Autologous Stem Cell and Non-Stem Cell Based Therapies Market Worth $2.2 Billion by 2017

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(PRWEB) February 11, 2014

The report Autologous Cell Therapy (ACT) Market (2012 - 2017), would be the first global and exclusive report on ACT market. It also gives clear information about the complete industry, approved products and potential market size; it also identifies driving and restraining factors for the global ACT market with analysis of trends, opportunities and challenges. The market is segmented and revenue is forecasted on the basis of major regions such as USA, Europe and Rest of the World (ROW). Further, market is segmented and revenues are forecasted on the basis of potential application areas of ACT.

Browse ACT market research data tables/figures spread through 111 slides and in-depth TOC on Autologous Cell Therapy Market". http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/autologous-cell-therapy-market-837.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomization.asp?id=837.

The global market for ACT is valued around $650 million by 2011 with a CAGR of 21%. Several products and technologies of ACT are in pipeline which is expected to hit the market during the forecast period, which will result in increased growth rate.

There is a wide market potential and favorable landscape for adoption across many geographical locations of the world. During the forecast period, these technologies are expected to revolutionize the area of bio-pharma and personalized medicine. High incidence and lack of effective treatment for several diseases will drive the ACT technology in developed and developing nations.

Investment activities, for the past five years are actively held in research and developments, attracting interests of cell therapy industry firms, medical centers and academic institutions. ACT potential can be demonstrated by mergers, collaborations, acquisitions and partnerships that happened actively between the ACT technology developing companies in past three years. Development of sophisticated automation devices for cell expansion and culture process for use in the treatment is one of the emerging trends of ACT market.

Autologous Stem Cell and Non-Stem Cell Based treatments in North America are rapidly emerging as a major treatment for various incurable diseases such as Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart failure and diabetes.

Browse Related Reports: Global Transfection Technologies Market (Lipofection, Calcium Phosphate, Electroporation, Nucleofection, Magnetofection, Gene Gun, Viral) And Types (Gene Delivery, DNA Delivery, Protein Delivery, SiRNA Delivery) (2012 2017) http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/transfection-technologies-market-895.html

High Throughput Screening (HTS) Market by Technology (Cell Based, Ultra High Throughput Screening (uHTS), Label Free, Bioinformatics), by Apllications (Target Identification, Primary Screening, Toxicology, Stem Cell) & by End Users (Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology Industry, CRO) - Forecast to 2018 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/high-throughput-screening-market-134981950.html

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Autologous Stem Cell and Non-Stem Cell Based Therapies Market Worth $2.2 Billion by 2017

Okyanos Heart Institute Hosts Networking Reception for the International Stem Cell Society (STEMSO) World Conference …

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Freeport, Bahamas (PRWEB) February 11, 2014

Matt Feshbach, CEO of Okyanos Heart Institute whose mission it is to bring a new standard of care and better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy, announces the company will host a hard hat reception for conference attendees at their new facility in Freeport. The conference, titled Bridging the Gap: Research to Point of Care, brings together medical scientists, clinicians, regulatory experts, and investors to discuss progress in the field of research and clinical protocols and the process of taking promising therapies to fight chronic disease to market in a responsible manner. Gold Sponsor Okyanos Heart Institute hosts a networking reception for conference attendees at their facility in Freeport on Friday, February 21st from 5:00 7:00 p.m. The company is calling the reception a hard hat reception metaphorically as the construction is not yet completed.

Chief Medical Officer Howard Walpole, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. and Chief Science Officer Leslie Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C. will host the reception, along with CEO Matthew Feshbach and offer tours of the commercial cath lab which will offer stem cell therapy to qualified patients with advanced coronary artery disease under the new laws and regulations in The Bahamas.

Douglas Hammond, president of STEMSO, states, STEMSO will continue to provide a proactive and positive voice for organizations and jurisdictions using adult stem cells for therapies and transplants. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and our Gold Sponsor Okyanos Heart Institute provide an excellent example of the results that can be brought about with realistic, modern and balanced regulations that serve the national economic interest, patient needs for life-saving medicine and the business advantages for commercialization and translation of adult stem cells.

The reception in our facility will showcase the capabilities in The Bahamas to deliver high quality healthcare to patients in need, says Walpole. It will also provide an informal forum for relevant discussion on bridging the gap between research and point of care between scientists, regulatory experts, clinicians and government officials, and help to address issues of paramount importance such as patient safety and effective tracking of progress once the patients return home. We are proud to host this reception at Okyanos Heart Institute.

Treating patients with adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs) is showing existing promise in clinical trials, states Leslie Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C. an investigator in more than eighty clinical trials for heart failure. The next step in delivering stem cells to patients outside of clinical trials is close. I am enormously excited about the opportunity with this conference to engage in meaningful discussion around what parameters must exist to treat heart failure patients safely and tracking the effectiveness of these new options, which previously were unavailable to patients who have had heart attacks and/or stents, and who continue to worsen after exhausting all other interventions available to them.

The complete agenda for the conference can be found on STEMSOs website at http://www.stemso.org. Other speakers include stem cell researchers, scientists and practitioners from around the world with leading discoveries in the field, and investors in the healthcare space.

Registration is open for attending and exhibiting on STEMSOs website.

About Okyanos Heart Institute: (Oh key AH nos) Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institutes mission is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. Okyanos Treatment utilizes a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells derived from ones own adipose (fat) tissue. The cells, when placed into the heart via a minimally-invasive catheterization, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment facilitates blood flow in the heart and supports intake and use of oxygen (as demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials such as the PRECISE trial). The literary name Okyanos (Oceanos) symbolizes flow. For more information, go to http://www.okyanos.com.

Okyanos LinkedIn Page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/okyanos-heart-institute Okyanos Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OKYANOS Okyanos Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/OkyanosHeart Okyanos Google+ Page: https://plus.google.com/+Okyanos/posts Okyanos You Tube Physician Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/okyanosforphysicians

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Okyanos Heart Institute Hosts Networking Reception for the International Stem Cell Society (STEMSO) World Conference ...

Global Stem Cells, Inc., Bioheart, Inc., and Paul Perito Urology Announce Plans to Launch Stem Cell Clinical Trials …

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Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 11, 2014

Global Stem Cells Group, Bioheart, Inc., and Paul Perito Urology announce plans to launch stem cell clinical trials for treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Paul Perito, M.D. of Perito Urology in Coral Gables, Florida and the principal investigator of the trial study, titled, "An Open-label, Non-randomized, Single-center Study to Assess the Safety and Effects of Autologous Adipose-derived Stromal Cells Delivered into the Corpus Cavernosum in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction," aims to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell implantation therapy in patients with ED.

The cell therapy in this study will be composed of stem cells derived from a patients own adipose (fat) tissue, harvested by syringe liposuction. The adipose stem cells will then be delivered into the corpus cavernosum of the penis.

Clinical trials will be held at Perito Urology, in cooperation with Global Stem Cells Group and Bioheart. Up to 20 patients will be enrolled.

Fort Myers Florida-based Emcyte Corporation, a leading provider of biotechnology products for platelet rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate grafting procedures, will be providing systems and kits to be used in the trial.

To learn more about Global Stem Cells Group's clinical trials, and for investor information, visit the Global Stem Cell Group website, email bnovas(at)regenestem(dot)com, or call 305-224-1858.

About the Global Stem Cell Group:

Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. is the parent company of six wholly owned operating companies dedicated entirely to stem cell research, training, products and solutions. Founded in 2012, the company combines dedicated researchers, physician and patient educators and solution providers with the shared goal of meeting the growing worldwide need for leading edge stem cell treatments and solutions. With a singular focus on this exciting new area of medical research, Global Stem Cells Group and its subsidiaries are uniquely positioned to become global leaders in cellular medicine.

Global Stem Cells Groups corporate mission is to make the promise of stem cell medicine a reality for patients around the world. With each of GSCGs six operating companies focused on a separate research-based mission, the result is a global network of state-of-the-art stem cell treatments.

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Global Stem Cells, Inc., Bioheart, Inc., and Paul Perito Urology Announce Plans to Launch Stem Cell Clinical Trials ...

Our Better Angels: Spirituality and Addiction

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Newswise Spirituality is a central tenet of 12-step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. Its value, particularly regarding alcohol addiction, has been recognized by many health care practitioners as well. But what does research science say about the role spirituality plays in the prevention and treatment of and recovery from addictions? A special issue of the Journal of Addictions Nursing [December 2013], co-edited by associate professor and addictions expert Joan Kub, PhD, PHCNS, BC, is dedicated to that very topic. The issue seeks to clarify whether spirituality and religiosity are synonymous concepts; whether spirituality is as relevant to recovery from substance dependence as factors such as age, sex, environment, and genetics; and whether spirituality has a role to play in the prevention of addictions. As attested to by the articles, including several by Kub and Johns Hopkins colleagues Benita Walton-Moss, DNS, RN, CRNP; Ellen M. Ray, DNP, RN; and Kathleen Woodruff, MSN, CRNP, answers to those questions are not always readily available. Kubs lead editorial underlines the dearth of ongoing research at the intersection of addictions and spirituality and the absence of common, consistent definitions of spirituality and religiosity across research efforts. Says Kub, With more information, practitioners in the addictions field can gain a better understanding of spiritual resources and provide information about them to patients at risk for or trying to overcome an addiction.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines and a Caveat. In December 2013, JAMA published an article detailing guidelines for managing high blood pressure. The advice to clinicians about when patients should receive active treatment for hypertension was developed by a panel of 17 experts, among them associate professor Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb, PhD, RN, ANP, FAAN. Based on a detailed review of the current evidence base, the panel made nine recommendations specifying blood pressure levels at which treatment is appropriate for individuals of different ages and health status. The first, and the lone recommendation on which the panel was divided, changes the target level for people 60 and older: The systolic target rate for individuals with no risk factors such as diabetes was modified upward to 150mm Hg from 140mm Hg.

Dennison Himmelfarb and several others expressed concern that the change could affect medication use, insurance coverage, and, above all, individual health and wellness. They shared their concern in an editorial in the January 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine that increasing the goal may cause harm by increasing the risk for [cardiovascular disease] and partially undoing the remarkable progress in reducing cardiovascular mortality in Americans older than 60 years. [2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults: Report from the panel members appointed to the eighth joint national committee JAMA, Clinical Review and Education, published online December 18, 2013; Editorial, Annals of Internal Medicine, January 2014.]

More hypertension. High blood pressure and excessive weight place Ghanaians and Nigerians at significant risk for heart disease whether they live at home or abroad, according to a comprehensive literature review by PhD candidate Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, BSN, RN, and Laura J. Samuel, PhD, RN, CRNP, Dennison Himmelfarb, and a colleague from the Netherlands. (Hypertension and overweight/obesity in Ghanaians and Nigerians living in West Africa and industrialized countries: A systematic review." Journal of Hypertension, January 2014.)

TB Risks for People with HIV. In South Africa, tuberculosis has become the leading cause of death among those with HIV, whose compromised immune systems leave them at greater risk of co-infection. In the January 2014 Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, assistant professor Jason Farley, PhD, MPH, CRNP, FAAN, and colleagues suggest steps to lower TB risks to both HIV patients and researchers. Some mirror those Farley has recommended in clinical treatment settings, such as opening windows, segregating patients, and using paper masks and respirators. Farley insists that while such protocols take time and attention, Implementing every possible means to prevent TB transmission in this particularly vulnerable population is both responsible and an essential part of safety for research subjects. [Optimizing the protection of research participants and personnel in HIV-related researcher where TB is prevalent: Practical solutions for improving infection control.]

In Other Nursing Research News. While depression is known to compromise physical health, the causes are less clear. Associate professor Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, CRNP, and colleagues have found that people with depression have reduced levels of antioxidants that help ward off problems like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, implicating a specific type of antioxidant-linked stress in the depression-disease equation. [Depression and oxidative stress: Results from a meta-analysis of observational studies, Psychosomatic Medicine, January 2014.] Professor Laura Gitlin, PhD, and colleagues at the Ann Arbor (MI) Veterans Administration program suggest how an evidence-based approach called DICE--for describe, investigate, create, and evaluatecan help those involved in dementia care better manage behavioral problems like wandering and aggression in patients. [The role of the occupational therapist in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in clinical settings, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, January 2014.] Associate professor Kathleen M. White, PhD, RN, and colleagues describe the increased diversity of Federal Health Resources and Services Administration-trained nurses as the result of workforce development programs. [The Health Resources and Services Administration Diversity Data Collection, Public Health Reports, January/February 2014.] Doctoral program graduate Jeanine Frumenti, DNP, RN, and a colleague assess the effectiveness of a specialized leadership training program for medical-surgical nursing staff to help reduce the incidence of sores among patients in Addressing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers: Patient care managers enhancing outcomes at the point of service. [Journal of Nursing Administration, January 2014.]

Learn More About: The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Continuing education at JHUSON The Beat, a nursing blog

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Our Better Angels: Spirituality and Addiction

Moral March unites politics and spirituality

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Last Saturday, a crowd of thousands rallied in downtown Raleigh for the seventh annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street. The protestors showed up for a panoply of reasonsto rebut Gov. Pat McCrory and the General Assembly's "Carolina Comeback," setbacks to women's rights, voting rights, gay rights, environmental protections and school and health care funding.

This "Moral March," organized by Rev. William Barber president of the state NAACP, was clearly intended to prepare for the upcoming legislative session, which starts in May. A coalition of state leaders and social activists were present: rabbis, Muslims for Social Justice, the Campaign for Southern Equality, North Carolina Educators Association, Planned Parenthood, Health Advocates, Health Access Coalition, NCHEAT and the AFL-CIO.

"A big tent movement," as organizers dubbed it at a policy briefing on Tuesday.

However, some have criticized the Rev. Barber and the Moral movement for mixing religion and politics. "Morality has no place in our politics which rely on adaptation and change," The News & Observer wrote in a recent editorial. "Democracy demands flexibility: it requires us to able to rethink cherished beliefs, to modify our positions and strike a compromise in response to evolving standards of right and wrong and the greater good."

But faith leaders will continue to play a central role in Moral Monday and the Moral March. Nancy Petty, the pastor of Raleigh's progressive Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, emceed Saturday's event. Petty, who refused to marry straight people until same-sex marriage is legal in North Carolina, explained to me why she views politics and spirituality as inextricably bound.

"My role is to inspire people to be a part of this movement. The soul of our state is at stake so as faith leaders it's our privilege and responsibility to frame this as a moral issue, regardless of what faith tradition we're coming out of. North Carolina is a state for all people, not just some people."

Petty also said that despite a widespread assumption that politics and religions should exist in separate realms, religious leaders should not shy away from political activism.

"We are the ones that should be carrying the message that all people are created equal, God loves all people and there needs to be justice for all," she said. "This is a call for all of us to stand up and say we have to be involved. What happens in our churches on Sunday morning needs to be carried out into the streets, in fighting for peoples' rights."

What Petty and other faith leaders are doing seems to be working.

"I think one of the biggest challenges we face in North Carolina is how we educate our communities around what's happening here at the Capital," Petty said. "But people have become more aware of what's going on and the decisions that are being made in the legislature, and they don't like them. This year's march is bringing a more diverse group of people together from across our state who say 'we're going to get involved in this.'"

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Moral March unites politics and spirituality

Extreme weather fosters 'eco-spirituality'

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A study found that U.S. cities could warm an additional 3.6 degrees by 2100 unless they slow their expansion, paint roofs white or plant rooftop vegetation. Above, construction workers take a break on a Los Angeles rooftop. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times / March 10, 2008)

Severe snow storms in the Northeast, Midwest and Atlanta. Summer that lasted into winter in Florida. Drought in California. Weather extremes this year are sparking more talk, and awareness, about climate change.

Concern over mankind's impact on the climate, environment and weather has sparked an increase in "eco-spirituality" with a growing number of religions incorporating climate change as part of their faith.

"They are also acting on those convictions, as communities or as individuals," writes the ReligionLink website. "For example, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims and others are installing solar panels, planting gardens and conducting services under the canopy of trees. Theyre also exploring less conventional expressions of eco-spirituality, from gratefulness ceremonies and Cosmic Masses to Earth Sabbaths and other rituals that inspire, renew and express oneness with the planet."

Read more here about what different faiths are expressing their eco-spirituality here: http://www.religionlink.com/source-guides/between-heaven-and-earth-eco-spirituality-comes-of-age/

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Extreme weather fosters 'eco-spirituality'

Japanese Astronaut Creates Amazing Light Spirals in Space (Photos)

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A Japanese astronaut created a microgravity, multicolored light show on the International Space Station in the name of art.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kiochi Wakata has been using a specialized device that can to create swirly light art in weightlessnesson the orbiting outpost. Known as a "spiral top," the instrument is outfitted with LED lights so that when spun, the top will create light trails that can be captured in photos.

"In microgravity, the center of gravity of the spinning top continuously and randomly moves while it is spinning," JAXA officials said in an experiment description. "Using the characteristics of the top in microgravity, the project tries to produce various light arts using its unexpected movements/spins, by changing attaching locations of its arms and weights." [See more amazing photos from astronaut Kiochi Wakata]

The end result of those spins in microgravity is an amazing light portrait that looks otherworldly. Wakata posted a few photos on Twitter earlier in January 2014 that show blue, green, yellow and red spirals shooting through a module on the space station. "Potential of what zero-gravity can create is unlimited!" Wakata (@Astro_Wakata) wrote on Twitter in a post from Jan. 6.

Astronaut Koichi Wakata tweeted this photo of the "Spiral Top" from aboard the International Space Station on Jan. 6, 2014. The toy uses LED lights to make art in zero-g conditions. Credit: Koichi Wakata (via Twitter as @Astro_Wakata)

"When we ask astronauts to carry out an art experiment, they work on it with great excitement and enthusiasm," Keiji Tachikawa, president of JAXA, said in a 2011 Q&A. "I believe that experiments for the humanities and social sciences have a great deal of meaning. How we can culturally reflect the wonderful results that have been achieved thus far this will be a moment of truth."

This isn't the first time JAXA has worked with a spiral top, originally created by Takuro Osaka. Astronauts used an earlier version of the experiment to create light art in 2009 on the space station as well.

Cosmic Quiz: Do You Know the International Space St...

The International Space Station is the largest structure in space ever built by humans. Let's see how much you know about the basics of this science laboratory in the sky.

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Japanese Astronaut Creates Amazing Light Spirals in Space (Photos)

States Competing for SpaceX by Offering Financial Breaks

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Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk founded the company in 2002 to build and launch rockets to serve the International Space Station and shuttle tourists into space.

In a glass-walled conference room at the California headquarters of Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk told Texas officials he was interested in building the worlds first commercial rocket launchpad in their state -- if the state could compete.

In the months after the 2011 meeting, state and local officials gave Musk, a billionaire, what he and his lobbyists sought: about $20 million of financial incentives, laws changed to close a public beach during launches and legal protection from noise complaints. SpaceX, as the company is known, hasnt said whether the Texas site, near Brownsville, the poorest metropolitan area in the nation, will be selected over locations in Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico.

State and local governments often fall into bidding wars for jobs, offering tax breaks and sweeteners amounting to $70 billion annually, according to Kenneth Thomas, a political science professor at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

Youve got to make sure youre providing what everybody else is providing for tax incentives and tax breaks, said John Baldacci, who was governor of Maine from 2003 to 2011 and regularly received requests for tax breaks.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s unmanned Dragon capsule is seen in orbit, in... Read More

Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s unmanned Dragon capsule is seen in orbit, in this undated handout photo. Close

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Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s unmanned Dragon capsule is seen in orbit, in this undated handout photo.

Three years of discussions among Texas officials and SpaceX representatives culminated with the incentive offers, according to interviews. SpaceX hired lobbyists and flew a key lawmaker to its offices. Musk gave about $12,000 in campaign contributions.

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States Competing for SpaceX by Offering Financial Breaks

Canada's New Space Policy

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This past Friday, the Canadian government announced a new approach to the country's space policy in an effort to reverse the negative trend caused by recent national budget cuts.

The fact is simply that Canada has played a critical part in advancing space technology and exploration, and is very interested in continuing to have space be an integral part of everyday life and national prestige.

Space activities will only grow as the importance of space commerce continues to grow. This announcement serves to reinforce what many have known for years, that space is here to stay and Canada will continue to contribute to the international community. The government has now confirmed this and stated that future budgets will reflect this new attitude.

Over the last two years, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has suffered significant budget cuts. However, the latest budget estimates indicate that CSA spending will increase in the 2013-14 budget year.

Former Canadian astronaut and current Member of Parliament Marc Garneau said he is optimistic but will reserve his enthusiasm until he sees if this new approach actually turns into something positive for Canada's space program.

Since Canada has been prominent in many international partnerships, several other countries have been looking for reaffirmation of commitment to those partnerships.

Those foreign partners are now hoping this new interest will translate into a long-term space plan and continued increasing support for CSA. The new policy framework is built on five principles: national sovereignty, security and prosperity; positioning the private sector at the forefront of space activities; progress through partnerships; excellence in key capabilities; and inspiring Canadians.

To realize these principles four areas of strategic action have been identified: commercialization; research and development; exploration of space; and stewardship, management and accountability.

Canada is particularly well-known for its advances in space technology, satellite engineering and Canadarms, the robot arms attached to the International Space Station.

In addition, there are a number of famous astronauts including the first ever Canadian commander of the station, Chris Hadfield. Let's hope Canada will continue to strongly support the space community.

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Canada's New Space Policy

NanoRacks Successfully Deploys Two Small Satellites from the International Space Station

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Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 12, 2014

NanoRacks announced successful deployment of the first two cubesats from the International Space Station (ISS) that will be the largest cubesat deployment in history. The first two cubesats are part of a constellation of 28 satellites for its customer, Planet Labs.

Demand for cubesats has intensified as customers look to develop space programs using small satellites about the size of a loaf of bread. NanoRacks is responding to demand from government, military, and commercial clients for routine access to space from small satellites. The NanoRacks Cubesat Deployment System appeals to the needs of their clients by providing regularly scheduled launches into space and the ability to deploy a constellation of small satellites that can cover the earth. This new system allows deployment of up to 96 satellites at a time.

This is the beginning of a new era in space commerce, said NanoRacks CEO Jeff Manber. Were helping our customers get a two year head start in space. They dont have to wait around for a dedicated launch to space but can instead catch the next rocket to space station. We want to thank NASA and JAXA for being wonderful partners, as well as Spaceflight Inc for their help with customers. Without these organizations, this couldnt have happened.

NanoRacks has planned 2-3 additional deployments this year to address a robust pipeline of customers. Working with NASA and JAXA, NanoRacks is anticipating regularly scheduled deployment of cubesats from the ISS.

The once limited and costly method of launching satellites into space is addressed by NanoRacks low cost way of doing business. Commercial clients are realizing the viability of space operations not easily available to them in the past is now feasible. NanoRacks has taken a leadership position in illustrating an acute understanding of the unique needs of its clients, and expects interest to increase.

ABOUT NANORACKS:

NanoRacks, LLC - was founded in 2009 in Houston, Texas. They are the market leader in commercialized and scheduled space operations on the International Space Station (ISS) via their own hardware from internal research equipment to cubeSat depolyers to the External Platform outside the Space Station. To date, over 150 payloads have been delivered to space under the direction of NanoRacks.

For additional information about NanoRacks, visit their website at http://www.nanoracks.com.

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NanoRacks Successfully Deploys Two Small Satellites from the International Space Station

New US Military Space Plane Aims for 2017 Liftoff

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The United States military is making progress toward developing a new unmanned space plane, which it aims to begin flight-testing in 2017.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) plans to award the first design contracts for the vehicle project known as Experimental Spaceplane, or XS-1 in May or thereabouts, officials said. Current schedules call for the vessel to get off the ground for the first time in late 2017 and make an orbital test flight the following year.

DARPA has high expectations for the XS-1 program, which it hopes can eventually launch 3,000- to 5,000-lb (1,361 to 2,268 kilograms) payloads to orbit for less than $5 million per flight and to do it at least 10 times per year. [Space Planes: Evolution of the Winged Spaceship (Infographic)]

"The vision here is to break the cycle of escalating space system costs, enable routine space access and hypersonic vehicles," XS-1 program manager Jess Sponable said Feb. 5 during a presentation with NASA's Future In-Space Operations (FISO) working group. (Hypersonic flight is generally defined as anything greater than five times the speed of sound.)

"We're interested not just in launch, but also in seeing if we can find a way to enable more affordable, more routine, simpler hypersonic vessels," he added.

Changing the cost equation

DARPA first announced the ambitious XS-1 program last September. It's viewed as complementary to another agency effort known as ALASA (Airborne Launch Assist Space Access), which seeks to launch 100-lb (45 kg) satellites to orbit for less than $1 million apiece using traditional airplanes outfitted with expendable upper stages.

DARPA officials laid out their broad vision of the robotic XS-1 vehicle in a press release issued in September:

"XS-1 envisions that a reusable first stage would fly to hypersonic speeds at a suborbital altitude," they wrote. "At that point, one or more expendable upper stages would separate and deploy a satellite into low-Earth orbit. The reusable hypersonic aircraft would then return to earth, land and be prepared for the next flight."

But DARPA is leaving the specifics of the XS-1 system which aims to provide routine, aircraft-like access to space up its potential builders, Sponable said.

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New US Military Space Plane Aims for 2017 Liftoff

Red Sox Second Base Outlook: Mookie Betts Turning Heads In Minors

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Pedroias extension seemed inevitable despite the Red Soxs recent reluctance to hand out lucrative, long-term contracts. The four-time All-Star is the heart and soul of the Red Sox, and Pedroias contract actually is an extremely team-friendly deal despite reaching nine figures.

Either way, Pedroia was going to be Bostons second baseman in 2014. The new contract, however, ensures that Pedroia likely will be a Red Sox for life, and that the rest of the roster will be filled in around him on an annual basis.

Its still worth diving into the Red Soxs second base situation, though, as there are a few notes worth mentioning before spring training kicks off.

Depth chart

1. Dustin Pedroia 2. Jonathan Herrera

Pedroia, obviously, is the guy. Jonathan Herrera, acquired from the Colorado Rockies this offseason, figures to be the Red Soxs primary backup, although that could change throughout the year if he proves to be ineffective in his role.

Points of optimism

-The Red Sox have arguably the best baseman in baseball at a very reasonable price (Pedroia will earn $12.5 million in 2014). Whats not to like about that if youre the Red Sox?

-Pedroia played 160 regular-season games and all 16 of the Red Soxs playoff games last season despite suffering a thumb injury on Opening Day. You can count on him to be in the lineup every day, which cant be said for a lot of big leaguers nowadays.

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Red Sox Second Base Outlook: Mookie Betts Turning Heads In Minors

Red Cross helping more this winter with increased emergencies

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By Lauren Cappuccio

lcappuccio@publicopinionnews.com @LCappuccioPO on Twitter

FRANKLIN COUNTY >> The American Red Cross has been busier than ever over the last few months as cold weather and several fires have sent families looking for emergency help.

"Our primary purpose is to help our Franklin County residents and our Cumberland County residents with their immediate disaster needs," said Allen White Jr. emergency response specialist. "We want to make sure if they have been displaced, to make sure they have a roof over their heads, to have something to eat or clothing until either they deal with insurance companies or other types of agencies that can help."

White said Red Cross volunteers have been called out more this winter than past years.

"We have definitely seen an increase in activity this winter," White said. "In the past three weeks, we responded to six fires within Franklin County alone."

The Red Cross, a non-profit that provides disaster relief, heath services and international work, is summoned by emergency and fire personnel to fire scenes if they deem it necessary for residents to get assistance.

White said the local Red Cross has about 30 active disaster volunteers who take turns every week being on call when disasters, such as extreme flooding or hurricanes happen.

"In Franklin County, we have been quite fortunate," White said. "Other areas have seen things that are more extreme."

Carolyn Blackshire, Chambersburg, is a disaster team captain and has volunteered for four years.

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Red Cross helping more this winter with increased emergencies

Red Springs narrow win inches Devils closer to Fairmont

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RED SPRINGS Keeping pace with an adversary that rarely falters is never easy, but Red Springs is doing its best this season.

Fairmonts surprising loss to Whiteville last week re-opened the door for the Red Devils in the Three Rivers Conference championship hunt and on Monday night, they took advantage.

Tavion Atkinsons late steal and layup followed by four free throws in the final 15.4 seconds from Jared Foster helped Red Springs seal a 55-50 victory over the confident Wolfpack, a win that puts the Red Devils within striking distance of first place with two games remaining in the regular season.

If Red Springs (15-6, 10-2) can win out against West Columbus and St. Pauls, Fairmont (15-5, 10-1) would need to sweep South Columbus, East Columbus and South Robeson to win its fourth consecutive league title outright.

A loss by the Golden Tornadoes would mean co-conference champions even though Fairmont holds the tiebreaker for playoff seeding purposes thanks to three wins over the Red Devils this season.

Being able to beat Whiteville is a good measuring stick for where were at as a team, but weve got to be able to find a way to beat Fairmont, Red Springs coach Glenn Patterson said. Maybe South Columbus can give those guys a run when they play.

Following a 12-point loss loss to Fairmont on Jan. 7, Patterson accurately predicted the Golden Tornadoes would have a hiccup somewhere on the schedule the rest of the way. But the Red Devils didnt hold up their end of the bargain, falling again by double digits the next time the two rivals met at Fairmont on Feb. 4.

I knew it would happen, Patterson said. I think its mental more than anything. We allow (Fairmont) to take our heads out of the ballgame. Were still in the race and Im proud of this team for continuing to fight.

Mondays win was a gritty one as Red Springs pulled ahead by 12 in the fourth quarter before Whiteville (15-4, 8-4) closed the gap to within three on Brandon Bests 25-footer with 22 seconds to play. Forced to foul Foster, Red Springs top scorer this season, the Wolfpack never got closer as the senior point guard drained every free throw he attempted over the final two possessions.

I challenge them not to quit when we got the lead, Patterson said. I just told them that it was time to close, time to finish. We got the ball in Jareds hands and he knocked down some shots when we had to have them.

Originally posted here:

Red Springs narrow win inches Devils closer to Fairmont