For now, Md. police can take DNA from charged criminals, Supreme Court says

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Police in Maryland can resume collecting DNA from suspects charged but not yet convicted in violent crimes, and the U.S. Supreme Court might be inclined to let them do so permanently.

U.S. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. issued an opinion Monday saying there is a fair prospect the court will overturn the Maryland Court of Appeals controversial Alonzo Jay King Jr. v State of Maryland decision, which prohibited DNA collection from suspects charged but not yet convicted in violent crimes and burglaries. And until the nations highest court can more thoroughly consider the issue, Roberts put the King decision on hold meaning police in Maryland can resume collecting DNA.

This stay will allow Maryland the uninterrupted use of this critical modern law enforcement tool that helps police and prosecutors solve some of Marylands most serious violent crimes, Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler said in a statement.

The Supreme Courts opinion is the latest development in an ongoing debate over whether and when it is legal to collect DNA from criminal suspects. Federal and state courts across the country have issued mixed opinions. The governors office says 26 states have legislation similar to Marylands.

It is precisely because of that debate that the Supreme Court intervened. In his opinion, Roberts wrote that the Maryland Court of Appeals decision conflicts with decisions by two other federal appellate courts, as well as a decision by Virginias Supreme Court. Roberts wrote that given the considered analysis of the courts on the other side of the split, there is a fair prospect that this Court will reverse the King decision.

Stephen Mercer, the chief attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defenders Forensics Division, said the opinion is merely a preliminary round in an ongoing legal fight.

We continue to believe the court, in the end, will vindicate the Fourth Amendment rights of Mr. King and all Marylanders in their right to genetic privacy, Mercer said.

The case centers on a Maryland law, which, starting in 2009, allowed police to collect DNA from suspects after they were charged with violent crimes or burglaries. Before then, police had been able to collect DNA only from convicted criminals.

Alonzo Jay King Jr. challenged the law after he was arrested in April 2009 on assault charges. Prosecutors used a DNA swab from that case to connect him to a 2003 rape. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the rape.

The Maryland Court of Appeals sent Kings case back to the circuit court and threw out the DNA evidence, saying investigators violated his Fourth Amendment rights in taking his genetic material and comparing it with old crime scene samples. The ruling was condemned by prosecutors and police chiefs, who said it would hamper detectives ability to solve cold cases and jeopardize the convictions of 34 robbers, burglars and rapists whose genetic samples were taken after they were charged in separate cases.

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Sri Lankan students win at International Olympiad 2012

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Sri Lankan students won Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards at the International Biology Olympiad 2012 concluded last week in Singapore.

The winning students at the International Olympiad 2012

Pramith Ruwanpathirana of Royal College, Colombo won a Silver Medal, Prasan Thurul Warnakula of Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa won a Bronze Medal and Janidu Gunarathna of Royal College, Colombo and Madhushani Rodrigo of Vishaka Vidyalaya, Colombo won Merit awards.

Over 230 pre-university Biology students and 205 Jury members from 59 countries participataed in this competition. Silver medalist Pramith Ruwanpathirana obtained the best results in the Bio Science stream based on the 2011 GCE (A/L) Examination results. Bronze medalist Prasan Thurul Warnakula is just preparing for the GCE (A/L) Examination next month. Other students intend to follow medical degree courses in Sri Lanka.

These students were selected out of 2300 students who participated in the Sri Lanka Biology Olympiad competition conducted by the Institute of Biology in collaboration with Sri Lankan Universities and the Education Ministry in September last year. Prof. Hiran Amarasekera and Prof H.G. Nandadasa from the Sri Jayawardenepura University and Prof M.J.S. Wijeratne from the Kelaniya University also participated at the International Biology Olympiad as Jury Members.

Some of the characteristics of the Science Olympiad as compared with those for sports are that these are held annually and intended for secondary schools students. The level of questions is above the standard for secondary school education in the world.

The theoretical/practical question papers are of five hours duration, each demanding persistence and determination, as well as discipline. Gold medals are awarded not only to the top achievers but to the top 10% of participants. The Olympiad also offers an opportunity for international exchange.

The Internatioal Biology Olympiad is an internationally conducted prestigious competition, in which bright students from contries all over the world compete for medals. The first intermational Olympiad was held in Eastern Europe in 1959 in Mathematics. The remaining disciplines quickly followed. Physics (1967), Chemistry (1968) and Informatics in 1989. Biology had its first Olympiad in 1990.

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Sri Lankan students win at International Olympiad 2012

Explore My World Travel Offers A Local Savvy Guide To London In Time For Olympics

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As millions of travelers descend on London in time for the Olympic Games, many will wait for the hype to die down before visiting London. Just in time for the Olympics, Explore My World Travel have launched a book on where the locals hang out, eat and shop.(PRWEB) July 30, 2012 As millions of travelers descend on London in time for the Olympic Games, many will wait for the hype to die down ...

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Explore My World Travel Offers A Local Savvy Guide To London In Time For Olympics

Don’t over tax tourism – WTTC tells EU Finance Ministers

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30 July 2012

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has written to all 27 Finance Ministers in the European Union urging them to recognise the important role of the industry in stimulating economic growth and jobs, while avoiding unproductive knee-jerk tax hikes at a time of austerity.

The letter, written by Dr Michael Frenzel, Chairman of the Executive Board, TUI AG and Chairman, WTTC and David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, reminds Finance Ministers that Travel & Tourism is a key generator of employment across the European Union directly generating 10 million jobs across Europe, substantially more than the automotive manufacturing (3.2 million), mining (3.6 million) and financial services sectors (8.5 million).

'Given the labour intensity of Travel & Tourism, and as the above data shows, Travel & Tourism is one of the few economic sectors which can generate economic growth with jobs,' the letter says. "Travel & Tourism is seen as a 'cash cow', an 'easy source' for generating quick money through new or expanded taxation. However, the evidence suggests that taxing tourism does not reap benefits:

Simple measures can be taken to stimulate Travel & Tourism, increase visitor revenue and therefore jobs. For example, a recent study by WTTC and the World Tourism Organisation showed how improvements in visa policies in G20 countries could increase Travel & Tourism employment by an additional 5 million jobs over three years and generate an additional US$206 billion in tourism exports. This research was presented to the G20 world leaders by President Caldern at the G20 meeting at Los Cabos in June.

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2011 Travel & Tourism accounted for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6.3 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.

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Psychics Universe, New Online Spirituality Network Shares Relationship Insights in “Learning to Listen to Love”

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Psychics Universe regularly discusses issues of personal wellbeing and spirituality. In this new discussion, they address the questions of “why matters of love come so much easier to some people than to others.”Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) July 30, 2012 PsychicsUniverse, a new online network, reveals relationship insights in “Learning to Listen to Love” and is addressing daily issues of ...

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Psychics Universe, New Online Spirituality Network Shares Relationship Insights in “Learning to Listen to Love”

Russian cargo craft finally docks with space station

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An unmanned Russian cargo ship parked itself at the International Space Station tonight (July 28), in a second attempt to test an updated space docking system, NASA says.

The robotic Russian Progress 47 spacecraft re-docked to the space station to test the new Kurs-NA docking system. The cargo ship safely approached the station and automatically attached itself to the Pirs docking compartment on the Russian segment of the massive orbiting laboratory at 9:01 p.m. ET (0101 GMT July 29). Russia intends to use the Kurs-NA docking system on future unmanned Progress spacecraft and manned Soyuz vehicles.

The Progress' safe docking followed a failed first attempt four days ago, on July 23, which was aborted after a technical glitch prevented the spacecraft from reaching the orbiting outpost. After that attempt, the Progress 47's onboard computers kept the craft a safe distance away from the station while Russian engineers analyzed the failure.

Today's successful maneuver was a key demonstration of the new Kurs-NA docking system, which is an updated version of the Kurs system that has been integrated into Russian spacecraft for years. Engineers made several upgrades to the newer version, including better electronics that are expected to use less power and improve safety.

As part of the test, the robotic Progress 47 spacecraft approached the station to within about 29 miles (46 kilometers). At this range, the Kurs-NA system was activated, and the cargo ship carefully attached itself to the space station. [Infographic: How Russia's Progress Spaceships Work]

The Progress 47 docking test occurred a day after a different unmanned cargo freighter arrived at the space station. The Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle-3, or HTV-3, was safely attached to the orbiting outpost Friday morning (July 27). The spacecraft is packed with fresh supplies, food and science experiments for the station.

Space news from NBCNews.com

Science editor Alan Boyle's blog: Students create a high-altitude balloon experiment that's as notable for the way it fell as for the images and scientific data it captured during its rise.

The Progress 47 arrived at the space station in April to deliver clothing, food and other supplies to the astronauts living aboard the space lab. The cargo ship had been attached to the Pirs docking compartment since it first reached the station and completed its prime mission, but was purposefully undocked on July 22 to prepare for the Kurs-NA trial run.

After unloading all the cargo inside the Progress 47, the station crew re-loaded the spacecraft with trash and other unwanted items. Russia's disposable Progress vehicles are intentionally sent to burn up during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere at the end of their missions.

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Russian cargo craft finally docks with space station

Astronaut Fish Head to Space Station

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By Mark Brown, Wired UK

The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has sent an aquarium to the International Space Station. Its not for relaxation, mind: the fish tank will be used to see how microgravity impacts marine life, including a transparent fish.

First up, researchers plan to examine the Medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish, and look at the impacts of radiation, bone degradation, muscle atrophy, and developmental biology.

Medaka is a perfect specimen for research: the astronauts can see their organs through their transparent skin and they breed quickly in microgravity environments. Plus, the animals genome has already been fully sequenced, so it will be easy to recognise changes to the fishs genes.

Water habitats have been launched into space before, but this AQH facility will feature an improved water circulation system that monitors water conditions and removes waste, while ensuring proper pressure and oxygen flow rates.

The special bacteria filter purifies waste materials, such as ammonia, so that we can keep fish for up to 90 days, said Nobuyoshi Fujimoto, an engineer at Jaxa. This capability will make it possible for egg-to-egg breeding aboard station, which means up to three generations may be born in orbit. This would be a first for fish in space.

While the currently planned investigations only use fish, the air-water design of the facility means it could potentially house amphibians. Thats right: space frogs.

Images: JAXA

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NASA Brings Wonder of Space Station to Boston

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HOUSTON - Media opportunities are available in Boston as NASA shares the accomplishments, promise and opportunities for research aboard the International Space Station in New England.

The agency will showcase its multimedia exhibit, "Destination Station" which is free with admission at the Boston Museum of Science. The exhibit will be open to the public Aug. 1 through Sept. 3. There also will be multiple activities in the Boston area supporting the exhibit.

There will be a live television event with astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Aug. 27 at the Boston Museum of Science. During the activities, which begin at 11 a.m. EDT, students will ask Expedition 32 Flight Engineers Joe Acaba and Suni Williams about the progress of their mission. NASA aerospace education specialist Richard Varner will host the event and give a presentation on current station activities. Reporters are asked to check in at 11 a.m. to pick up media packets and conduct interviews. To participate, contact the museum's Julia Sable at 617-589-4456.

Two NASA "Train Like An Astronaut 0/00 events will be held in the Boston area from 10-1 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Boston Triathlon, and from 10-3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Gillette Stadium. NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and NASA representatives will be on hand to use the excitement of exploration to challenge students to set physical fitness and research goals. For more information, contact Gillette Stadium's Bryan Morry at 508-549-0546.

Space station story time will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Aug.13 at the JFK Presidential Library. NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy will do a reading from "Reaching for the Moon" by Buzz Aldrin. For more information, contact the library's Amy Macdonald at 617-514-1645.

NASA astronaut Mike Foreman will be at the Tufts University Center for Engineering Education and Outreach to give a presentation on LEGOS in Space, a partnership between NASA and The LEGO Group to spark children's interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For more information, contact the University's Chris Rogers at 617-627-2882.

Foreman and NASA Scientist Kirt Costello will discuss scientific experiments aboard the station and how results are affecting life on Earth during a panel discussion from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Northeastern University's Raytheon Amphitheatre. They will be joined by representatives from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and other space scientists. To participate, contact NASA's Ciandra Jackson at 281-483-2924.

A joint event with NASA and the U.S. Forest Service will take place from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Myles Standish State Forest near Plymouth, Mass. U.S. Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear and NASA's Cosmo mascot will meet for the first time in an event open to media and the public. Reporters are asked to check in at 7 p.m. For more information, contact U.S. Forest Service representative Maureen Brooks at 610-742-7614.

The Boston Museum of Science will host a series of events Aug. 16 through 19. The first of three "Mars and Beyond 0/00 presentations with NASA astronaut Steve Bowen will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 17. The next two will start at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 18 and 1:30 p.m. Aug.19. For more information, contact the museum's Julia Sable at 617-589-4456.

Bowen and NASA experts will deliver space suit presentations at the Boston Children's Museum at 11 a.m. Aug. 19. Young attendees also will have the opportunity to create their own construction paper astronauts and space suits. For more information, contact the museum's Alissa Daniels at 617-426-6500, ext. 342.

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NASA Direct Final Rule: Research Misconduct

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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 44439-44441] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2012-18435]

NATIONAL AERONATICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

14 CFR Part 1275

[Docket Number NASA-0031] RIN 2700-AD84

Research Misconduct

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

ACTION: Direct final rule.

SUMMARY: The NASA Research Misconduct rule describes procedures to be used by NASA for the handling of allegations of research misconduct. This direct final rule makes non-substantive changes to the policy governing the handling of allegations of research misconduct and updates to reflect organizational changes that have occurred in the Agency. The revisions to this rule are part of NASA's retrospective plan under EO 13563 completed in August 2011. NASA's full plan can be accessed at: http://www.nasa.gov/open/.

DATES: This direct final rule is effective on September 28, 2012, unless adverse comment is received by August 29, 2012. If adverse comment is received, NASA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Comments must be identified with RN 2700-AD84 and may be sent to NASA via the Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitted comments. Please note that NASA will post all comments on the Internet with changes, including any personal information provided.

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NASA Curiosity rover to seek water on Mars

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If NASA's Curiosity Mars rover successfully lands on Sunday, it will use a neutron detector to scan for hydrogen below the Red Planet's surface.

NASA's newest Mars rover, Curiosity, has a tall task ahead of itself when it lands Aug. 6 on the Red Planet.

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The rover, part of the $2.5 billion Mars Science Laboratory mission, will aim to search for signs that Mars is, or ever was, habitable. Since one of the key requirements of habitability is thought to be the presence of liquid water, Curiosity will seek signs of water buried beneath the Martian surface.

To do this, the rover will shove neutrons underneath the planet's surface in hopes that the particles bump against hydrogen, one of the two types of atoms that make up water molecules. Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electrical charge. When a neutron hits a hydrogen atom, the neutron will slow to a near-stop because the two particles are about the same size.

The goal is in about 20 minutes of pulsing and returning and detecting the signal, [the rover] can build up a fairly good understanding of how much water there is below the surface, said Ashwin Vasavada, MSL's deputy project scientist. [11 Amazing Things NASA's Huge Mars Rover Can Do]

Neutrons have already been used on Mars to find what are believed to be ice reservoirs. In 2002, a high-energy neutron detector aboard the orbiting Mars Odyssey spacecraft found robust evidence of hydrogen on the higher latitudes of the Red Planet, lurking just underneath the surface.

From space, it's much easier to use neutrons to seek out water because high above a planet, there are many neutrons, Vasavada said. Closer to the surface, neutrons are so few and far between that MSL must carry its own artificial neutron generator.

Provided by the Russian Federal Space Agency, the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) experiment onboard Curiosity will blast 10 million neutrons into the surface with every pulse. These pulses will only take an instant: typically one microsecond, or a millionth of a second. Curiosity can send these pulses out up to 10 times per second.

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NASA Curiosity rover to seek water on Mars

NASA Curiosity rover to seek water on Mars (+video)

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If NASA's Curiosity Mars rover successfully lands on Sunday, it will use a neutron detector to scan for hydrogen below the Red Planet's surface.

NASA's newest Mars rover, Curiosity, has a tall task ahead of itself when it lands Aug. 6 on the Red Planet.

Subscribe Today to the Monitor

Click Here for your FREE 30 DAYS of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly Digital Edition

The rover, part of the $2.5 billion Mars Science Laboratory mission, will aim to search for signs that Mars is, or ever was, habitable. Since one of the key requirements of habitability is thought to be the presence of liquid water, Curiosity will seek signs of water buried beneath the Martian surface.

To do this, the rover will shove neutrons underneath the planet's surface in hopes that the particles bump against hydrogen, one of the two types of atoms that make up water molecules. Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electrical charge. When a neutron hits a hydrogen atom, the neutron will slow to a near-stop because the two particles are about the same size.

The goal is in about 20 minutes of pulsing and returning and detecting the signal, [the rover] can build up a fairly good understanding of how much water there is below the surface, said Ashwin Vasavada, MSL's deputy project scientist. [11 Amazing Things NASA's Huge Mars Rover Can Do]

Neutrons have already been used on Mars to find what are believed to be ice reservoirs. In 2002, a high-energy neutron detector aboard the orbiting Mars Odyssey spacecraft found robust evidence of hydrogen on the higher latitudes of the Red Planet, lurking just underneath the surface.

From space, it's much easier to use neutrons to seek out water because high above a planet, there are many neutrons, Vasavada said. Closer to the surface, neutrons are so few and far between that MSL must carry its own artificial neutron generator.

Provided by the Russian Federal Space Agency, the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) experiment onboard Curiosity will blast 10 million neutrons into the surface with every pulse. These pulses will only take an instant: typically one microsecond, or a millionth of a second. Curiosity can send these pulses out up to 10 times per second.

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NASA Curiosity rover to seek water on Mars (+video)

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. Retains New York Securities Law Firm

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NAPLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets:INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology based energy saving and sustainable solutions announced today that the Company has engaged the law firm of Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference, LLP (www.srff.com), 61 Broadway, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (SRFF), to represent its interests as general securities counsel and in the filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Stuart Burchill, CEO/CTO of Industrial Nanotech, Inc.,stated, "As the Company matures and our business strategies begin to produce the intended results, it is time to begin executing the next logical steps to maximize shareholder value. With the guidance and advice of Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP (SRFF), working closely with Andrea Cataneo, Partner, we believe we can streamline the process of becoming an SEC reporting entity and with their strong relationships with investment bankers, investor relations firms and related professional service entities, we are confident that the Company and the shareholders will benefit from their introductions."

Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP (SRFF) is headquartered in New York and provides experienced, professional representation for all matters involving the securities industry, as well as general corporate and litigation matters. SRFF clients include private and public corporations (from start-ups to NYSE-listed companies), partnerships, broker-dealers, investment advisors, individual corporate investors, partnerships and other entities. SRFF regularly advises clients regarding corporate and commercial transactions, including public offerings, reverse mergers, private investments in public equity (PIPEs), registered direct offerings, private placements, as well as mergers and acquisitions. SRFF also advises institutional investors on transactions involving complex securities law considerations. SRFF is recognized nationally for innovation, entrepreneurship and legal excellence in public company representations. In addition, the firm provides guidance to Boards of Directors and corporate managers who now operate in an increasingly complex and changing landscape of securities rules, litigation risks, and regulatory oversight. For more information, visit http://www.srff.com.

About Industrial Nanotech Inc.

Industrial Nanotech Inc. is a global nanoscience solutions and research leader and member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The Company develops and commercializes new and innovative applications for sustainable nanotechnology which are sold worldwide. http://www.inanotk.com

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic and business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

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Industrial Nanotech, Inc. Retains New York Securities Law Firm