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Anatomy of a heat wave

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Danzig

OTTAWA A warm, dry winter set up conditions to turn a warm spell into a March heat wave like nothing Ottawa has ever seen.

The heat came from the south of us, but weve had south winds before in March, and the temperature has never risen past 17 C.

On Tuesday it reached 25.1, continuing the weeks pattern of smashing records by eight or nine degrees each day. The old record was 14.6 C, in 1995.

Even David Phillips, who has published 24 weather trivia calendars with 365 daily weather anecdotes each, has seen nothing like this.

Summer has arrived here, not spring, he said.

He has a point. Ottawas average high temperature for June is 23.6 C. Yes, June.

The first ingredient in our heat wave: The wind. For day after day after day, its been southerly air, he said.

Normally we get north winds coming in to jostle the southern airstream. Not this year: By his count, Tuesday was the thirteenth straight day of air from down south.

Its just standing its ground, kind of a monotonous situation.

This kind of heat cannot be produced in Canada at this time. It has to come from the United States.

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Anatomy of a heat wave

Parents Television Council study: Anatomy of a trend

Posted on March 21, 2012 by ev1

In case you hadn't noticed, there are an awful lot of lady parts being discussed on broadcast TV these days. And they aren't the only ones exposed the male anatomy is explicitly mentioned on prime time as well, markedly more than even a few years ago.

So says a new study from the conservative watchdog group the Parents Television Council that tracks the number of times the words "vagina" and "penis" are spoken in dramas, comedies, TV movies and reality shows.

The research found that in just nine fall episodes of CBS' hit sitcom "2 Broke Girls," characters said the word "vagina" more times than anyone did on broadcast TV across all networks in an entire season a decade ago.

In fact, the anatomical term gets tossed around eight times more frequently on TV now than it did during the 2001-2002 season, which served as a benchmark. The word "penis" was used nearly four times as often in a recent season as it was in the relatively tame early 2000s.

With tallies for individual series, the study cites CBS' "2 Broke Girls" and "Two and a Half Men," NBC's "The Office" and "30 Rock," Fox's "American Dad" and "Family Guy," and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" as those that invoke the words most frequently.

"It's a broader reflection of the progression of raunch," said Tim Winter, president of the PTC, which took up the study after TV critics and industry watchers noticed the trend. "So many shows and networks seem to think they need it to be funny or successful."

Although the mini-study wasn't timed to the current U.S. Supreme Court deliberations about broadcast standards, it may add fuel to the fire for those arguing against relaxing the existing rules about profanity, sex and nudity on TV.

The Supreme Court, which started debating the issue early this year, has regularly ruled in favor of free speech claims. But justices have spoken publicly about the need to retain Federal Communications Commission guidelines about what can be aired on NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and the CW.

At the heart of the court case is "fleeting profanity" that was uttered during live awards shows on Fox and a partially visible bare bum shown on an ABC drama. There's no firm date on when the court will issue a judgment, but it's expected within the next month or two.

"Broadcast networks say they have to compete against cable and that's why they're pushing the envelope like this," Winter said. "They're forgetting that they're broadcast networks that use public airwaves and go out to every single person who has a TV."

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Parents Television Council study: Anatomy of a trend

Anatomy of an ACA Lie – Health Stew – Boston.com

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Danzig

Most good lies have a kernel of truth in them, giving them undeserved credibility. Here's a great example of a lie intended to scare senior citizens into opposing both the Affordable Care Act (aka: ACA/ObamaCare) and President Obama as well.

Last week, I spoke to the GE Oldtimers Association, a luncheon group of about 50 older gents (and a few women) who are retired managers and engineers from the GE jet engine plant in Lynn, Massachusetts. They meet at Anjelica's Restaurant in Middleton, MA. They are nice, smart, informed, and attentive. They had lots of questions about the ACA, and we had a great discussion.

Near the end, some of them asked me about unsolicited emails they were getting claiming that the ACA, beginning in 2013, would impose on them a new Medicare tax of 3.8% when they sold their homes. Now, I knew that the ACA creates a new 3.8% Medicare tax on unearned income in excess of $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples. But a tax on principal residences? It didn't sound right. Rather than guess, I asked them to send me the email and I would check it out.

So here's the email (addresses deleted -- but notice the date, really recent):

From: --- Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 10:30 PM To: --- Subject: If you own a home-- Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message:

sorry I hate passing this stuff on but its pretty good

Subject: If you own a home--

If you own a home, Please read this. THIS WILL BLOW YOU AWAY !!!!!

The National Association of REALTORS is all over this and working to get it repealed, before it takes effect. But, I am very pleased we aren't the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners. How many REALTORS do you think will vote Democratic in 2012?

Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc. When did this happen? It's in the health care bill and goes into effect in 2013.

Link:
Anatomy of an ACA Lie - Health Stew - Boston.com

SanBio Announces Enrollment of First Cohort of Patients in Its Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Stroke

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SanBio Inc. today announced the successful enrollment of the first dose cohort of patients in its Phase 1/2a clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a novel allogeneic stem cell therapy product, SB623, in patients suffering from chronic deficits resulting from previous stroke injuries. The first 6 patients, of a total of 18, have been successfully administered SB623. The trial is being conducted at Stanford University and the University of Pittsburgh. No safety concerns have been reported. For details regarding this clinical trial, please refer to http://www.strokeclinicaltrial.org.

SB623 is derived from adult bone marrow and has shown safety and efficacy in rodent models of chronic stroke. "This represents a major milestone in the human clinical testing of this important new approach for regenerative medicine", said Keita Mori, SanBio CEO. "We are pleased to learn that the initial dose level was well tolerated."

SB623 is being delivered to the damaged region of the brains of patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke. Product safety is the primary focus of the study but various measurements of efficacy are also being tested.

"The successful completion of the initial dose cohort is a major step in any first-in-human study", said Dr. Ernest Yankee, SanBio's Vice President of Development. "We are looking forward to initiating the next two dose cohorts and wrapping up the study. The safety findings thus far are very encouraging"

About SB623: SB623 is a proprietary cell therapy product consisting of cells derived from genetically engineered bone marrow stromal cells obtained from healthy adult donors. SB623 is administered adjacent to the area damaged by stroke and functions by producing proteins that aid the regenerative process.

About SanBio: SanBio is a privately held San Francisco Bay Area biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of new regenerative cell therapy products.

For more information: http://www.san-bio.com

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SanBio Announces Enrollment of First Cohort of Patients in Its Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Stroke

9/11 search and rescue dog receives stem cell therapy

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

A special dog used to help people is getting some much-needed help of her own at a Virginia clinic, myFOXdc.com reported.

Red, a 12-year-old black Labrador, is one of the last surviving search and rescue dogs deployed during the 9/11 attacks.

Her handler, Heather Roche, told WTTG-TV that Red was recently certified when Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, and the devastating terror attacks were her first big mission.

Red's job was to find DNA evidence at The Pentagon's north parking lot with 26 other dogs, and according to Roche, she did a "fantastic job."

"I got her as a puppy ... You have to convince [her] everything that she does, whether it's climbing ladders or any kind of search, that it's her idea," Roche told WTTG-TV. "No matter what I've asked her to do, she's done it and she's done it flawlessly."

But in her old age Red developed crippling arthritis, and underwent stem cell regenerative therapy Monday to help ease her pain so she can get back out on the job.

Dr. John Herrity of Burke Animal Clinic in Burke, Va., told WTTG-TV, "Red has a back issue that, after a fall from a ladder has not really been right, and has been living in pain, so we're going to give those stem cells IV [intravenously] and then also inject them along the back to try to help Red's comfort."

"She's had a great career and has made a difference to a lot of families by bringing their loved ones home," Roche said.

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9/11 search and rescue dog receives stem cell therapy

A Chance to Ease the Pain Of a Rescue Hero of 9/11

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

A special dog used to help people is getting some much-needed help of her own at a Virginia clinic.

Red, a 12-year-old black Labrador, is one of the last surviving search-and-rescue dogs deployed during the 9/11 attacks, Fox affiliate WTTG-TV reported.

Her handler, Heather Roche, told the station that Red was recently certified when the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, saying the search-and-rescue operation that followed was her first big mission.

Red's job was to find DNA evidence at the Pentagon's north parking lot with 26 other dogs, according to Roche, who said she did a "fantastic job."

"I got her as a puppy ... You have to convince [her] everything that she does, whether it's climbing ladders or any kind of search, that it's her idea," Roche told WTTG. "No matter what I've asked her to do, she's done it and she's done it flawlessly."

But in her old age, Red developed crippling arthritis and underwent stem cell regenerative therapy Monday to help ease her pain so she can get back out on the job.

Dr. John Herrity of Burke Animal Clinic in Burke, Va., told the station that "Red has a back issue that, after a fall from a ladder, has not really been right, and has been living in pain, so we're going to give those stem cells IV [intravenously] and then also inject them along the back to try to help Red's comfort."

"She's had a great career and has made a difference to a lot of families by bringing their loved ones home," Roche said.

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Cell-in-a-Box® Encapsulation Technology Creates Extensive Applications within the Stem Cell Arena

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions through its acquisition of the SG Austria assets, today discussed the value of encapsulation, freezing, storage, survivability and localization of human stem cells once implanted using the proprietary Cell-in-a-Box technology.

The encapsulation of human stem cells is enabled by the Cell-in-a-Box technology, which can then be frozen, stored and later implanted into target tissues. The benefits of encapsulation are several: first, the process allows for freezing of stem cells for long-term storage without appreciably affecting viability. Second, encapsulation protects the stem cells from stress factors caused by direct aeration and sheer forces associated with bioreactors. Third, Cell-in-a-Box encapsulated stem cells are held in place at the site of implantation, maximizing their potential efficacy as they have the potential to stimulate growth of surrounding new, healthy tissue. Finally, encapsulated cells may prevent any potential side effects associated with direct injection since they remain localized to the area of treatment when encapsulated.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, commented, For many years it was assumed stem cells existed only to replace cells that had died or were damaged. Recent studies suggest factors stem cells secrete provide signals to surrounding tissue that can stimulate regeneration. The potential therefore, is that if stem cells can be maintained at a particular site where damaged, removed or non-functional tissue was through some sort of holding mechanism, this may aid in a positive growth response in that tissue. In addition, the stem cells themselves have the potential to undergo development into the appropriate cell type at that location, potentially creating miniature organs. The Cell-in-a-Box technology is designed specifically for those purposes. Thus, encapsulated stem cells would be implanted and remain in place, ultimately being able to serve a broad number of medical applications entirely dependent on where in the body they are placed.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of live clinically useful, therapeutically valuable, encapsulated cells, as well as services for encapsulating live cells for the research and medical communities. Through substantial effort, the aspects of our corporate activities alone and in concert with SG Austria continue to move toward agreement completion and ultimately a strong future together. Our companys ultimate clinical offerings will include cancer, diabetes and other treatments using the companys industry-leading cell and gene therapy expertise and cutting edge, live-cell encapsulation technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 involving risks and uncertainties, including product demand, market competition, and Nuvilexs ability to meet current or future plans which may cause actual results, events, and performances, expressed or implied, to vary and/or differ from those contemplated or predicted. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Nuvilex is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Cell-in-a-Box® Encapsulation Technology Creates Extensive Applications within the Stem Cell Arena

Hero Dog Receives Stem Cell Therapy

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

Stem Cell Therapy Helping Heroic Dogs Recover

News4's Darcy Spencer explains how a breakthrough treatment is helping search and rescue dogs like Red recover after years of working in disaster zones.

A breakthrough treatment is helping area search-and-rescue dogs that played key roles on Sept. 11, 2001, and during other disasters.

Red's first assignment as a search, rescue and recovery dog was at the Pentagon following the 9/11 attacks. Years of rescue work and a 12-foot fall from a ladder have taken a toll. Arthritis forced Red into retirement in July and turned her into a couch potato.

The 12-year-old black lab received a breakthrough stem cell treatment today that will ease her pain and give her more mobility.

Her veterinarian, Dr. John Herrity, of the Burke Animal Clinic, has done more than two dozen of the stem cell operations developed by Medivet America, which also donated the cost of the procedure.

The treatment won't bring Red back out of retirement, but it is expected to put spring back in her step within a couple of months.

Two other 9/11 search-and-rescued dogs have been treated with stem cell therapy and are back to their normal activities.

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Hero Dog Receives Stem Cell Therapy

iWorx Introduces High Performance Data Acquisition System with Analytical Software for OEM Applications

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

DOVER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

iWorx, a developer of advanced physiology research tools, has introduced the IX-404E Data Acquisition System for OEM applications that require data recording and analysis. The cost-effective, high performance system features four single-ended analog inputs and a 16 bit analog-to-digital converter. The system is capable of sampling at up to 10 k/s/s per channel on each of its 4 channels and can be easily embedded into a variety of biomedical and analytical devices.

The IX-404E system is controlled by iWorx LabScribe2 Recording and Analysis Software which is included with the system. LabScribe2 software features an intuitive, user-friendly interface for setting up acquisition screens, calibrating signals and analyzing data. A comprehensive set of analytical routines have been preconfigured making data analysis and interpretation quick and easy. LabScribe2 software also includes a scripting function for creating custom analytical routines.

More information on iWorx IX-404E Data Acquisition System can be found at http://www.iworx.com. Contact iWorx Systems, Inc., 62 Littleworth Road, Dover, NH 03820 (T) (800) 234-1757, (F) (603) 742-2455, billm@iworx.com.

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About iWorx

iWorx advanced research solutions include high performance recording hardware, software, and components that accelerate metabolic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and respiratory physiology research. In addition to data acquisition systems, iWorx offers a full selection of signal conditioners, stimulators, transducers, electrodes, cables, and general-purpose laboratory equipment and accessories.

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iWorx Introduces High Performance Data Acquisition System with Analytical Software for OEM Applications

'Get Your Plate in Shape' during National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

Special to The T&D The Times and Democrat | Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 9:00 am |

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating during Marchs National Nutrition Month campaign, Get Your Plate in Shape.

This years theme focuses on the U.S. Department of Agricultures MyPlate, a simplified explanation of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, says Rebecca Fuller, clinical nutrition manager at the Regional Medical Center. Get Your Plate in Shape encourages a balanced diet, proper portion sizes and an active lifestyle.

Focusing on the new MyPlate can help our community make simple changes to their daily eating plans that will benefit them for a lifetime, Fuller said. They can do things like eating the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy each day start building your plate with fruits and vegetables. Choose bright, vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, and make them half of your plate. Next add grains, preferably whole grains like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and 100-percent wheat bread. Complete the remaining portion of your plate with lean proteins and add a low-fat source of dairy.

Launched in June 2011, USDAs MyPlate replaced MyPyramid as the governments primary food group symbol as an easy-to-understand visual cue to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the Dietary Guidelines. Dividing the plate into four sections fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins, as well as a glass representing dairy products it shows consumers how they can incorporate the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines into every meal.

Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, National Nutrition Week became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. For more information about National Nutrition Month, visit eatright.org/nnm.

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'Get Your Plate in Shape' during National Nutrition Month

Nutrition pilot program to help serve students

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

A school nutrition pilot program is expected to make serving low-income students in Kentucky school districts easier in the 2012-2013 school year.

Kentucky joins Alaska, Florida, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania in the demonstration phase of a program to use Medicaid data to determine elibility for school meal assistance. The project is under the authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

When we applied for this pilot project, I think the USDA saw that Kentucky is a leader in this area, and that there was a need for this because we do have such a high level of students who are eligible for this, said Lisa Gross, Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson.

Currently, 56 percent of students in Kentuckys public school system qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, which puts Kentucky in the top ten in need, said Gross.

Calloway County has 57.13 percent of student on free and reduced-price meals, and 39 percent of students in the MISD qualify for free and reduced-price meals, according to school district data.

(Kentucky) has also been doing direct certification, which is what this program is, through programs like SNAP, which is the federal nutrition program, and K-TAP which is the state version of that program for low income families, so we have a pool of people we know will benefit from this, stated Gross.

The number of students served through free and reduced-price lunch is likely to increase slightly in districts. However, the greatest benefit is expected to be efficiency. Using Medicaid data will cut down on the amount of paperwork that school districts have to do, and that is something that excites Pat Lane, school nutrition programs director for Calloway County Schools.

Im very excited to learn that we will have access to the Medicaid data as an additional resource for the 2012-2013 school year. From our office computers, we will be able to verify a familys participation in Medicaid and then greatly expedite our process to offer free or reduced price meals to students, said Lane. It will also mean one less financial aid application for a family to complete, which should provide even greater privacy and security. The end result of this program will be fewer hungry kids, and thats awesome.

Mallory Cathey, MISD school nutrition director, called the pilot program wonderful.

Any way we, as a district, can qualify more students and get them fed nutritious meals at no cost to them is a win/win situation, she said.

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Nutrition pilot program to help serve students

Barclays Explains How Longer Life Expectancy Is Going To Transform The Financial Industry

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

A new note out from Credit Suisse attempts to explain the social, economic, and market implications of longevity.

Their conclusion? That increasing life expectancy will not only require individuals to change their financial behavior to fit a more complex pattern and governments to make decisions with new concerns in mind, but that the investment world will be required to provide new financial products and invent new systems to cope with the fact that people just live longer.

A few major points from that report:

Financial professionals will see greater demand for relatively safe long-term securities that are easy to use. Longevity will also emerge as an asset class.

Annuity contracts will become more efficient for individuals unsure of how long they will live. However, the market for annuities remains small, based on difficulties in calculating the price of the contracts and lack of instruments to head against longevity risk.

Analysts should design better models to forecast longevity, given failings of models that have been used up to this point.

It will be important for governments to focus on "healthy life expectancy," a measure which implies fewer costs for the social system as well as individuals.

Government expenditures are going to increase dramatically due to age-related causes. Governments will also have to begin inter-temporal budgeting of natural resources and oil, and should mark this as a security concern.

Governments need to promote new or different securities for savers to use, perhaps even through the issuance of longevity bonds that protect holders against inflation and time. Initial attempts to construct such bonds have been unsuccessful, but more detailed study of how these financial instruments would work could increase this the attractiveness of this product.

Nonetheless, Credit Suisse analysts conclude that longevity is a net positive for the finance world:

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Barclays Explains How Longer Life Expectancy Is Going To Transform The Financial Industry

Meditation Fights Cancer and Promotes Longevity

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif., March 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calmly meditating produces exciting, beneficial effects on your body. It can protect your DNA against cancer-promoting genetic developments and free you from everyday stresses and distractions. That's why meditation is one of the most powerful, but often neglected, tools for maintaining optimal health.

Physical Vitality

Most of us don't think of meditation as being important in maintaining physical vitality. We know that healthy diet, proper supplementation, regular exercise, and a positive social support system are important for our health on all levels -- physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. However, despite these healthy habits, many of us still struggle with managing our stress levels. Science is proving over and over that chronic stress can be deadly, contributing to our most serious health conditions.

This direct mind-body connection is something that Eastern philosophies have taught for millennia, and recent research has supplied us with a revealing new technical perspective. Renowned medical doctor and mind-body expert, Dr. Isaac Eliaz says, "Clinical studies demonstrate that chronic stress may have a profound effect on our DNA by shortening our DNA telomeres. Telomere deterioration puts us at higher risk of developing cancer and other harmful conditions. The good news: There's an ancient and well-known mind-body practice which is now proving successful in physically repairing this telomere DNA damage, while restoring peace of mind at the same time. What is this practice? Simple meditation."

What Are Telomeres?

Our genes are located on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA called chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres. These are essentially caps that protect our genetic data, allow for cells to divide properly and reflect how we age. Similar to the plastic covers on the ends of shoelaces, telomeres protect chromosomes from fraying due to aging, poor health and environmental influences. Telomeres are shortened every time the cells divide; and when they become too short, the cells are not able to divide properly. While researchers are already aware that telomeres shorten and deteriorate with aging, new studies demonstrate that chronic stress also contributes to their reduction. Further research shows that as telomeres shrink, cancer risk grows.

Meditation Protects Telomeres

"The inevitable wear and tear of your telomeres cannot be halted altogether, but it can certainly be delayed and even reversed through the activation of a key enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase protects the ends of telomeres from weakening and fraying," says Dr. Eliaz. So how do you reap the benefits of this super-charged enzyme? Studies show that psychological changes associated with regular meditation improve your ability to cope with stress and contribute to increased telomerase activity.

Simple Practice for Beginners

If you're not sure how to begin meditating, studies show that even just 10 minutes a day can provide significant mental, emotional and physical health benefits. Here's a simple technique to get you started: Simply sit quietly and focus your attention, as well as your breathing, on a particular object such as a small stone. As thoughts and emotions arise, simply acknowledge and release them, bringing your attention back to your breath. As your practice unfolds, you may find that there is more and more space between your internal monologues, allowing for a sense of openness and freedom from everyday stresses and distractions. This is where the meditation and healing process truly begins. Initially, you should notice tangible benefits like better mental focus, improved emotional balance, and increased energy.

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Meditation Fights Cancer and Promotes Longevity

Crime labs struggle with DNA test demands

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

WASHINGTON - Twelve years ago, Congress passed a bill aimed at bolstering the capacity of state and local crime labs. It was known as the DNA Backlog Elimination Act. The ensuing effort now bears the more modest title of DNA Backlog Reduction Program. But even with the new name, it is an ambitious venture. Since 2006, Congress has poured $785 million into helping to fix the logjam in DNA evidence collection at the state and local level through this and other programs.

Theres no question that a serious problem exists. Recent advances in science and technology have made DNA a more useful tool for convicting the guilty and exonerating the innocent, but major backlogs persist, despite broad acknowledgement that delays in processing DNA evidence are keeping criminals on the streets.

"A lot of it is supply and demand," says Kermit Channel, director of the Arkansas state crime lab. "Because the technology offers so much more today than even five or six years ago, law enforcement is asking for more and more from us."

Federal help is making a difference. Between 2004 and 2010, the Backlog Reduction Program, run by the National Institute of Justice, has funded completion of 172,761 cases and significantly increased state and local DNA laboratory capacity. Channel credits federal funding with dramatically reducing the Arkansas backlog - which peaked at 18,000 in 2005 - to 4,200 now.

"Without those funding sources, we wouldnt be anywhere near where we are today," Channel says. Federal grants have allowed the state to invest in more sophisticated equipment that sorts through evidence faster, as well as nine additional staff members to process the evidence.

Still, while the crime lab is now able to stay up to date with homicides and sexual assaults, property crimes remain a major driver of the states persistent backlog. Processing evidence of property crimes is critical, Channel says, not just for solving those offenses, but also for investigating others that may have been committed by the same person.

This is because in addition to analyzing DNA evidence recovered from crime scenes, crime labs are tasked with maintaining databases that hold DNA profiles of certain convicted offenders. State and local DNA databases and the national DNA database, connected through the FBI-run system CODIS, have become important tools for solving crimes in cases for which there are no suspects. As of January 2012, CODIS had led to 171,800 "hits" or matches and assisted in more than 165,100 investigations, according to the FBI.

As the utility of DNA databases in solving crimes has become apparent, state policies have expanded to require that more and more DNA be collected and processed for inclusion in those databases. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing a bill that would require DNA from any person convicted of any crime to be included in a database, and about half of the states now include DNA from arrestees who have not been convicted of crimes.

While inclusion of additional offenders and arrestees has made CODIS a more useful tool, it has also clogged crime labs and raised major concerns about privacy for individuals who have not been convicted, says Sara Katsanis, a researcher at Duke Universitys Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. "The presumption is that if we had the whole population in there then it would work best," she says.

When states expand requirements to include more offenders and arrestees, Katsanis adds, they often fail to consider the impact on their existing crime lab capacity. "Theres not a lobbyist for the rape victims who arent getting their samples processed," she says.

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Crime labs struggle with DNA test demands

Cuomo Signs DNA Database Bill

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

By CARA MATTHEWS Gannett Albany Bureau

ALBANY - Starting Oct. 12, anyone convicted of a felony or penal law misdemeanor will have to provide a sample for the state's DNA Databank.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law Monday.

Currently, people found guilty of any felony and 36 misdemeanors - 48 percent of offenders in New York-- have to give a DNA sample for the databank.

The law makes New York the first state in the country with what's called an "all crimes" DNA database.

Cuomo proposed the expansion, which has been hailed by law-enforcement groups from around the state but criticized by civil libertarians.

The governor said Monday that DNA is a "state-of-the-art device, mechanism to find the truth." The bill he signed was seven years in the making, he said.

"Not to use it was actually a way of avoiding the truth. And we did that for many, many years," he said.

New York's DNA Databank has been used for more than 2,900 convictions, according to the governor's office. DNA samples have exonerated 27 people and helped clear many others early on in investigations. Tests cost about $30 each.

Cuomo said he is confident that state has the staff and system in place to handle the increase in volume as a result of the DNA Databank expansion.

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Cuomo Signs DNA Database Bill

Singaporean students join in SW conservation camp

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

Biology students from Singapore Chinese Girls School got the experience of a lifetime when they toured the South West as part of a conservation camp last week.

Picture by Jon Gellweiler: Newton Moore Senior High School student Mackensie Jolly, centre, shows Singapore Chinese Girls School students Samantha Chin and Dinah Yosoff some South West wildlife.

Newton Moore Senior High School played host to the students as they travelled to all corners of the South West including Margaret River, Busselton and Bunbury.

The students had an actionpacked week of camping, night walking and their first encounter with dolphins at the discovery centre.

Fifteen-year-old Singapore student Samantha Chin said the week in WA was a fantastic learning experience.

I really enjoyed my time in Australia, Samantha said.

We learned a lot about the how the methods of conservation are used in the country.

Samantha said she was considering coming back to Bunbury upon graduation to further her science studies at Edith Cowan University Bunbury.

We got a tour of Edith Cowan nd it looks like a nice campus, she said.

The surf science course sounds really interesting.

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Singaporean students join in SW conservation camp

Spotlight on Synthetic Biology

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

In a guest post at Scientific American's Lab Rat blog, iGEM-UANL team member Miguel Angel Loera Snchez discusses what he calls the "mainstream fronts of synthetic biology." These five fronts DNA synthesis, biological parts standardization, genetic code expansion, synthetic genetic circuits, and metabolic engineering have helped synthetic biology become "a fast growing and productive field," Snchez says. While much work remains to be done, the field "is attracting many smart and active young minds from different disciplines," he adds, leading him to believe that "the growth and innovation rate will likely increase in the years to come."

Meanwhile, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars's Synthetic Biology Project seeks to assess the societal impacts of advances in the field through a new public survey. The survey asks participants a variety of questions to investigate the ethical, legal, and social implications of synthetic biology research. "The results of this anonymous survey will be analyzed and compiled into a report, which will be released in mid- to late-May 2012," the Synthetic Biology Project group notes.

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Spotlight on Synthetic Biology

Several St. Tammany Parish students take home ribbons at Region 8 Science Fair

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

Thomas Ruli, a student at St. Paul's School in Covington, was the overall winner in the Senior Division of the 2012 Region 8 Science Fair earlier this month, while William Ian Kelly of St. Tammany Junior High in Slidell took the top spot in the Junior Division. Both will advance to the state science fair to be held at LSU later this year.

Ruli won for his exhibit "Natural Antibiotics vs. Man Made Antibiotics" in the Medicine and Health Sciences Category, and Kelly was recognized for his display "Which Acoustical Material Absorbs the Most Sound" in the Engineering Category.

Other winners around St. Tammany Parish include:

Senior Division (Grades 9-12)

Christ Episcopal School, Covington: Leah Bell, first, physics and astronomy; Clayton Williams, first, Ingrid Sjunnesen, third, and Avery Owings, honorable mention, all in chemistry.

Pope John Paul II High, Slidell: Matthew Tonglet, first, animal science; Hope Brusstar, third, engineering; Jena Cartaginese and Heidi Dunne, second, and Amanda Stark, honorable mention, medicine and health sciences; Dominque Delaney, first; and Hannah Donnell and Molley Edwards, second, microbiology; Will Arata, second, and Justin Gandy, third, both in physics and astronomy.

St. Paul's School, Covington: Michael Sitarz, first, Michael Brown, third, and Benjamin Dantin, honorable mention, all in energy and transportation; Roberty Bayer, first, and Brennan Knepper, third, both in environmental sciences; and Peter Yager, third, medicine and health sciences.

St. Scholastica Academy, Covington: Caitlyn Hoerner, first, engineering; and Shelby Bryan, second, behavioral and social science.

Junior Division

Boyet Junior High, Slidell: Nicholas Foster, second, microbiology; Michael Stokes, second, and Alex Barron, third, physics and astronomy; and Noah Roheim, third, animal science.

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Several St. Tammany Parish students take home ribbons at Region 8 Science Fair

9/11 Search And Rescue Dog Gets Stem Cell Treatment

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

BURKE, Va. (WUSA) -- Red, a black lab from Annapolis, has spent the last ten years as a search and rescue dog. Her missions have included Hurricane Katrina, the La Plata tornadoes, and the Pentagon after 9/11.

"The search and rescue dogs at the Pentagon are credited with finding 70% of the human remains," said Heather Roche, Red's owner and handler. "That helped a whole lot of those families actually get closure."

At just under two years old, 9/11 was Red's first search. Today, she's one of the last 9/11 search and rescue dogs still alive. She retired last July due to severe arthritis.

"The last few months, she would like to be a couch potato but she can't even get on the couch any more," said Roche. "It would be nice if she could do those kinds of things that she misses."

Roche brought Red to the Burke Animal Clinic for stem cell regenerative therapy compliments of MediVet America, the company that developed the in-clinic stem cell technology.

"This is a small something that we can give back as a way of saying thanks for what you guys have done for us," said Dr. John Herrity at the Burke Animal Clinic. "We are just taking fat from Red's side and then we are going to spin it down, process it, extract the stem cells from there."

Red received her first injection just a few hours after she woke up from surgery. The rest of her extracted stem cells will be stored free of charge for use in follow-up treatments.

"We've done about 28 dogs and of those dogs we've had about 75-80% of them doing very well," said Dr. Herrity.

Two other 9/11 dogs that recently received the same stem cell therapy are able to run, climb, and play again. Dr. Herrity's own dog, Bradley, is living proof that the treatment works. Bradley received the same stem cell treatment about one year ago and he's made great progress.

"Hopefully in about 2-3 months, she will be more comfortable, moving around, wanting to play more," said Dr. Herrity.

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9/11 Search And Rescue Dog Gets Stem Cell Treatment

Bangladesh: UN Agency Launches Nutrition Support Campaign

Posted on March 20, 2012 by ev1

Bangladesh: UN Agency Launches Nutrition Support Campaign For Children, Women New York, Mar 19 2012 1:10PM The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced today it will begin rolling out a new campaign aimed at providing nutritional support to Bangladeshi children and pregnant and nursing women.

The campaign, which will specifically target the countrys Coxs Bazar district where almost 20 per cent of children under the age of five are undernourished, will not only include nutritional support for those in need but also provide nutrition education for the community-at-large.

The rolling out of this programme to improve maternal and child nutrition with the Government is an important step in the fight against undernutrition in Coxs Bazar, said Christa Rder, WFP Representative in Bangladesh.

By acting now to address the critical first 1,000 days of life and the period up to age five, WFP aims to help children reach their full potential later in life, she added.

WFP plans to assist 14,800 children and 2,000 pregnant and nursing women through the programme. Mar 19 2012 1:10PM ________________ For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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Bangladesh: UN Agency Launches Nutrition Support Campaign

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