomass into fuels such as ethanol has been well established. However, plants also contain a significant amount of lignin up to 30 percent of their cell walls. Lignin is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer that plants use to strengthen cell walls, but it is typically considered a hindrance to cost-effectively obtaining carbohydrates, and residual lignin is often burned for process heat because it is difficult to depolymerize and upgrade into useful fuels or chemicals.

"Biorefineries that convert cellulosic biomass into liquid transportation fuels typically generate more lignin than necessary to power the operation," NREL Senior Engineer and a co-author of the study Gregg Beckham said. "Strategies that incorporate new approaches to transform the leftover lignin to more diverse and valuable products are desperately needed."

Although lignin depolymerization has been studied for nearly a century, the development of cost-effective upgrading processes for lignin valorization has been limited.

In nature, some microorganisms have figured out how to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin. "Rot" fungi and some bacteria are able to secrete powerful enzymes or chemical oxidants to break down lignin in plant cell walls, which produces a heterogeneous mixture of aromatic molecules. Given this large pool of aromatics present in nature, some bacteria have developed "funneling" pathways to uptake the resulting aromatic molecules and use them as a carbon and energy source.

This new study shows that developing biological conversion processes for one such lignin-utilizing organism may enable new routes to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin. And, that may enable a broader slate of molecules derived from lignocellulosic biomass.

"The conceptual approach we demonstrate can be applied to many different types of biomass feedstocks and combined with many different strategies for breaking down lignin, engineering the biological pathways to produce different intermediates, and catalytically upgrading the biologically-derived product to develop a larger range of valuable molecules derived from lignin," Beckham said. "It holds promise for a wide variety of industrial applications. While this is very exciting, certainly there remains a significant amount of technology development to make this process economically viable."

A patent application has been filed on this research and NREL's Technology Transfer Office will be working with researchers to identify potential licensees of the technology.

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Canola flowers faster with heat genes

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3 hours ago by David Stacey

(Phys.org) A problem that has puzzled canola breeders for years has been solved by researchers from The University of Western Australia - and the results could provide a vital breakthrough in understanding the impact of increasing global temperatures on crop flowering.

The key to understanding what makes Australian canola flower earlier than its Canadian and European counterparts lies in the genes.

Associate Professor Matthew Nelson from UWA's Institute of Agriculture and School of Plant Biology has identified that heat-responsive genes are responsible for flowering time in Australian spring-type and European summer-type canola. This is the first time such genes have been reported to influence flowering time in canola.

Australian canola is quite distinct from its Canadian and European counterparts - it flowers much earlier. Plant breeders cannot simply transfer varieties from Canada or Europe into Australia as they flower much too late for the Australian environment.

"We took a European summer-type canola, crossed it with Monty, a typical early flowering Australian variety, and analysed the progeny for variation in flowering time," Associate Professor Nelson said.

"There was a huge variation from about 30 days to 160 days in our typical Australian environment. This was totally unexpected and we showed there are several forms of these heat-responsive genes controlling flowering time."

The research indicated that the European plants required much more accumulated heat (thermal time) to flower than the Australian plants.

"Until now, most researchers assumed that long summer days in Europe and Canada triggered flowering, not heat," Associate Professor Nelson said. "Now we know that long days are only a minor part of the story."

"Understanding this complex process is important as breeders alter the adaptation of crops to a new and changing environment," research team leader Winthrop Professor Wallace Cowling said. "International canola breeders will use this information to re-establish the correct flowering time in canola when they cross between Australian types and summer annual types in the northern hemisphere.

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Women’s health and Fifty Shades: Increased risks for young adult readers?

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

21-Aug-2014

Contact: Kathryn Ryan kryan@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, August 21, 2014Popular fiction that normalizes and glamorizes violence against women, such as the blockbuster Fifty Shades series, may be associated with a greater risk of potentially harmful health behaviors and risks. The results of a provocative new study are presented in the article "Fiction or Not? Fifty Shades Is Associated with Health Risks in Adolescent and Young Adult Females," published in Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Women's Health website.

Amy Bonomi and coauthors from Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), Group Health Research Institute (Seattle, WA), and Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) compared young women ages 18-24, readers versus non-readers of at least the first novel in the Fifty Shades series based on self-reports of intimate partner violence victimization (including shouting, swearing, delivering unwanted calls or text messages, and other forms of verbal/emotional abuse, stalking, as well as physical and sexual abuse), binge drinking, disordered eating (use of diet aids and fasting for more than 24 hours), and sexual practices such as number of intercourse partners during their lifetime. The findings point to a substantially greater risk for certain adverse health behaviors among the group that read Fifty Shades, which hyper-sexualizes women and may reaffirm and create the context for those behaviors.

"Clearly, we need a better understanding of the association between reading popular fiction that depicts violence towards women and engaging in risky health behaviors, particularly among adolescent and young adult women," says Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health.

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About the Journal

Journal of Women's Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. The Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Women's Health website. Journal of Women's Health is the official journal of the Academy of Women's Health and the Society for Women's Health Research.

About the Society

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Conclusive evidence on role of circulating mesenchymal stem cells in organ injury

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21-Aug-2014

Contact: Kathryn Ryan kryan@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, August 21, 2014--Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are present in virtually every type of human tissue and may help in organ regeneration after injury. But the theory that MSCs are released from the bone marrow into the blood stream following organ damage, and migrate to the site of injury, has long been debated. M.J. Hoogduijn and colleagues provide conclusive evidence to resolve the controversy over the mobilization and migration of MSCs in humans in a new study published in Stem Cells and Development, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available on the Stem Cells and Development website.

In "No Evidence for Circulating Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Organ Injury," Hoogduijn and coauthors from Erasmus University Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), describe the results of studies to detect MSCs in the blood of healthy individuals, of patients with end-stage renal disease, of patients with end-stage liver disease, and of heart transplant patients with organ rejection. Whereas they did not find MSCs in the circulation of these individuals, they did report the presence of MSCs in the blood of a patient suffering from severe trauma with multiple fractures. In the trauma patient, the circulating MSCs likely derived from disruption of the bone marrow caused by the fractures.

"We can add the simple but elegant work of Martin Hoogduijn to the pantheon of studies in stem cell research that skewer a long treasured tenet of faith and consign it to mythology," says Editor-in-Chief Graham C. Parker, PhD, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.

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About the Journal

Stem Cells and Development is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published 24 times per year in print and online. The Journal is dedicated to communication and objective analysis of developments in the biology, characteristics, and therapeutic utility of stem cells, especially those of the hematopoietic system. A complete table of contents and free sample issue may be viewed on the Stem Cells and Development website.

About the Publisher

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Conclusive evidence on role of circulating mesenchymal stem cells in organ injury

Superhero Science: Marvel Comics Gets Inside the Heads of the Avengers

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The neuroscience behind the Hulk, Captain America and Iron Man, explained in a Times Square exhibit. Excelsior!

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! To simulate Iron Mans HUD at the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibition, Neuroverse developed a novel electroencephalographic (EEG) braincomputer interface that activates when visitors press their foreheads against the EEG sensor. The sensor detects brain waves and converts these signals into commands that the on-screen HUD simulation follows. Courtesy of Neuroverse, Inc.

The job of creating superheroes has become more complicated in the 50-plus years since Marvel Comics first assembled the Avengers to fight evil. Audiences today still crave fantastical adventures but at the same time demand a greater degree of plausibility. In response Marvel gathered a real-life team of scientists to ensure that its Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibition currently on display in New York Citys Times Square includes elements of realism as it explores Marvels superhero mythology. Beyond simply being a colossal advertisement for its brand, the exhibit enables Marvel to delve into the neuroscience behind Dr. Bruce Banners metamorphosis into his green alter ego as well as Capt. Steve Rogerss transformation into a supersoldier. Another key exhibit mimics the heads-up display that billionaire industrialist Tony Stark uses in his Iron Man suit. The general public has become more educated about science, so Marvel has had to work harder to come up with explanations that allow the audience suspend disbelief, says neurobiologist Ricardo Gil-da-Costa, a science advisor for Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV program. Gil-da-Costa, whose company Neuroverse consulted on aspects of the exhibition related to neuroscience and helped build Iron Mans heads-up display demonstration, began speaking with the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. creators two years ago in an effort to craft the right mix of entertainment backed by real science. The Hulk The Hulks legend has grown in the half century since Marvel introduced his character, best known for smashing, grunting and shredding Bruce Banners wardrobe. Much less is known about the neurological transition that the physicists brain undergoes each time he transforms from an articulate 58-kilogram man into the 470-kilogram green brute. Exhibit makers determined that the Hulk in particular provided a unique opportunity to help young visitors understand how the human brain works. The first step was to evaluate the green superheros powers and reverse engineer some of them back to their neurological roots, Gil-da-Costa says. The Hulk demo within the sprawling, 930-square-meter S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibit begins with an actual MRI scan of a human brain that represents Banners gray matter. Simulation software portrays the anatomical changes that the doctors brain undergoes as he becomes the Hulk.

The angrier Hulk gets Supervillains know, or at least they should by now, to take cover when the Hulk starts his rampagehis strength is directly proportional to his level of rage. Banners conversion from a mild-mannered scientist to his superhero persona results in a 20 percent growth in his amygdala, coupled with a 30 percent reduction of the prefrontal cortex, which decreases his ability to control rational reflection and decision-making. This change is responsible for the Hulks highly emotional behavior, during which he typically reacts with impetuous emotions rather than lucid thought. The amygdala, a small, almond-shaped structure located deep in the lower part of the temporal lobe, is associated with the processing of emotions and contributes to memory formation. The prefrontal cortex, meanwhile, receives information from other brain areas to perform cognitive processes like problem solving, prediction of outcomes, decision-making and behavioral planning. Hulk is going now! Don't try to follow! The Hulk is capable of incredibly long leaps, as far as 1,600 kilometers by some estimates. To cover such distances and land in the right spot, the Hulk needs rapid and increased visual processing while moving at high speeds, Gil-da-Costa says. To do this the visual cortex in Banners brain grows about 15 percent in size when he becomes the Hulk, enabling him to better perceive, discriminate and structure what he sees. Likewise, a 50 percent growth in Banners cerebellumfundamental for motor control, equilibrium, coordination and timinghelps give the Hulk the balance, spatial processing and precision he needs to land on his big, green feet. Hulk smash! (Well, smashes) Hulk has also been known to lay waste to the English language. That probably has to do with the 25 percent reduction in Banners planum temporale, which changes his brains capacity for language and causes the Hulk to lose the ability for fluent speech, according to Gil-da-Costa. The planum temporale is highly asymmetriclarger in the left hemispherea characteristic thought to be part of the human evolution to specialize brain areas for language. A computer simulation at the exhibition shows that Banners brain loses this asymmetry when he gets Hulked up.

Captain America Unlike Hulks repeated transformations Steve Rogerss conversion into Captain America occurred only once and produced mostly positive benefits, including strength and agility, without affecting his capacity for reasoning or language. The supersoldier serum that Professor Abraham Erskine injected into Rogers actually led to increased neural connectivity between brain areas that he frequently activates. In his case, the amygdala,orbitofrontal cortex, prefrontal cortexand visual cortex as well as the motor, pre-motor andsomatosensory regions. Working together this network of brain areas processes aspects of a persons understanding of what others are feeling, in other words aspects of empathy and concern for others, Gil-da-Costa says. Gil-da-Costa and his team posit that Captain Americas superhuman handeye coordination, reflexes, motor speed and muscle response could be side effects of the increased connections between visual cortex and premotor and motor areas. A phenomenon called synesthesiaa neurological condition of increased connectivity between brain areas in which stimulation of one sense automatically activates a second sensewas also part of the inspiration for Captain Americas brain. People with this condition hear colors, for instance. Captain America doesn't have synesthesia per se, but the same underlying phenomena of increased connectivity occur, Gil-da-Costa says. So, it was an inspiration for the designing his brain and structuring it in real science. Iron Man Tony Starks enhanced abilities come from neural prosthetics in his metal suit rather than actual changes to his brain. Stark activates different areas of his suit using, amongst other things, a braincomputer interface that converts his brain signals into instructions that his suits computer uses to control its flight and fire weapons as well as work the heads-up display (HUD), which gives Iron Man precise information about his surroundings. To simulate Iron Mans HUD at the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibition, Neuroverse developed a novel electroencephalographic (EEG) braincomputer interface powered by the low-voltage electrical activity that enables brain cells to communicate. This three-electrode EEG is connected to a small display screen. The interface activates when visitors press their foreheads against the EEG sensor, which detects brain waves and converts these signals into commands that the on-screen HUD simulation follows. This technology, integrated with an additional
eye-tracking system from The Eye Tribe, allows visitors to navigate the display to watch video clips, play games and see a graph depicting their neural activity in real-time. The development an accurate EEG-based braincomputer interface that would work for the exhibits large and constantly churning audience proved particularly challenging. Exhibit creators developed specific hardware related to sensing the brain and algorithms to interpret an individuals brain signals. This software requires some degree of recalibration when a new visitor engages the exhibit because each persons brain and thought patternseven in response to the same stimuliare unique. Neuroverses sensor begins to take readings when a forehead is pressed against it. This also serves to keep the persons head fairly still so that the system can more easily read brain waves. Marvels Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Exhibition is on display through January 4, 2015. Neuroverse is working on a small, multi-use wireless braincomputer interface for use in everyday life. That system is expected to be a low-cost mobile device for monitoring various types of neural activity and sharing that information via a smartphone app.

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Superhero Science: Marvel Comics Gets Inside the Heads of the Avengers

Life on Mars? Implications of a newly discovered mineral-rich structure

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

19-Aug-2014

Contact: Kathryn Ryan kryan@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, August 19, 2014A new ovoid structure discovered in the Nakhla Martian meteorite is made of nanocrystalline iron-rich clay, contains a variety of minerals, and shows evidence of undergoing a past shock event from impact, with resulting melting of the permafrost and mixing of surface and subsurface fluids. Based on the results of a broad range of analytical studies to determine the origin of this new structure, scientists present the competing hypotheses for how this ovoid formed, point to the most likely conclusion, and discuss how these findings impact the field of astrobiology in a fascinating article published in Astrobiology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available Open Access on the Astrobiology website.

In the article, "A Conspicuous Clay Ovoid in Nakhla: Evidence for Subsurface Hydrothermal Alteration on Mars with Implications for Astrobiology," Elias Chatzitheodoridis, National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and Sarah Haigh and Ian Lyon, the University of Manchester, UK, describe the use of tools including electron microscopy, x-ray, and spectroscopy to analyze the ovoid structure. While the authors do not believe the formation of this structure involved biological materials, that is a possible hypothesis, and they note that evidence exists supporting the presence of niche environments in the Martian subsurface that could support life.

"This study illustrates the importance of correlating different types of datasets when attempting to discern whether something in rock is a biosignature indicative of life," says Sherry L. Cady, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Astrobiology and Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. "Though the authors couldn't prove definitively that the object of focus was evidence of life, their research strategy revealed a significant amount of information about the potential for life to inhabit the subsurface of Mars."

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About the Journal

Astrobiology, led by Editor-in-Chief Sherry L. Cady, Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and a prominent international editorial board comprised of esteemed scientists in the field, is the authoritative peer-reviewed journal for the most up-to-date information and perspectives on exciting new research findings and discoveries emanating from interplanetary exploration and terrestrial field and laboratory research programs. The Journal is published monthly online with Open Access options and in print. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Astrobiology website.

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Life on Mars? Implications of a newly discovered mineral-rich structure

Sequencing the genome of salamanders

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4 hours ago by Keith Hautala

University of Kentucky biologist Randal Voss is sequencing the genome of salamanders. Though we share many of the same genes, the salamander genome is massive compared to our own, about 10 times as large.

Voss's research focuses on axolotls, salamanders with amazing regenerative ability.

"It's hard to find a body part they can't regenerate: the limbs, the tail, the spinal cord, the eye, and in some species, the lens, half of their brain has been shown to regenerate," Voss said."I'm very fortunate to have a colleague in the department, Jeramiah Smith, who's an expert at the ability to put small pieces of DNA together to kind of recreate the puzzle, which is the genome. We have funding from the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense to sequence the axolotl genome and provide this blueprint for the first time."

With a partner at the University of Dayton, Voss is looking at the loss of regenerative ability in the eye as a salamander ages.

"Early on in life, axolotls can regenerate their lens. But at some point in time, around 28 days after they hatch, that plasticity goes away and they can't regenerate the lens," Voss said. "So, I've been working with that group trying to identify the genes that might explain that."

Voss is also starting a new collaboration with an orthopedic surgeon at UK to study knee joint regeneration.

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"Over the course of say 10 to 15 days, the salamander will successfully regenerate a complete joint. That blows the orthopedic surgeon's mind because that would be the Holy Grail in their field to understand how to orchestrate joint regeneration in a human."

Explore further: Researchers cohere research cluster focusing on genetic mechanisms underscoring regeneration

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Sequencing the genome of salamanders

Insights from the Behavioral Science Guy: The fastest way to change your behavior is to change your environment

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Something as simple as the size of a plate and spoon can influence how much a person eats, according to Joseph Grenny.

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Next time you procrastinate, overeat, lose your temper, text while driving, chicken out on a tough conversation pick your sin try something new.

Dont blame yourself. Blame your environment.

The central message of the past five decades of social science research is this: We have far less control over our behavior than we think.

Now, lest you think Im about to justify criminals and go soft on personal responsibility, Im not. In fact, Im going to share with you the key to truly taking control of your life. Here it is crochet it onto a sampler, make it your laptop wallpaper, tattoo it on your forehead:

The best way to control your behavior is to take control of the things that control you.

It turns out that those who most appreciate how little control they have over their own behavior are the best equipped to change it.

Today, Ill share one illustration of this empowering idea. In future columns, Ill add others. Keep reading and youll have a complete view of all of the sources of influence that shape our choices and, therefore, a powerful way of taking control of your life.

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Insights from the Behavioral Science Guy: The fastest way to change your behavior is to change your environment

MetroMD Offers Revolutionary Anti-aging Hormone Therapy in Hollywood Area

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 20, 2014

If old age is a disease then this L.A. based clinic has found a cure for it. With extensive research on HGH and stem cells technology, the L.A. based HGH Therapy provider named MetroMD claims to have perfected the art of rubbing off decades from your face and body and give you a brand new younger look with their revolutionary anti-aging hormone therapy and regenerative medicine.

When asked the secrets of the 21st century fountain of youth, the MD of MetroMD, Dr Alex Martin said this with aplomb Old age is like just another disease. We all want to live longer and look young and good-looking. Our HGH therapy results and regenerative medicine therapy have made clients, both men and women, look much younger and feel that way too. The benefit of HGH therapy dosage is that it helps both the pediatric group with growth disorders as well as the senior group with drastic aging symptoms and conditions like erectile dysfunction in men. Children with below normal growth get a normal growth and our regenerative medicine therapy removes the aging symptoms from aging men and women and makes them look decades younger and fit. No wonder our Botox Clinic Hollywood and Botox Clinic Los Angeles are drawing a huge crowd with a considerable celebrity clientele as well.

HGH or Human Growth Hormone is a natural occurring hormone in humans which regulates our growth, size and fitness. HGH Therapy provider clinics like MetroMD help their clients by giving them customized HGH therapy dosage on the basis of hormonal deficiencies. Testosterone HGH helps male patients having erectile deficiencies to gain back a very active sexual lifestyle. Botox therapy comes handy for those aging men and women who are showing signs of aging and who want to reverse their aging process. Because of all these beneficial features, MetroMDs HGH Hollywod story is a box-office hit.

Dr. Alex Martin, the MD of MetroMD made no bones about their HGH Therapy cost. He said Through our Botox Clinic Hollywood and Botox Clinic Los Angeles we cater to a very unique clientele for whom the cost factor is not much of a bother. Our HGH Therapy results deliver joy and satisfaction which no Earth money can buy. Still we keep our prices as reasonable as possible. He added with a chuckle The last time we checked only God could do what our HGH Therapy results are doing

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MetroMD Offers Revolutionary Anti-aging Hormone Therapy in Hollywood Area