Mersana Therapeutics Expands Senior Leadership Team with Appointments of Peter Park, Ph.D., as VP of Biology and Wayne …

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing its Fleximer antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform and pipeline of small molecule Fleximer conjugates, announced today that the company has expanded its senior leadership team. Peter U. Park, Ph.D., has joined the company as Vice President of Biology, and Wayne Foster, CPA, has joined as Vice President of Finance.

The addition of Peter to our senior team reflects Mersanas focus on our next generation Fleximer antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform, said Nicholas Bacopoulos, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mersana. Peters extensive and successful experience with ADC discovery and development will be integral to the continued advancement of our Fleximer-based ADC platform and pipeline in oncology. Additionally, as we continue to advance our existing collaborative projects and grow through new strategic alliances, Peters experience with Pharma and Biotech collaborations will be fundamental. Waynes broad and deep expertise on strategic planning, alliance management, financial processes and controls, and fundraising will also serve Mersana very well as we progress to our next stage of growth.

Dr. Park brings to Mersana significant experience in the discovery and development of antibody-drug conjugate therapies. Prior to joining Mersana, he was a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Habgen, Inc., a start-up focused on antibody therapeutics. Prior to that, Dr. Park served at ImmunoGen, Inc. for 10 years, most recently as Senior Director of Discovery Research. In this role, he managed the discovery research portfolio for the development of novel monoclonal antibody and antibody-drug conjugates for oncology, advancing two compounds into Phase 1 and several additional projects into late discovery and preclinical development. Additionally, he oversaw ImmunoGens research collaboration with Sanofi. He is the author on many patents and has contributed to numerous scientific publications. Dr. Park earned his Ph.D. and B.S. in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mr. Foster has held management positions in several life science and technology companies. Prior to joining Mersana, he served for nine years as Senior Director of Finance at Tolerx, Inc. In this role, he was responsible a wide variety of finance functions as the company grew from early stage through precommercialization. Mr. Foster also served as Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen LLP where he specialized in emerging life science and technology companies. He earned his B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

About Mersana

Mersana engineers novel drug conjugates that maximize the potential of new and established therapeutic classes. Utilizing its proprietary conjugation technology, which is comprised of the Fleximer polymer and a broad array of customizable linker chemistries, Mersana is developing its next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform with superior properties not found with other ADC technologies. Mersana is currently working with a number of top Pharma companies to develop next generation Fleximer-ADCs and most recently announced a $270 million collaboration with Endo Pharmaceuticals in March, 2012. The company is also advancing its own pipeline of next-generation drugs with best-in-class potential to address unmet needs and improve patient outcomes in multiple oncology indications. Mersanas investors include New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Pfizer Venture Investments, Proquest Investments, Fidelity Biosciences, Rho Ventures and Harris and Harris Group. Mersana was founded by PureTech Ventures, LLC and a group of leading academics and clinicians.

For more information, visit http://www.mersana.com.

Fleximeris a trademark of Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

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Mersana Therapeutics Expands Senior Leadership Team with Appointments of Peter Park, Ph.D., as VP of Biology and Wayne ...

The biology of plague: Systems approach used to investigate strains of Yersinia

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Journal cover showing association network inferred from integrated proteomic and transcriptomic data from three different Yersinia strains with varying levels of virulence. Examples of significantly enriched functional clusters are indicated in the figure.

(Phys.org)When is the plague not the plague? When it's a different strain of the same bacteria. In two strains of the bacteria genus Yersinia a highly lethal pathogen and its less-virulent formscientists performed multi-omic analyses to gain insights how they differ. They found that how the genes in both are expressed contribute to the striking difference in the diseases caused by these pathogens. The research team included scientists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the J. Craig Venter Institute, and the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The work, featured on the cover of Molecular BioSystems, is the next step in ongoing research on Yersinia pestis (YP), which causes plague with a high mortality rate, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YPT), an intestinal pathogen with a modest mortality rate. The bacteria are highly similar with some species-specific differences; however, the molecular causes of their distinct outcomes are poorly understood. The team's analysis revealed that gene and protein expression levels of shared or common virulence-related proteins were both higher in YP than in YPT.

This suggests that adaptation in the regulatory architecture of YP, in addition to the presence of unique genetic material, may contribute to its increased pathogenicity," said the study's lead author Dr. Charles Ansong, PNNL.

The availability of genome sequences for several Yersinia strains, including YPT and both epidemic and non-epidemic YP variants, has provided an opportunity to explore mechanisms responsible for the differences in pathogenicity. Scientists already knew that all human pathogenic Yersinia strains, including YP and YPT, share almost identical genes in plasmids that are essential for virulence.

This work highlights the utility of a systems approach incorporating multiple omics measurements and computational analyses to provide novel insights into Yersinia biology; and provides an important resource for the Yersinia research community that should aid the understanding of the markedly different pathogenicities of YP and YPT.

The scientists grew YPT and two forms of YP at temperatures representative of host environments, then sampled them over an 8-hour period. The samples were analyzed using a multi-genome microarray and mass spectrometric methods.

"This experimental design, using multiple omic technologies, was exciting because it allowed us to get a greater grasp of the mechanisms involved in the differences between what have been sometimes called a 'nearly clonal' group of organisms." said PNNL biochemist Dr. Joshua Adkins.

Novel virulence factors predicted from computational analysis of the multi-omics data will be validated in animal models of bubonic plague in follow-on studies. These represent apparent novel therapeutic targets that, with the recent reports of drug-resistant Yersinia strains, are sorely needed.

More information: Ansong, C. et al. A Multi-omic Systems Approach to Elucidating Yersinia Virulence Mechanisms, Molecular BioSystems.DOI: 10.1039/C2MB25287B

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The biology of plague: Systems approach used to investigate strains of Yersinia

Some Budding Yeast I Used to Grow (Gotye Parody) – Video

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Some Budding Yeast I Used to Grow (Gotye Parody)
Some Budding Yeast I Used to Grow (Parody of Somebody that I Used to Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra) Submission for UC-Berkeley MCB Follies 2012-2013 (UC-Berkeley, Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology) LYRICS, VOCALS, EDITING STARRING: Nathaniel Krefman STORYLINE: Lydia Thé, Haomiao Huang, Nathaniel Krefman ANIMATION: Lydia Thé Nathaniel Krefman DIRECTION PHOTOGRAPHY: Lydia Thé Haomiao Huang ________________________________________________ LYRICS: Now and then I think of things that I could have done better. Like when I forgot to give you glucose, and you just died. An organism that was right for me. The awesome power of genetics in yeast. But now I think I #39;ll have to use a metazoan. You can get addicted to the haploid-diploid cycle. And recombination in a site-specific way. So when they showed yeast could do anti-sense, It didn #39;t change any experiments. A recessive loss-of-function, try to find one in a Hela cell. But NIH, don #39;t cut me off. Just cuz yeast aren #39;t motile doesn #39;t mean I don #39;t need funding. And I don #39;t even need that much, But you say they don #39;t have neurons, and your budget #39;s tough. Did you know that we have auxotrophs? Synthetic genetic arrays. Try doing that with a fish or monkey. You say they don #39;t get develop though. Now you #39;re just some budding yeast I used to grow. Now you #39;re just some budding yeast I used to grow. Now you #39;re just some budding yeast I used to grow. Now and then I think of all we #39;ve learned with Saccharomyces. Cuz of all that ...

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Some Budding Yeast I Used to Grow (Gotye Parody) - Video

Scientific Explanation on How and Why Cannabis can Cure Cancer – Video

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Scientific Explanation on How and Why Cannabis can Cure Cancer
Health Professionals, Doctors and Scientists Interviewed on the subject of cannabis. They are listed in order of appearance in this video... Jeffrey Hergenrather MD President of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians thesethgroup.org Dr. Robert Melamed Ph.D. Associate Professor and Biology Chairman in the Biology Department at the University of Colorado and of Cannabis Science Dr. Manuel Guzman Professor of Biochemistry - University of Madrid Paul Armentano Deputy Director NORML Prakash Nagarkatti, Ph.D. Vice President for Research University of South Carolina Columbia Distinguished Professor Dr. Donald Tashkin MD Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, UCLA

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Scientific Explanation on How and Why Cannabis can Cure Cancer - Video

How to Pronounce Coded – Video

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How to Pronounce Coded
Learn how to say Coded correctly with EmmaSaying #39;s "how do you pronounce" free tutorials. Definition of code (oxford dictionary): noun 1a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy: the Americans cracked their diplomatic code [mass noun]: messages written in code a phrase or concept used to represent another in an indirect way: researching #39;the family #39; is usually a code for studying women a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification: each box had a label with the code SC 90 short for dialling code. I was given the number, but not the code for Guildford 2 [mass noun] Computing program instructions: assembly code 3a systematic collection of laws or statutes: a revision of the penal code a set of conventions or moral principles governing behaviour in a particular sphere: a strict dress code a stern code of honour verb [with object] 1convert (the words of a message) into a code so as to convey a secret meaning: only Mitch knew how to read the message mdash;even the name was coded express the meaning of (a statement) in an indirect way: (as adjective coded) journalists made coded allusions to his deficiencies assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification or identification: she coded the samples and sent them for dissection 2write code for (a computer program). 3 [no object] (code for) Biochemistry be the genetic code for (an amino ...

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How to Pronounce Coded - Video

How to Pronounce Coders – Video

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How to Pronounce Coders
Learn how to say Coders correctly with EmmaSaying #39;s "how do you pronounce" free tutorials. Definition of code (oxford dictionary): noun 1a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy: the Americans cracked their diplomatic code [mass noun]: messages written in code a phrase or concept used to represent another in an indirect way: researching #39;the family #39; is usually a code for studying women a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification: each box had a label with the code SC 90 short for dialling code. I was given the number, but not the code for Guildford 2 [mass noun] Computing program instructions: assembly code 3a systematic collection of laws or statutes: a revision of the penal code a set of conventions or moral principles governing behaviour in a particular sphere: a strict dress code a stern code of honour verb [with object] 1convert (the words of a message) into a code so as to convey a secret meaning: only Mitch knew how to read the message mdash;even the name was coded express the meaning of (a statement) in an indirect way: (as adjective coded) journalists made coded allusions to his deficiencies assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification or identification: she coded the samples and sent them for dissection 2write code for (a computer program). 3 [no object] (code for) Biochemistry be the genetic code for (an amino ...

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How to Pronounce Coders - Video

How to Pronounce Coder – Video

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How to Pronounce Coder
Learn how to say Coder correctly with EmmaSaying #39;s "how do you pronounce" free tutorials. Definition of code (oxford dictionary): noun 1a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy: the Americans cracked their diplomatic code [mass noun]: messages written in code a phrase or concept used to represent another in an indirect way: researching #39;the family #39; is usually a code for studying women a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification: each box had a label with the code SC 90 short for dialling code. I was given the number, but not the code for Guildford 2 [mass noun] Computing program instructions: assembly code 3a systematic collection of laws or statutes: a revision of the penal code a set of conventions or moral principles governing behaviour in a particular sphere: a strict dress code a stern code of honour verb [with object] 1convert (the words of a message) into a code so as to convey a secret meaning: only Mitch knew how to read the message mdash;even the name was coded express the meaning of (a statement) in an indirect way: (as adjective coded) journalists made coded allusions to his deficiencies assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification or identification: she coded the samples and sent them for dissection 2write code for (a computer program). 3 [no object] (code for) Biochemistry be the genetic code for (an amino ...

By: Emma Saying

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How to Pronounce Coder - Video

How to Pronounce Codes – Video

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How to Pronounce Codes
Learn how to say Codes correctly with EmmaSaying #39;s "how do you pronounce" free tutorials. Definition of code (oxford dictionary): noun 1a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy: the Americans cracked their diplomatic code [mass noun]: messages written in code a phrase or concept used to represent another in an indirect way: researching #39;the family #39; is usually a code for studying women a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification: each box had a label with the code SC 90 short for dialling code. I was given the number, but not the code for Guildford 2 [mass noun] Computing program instructions: assembly code 3a systematic collection of laws or statutes: a revision of the penal code a set of conventions or moral principles governing behaviour in a particular sphere: a strict dress code a stern code of honour verb [with object] 1convert (the words of a message) into a code so as to convey a secret meaning: only Mitch knew how to read the message mdash;even the name was coded express the meaning of (a statement) in an indirect way: (as adjective coded) journalists made coded allusions to his deficiencies assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification or identification: she coded the samples and sent them for dissection 2write code for (a computer program). 3 [no object] (code for) Biochemistry be the genetic code for (an amino ...

By: Emma Saying

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How to Pronounce Codes - Video

Crystal structure of the piRNA biogenesis factor Zucchini from mouse – Video

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Crystal structure of the piRNA biogenesis factor Zucchini from mouse
Animation of X-ray crystallographic structure determined for the protein mZuc (Zucchini / PLD6 from mouse) which has been implicated as a nuclease in piRNA biogenesis. The protein forms a homodimer which displays a narrow, positively-charged groove running through the active site which is capable of accommodating single-stranded nucleic acids. These data are available on the PDB with accession codes 4GGJ and 4GGK. The full research article is: The structural biochemistry of Zucchini implicates it as a nuclease in piRNA biogenesis. Ipsaro JJ, Haase AD, Knott SR, Joshua-Tor L, Hannon GJ. Nature. 2012 Nov 8;491(7423):279-83. doi: 10.1038/nature11502. Epub 2012 Oct 14.

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Crystal structure of the piRNA biogenesis factor Zucchini from mouse - Video

Biochemists left cell-shocked by UH study

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Associate professor Masaya Fujita and doctoral candidate Sarem Davi study B. subtilis cells grown on an agar plate. | File photo/The Daily Cougar

Novel research in UHs biochemistry department is unfolding previously misunderstood and seemingly simple pathways in bacterial sporulation.

Biochemistry associate professor Masaya Fujitaand doctoral candidateSarem Davirecently published a paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that outlines a mechanism for spore formation in bacillus subtilis, a common bacteria that is harmless to humans. The pathway was previously assumed by other scientists to involve only one protein: Spo0A. Fujita and Davi discovered that multiple checkpoints were involved that caused this bacteria to form into a spore.

For the bacterial system, people thought it was much simpler than a eukaryotic system. Of course, the eukaryotic systems like our body are very complicated andhave checkpoints or critical points to decide their future fate, Fujita said.

However, B. subtilis undergoes either a growing cell or a spore, depending on the environmental conditions. Its just two choices so people thought that this was very simple: that a single protein Spo0A molecule can make thesedecisions. However, the cells expressing Spo0A only kick off the sporulation process and begin making preparations, but the cells are not yet committed to this survival strategy.

The research was published in the PNAS journal because of the surprise that the previous assumptions were debunked,Fujita said. Instead of a simple network, the process involves many different steps.

The research team found that the ultimate decision process for sporulation is a result of a series of nested feed forward loops network motifs in which one master regulator controls another by directly regulating its amount and indirectly regulating its activity,Fujita said.

Using such integrated and sophisticated genetic networks, the cells can process information, and if needed, change their mind, though without a brain. This strategy allows them to make an accurate decision under unpredictable environmental conditions. Thus, the cells can postpone their final decision-making until the point of no return.

This process is difficult to study with in the wild B. subtilis, Davi said. Artificial techniques needed to be used to study the processes.

Its very difficult to study in the wild-type cells so thats why we use this artificial sporulation system so we can decouple the pathways. We can dissect different pathways and use IPCT as the inducer to study different parts. We can study it in more detail. That is how we can find out that there are different steps going on. Its very complex, Davi said.

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Biochemists left cell-shocked by UH study

Odd biochemistry yields lethal bacterial protein

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Jan. 22, 2013 While working out the structure of a cell-killing protein produced by some strains of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, researchers stumbled on a bit of unusual biochemistry. They found that a single enzyme helps form distinctly different, three-dimensional ring structures in the protein, one of which had never been observed before.

The new findings, reported in Nature Chemical Biology, should help scientists find new ways to target the enterococcal cytolysin protein, a "virulence factor that is associated with acute infection in humans," said University of Illinois chemistry and Institute for Genomic Biology professor Wilfred van der Donk, who conducted the study with graduate student Weixin Tang.

Enterococcus faecalis (EN-ter-oh-cock-us faye-KAY-liss) is a normal microbial inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other mammals and generally does not harm its host. Some virulent strains, however, produce cytolysin (sigh-toe-LIE-sin), a protein that, once assembled, attacks other microbes and kills mammalian cells.

"The cytolysin protein made by Enterococcus faecalis consists of two compounds that have no activity by themselves but when combined kill human cells," van der Donk said. "We know from epidemiological studies that if you are infected with a strain of E. faecalis that has the genes to make cytolysin, you have a significantly higher chance of dying from your infection." E. faecalis contributes to root canal infections, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, meningitis, bacteremia and other infections.

Enterococcal cytolysin belongs to a class of antibiotic proteins, called lantibiotics, which have two or more sulfur-containing ring structures. Scientists had been unable to determine the three-dimensional structure of this cytolysin because the bacterium produces it at very low concentrations. Another problem that has stymied researchers is that the two protein components of cytolysin tend to clump together when put in a lab dish.

Van der Donk and Tang got around these problems by producing the two cytolysin components separately in another bacterium, Escherichia coli (esh-uh-REE-kee-uh KOH-lie), and analyzing them separately.

"The two components are both cyclic peptides, one with three rings and the other with two rings," van der Donk said. "Curiously, a single enzyme makes both compounds."

In a series of experiments, the researchers found that one ring on each of the proteins adopted a (D-L) stereochemistry that is common in lantibiotics (see image, above). But the other rings all had an unusual (L-L) configuration, something van der Donk had never seen before.

Scientists had assumed that the enzyme that shaped enterococcal cytolysin, a lantibiotic synthetase, acted like a three-dimensional mold that gave the ring structures of cytolysin the exact same stereochemistry, van der Donk said.

"But we found that the enzyme, enterococcal cytolysin synthetase, makes the rings with different stereochemistry," he said. "I don't know of any other examples where one enzyme can make very similar products but with different stereochemistries."

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Odd biochemistry yields lethal bacterial protein

Study: Odd biochemistry yields lethal bacterial protein

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Public release date: 22-Jan-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Diana Yates diya@illinois.edu 217-333-5802 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. While working out the structure of a cell-killing protein produced by some strains of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, researchers stumbled on a bit of unusual biochemistry. They found that a single enzyme helps form distinctly different, three-dimensional ring structures in the protein, one of which had never been observed before.

The new findings, reported in Nature Chemical Biology, should help scientists find new ways to target the enterococcal cytolysin protein, a "virulence factor that is associated with acute infection in humans," said University of Illinois chemistry and Institute for Genomic Biology professor Wilfred van der Donk, who conducted the study with graduate student Weixin Tang.

Enterococcus faecalis (EN-ter-oh-cock-us faye-KAY-liss) is a normal microbial inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other mammals and generally does not harm its host. Some virulent strains, however, produce cytolysin (sigh-toe-LIE-sin), a protein that, once assembled, attacks other microbes and kills mammalian cells.

"The cytolysin protein made by Enterococcus faecalis consists of two compounds that have no activity by themselves but when combined kill human cells," van der Donk said. "We know from epidemiological studies that if you are infected with a strain of E. faecalis that has the genes to make cytolysin, you have a significantly higher chance of dying from your infection." E. faecalis contributes to root canal infections, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, meningitis, bacteremia and other infections.

Enterococcal cytolysin belongs to a class of antibiotic proteins, called lantibiotics, which have two or more sulfur-containing ring structures. Scientists had been unable to determine the three-dimensional structure of this cytolysin because the bacterium produces it at very low concentrations. Another problem that has stymied researchers is that the two protein components of cytolysin tend to clump together when put in a lab dish.

Van der Donk and Tang got around these problems by producing the two cytolysin components separately in another bacterium, Escherichia coli (esh-uh-REE-kee-uh KOH-lie), and analyzing them separately.

"The two components are both cyclic peptides, one with three rings and the other with two rings," van der Donk said. "Curiously, a single enzyme makes both compounds."

In a series of experiments, the researchers found that one ring on each of the proteins adopted a (D-L) stereochemistry that is common in lantibiotics (see image, above). But the other rings all had an unusual (L-L) configuration, something van der Donk had never seen before.

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Study: Odd biochemistry yields lethal bacterial protein

Customers Testimony – Video

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Customers Testimony
Dr. Michael Tachuk is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery as well as the California Medical Society, the San Diego County Medical Association and the Canadian Society of Phlebotomy and Sclerotherapy. He has been a licensed physician in the San Diego area for over 20 years. Prior to opening his present practice, Dr Michael had a Family Medicine practice with an emphasis on weight loss and minor cosmetic procedures. Nine years ago, he opened Viva Wellness specializing just in weight loss and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Michael regularly attends specialized training sessions on the latest in cosmetic procedures. He has trained with top plastic surgeons from Beverly Hills to Rio De Janeiro. He has traveled to Canada and Europe to study mesotherapy and lipo-dissolve from the leaders and pioneers in the field. He keeps in contact with some of the most well know national authorities on weight loss and health. Most recently he has been certified for laser assisted liposuction and skin tightening on the Cool Lipo Laser. Dr.Michael is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine.

By: VivaWellnessSanDiego

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Customers Testimony - Video

Hyperbaric Treatment in Oxygen Chamber Brings Stroke Damaged Brains to Life

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Health & Medicine for Senior Citizens

Hyperbaric Treatment in Oxygen Chamber Brings Stroke Damaged Brains to Life

Tenfold increase in oxygen levels during HBOT treatment supplies the necessary energy for rebuilding neuronal connections and stimulating inactive neurons

Jan. 23, 2013 - Stroke, traumatic injury, and metabolic disorder are major causes of brain damage and permanent disabilities, including motor dysfunction, psychological disorders, memory loss, and more. Most therapy and rehab has limited success. There is new hope from Tel Aviv University, however, where researchers say they have been able to restore a significant amount of neurological function in brain tissue thought to be chronically damaged even years after the initial damage.

Now Dr. Shai Efrati of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine has found a way to restore a significant amount of neurological function in brain tissue thought to be chronically damaged even years after initial injury.

Theorizing that high levels of oxygen could reinvigorate dormant neurons, Shai Efrati of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and his fellow researchers, including Prof. Eshel Ben-Jacob of TAU's School of Physics and Astronomy and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, recruited post-stroke patients for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions in high pressure chambers that contain oxygen-rich air which increases oxygen levels in the body tenfold.

Analysis of brain imaging showed significantly increased neuronal activity after a two-month period of HBOT treatment compared to control periods of non-treatment, reported Dr. Efrati in PLoS ONE. Patients experienced improvements such as a reversal of paralysis, increased sensation, and renewed use of language. These changes can make a world of difference in daily life, helping patients recover their independence and complete tasks such as bathing, cooking, climbing stairs, or reading a book.

Oxygen breathes new life into neurons

According to Dr. Efrati, there are several degrees of brain injury. Neurons impacted by metabolic dysfunction have the energy to stay alive, but not enough to fire electric signals, he explains. HBOT aims to increase the supply of energy to these cells.

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Hyperbaric Treatment in Oxygen Chamber Brings Stroke Damaged Brains to Life

Triton's Subsidiary Company "Privileged World Travel Club, Inc." Registration Statement on Form S-1 Is Declared …

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TIBURON, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 23, 2013) - Triton Distribution Systems, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : TTDZ ), announced today that the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by Privileged World Travel Club, Inc. ("Privileged"), with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, was declared Effective by the Commission on January 18, 2013. The official approval is listed on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website today.

The total number of shares allowed to be traded by the Company's selling shareholders is limited to 466,286 shares. The price per share is locked at $1.00 per share. Out of the 38 total shareholders of Privileged, 36 shareholders may trade their authorized shares pursuant to the registration statement. Each selling shareholder named in the registration statement may trade up to 5% of his or her total holdings, pursuant to the terms of the registration statement. The two controlling shareholders Triton and Gregory E. Lykiardopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of Privileged, are restricted from selling any of their shares under the SEC's rules relating to sales by affiliates. The Company is expecting to receive further instructions from FINRA by next week. Once FINRA has approved the application and has issued to the Company a trading symbol, management anticipates that Privileged will be allowed to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board.

Triton owns 8,125,000 shares or 44.64% of Privileged, valued at approximately $8,125,000. The value of the Privileged shares held by Triton is based on the stated value described in the Registration Statement. Transactions relating to the issuance of the shares by Privileged, as well as other agreements between Privileged and Triton, served to reduce Triton's liabilities by $5,595,500.

In addition to the $8,125,000 owned by Triton, Triton also will receive in 2013 from Privileged $150,000, consisting of a one-time license fee (relating to the use of Triton's ReservationExpert software), and $2,000,000, consisting of a deferred annual license fee of Triton's software licensed to Privileged.

Privilege's outstanding Common Stock before and after the offering is 18,201,125 shares. No shares of Common Stock are offered by Privileged under the registration statement for sale. The prospectus, registration statement and the declaration of the Registration Statement's effectiveness are available online at http://www.sec.gov.

ABOUT TRITON DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, INC. http://www.tritonds.com

Triton is a low-cost, business to business internet based travel distribution and procurement solution. Triton provides the electronic distribution of travel inventory from airlines, car rental companies, hotels, tour & cruise operators and other travel vendors to global travel agencies and their clients.

ABOUT PRIVILEGED. http://www.privilegedworldtravel.com

The business of Privileged is to provide exclusive travel services to persons ("Members") who elect to join the prestigious Privileged World Travel Club (the "Privileged Travel Club") and international travelers bound for the United States. Immediately after joining, Members of the Privileged Travel Club can begin enjoying the services their membership offers.

The Company provides luxury services with a high standard of value. Company management feels that the prices offered by the club are reasonable and very attainable by all Members to travel any time they wish. The Company is specially focused to offer its Members luxury membership travel products and services at specially discounted prices. The Company's concept is to offer services to a larger audience and thereby increase the reach to more markets.

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Triton's Subsidiary Company "Privileged World Travel Club, Inc." Registration Statement on Form S-1 Is Declared ...

NASA Announces Space Station Science Challenge Winners

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Students from two schools, one in Iowa and the other in New York, are the winners of the International Space Station (ISS) Science Challenge, NASA announced Friday.

Challenge winners from North Tama Elementary in Traer, IA, and Madison Elementary in Massena, NY, are being inspired to learn more about the space station's cutting-edge research by designing programs to teach others about specific experiments and what scientists are hoping to learn. This pilot program was created by Darcie Fregoe and Lisa Chizek, contributing teachers with NASA's Endeavour Science Teaching Certificate Project. The program is part of the Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE).

"I believe it is my responsibility as a middle school Earth science and astronomy teacher to educate students about the very valuable contributions ISS science has made in their lives," Fregoe said. "I want them to get excited about NASA and the International Space Station, and I want them to start thinking about possible futures working for NASA."

The participants were students in grades 5 through 12. Their mission was to review science investigations performed on the space station and choose one on which to focus. Once they completed their research, students developed and submitted a project to teach others about the investigation. Projects included the development and creation of a Web page, a slide presentation, an audio or video podcast or a written report.

The winners chose investigations to highlight in the areas of Earth and space science, biology and biotechnology, human research, physical science and technology. Investigations included cell culturing, diagnostic ultrasound, robotics, treadmill kinematics, soldering in microgravity, Earth observations, combustion and possible exercise countermeasures for bone and muscle loss.

"The ISS Science Challenge gives students the opportunity to learn about the research happening on the ISS in depth," said Dynae Fullwood, Teaching From Space education specialist at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "It develops the creative, cognitive and presentation skills of students while producing useful material for their peers and the public to understand the work of ISS research."

The program is a collaboration between Teaching From Space, the International Space Station National Laboratory, the International Space Station Program Science Office and INSPIRE.

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NASA Announces Space Station Science Challenge Winners

Rocket Testing Heats Up at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for Space Launch System

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UPDATE: New Date for SLS F-1 Hot Fire Media Opportunity

What: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., has started a new series of test firings of the gas generator in the F-1 engine. NASA and industry will use the information gathered from the series of F-1 engine tests to develop new advanced propulsion systems to take humans beyond low-Earth orbit on the Space Launch System, a new heavy-lift launch vehicle managed at Marshall.

The F-1 engine launched the Saturn V rocket that sent humans to the moon. The gas generator is the part of the engine responsible for supplying power to drive the giant F-1 turbopump. The gas generator components are often among the first parts designed on a new rocket engine because they are key components for determining the engine's size. A Marshall engineering team removed gas generators from an F-1 engine stored at Marshall, and another from an engine stored at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington that was in near-pristine condition. Test conductors will use modern instrumentation to record new information and data during the test firing of the refurbished gas generator.

When & Where: Thursday, Jan. 24

12:45 p.m. CT - Arrive at Redstone Arsenal Joint Visitor Center at Gate 9

1:00 p.m. CT - See F-1 engines at the Propulsion Research Development Lab and gain insight into the significance of the testing series

2:00 p.m. - Witness a real-time firing of the F-1 Gas Generator at the Test Stand 116

To attend: News media interested in attending the event should contact Kim Henry in Marshall's Public & Employee Communications Office at 256-544-0034 no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. Media must report to the Redstone Arsenal Joint Visitor Center at Gate 9, Interstate 565 interchange at Rideout Road/Research Park Boulevard at 12:45 p.m. Vehicles are subject to a security search at the gate. News media will need two photo identifications and proof of car insurance.

For more information on NASA's Space Launch System, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/sls

For more information on the F-1 engine, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/f1_engine_new.html

Read more from the original source:

Rocket Testing Heats Up at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for Space Launch System

NASA climate data indicates that the long-term global warming trend is continuing

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New measurements by NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies indicate that 2012 was the ninth warmest year since 1880, and that the past decade or so has seen some of the warmest years in the last 132 years.

One way to illustrate changes in global atmospheric temperatures is by looking at how far temperatures stray from normal, or a baseline. For the following map, NASA picked a baseline period using temperatures between 1951 and 1980, and compared temperature global temperature readings from 2012.

Temperature anomalies are displayed for 2012 (top), and over time (bottom) in this NASA graphic. The warming trend is apparent from the 1880s onward.

NASAs Earth Observatory blog explains:

The average temperature in 2012 was about 14.6 degrees Celsius (58.3 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 0.55C (1.0F) warmer than the mid-20th century base period. The average global temperature has increased 0.8C (1.4F) since 1880, and most of that change has occurred in the past four decades.

The long-term trend is clearly represented by plotting temperature anomalies on the line graph, this time from 1880 onward. Again, from NASA:

The line plot above shows yearly temperature anomalies from 1880 to 2011 as recorded by NASA GISS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center, the Japanese Meteorological Agency, and the Met Office Hadley Centre in the United Kingdom. All four institutions tally temperature data from stations around the world and make independent judgments about whether the year was warm or cool compared to other years.

Even with natural variations due to seasons and other events, we see that average atmospheric temperatures are increasing from decade to decade, which agrees with results from climate models and simulations. And as expected, temperatures have increased as greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane, etc) emissions have increased from the U.S. Industrial Revolution in the late 19th Century onwards.

Go here to read the rest:

NASA climate data indicates that the long-term global warming trend is continuing