Dog owners offered 'CSI-type' DNA test

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FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, June 22 (UPI) -- Canadian dog owners can now buy a DNA kit with "CSI-type technology" to help them determine their pet's breed, officials of an animal group say.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the New Brunswick capital of Fredericton says the kit can help owners confirm if their pet is purebred or a mutt, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Friday.

Within three weeks of administering the DNA test, owners receive an eight-page report detailing their dog's ancestry from matching the DNA to a genetic database of more than 190 different breeds.

"This is CSI-type technology that is now available in your home," said LeeAnn Haggerty, education and outreach coordinator for the Fredericton SPCA.

The identification kits, which cost $70, have been popular in Fredericton so far, she said.

Confirming a dog's breed, or its mix, can help owners understand what kind of dog they are dealing with, Fredericton veterinarian Amy Schneider said.

"If you're talking about a mixed breed dog then you're talking about different breeds mixed together and then who knows what the resulting behaviors of that dog will be," she said.

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Appeals Court Allows For DNA Testing In 1996 Highland Park Murder Case

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WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CBS) A state appeals court has ordered that DNA evidence from a 1997 murder trial in Lake County be tested for the first time.

As WBBM Newsradios Bernie Tafoya reports, Louis Rozo, 46, has already served more than 15 years of his 75-year sentence. He was convicted of the murder of retired speech pathology professor Christy Shervanian, 69, on Dec. 1, 1996, in his Highland Park home.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradios Bernie Tafoya reports

Rozo tried a few years ago to get a Lake County judge to order than evidence from the trial undergo DNA testing, but he was turned down.

But now, a higher court says samples of tissue from underneath the victims fingernails, and blood recovered from a glove, should be tested.

Rozo also wants the DNA samples to be compared to those of two men who were lovers of the victim. One of them, Rudolph Zink, even testified for the prosecution at Rozos trial in 1997.

There is no reason not to test the already extant DNA evidence of the two other men whom (Rozo) alleges were actually involved in the murder. This evidence would be materially relevant to defendants claim of innocence, Second District Appellate Justice Robert McLaren wrote in his opinion.

Rozo will be eligible for parole in 2034.

DNA evidence is a hot-button issue in Lake County, following several recent cases where it led to convictions being tossed, or charges being dropped.

Leading the high-profile cases in Lake County is that of Jerry Hobbs, who was jailed for five years awaiting trial, having been charged in the murders of his 8-year-old daughter, Laura Hobbs, and her friend, Krystal Tobias, 9. Their bodies were found in 2005 in the Beulah Park Forest Preserve in Zion.

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DNA Isolation Kits feature magnetic bead-based design.

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MO BIO's novel MagnaClear(TM) technology, included in the PowerMag(TM) Soil DNA Isolation Kit, enables automated purification of DNA from soil, stool and environmental samples without surface binding to the beads, eliminating the adsorption of organic inhibitors that is typical of other magnetic bead technologies, and facilitating isolation of pure DNA. The PowerMag(TM) Microbial DNA Isolation Kit contains unique MagnaSwift(TM) technology, developed for rapid, automated purification of inhibitor-free DNA from pure microbial cultures, food cultures and swabs. The PowerMag(TM) Soil and Microbial DNA Kits are the first magnetic bead-based purification kits to incorporate patented Inhibitor Removal Technology, which removes PCR-inhibiting compounds associated with soil, stool and food cultures, including humic substances, phenolics, lipids and polysaccharides.

The PowerMag(TM) Soil and Microbial DNA Isolation Kits are available now. For more information, visit the MO BIO website (www.mobio.com/powermag) or call 800-606-6246.

MO BIO Laboratories, Inc. (www.mobio.com) has developed innovative tools for researchers in molecular biology since 1993. A global leader in solutions for soil and microbial nucleic acid purification, MO BIO's Power kits contain patented Inhibitor Removal Technology for removal of PCR inhibiting substances during the nucleic acid purification procedure. For samples that do not require inhibitor removal, MO BIO's UltraClean line includes optimized products for DNA and RNA isolation from a variety of sample types. For clinical samples, the BiOstic(TM) kits provide solutions for higher yields and purity of nucleic acids. At MO BIO Laboratories, Inc., our focus is quality products that work, save time and function for all sample types, not just the easy ones. It is MO BIO's aim to make researchers' working lives more productive and efficient, creating time to focus on what is critical, not just in work, but in life.

CONTACT: Heather Martinez, Technical Product Manager of MO BIO Laboratories, Inc., +1-760-929-9911

Web Site: http://www.mobio.com

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Infection biology: The elusive third factor

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Public release date: 22-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Luise Dirscherl dirscherl@lmu.de 49-892-180-2706 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt Mnchen

Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt (LMU) in Munich have identified an enzyme that is involved in a modification pathway that is essential for bacterial pathogenicity. Because it shows no similarity to other known proteins, it may be an ideal target for development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

Studies on a number of pathogenic bacteria have shown that these strains become pathogenic only when an enzyme called elongation factor P (EF-P) is chemically modified on a conserved lysine residue. EF-P is a universally conserved translation factor, which is involved in protein synthesis. Two enzymes are known to be involved in modifying the conserved lysine of EF-P, however these enzymes cannot fully account for the pattern of modification seen on EF-P in living cells.

The mystery molecule

Thus, at least one other protein must be involved in the modification process however to date it has proved to be particularly elusive. Now a research team led by LMU biochemist Daniel Wilson, who is also affiliated with the Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), a Cluster of Excellence at LMU, has succeeded in identifying the mystery protein as the enzyme YfcM and showing that it displays hydroxylase activity. Strikingly, YfcM shows no sequence similarity to any other known protein and therefore may have a unique structure.

This is not the only reason why discovery of YfcM will arouse great interest. "YfcM may turn out to be an ideal target for the development of new - and urgently needed antibiotics, however more insight will be needed to ascertain the role of the YfcM mediated hydroxylation of EF-P," says Wilson.

###

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Autism Speaks awards nearly $2.9 million to fund autism research

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Public release date: 21-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jane E. Rubinstein jrubinstein@rubenstein.com 212-843-8287 Autism Speaks

New York, N.Y. (June 21, 2012) Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced the award of new research grants totaling nearly $2.9 million in funding to support autism research. "Suzanne and I are extraordinarily proud of Autism Speaks, not only for funding research projects which have tremendous potential to open new avenues to understanding autism," said Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright, "but in supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows who are the next generation of leaders in autism research."

The projects approved include a Suzanne and Bob Wright Trailblazer Award, ten Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowships and nine Postdoctoral Fellowships in Translational Research. In addition, five targeted research studies which support research across a range of high-priority areas were funded. These include environmental risk factors, understanding the impact of DSM-5 on autism diagnosis, the development of medicines, new behavioral treatments across the lifespan, improved access to early intervention in minority communities and a deeper understanding of autism biology.

"We are extremely gratified by the high quality of these research projects. These projects focus on issues that directly affect the lives of individuals with autism, such as the development of new treatments, the impact of the new diagnostic criteria for autism, and understanding the causes of autism," says Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D. "and the fellowships are so important for bringing new talent into the field."

The new Trailblazer project was awarded to Raymond Palmer, Ph.D., an expert in preventive medicine and epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center to investigate the use of baby teeth to track exposure to chemicals during the prenatal and postnatal period that may affect autism risk. "The lack of methods to determine environmental exposures during critical periods of early development has long challenged research into environmental risk factors for autism," Dr. Dawson says of the study's importance. Dr. Palmer pioneered the use of lost baby teeth to detect prenatal and early childhood exposure pesticides, drugs and other environmental chemicals in typically developing children. After further validating the method, the goal will be to compare baby teeth from children with autism to those from a control group unaffected by the disorder.

Targeted research projects, reviewed by outside experts and the Autism Speaks Scientific Review Panel address timely autism research studies.

David Mandell, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, will develop and evaluate the effects of a population-based program to improve early diagnosis and referral for autism services in an underserved minority community.

Two projects will use animal models that promise to advance the development of autism medicines. Joseph Buxbaum, Ph.D., of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, will use rat models to identify brain pathways common to several forms of autism. Richard Paylor, Ph.D., of Baylor College of Medicine, will complete his classification of autism-like behaviors in genetically engineered rat models of autism.

At the University of South Carolina, Laura Carpenter, Ph.D. will conduct a study that promises to provide clearer information on the effect of proposed changes to the definition of ASD in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). She will also assess how these changes will affect the estimated prevalence of autism using two different population-screening methods.

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'Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh: 'Mark, Alexis could have a destiny'

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Chyler Leigh has opened up about the love story between her character and Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) on Grey's Anatomy.

Leigh made her debut as Lexie, the half-sibling of main character Meredith Grey, on the ABC series in 2007, where she had an on-off relationship with plastic surgeon Sloan until her death in a plane crash on last season's finale.

"The rollercoaster between them was always very dynamic and I think realistic," she shared to TV Guide. "When it comes to death we never know the date or the hour. There is absolute shock value to that.

"As far as their relationship, it was in some ways very young. So Rachel and Ross [from Friends]. It's so hard to put a pin in what went wrong or how it could have gone better.

"But will Mark go on? Absolutely. He'll move right along. That's just what Mark Sloane does. But initially I hope there will be a devastation."

When asked if Mark was the love of Lexie's life, Leigh answered: "I do. She learned so much from him about herself and about life in general. I do think there could have been a destiny for that."

Leight also revealed that she "didn't push" for a primetime Emmy consideration for her death scene on the season finale.

Watch a clip of Grey's Anatomy featuring Chyler Leigh and Eric Dane below:

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'Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh: 'Mark, Alexis could have a destiny'

'Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh: 'Mark, Lexie could have a destiny'

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Chyler Leigh has opened up about the love story between her character and Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) on Grey's Anatomy.

Leigh made her debut as Lexie, the half-sibling of main character Meredith Grey, on the ABC series in 2007, where she had an on-off relationship with plastic surgeon Sloan until her death in a plane crash on last season's finale.

"The rollercoaster between them was always very dynamic and I think realistic," she shared to TV Guide. "When it comes to death we never know the date or the hour. There is absolute shock value to that.

"As far as their relationship, it was in some ways very young. So Rachel and Ross [from Friends]. It's so hard to put a pin in what went wrong or how it could have gone better.

"But will Mark go on? Absolutely. He'll move right along. That's just what Mark Sloane does. But initially I hope there will be a devastation."

When asked if Mark was the love of Lexie's life, Leigh answered: "I do. She learned so much from him about herself and about life in general. I do think there could have been a destiny for that."

Leight also revealed that she "didn't push" for a primetime Emmy consideration for her death scene on the season finale.

Watch a clip of Grey's Anatomy featuring Chyler Leigh and Eric Dane below:

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'Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh: 'Mark, Lexie could have a destiny'

Chyler Leigh Opens Up About Filming Grey's Anatomy Death Scene

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When Chyler Leigh decided to leave Grey's Anatomy in May after five-and-a-half years, the actress wrapped up Lexie's storyline on her own terms -- but that doesn't mean filming her death scene was a total dream.

"It was cold," Leigh, 30, recalled to TVGuide.com of filming her character's final scene, which took place in the aftermath of a plane crash. "We were up at Big Bear and at one point it had snowed. Then it would rain and be sunny and hot. I never died before [on camera]. That sounds funny saying that. I think everyone has an emotional wellspring and that happened to be a moment where I was sprung."

VIDEO: How the Grey's cast kills time on set

As all eyes were on Leigh's Lexie Grey during those last scenes, the actress quickly realized she could call the shots to keep herself comfortable. "Everybody was very accommodating -- the crew, cast. And I opted to stay underneath [the wreckage] for the most part over two days rather than trying to get in and out," she explained.

Leigh tells TVGuide.com that of all of her Seattle Grace scenes, Lexie's last moments were a highlight. "Ironically, I think [I'm most proud of] her death. It really was a chance for me to be able to go from the beginning of the character to the end," Leigh -- who worked closely with Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes to prepare a fitting end for Lexie -- explains.

PHOTOS: Grey's most memorable moments

"There's something that's very bittersweet about that. Something about being able to be there for the moment of her death that I appreciate. I don't know if that's morbid or not, but that's how I feel," she continues.

Taking a break from TV for the time being as she raises her three children with her actor husband, Nathan West, Leigh wouldn't be opposed to returning to the small screen. "I'm always down to do a sitcom. I did That 80's Show back in the day and that was a really great experience. I think comedy would be good for a while," she hints.

PHOTOS: TV bombshells

In the meantime, Leigh -- who is working on a children's book with her husband - is relishing in extra family time. "Right now I'm just taking a pause from everything," she tells TVGuide.com. "I am so grateful that I get to be home with my kids who are three beautiful, complicated, dynamic children. I have a lot of life to live."

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Anatomy of a leak

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Its hard for a journalist to be objective on the subject of leaks, a bit like asking a lawyer if he thinks litigation is a good method for resolving disputes. People in the news business always have a bias toward more information, even on sensitive subjects involving intelligence policy.

So the reader should discount for my inherent bias in favor of informing the public, and of the process that leads to disclosure namely, leaks.

David Ignatius

Ignatius writes a twice-a-week foreign affairs column and contributes to the PostPartisan blog.

Archive

We are in a new debate about leaks, flowing mainly from David Sangers new book, Confront and Conceal, which is largely about the Obama administrations covert actions. (The reader should be aware of another personal bias: Sanger is a friend, even though he regularly beats the rest of us in breaking big stories.) What motivates critics is their belief that President Obamas advisers deliberately leaked secrets.

Actually, its more than a belief; Sanger pretty much says it outright. In a concluding note on sources, he explains: Almost every senior member of the presidents national security team was generous enough to sit down and talk through their experiences, some more than once. Sanger says that concerning his most sensitive revelations, about Olympic Games, the code name for a U.S.-Israeli cyberwarfare assault against Iran, both American and foreign sources demanded complete anonymity. Maybe so, but in reading the book we can guess who some of the key informants may have been.

Let me offer three cautionary comments not to minimize the issue of national-security leaks, but to note some realities understood by every journalist working in this area, which may not be clear to the public.

My first caution is that when it comes to national-security leaks, every administration does it. Reading Sangers book (and his coverage in the New York Times) it was obvious that he learned many important secrets about cyberattacks against Iran during the George W. Bush administration, as well as during the Obama administration.

Among the sensational Bush-era revelations: The cyberwar against Iran originated in 2006, when Bush complained to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and national security adviser Stephen Hadley that his choices about the Iranian nuclear program were to either bomb it or accept it. I need a third option, Bush told them repeatedly. Sanger says Bush was later convinced the cyberattack would work when, after elaborate testing of mock-ups, he saw the remnants of a destroyed centrifuge.

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Grey’s Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw welcomes baby No. 3

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Content provided by TVGuide Greys Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw welcomes baby No. 3 Greys Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw welcomes baby No. 3 Grey's Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw gave birth to her third child Thursday, People reports. Grey's Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw gave birth to her third child Thursday, People reports. Idol and Voice alum Frenchie Davis comes out Idol and Voice alum Frenchie Davis comes out Former American Idol and The Voice contestant Frenchie Davis has come out as a lesbian. Former American Idol and The Voice contestant Frenchie Davis has come out as a lesbian. James Marsden is going to be a dad again James Marsden is going to be a dad again James Marsden is going to be a dad for the third time, E! News reports. James Marsden is going to be a dad for the third time, E! News reports. Kris Humphries: Kim Kardashian's mom orchestrated her sex tape Kris Humphries: Kim Kardashian's mom orchestrated her sex tape Kris Humphries' ex-girlfriend Myla Sinanaj plans to release text messages from the NBA star that claim Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian's mom, directed her daughter's infamous sex tape. Kris Humphries' ex-girlfriend Myla Sinanaj plans to release text messages from the NBA star that claim Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian's mom, directed her daughter's infamous sex tape. Charlie Sheen blames meltdown on "psychotic break," admits to seeing ghosts Charlie Sheen blames meltdown on "psychotic break," admits to seeing ghosts It appears as though the tiger blood warlock has finally been tamed. It appears as though the tiger blood warlock has finally been tamed. Swamp People star Trapper Joe arrested after altercation with girlfriend Swamp People star Trapper Joe arrested after altercation with girlfriend Swamp People star "Trapper" Joe LaFont has been arrested on assault and battery charges in Orange County, Florida. Swamp People star "Trapper" Joe LaFont has been arrested on assault and battery charges in Orange County, Florida. Is NBC replacing Ann Curry on Today? Is NBC replacing Ann Curry on Today? Ann Curry may be leaving Today after only one year since she became the co-host. Ann Curry may be leaving Today after only one year since she became the co-host. Halloween actor Richard Lynch dies at 76 Halloween actor Richard Lynch dies at 76 Horror and sci-fi actor Richard Lynch has died at the age of 76. Horror and sci-fi actor Richard Lynch has died at the age of 76. Wynonna Judd marries bandmate Wynonna Judd marries bandmate Wynonna Judd has married Catcus Moser. Wynonna Judd has married Catcus Moser.

By Kate Stanhope,

Grey's Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw gave birth to her third child Thursday, People reports.

Daughter Poppy James Gavigan joins older siblings Luke Hudson, 4, and Eve Augusta, 20 months. "Our hearts are bursting with love and gratitude upon the arrival of our baby girl," Capshaw, 35, and husband Christopher Gavigan told the magazine.

Check out photos of Jessica Capshaw

Capshaw and her husband, who co-founded The Honesty Company, have been married in 2004.

Although her character, Arizona, was involved in a disastrous plane crash that took the life of fellow Seattle Grace doc Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) in last season's finale, Capshaw will be back for Grey's ninth season.

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Travel: 5 free things to do in Gdansk

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GDANSK, POLAND Gdansk offers a chance for visitors to take in scenes of sea, ships and spires set in a magnificently reconstructed Old Town while contemplating the ups and downs of European history, including the famous shipyard strike led by Lech Walesa.

The city, already one of Polands key tourist attractions, is seeing an influx of some 300,000 soccer fans and tourists this month as it hosts several games during the European football championship. The major sporting event is taking place in eight cities across Poland and Ukraine.

Here are five things that visitors to Gdansk can do for free:

Main town: The colorful facades of stately merchant homes dating back centuries attest to the prosperity of the Renaissance era, when Gdansk was a major European hub for trade. A 17th century fountain depicting Neptune, the god of the sea, sits in the heart of the main square, Dlugi Targ (Long Market), and has become a city symbol. The historic centre is not large but contains many architectural gems meticulously reconstructed after the devastation of World War II.

Westerplatte: World War II began in Gdansk, and today many visitors flock to the peninsula of Westerplatte, where the Germans opened fired on a Polish garrison on Sept. 1, 1939, some of the opening shots of the conflict. A monument honours the Poles who fought for seven days against the German artillery attack.

Walesas Shipyard: Decades after the war, Gdansk again became a focal point of European history when Lech Walesa led a workers strike at the shipyard in Gdansk. The freedom movement he founded, Solidarity, went on to play a key role in toppling communism across the East Bloc. Outside the shipyard is a soaring monument of three crosses in steel that honours workers killed in an earlier workers revolt in 1970. Inside a museum depicts the rise of Solidarity and the hardship of life under communism but there is an entry fee, about $2.

Mariacka Street: This small street in the Old Town is lined with shop after shop selling amber jewelry and decorative items. Some of the buildings are decorated with stone gargoyles, adding to the lanes romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Shoppers can also browse stores selling silver, antiques and art on this and neighbouring streets.

Motlawa Waterfront: The marina of the Motlawa River is a great place for a stroll. Ships dock in the water, with bustling cafes and shops with more amber and trinkets creating a lively atmosphere in the shadow of more historic structures. One of them is a 15th century harbour crane, a massive brick structure with huge ropes and gears.

The Associated Press

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Travel with the 'D' around the world, Vol. 25

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LATEST HEADLINES

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With production up, oil inventories at 21-year highs and tepid consumer demand, gas prices have...- 7:16 am

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The Role of Travel and Tourism Lauded by G20 Leaders

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LOS CABOS, Mexico, June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The G20 world leaders have, for the first time in history, recognized the critical role travel and tourism has in fuelling job growth and economic development. It also included a commitment from leaders of the G20 nations to promote initiatives which facilitate more efficient immigration procedures thus expanding tourism.

The Leaders' Declaration G20 Leaders Summit held in Los Cabos, Mexico, states implicitly that: "we recognize the role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for job creation, economic growth, and development, and, while recognizing the sovereign right of States to control the entry of foreign nationals, we will work towards developing travel facilitation initiatives in support of job creation, quality work, poverty reduction, and global growth."

Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara said that the inclusion of tourism on the agenda of the G20 Leaders' Summit represented an unprecedented breakthrough for the enhancement of thetourism industry globally.

Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (WTO) referred to this as a "significant success" for the global tourism industry and he applauded the efforts undertaken by the Calderon Government in advancing the tourism industry, particularly the inclusion of tourism as an item on the agenda of the G20.

Secretary-General Rifai said, "We commend and will support the G20 leaders who have recognized the importance of travel and tourism as an engine of economic growth and job creation."

David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council said, "Following the successful T20 (Tourism Ministers of G20 countries) last month, which was chaired by Secretary Gloria Guevara, President Felipe Calderon received a declaration on the importance of travel and tourism as a generator of jobs. He then took this declaration to the G20 meeting in Los Cabos, which was the first time that this sector has been discussed by the world's leaders."

Scowsill added, "World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) would like to congratulate President Calderon and Secretary Guevara for their leadership and their focus on the industry, underlining its potential to create new jobs in such difficult economic times. Mexico has been leading the world in marketing the beauty of the country, and in making changes to visa policies to encourage more inbound tourists."

Kirk Kinsell, Director of the Board of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and President of the Americas, participated in the delegation to Mexico led by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron commented that, "for the first time tourism has been discussed in a G20 Leader's Summit. Tourism has a key role in the global economy and if we could remove certain barriers, the industry could generate at least 5.1 million additional jobs by 2015. "

Last month the Tourism Ministers of the G20 nations and the European Union converged on the Yucatan for the 4th Meeting of Tourism Ministers (T20) and forged the "Merida Declaration" a policy proposal submitted to the G20 Leaders which suggests implementing streamlined procedures for obtaining visas so as to boost tourism internationally.

Research by UNWTO and WTTC, released at the T20 Tourism Ministers Meeting last May, indicated that the G20 group of nations could boost their international tourist numbers and generate over 5 million jobs.

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The Role of Travel and Tourism Lauded by G20 Leaders

Tourists Prepare for Adventure Travel with the Right Gear and the Right Insurance

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INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS), a provider of international travel health insurance, releases an explorer travel infographic showcasing the wide world of adventure travel. With the recent addition of extreme sports insurance coverage to Atlas Travel Health Insurance policies, HCCMIS is launching a content campaign highlighting the many adventure travel experiences open to their customers. The explorer travel interactive infographic lists essential gear for adventure travelers, pinpoints top adventure travel locations around the globe, and educates tourists on the need for travel health insurance.

Many travel insurance companies charge extra for sports travel insurance, says Mark Carney, CEO of HCCMIS. By adding this coverage to our existing Atlas Travel Health Insurance plans at no additional charge, we are offering our customers an opportunity to seek out a new level of adventure on their international trips.

To help travelers begin planning their next big international adventure, the explorer travel infographic offers packing tips and outlines such crucial adventure travel gear as a compass, a first aid kit, layered clothing, a valid passport, and more. The infographic also offers travelers a chance to identify their destination of choice with travel suggestions, and features a quiz that asks, How Extreme Are You?

Combined with the rest of their extreme sports content, HCCMIS hopes that this infographic will prepare adventure travelers by detailing just how important it is to travel with a reliable health insurance policy.

More information about HCCMIS, Atlas Travel Health Insurance and the explorer travel infographic is available at http://www.hccmis.com.

About HCCMIS

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS), headquartered in the United States in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full-service company offering international medical insurance and short-term medical insurance products designed to meet needs of consumers worldwide. HCCMIS is a subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a leading Specialty Insurance group.

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The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool and Silent with Maintenance-Free Water Cooling [Video]

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Water cooling is a great way to keep your computer super cool and super quiet, but it can cost a lot of money. Corsair's Hydro series makes water cooling easy with inexpensive, maintenance-free units that take just a few minutes to install.

Water cooling is great, but it takes a ton of upkeep, costs hundreds of dollars, and comes with a risk of drowning your computer if you make a mistake (yeesh!). Corsair's Hydro seriesmade up of the H100, H80, H70, H60, and H40makes water cooling simple. Just install the water block like you would any other cooler, and install the radiator on the top of your case (if you have the 120x240mm H100) or the back exhaust fan (if you have the 120x120mm smaller models). The fans will keep the radiator cool as the water pumps through it, giving you a quieter computer with lower CPU temperatures.

You'll still have to compromise a bit on noise, since you are still using fans, and Corsair's stock fans are quite loud. You can swap them out for something quieter, but the H100 and H80 also come with a handy feature that lets you run the fans on "low", "medium", or "high" speeds, which you can adjust depending on your needs. If you're looking for a silent system, go with the lower, quieter setting; if you're overclocking and gaming, go with the higher, louder setting. Alternatively, you can do what I do and get an external fan controller and use that to control the cooler's fans instead. That way, you can have it quiet when you're just browsing the web, and louder when you need the performance boost.

I've been using the H100 for about a week now, and my experience has been very good. My temperatures are a bit lower, though probably not enough to overclock my system any further (obviously, your mileage may vary depending on the CPU you're using, your case, and the cooling system you're currently using). The main benefit I'm seeing is in the realm of noisecoupled with the H100's fan controller (or an external one), you can decrease the noise in your system quite a bit. If you're sick of your computer sounding like a wind tunnel, or if you just want some extra overclocking headroom, check out the H100 or one of its smaller cousins. See the video above for a look at the hardware, or hit the link below to check out the specs on Corsair's web site. The H100 runs for about $100 on Amazon, while the other models cost less as you go down the chain.

Corsair Hydro Series CPU Coolers

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The Corsair Hydro Series Keeps Your PC Cool and Silent with Maintenance-Free Water Cooling [Video]

Stem cell therapy gives dog new lease on life

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Stem cell therapy has gone to the dogs. The technology aimed at giving ailing pets a new lease on life has arrived in Hawaii.

13-year-old Kumba is still a bit dazed, coming out of general anesthesia. The veterinarian at Surf Paws Animal Hospital just extracted about two tablespoons of fat tissue from the dog. Stem cells from that fat tissue will then be used to help him with his arthritis.

"Once we get the stem cells then we do some extra processing steps to wake them up so that they're very active. At the end of that, the veterinarian will inject the stem cells into the areas of damage," says Carol Spangler Vaughn of Medivet America.

A company called MediVet America is bringing the technology to animal hospitals in Hawaii. This is a first for Oahu. The company says the procedure works on other animals with different types of ailments.

"So the nice thing about this we're not gonna give you a puppy back but we'll give you some nice quality time with your animal. You won't have to put them down because of their arthritis," Vaughn said.

Kumba's arthritis had gotten worse in the past five years, and his owners were wondering whether it was best to end his life to stop him from suffering.

'When we start saying things like oh we don't know how much longer, poor Kumba, he must be in a lot of pain. That kind of stuff really hits home especially since he's been with us for so long," said Rumi Hospodar Kumba's owner.

But with this new procedure, they're counting on Kumba to be pain free in a few weeks and are looking forward to get backdoing some of the things Kumba enjoyed, like swimming.

"He can't do that now since his joints are so bad, and he's getting so old so that's one of the many things I'm looking forward to," Kelsea Hopsodar, his other owner said.

The cost of the procedure runs from 24 to 28 hundred dollars, and it's covered by most pet insurance policies.

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Stem cell therapy gives dog new lease on life

Stem cell therapy in Hawaii going to the dogs

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HAWAII KAI (HawaiiNewsNow) -

Cutting-edge technology is helping Hawaii's pets live better lives for months, even years. We were there as a beloved dog named Kumba received one of the first-ever, in-clinic stem cell therapy surgeries in the islands.

13 year old Kumba doesn't know he's a guinea pig. The Rottweiler-Lab mix is one of the first in Hawaii to undergo the stem cell procedure at Surf Paws in Hawaii Kai.

Kumba suffers severe arthritis in his hips and knees, doesn't eat much, and is even a bit depressed. "It's an effort for him to get up off the floor, and when he gets up and crosses the room, you can see the stiffness," says his owner, Rumi Hospodar.

Kumba's kids learn some of details of his surgery. Then, he's moved to a table and nods off from anesthesia. Once he's prepped, the procedure begins. The vet removes about two tablespoons of fat tissue from Kumba's shoulder. From there, the stem cells are separated from the fat and activated. Then, they're injected back into the affected areas.

The entire process takes four hours, but the dog is actually only under for about 20 minutes. Surf Paws used to send the tissue to the mainland for processing, but with technology from Medi-Vet America, they can do it all here.

"The patient had to be, you know, go home and come back a few days later and the timing was a little bit difficult. Now, everything is same day," says Surf Paws veterinarian Dr. Cristina Miliaresis.

Cost depends on the size of animal but can run up to $2,800. It's mainly done on dogs, cats, and horses who suffer osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, ligament and cartilage damage, and other degenerative diseases. Their quality of life can improve within a couple of weeks.

Dr. Miliaresis says, "Some people might say, 'Oh, the dog's 13. Why are you doing this for a 13 year old dog? But even 6 months, pain-free, after a very, it's not simple, but it's a pretty straightforward procedure, to me (would be) just amazing."

The techs move all 97 pounds of Kumba to post-op - while his anxious owner looks on.

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Stem cell therapy in Hawaii going to the dogs

Notre Dame establishes professorships in adult stem cell research

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Public release date: 22-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: William Gilroy gilroy.6@nd.edu 574-631-4127 University of Notre Dame

Alumnus Michael Gallagher and his wife, Elizabeth, have made a $5 million gift to establish the Elizabeth and Michael Gallagher Family Professorships in Adult Stem Cell Research at the University of Notre Dame.

Their gift, which will fund three new endowed professorships in adult and all forms of non-embryonic stem cell research, will strengthen Notre Dame's leadership in the field of stem cell research and enhance the University's effective dialogue between the biomedical research community and the Catholic Church on matters related to the use and application of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

"As a Catholic university, Notre Dame carries a mantle of responsibility to use our scholarship and resources to help alleviate human suffering, and, in this area of research in particular, to do so with deep respect for the sanctity of all human life," said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University's president. "These new professorships will enable us to effectively build upon an already strong foundation in this critically important field. We are tremendously grateful to the Gallaghers for making this possible with their transformative gift."

Despite years of research, there are no known cures for a large number of degenerative diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and spinal cord injuries. Stem cell research has the potential to contribute to the discovery of new and successful treatments for these and other diseases because it holds the unique promise of regenerating damaged cells and tissues, fully restoring tissues and organs to their normal function.

Although this vital area of research could accelerate the ability to alleviate much human suffering, it has generated extensive ethical debate with the use of embryonic versus non-embryonic stem cells. The Catholic Church affirms the dignity of all human life at every stage and vigorously opposes the destruction of human embryos for the harvesting of stem cells. At the same time, the Church strongly endorses the use of adult and non-embryonic stem cell research as a potential therapy for individuals suffering from these debilitating diseases. Research has demonstrated that adult stem cells, including all forms of non-embryonic stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells, can be harvested and programmed to achieve pluripotency the same characteristic that enables embryonic stem cells to differentiate into any type of cell.

An urgent need exists to increase the number of faculty experts performing adult stem cell research at Notre Dame. Doing so will expand upon the strong foundation the College of Science holds in these areas and will help create an environment for excellence in which faculty and students can learn, grow, collaborate and ultimately affect human health.

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the generous gift from Mike and Liz Gallagher," said Gregory P. Crawford, dean of the College of Science. "The impact of this gift is truly beyond measure. It will play a crucial role in attracting three more of the best faculty in the field of adult stem cell research to Notre Dame. Furthermore, this gift will equip our existing talented group of adult stem cell researchers at Notre Dame to take the next great leap toward ultimately forming a premier center in adult stem cell research."

Michael Gallagher is a 1991 graduate of Notre Dame, and his wife, Elizabeth, is a 1992 graduate of Saint Mary's College. They have two sons, Brock and Jack, and currently live near Denver.

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Notre Dame establishes professorships in adult stem cell research