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Nutrition Month Alert: Canada's largest grocery retailer – Loblaw Companies – hosting nation-wide dietitian day event …

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Loblaw banner stores offer Canada's largest assortment of fresh offerings along with a broad range of services to empower Canadians to make healthier choices

BRAMPTON, ON, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - (TSX:L.TO - News) -To mark Nutrition Month, on March 3 , a nation-wide 'dietitian day' will take place at Loblaw banner stores across Canada . As part of a livelifewell corporate commitment to helping Canadians make healthier choices, dietitians will be in select stores from 10AM to 2PM to debunk nutrition myths and provide tips on how to make healthier food choices for customers' individual needs. This exciting event is part of an official sponsorship of Dietitians of Canada's Nutrition Month campaign. In addition to this event, at select stores, dietitians offer one-on-one consultations and guided grocery tours on different topics such as diabetes, heart health, gluten-free diets and family nutrition.

"Healthy living is something many Canadians strive for, but between eating the right foods, exercising and being mindful of growing health risks, it can feel like a daunting endeavor," says Alexis Williams , Dietitian, Loblaw Companies Limited. "With a large assortment in Loblaw banner stores of health-related products and services in the country, Canadians can embrace the products and expertise they need to help them accomplish their health goals."

Fresh First Start at the fresh departments for healthier choices and great tasting foods. From seafood to meat to produce and baked goods, Loblaw banner stores sell the most fresh food of any retailer in Canada*! Loblaw is committed to offering customers a large assortment of fresh and local produce annually - up to 40% of produce sold in Loblaw banner stores in August and September 2011 alone was fresh Canadian-grown produce and an in-house team dedicated to sourcing the best growers and produce across North America works year round to ensure customers can choose great tasting, fresh produce.

Culinary Convenience There isn't always time to cook from scratch and Canadians need quick, tasty options they can feel good about feeding their family. In the recent Loblaw Companies livelifewell survey, compiled from a national online poll conducted by Vision Critical for Loblaw Companies Limited, results reveal that 50 per cent of Canadians look to food labels for information to help them make healthy lifestyle choices. The newly-designed packaging of PCBlue Menu products makes it easy to quickly identify nutritional benefits with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols identifying nutritional attributes of products so customers can see what the products contain more or less of, right away. Loblaw banner stores also offer the competitively-priced PC Organics range of products and select stores house comprehensive Natural Value sections to meet the needs of many Canadians' strict dietary restrictions and preferences. For more information about new PC Blue Menu products, pick up a copy of the newest President's Choice Insiders Report, now in select stores, or online at http://www.pc.ca/bluemenu

Empowering customers to make healthier choices In addition to the broad range of products available at Loblaw banner stores, Canadians can also benefit from a unique and extensive roster of in-store offerings, including in-house experts and partnerships with third party organizations to provide a true health and wellness destination experience for customers. From one-on-one counsel with pharmacists and eye-care professionals, to President's Choice Cooking School classes, Loblaw banner stores have ample resources to help support customers on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle - all under one roof

*AC Neilsen

About the survey

Vision Critical conducted an online survey on February 1, 2012 among 1,004 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid forum panelists. The margin of errorwhich measures sampling variabilityis +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada . Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX: L

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Nutrition Month Alert: Canada's largest grocery retailer - Loblaw Companies - hosting nation-wide dietitian day event ...

Abbott to Build Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Ohio

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT - News) today announced plans to build a nutrition manufacturing facility in Tipp City, Ohio, to produce two of the company's fastest-growing adult brands, Ensure and Glucerna, for the North America market. Abbott will invest $270 million in the facility and will employ approximately 240 people. Groundbreaking is expected in April with the plant operational in late 2013.

"As the U.S. population continues to age, particularly baby boomers, this new plant will enable us to meet the fast-growing demand for our leading adult liquid nutrition products, Ensure and Glucerna," said John C. Landgraf, executive vice president, Global Nutrition, Abbott. "It will be a key addition to our global manufacturing network that will allow the company to gain important operational efficiencies."

"Abbott Nutrition's U.S. headquarters and other operations are in Columbus, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the state with this facility," said Landgraf. "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of Gov. John Kasich and Tipp City Manager Jon Crusey and their development teams."

The state-of-the-art plant will specialize in aseptic packaging technology. Aseptic packaging has many benefits including the ability to expand the use of new ingredients, shortened product development time and reduced energy use during manufacturing.

Abbott's nutrition business currently generates approximately $6 billion in sales, which is expected to grow to more than $9 billion by 2015. This growth is supported by attractive pediatric and adult nutrition market fundamentals, increasing global awareness of the importance of nutrition to overall health and well-being, and the rise of an emerging-market middle class. The nutrition business is one of the cornerstones of Abbott's diversified portfolio.

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been developing and marketing science-based pediatric and adult nutritional products to support the growth, health and well-being of people all over the world. Globally recognized brands include Similac, PediaSure, Gain, Ensure and Glucerna.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

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Abbott to Build Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Ohio

Nutrition Stocks on the Upswing – Fuse Science and Herbalife Showing Impressive Growth

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/01/12)- Despite coming under increased scrutiny, shares of companies focused on nutrition have been on an impressive run of late. TickerSpy's Nutrition Products Stocks Index (RXNTR) is up roughly 8.6 percent over the last month -- outperforming the S&P 500 by 4.2 percent. Five Star Equities examines investing opportunities in the Nutrition industry and provides investment research on Fuse Science Inc. (Pinksheets: DROP.PK - News) and Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/DROP

http://www.fivestarequities.com/HLF

The nutritional supplement sector is not without criticism. In late 2011, the British Daily Mail newspaper, in their report on two pieces of research, one published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, suggested that the vitamin and mineral supplements do next to nothing for one's health. A 2011 review titled, 'Trash the Vitamins: Convince Your Patients,' published in Archives of Internal Medicine, even suggested dietary supplements can actually promote a higher risk for death.

Dr. Carrie Ruxton from the Health Supplements Information Service told the Daily Mail that the "findings should be treated with extreme caution given the poor methodology and lack of reliable information about the health of participants, or the type of diets consumed."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Nutrition Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Fuse Science, Inc. focuses on providing energy and body replenishment products. The company develops conveyance technologies to deliver energy, medicines, vitamins, and minerals. Earlier this month the company reported that it entered into licensing and distribution agreements with Mission Product Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Mission Athletecare. The distribution agreement provides Fuse Science with access to a robust network of food, drug and sporting goods retailers, representing nearly 20,000 locations

Herbalife Ltd., a network marketing company, sells weight management, nutritional supplement, energy, sports and fitness, and personal care products worldwide. Herbalife reported fourth-quarter earnings of $105.4 million, or 86 cents a share, compared with $86.3 million, or 69 cents, a year ago. The company was helped by a double-digit volume growth in all of the regions it serves, prompting the company to raise its full-year outlook.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

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Nutrition Stocks on the Upswing - Fuse Science and Herbalife Showing Impressive Growth

Brandeis Leads Study of Attitudes on Genetic Tests for Epilepsy

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

By a GenomeWeb staff reporter

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) Researchers from Brandeis University and Columbia University plan to use a $200,000 grant to survey and investigate public attitudes about taking genetic tests for epilepsy risk, Brandeis said this week.

Funded through a $200,000 sub-contract under a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the project will involve in-depth interviews and analysis and clinical genetic testing.

In the first part of the effort, the researchers will survey 1,053 individuals from 115 families to evaluate whether they would like to take genetic tests, and what they see as the benefits and downsides of testing for risk, as well as their views on how the stigmatization of epilepsy could affect the quality of their lives.

The researchers also will offer clinical genetic tests to individuals from 21 families containing 195 individuals with an uncommon form of epilepsy called autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features, or ADPEAF.

Half of these families were previously found to have specific gene mutations, but they have never been offered their individual results or the chance to engage in linked discussions about their views.

"The intention of the in-depth interviews is to explore, in much greater depth than can be done in a survey, what genetic information actually means in peoples' lives and how they plan to make use of it," Sara Shostak, assistant professor in the department of sociology at Brandeis, said in a statement.

In previous research, Shostak found that people are concerned about genetics-related issues when they think about future generations and having families. In addition, she found that people with epilepsy and their families hope that genetic information about the disease could help to lessen the stigma and discrimination by influencing public understanding about the disease.

Currently, around 25 genes have been associated with specific epilepsy syndromes.

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Brandeis Leads Study of Attitudes on Genetic Tests for Epilepsy

DNA clue to Kirsty murder

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

DNA evidence found at the scene of the murder of Brecon student Kirsty Jones in Thailand is 2000 is being compared against the DNA database in Thailand and certain categories of offenders in and around the Chiang Mai area.

The news comes following meetings held by Dyfed Powys detectives with the Thai Authorities last week. The Welsh detectives were pleased with the outcome of discussions and are hopeful that progress can be made.

Kirsty, 23 at the time, from Tredomen, was on a backpacking holiday when she was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand in 2000.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilkins said I am very encouraged by the content of the discussions with Police Colonel Songsak Raksaksakul, who is the Director of Transnational Crime for the Department of Special Investigations and the officer who is now leading the investigation.

"We had a full and frank discussion regarding the evidence and the ongoing case. This included a presentation from the investigation team on their ongoing lines of enquiry. It is clear that they have, and continue to place considerable importance on this investigation.

It has always been our view, based on the forensic evidence, that the focus of the investigation should be on identifying the donor of the DNA recovered from the scene which is of Thai origin, in particular, from the area of Chiang Mai.

A theory put forward by the original Thai investigation team was that the scene may have been contaminated following the murder of Kirsty Jones.

We have never been presented with any credible evidence or intelligence to support this theory. Colonel Songsak shares our view that whilst not impossible it is highly unlikely. Whether it belongs to the offender or anyone who may have assisted him, the answer rests in Chiang Mai.

We also discussed at length a programme of continued testing of male offenders against the available evidence. They have and will be making comparisons against the DNA database in Thailand and certain categories of offenders in and around the Chiang Mai area.

We have also offered assistance in relation to an appeal for information using the local media in the area and will explore the possibility and legality of offering a financial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

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DNA clue to Kirsty murder

Pennsylvania Precedent for Cybergenetics TrueAllele Computer Interpretation of DNA Evidence

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the Foley decision in a published opinion, establishing a statewide precedent for the computer interpretation of DNA evidence using Cybergenetics TrueAllele Casework technology. Former state trooper Kevin Foley had contested his first degree homicide conviction in the slaying of Blairsville dentist Dr. John Yelenic, where a small amount of DNA under the victim's fingernails was crucial evidence.

"I am pleased that TrueAllele can now help protect everyone in Pennsylvania from crime," says Dr. Mark Perlin, Cybergenetics Chief Scientific and Executive Officer. DNA evidence that human review finds "inconclusive" can often be solved using TrueAllele computer interpretation.

Much DNA evidence is mixed, degraded or low level, making it difficult or impossible for forensic analysts to interpret the data. TrueAllele applies the thoroughness and objectivity of modern computing to preserve far more DNA identification information.

TrueAllele DNA match results are presented in state, federal, military and foreign courts. The reliable technology gives unbiased answers, and is used by both the prosecution and defense in criminal cases.

Cybergenetics is the leading developer of computer systems that objectively interpret DNA evidence. Cybergenetics TrueAllele products infer genotypes and match them, extracting considerably more identification information from challenging data than other methods. The Pittsburgh-based company was founded in 1994, and is privately held. United States patents include 5,541,067, 5,580,728, 5,876,933, 6,054,268, 6,750,011 and 6,807,490.

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Pennsylvania Precedent for Cybergenetics TrueAllele Computer Interpretation of DNA Evidence

Investigators predict, confirm how E. coli bacteria hijack cells' directional mechanism

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Public release date: 1-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Deborah Wormser deborah.wormser@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-3404 UT Southwestern Medical Center

DALLAS March 1, 2012 Working in the emerging field of systems biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers mathematically predicted how bacteria that cause food poisoning hijack a cell's sense of direction and then confirmed those predictions in living cells.

The study proposed a new model to explain how mammalian cells establish the sense of direction necessary to move, as well as the mechanism that a disease-causing form of E. coli bacteria employ to hijack that ability. Cells need to orient themselves for several basic processes, such as keeping biochemical reactions separated in space and, in the case of immune cells, pursuing pathogens. Importantly, disruption of the cell's sense of direction often leads to human disease.

"This is a great example of scientists from different fields of research coming together to solve a complex and important biological problem," said Dr. Neal Alto, assistant professor of microbiology and senior author of the study, published Feb. 17 in Cell.

Systems biology aims to discover and understand a "circuit theory" for biology a set of powerful and predictive principles that will reveal how networks of biological components are wired to display the complex properties of living things. The rapidly emerging field requires experts in several scientific disciplines including biology, physics, mathematics and computer science to come together to create models of biological systems that consider both the individual parts and how these parts react to each other and to changes in their environment.

Scientists from UT Southwestern's microbiology department and the newly expanded Cecil H. and Ida Green Comprehensive Center for Molecular, Computational and Systems Biology teamed up to examine the problem collaboratively. They initially conceived a mathematical model for their hypothesis of how the cell would respond during an E. coli-induced infection and then tested their computational predictions in living cells.

"Bacteria inject protein molecules into human cells with a needle-and-syringe action," Dr. Alto said. "The human cell responds by producing a local actin-rich membrane protrusion at the spot where the bacteria attaches to the cell."

For healthy cells to move normally, these actin polymers push against a cell's membrane, protruding and propelling the cell in one direction or another. When E. coli molecules are injected, however, actin polymers rush to the site infection and help bacterial molecules both move within the cell and establish an internal site of infection.

Robert Orchard, graduate student of microbiology and the study's lead author, said: "By asking 'How does a bacterial pathogen from outside the cell regulate the host cells' actin dynamics within the cell?' we have uncovered a fundamentally new molecular circuit involved in mammalian cell polarity and bacterial infection. These findings provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms that control both disease-causing agents and normal mammalian cell behavior."

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Investigators predict, confirm how E. coli bacteria hijack cells' directional mechanism

Nationwide Children’s Hospital neuromuscular disorder podcasts now available on iTunes

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Public release date: 1-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Erin Pope Erin.Pope@NationwideChildrens.org 614-355-0495 Nationwide Children's Hospital

In 2010, the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide Children's Hospital launched a monthly podcast entitled, "This Month in Muscular Dystrophy," featuring internationally known scientists discussing the latest research in muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders. Now, these podcasts will be available for users on iTunes and at http://www.NationwideChildrens.org/muscular-dystrophy-podcast.

The podcasts are geared toward patients, their families and primary care physicians who take care of patients with neuromuscular diseases. Hosted by Kevin Flanigan, MD, an attending physician in Neurology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and a principal investigator in the Center for Gene Therapy in The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, the programs include interviews with authors of recent scientific publications discussing how their work improves understanding of inherited neuromuscular diseases and what their findings might mean for treatment.

New programs available for download on iTunes include:

Podcasts from previous months have also been uploaded to iTunes and are available for download.

"There is a lot of exciting work going on in the field of neuromuscular disease, and for patients and their families, it may be hard to get access to information about new results," said Dr. Flanigan, also a professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. "Our goal in offering this monthly podcast is to provide a way for people affected by the muscular dystrophies and related disorders to hear directly from top researchers about their latest results. It's my job to converse in understandable terms with these researchers about what is useful or exciting in their work."

Patients and their families are eager to find reliable information, especially about what new therapies are entering trials. With these podcasts available on iTunes, patients and their families have access to this information at their fingertips. These monthly podcasts provide reliable information directly from leading scientists and physicians in the field to empower patients to take the information they learn into their own clinics to discuss with their doctors. The podcasts also serve to provide reliable information to primary care physicians who often have the most contact with patients who have neuromuscular disorders.

"Through these podcasts, I think we can reinforce the hope shared by all families, and let them know that many pathways that may lead to meaningful treatments are being explored," Dr. Flanigan added.

Dr. Flanigan's primary research interest is in the genetic and molecular characterization of inherited neuromuscular diseases particularly muscular dystrophies and in the development of therapies directed toward these diseases.

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Nationwide Children's Hospital neuromuscular disorder podcasts now available on iTunes

Clinical Study Confirms the Effectiveness and Safety of Pollogen’s TriLipo Anti-Aging Solution in Reducing Abdominal …

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Dr. Manuskiatti, M.D. will present results from his TriLipo clinical trial at the upcoming Meeting of The Dermatological Society of Thailand which reveal an average of 2.52 cm reduction in circumference and marked cellulite improvement.

(PRWEB) March 01, 2012

Reducing cellulite and abdominal fat are key concerns addressed by aesthetic professionals around the world. Body conscious patients are increasingly demanding non-invasive and pain free alternatives that improve their body shape. Dr. Manuskiattis findings confirm that the TriLipo treatment safely and effectively reduces body fat and cellulite in a quick, non-invasive and pain free treatment.

The clinical trial involved 25 women aged 24-54 who underwent 6 weekly treatments. Each treatment lasted only 30 minutes. While the weight of the patients remained constant and did not decrease, there was an average reduction of 2.52 cm body circumference. The fat reduction was confirmed via circumference measurements and ultrasound measurements. There was a marked improvement in cellulite. The vast majority of patients (84%) stated that they were satisfied with the procedure. The final measurement was taken a month after the last treatment and reaffirmed that the body contouring and cellulite reduction results of the TriLipo treatment are long-lasting.

I am delighted by the results of the study which confirm that the TriLipo treatment is a safe, effective and painless solution for reducing abdominal fat and cellulite said Dr. Manuskiatti. Patients are very satisfied with the results which are achieved in short lunchtime sessions that doesnt interrupt their daily routine. I highly recommend the treatment for anyone searching for targeted fat and cellulite reduction

TriLipo technology is a non-invasive solution for localized body contouring and cellulite improvement. Using triple action for superior fat reduction, TriLipo thermal radio-frequency (RF) energy releases liquid fat from the subcutaneous tissue and then removes it using TriLipo muscle energy- an advanced proprietary lymphatic drainage mechanism. In parallel, TriLipo RF technology tightens the skin yielding a smoother and more defined silhouette. TriLipo technology has been clinically proven to effectively reduce localized fat and contour the body, tighten the skin, reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Results are visible after the first treatment and long-term results are achieved by undergoing a series of non-invasive treatments.

Mr. Amichai Bar Nir, Pollogens CEO stated: Clinical trials that support Pollogens anti-aging claims are a priority to the Company. We are delighted that Dr. Woraphongs study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the TriLipo treatment in reducing abdominal fat and circumference. The TriLipo treatment is available globally and body conscious patients are increasingly opting for the convenient and effective treatment that the TriLipo offers.

About Pollogen

Pollogen Ltd. is a global leader in the medical aesthetics market providing innovative, safe and effective solutions for women and men that enhance and expand the practice of medical aesthetic professionals. The company offers products to address a range of skin treatments under the industrys three premier brands: TriPollar, TriLipo and TriFractional.

Pollogen offers a full line of clinically-proven, non-invasive anti-aging facial and body contouring treatment platforms for circumference reduction, cellulite reduction and skin tightening. The companys medical aesthetic devices, Maximus, Apollo, and Regen XL offer customers clinically-proven, safe and effective anti-aging lunchtime beauty treatments that deliver immediate and long-lasting results. With a distribution network in over 60 countries, Pollogen is providing innovative solutions to medical professionals globally.

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Clinical Study Confirms the Effectiveness and Safety of Pollogen’s TriLipo Anti-Aging Solution in Reducing Abdominal ...

Ellen Pompeo: Katherine Heigl's Return To 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Unlikely (VIDEO)

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Danzig

Ellen Pompeo is downplaying the rumors about Katherine Heigl returning to "Grey's Anatomy."

The actress stopped by "Chelsea Lately" (weekdays, 11 p.m. EST on E!) to promote the ABC medical drama. When she wasn't talking tequila and making out on camera, Pompeo was shooting down the rumors that her former co-star Heigl seemingly started while promoting her film "One For the Money."

"So wait, what's going on? Is Katherine Heigl coming back to the show?" Handler asked Pompeo.

"I don't think so," Pompeo said, shaking her head.

Handler pressed further and Pompeo said, "No, I don't think that's happening."

During her January press tour, Heigl said she was ready to return to "Grey's Anatomy," and told the powers that be at the series that she wants to come back.

"I really, really, really want to see where [Izzie] is," Heigl told E! "I just want to know what happened to her and where she went and what she's doing now."

Pompeo's comments come as Season 8 of "Grey's Anatomy" -- and her contract with the show -- come to a close. Both Pompeo and co-star Patrick Dempsey have been vocal about their desire to remain with the series, while remaining vague.

"I would never turn up my nose at 'Grey's' ... If I hear from the fans that they want us to keep going, then I would continue because we owe them everything," Pompeo told TV Guide in October.

TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.

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Ellen Pompeo: Katherine Heigl's Return To 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Unlikely (VIDEO)

Factbox: Neurotechnologies in spotlight of UK ethics review

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Nuffield Council on Bioethics, which examines ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine, launched a consultation on Thursday on the ethics of new technologies and devices that intervene in the human brain.

The three main areas of the group's focus are brain-computer interfaces, neurostimulation and neural stem cell therapy.

Here are some details about each area of research and how it is being explored.

* Brain computer interfaces (BCIs)

BCIs measure and analyze a person's brain signals and convert them into an output such as movement.

A paralyzed person, for example, could use a BCI to operate a wheelchair, or someone who has extreme difficulty speaking could use a BCI to communicate via a computer voice.

These sorts of applications have been shown to be successful in a few reported cases, but the technology has not yet been developed for regular clinical use and there are questions over whether these technologies are reliable enough for use in everyday life.

Military applications, such as remote control of vehicles and machinery are not yet in wide use but are being researched and tested, mainly in the United States.

Some commercial BCI developments are already on the market in the gaming sector. Gamers can buy a wireless headset that aims to replace a joystick by controlling game play through brain signals.

The use of BCIs sometimes require surgery to implant electrodes into a person's brain, although the most successful current developments are less invasive ones That detect brain signals from the scalp.

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Factbox: Neurotechnologies in spotlight of UK ethics review

Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

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

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today Goldman Small Cap Research has reissued its buy recommendation on Nuvilex with a short term price target of $0.50 per share.

According to the research report prepared by Goldman, The current share price represents but a fraction of its true value, in our view. With recently increased interest and valuation in the pancreatic cancer treatment arena, we believe that Nuvilex is worth $0.20 just on the oncology therapies alone and that the shares will reach $0.50 in the next six months. Looking ahead, as milestone events occur, $1.00 per share is within reach over the next 12-18 months.

Goldman bases this value projection, in part, on the pending acquisition of SG Austria assets, and with it complete control over the cell encapsulation technology that forms the backbone of Nuvilexs planned biotechnology development. The report states in part the following:

Following execution of the SG Austria asset acquisition, we expect to see a flurry of events and progress on the development side which will serve as catalysts, including when management submits its protocol for the next stage pancreatic cancer trial. We would not be surprised to see the stock break through the $0.50 price on such news as well as progress on the next stage of trials for other therapies.

One reason we are so convinced of the great buying opportunity is the fact that pancreatic cancer treatments are currently at the forefront of the biotech space and are enjoying very high valuations. Although Nuvilex is a not a drug producer, but an existing therapy enhancer through the use of its live cell encapsulation enhancement platform, the timing of these milestone events could not be better for Nuvilex and a re-valuation of its offering.

The Goldman report also compares alternative oncology therapies, including Gemzar from Threshold Pharmaceuticals and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals drug encapsulation technology, noting that, contrary to these treatments, the Nuvilex live-cell encapsulation technology is not limited to one specific use, but can be adapted to use for a host of cell types. The report states, Its difficult to compare apples-to-apples in this space as Nuvilex is the only firm utilizing live-cell encapsulation therapy for cancer, while all the other treatments are based upon a particular drug usage. Contrasting the results of different Phase II clinical trials, the Goldman report comments that the pancreatic cancer therapy, based on completed Phase 1/2 data, appears to have yielded statistically greater results than competing technologies.

Commenting on The Goldman Report, Nuvilex Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Ryan, stated, The report did an excellent job highlighting the value and capabilities of our cell encapsulation technology, not just for cancer therapy, but also for the vast array of treatments where live-cell encapsulation can aid multiple diseases. In the case of the completed cancer trials, it generated superior results with lower drug dosages, and reduced chemotherapeutic side effects. As we move forward with diabetes and stem cell therapy treatments, we are confident our success will, as Goldman predicts prompt leaders in multiple treatment segments to partner with Nuvilex in order to maintain their respective market shares.

Investors are recommended to study the Goldman Research Report for a detailed review and valuation methodology regarding Nuvilex.

About Nuvilex

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Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

QF honours stem cell researchers

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Research on preventing breast cancer recurrence, using organ regeneration to combat obesity-related diseases, and enabling vascular repair for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease has received awards at the ongoing Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy 2012. The award ceremony hosted by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development at Qatar National Convention Centre recognised two professional researchers and one student researcher for excellence in stem cell research, with the research exhibited through poster presentations during the conference. Leaders from QF and top figures in the stem cell science and ethics field congratulated the award recipients. Dr Abdelali Haoudi, vice president for research at QF, said: We are truly impressed with the research presented this year in poster presentations, as well as in the oral presentations and panel discussions taking place throughout the conference. He added: Through this conference, we hope to drive further exploration in this field that will lead to even greater progress in applying stem cell science to prevent and treat diseases afflicting communities both in Qatar and around the world. The three posters were selected for recognition by a review committee, comprised of academics, researchers and scientists, including Nobel Laureates and international experts. Pegah Ghiabi, a researcher at the Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, received an award for her poster presentation on research into therapy to inhibit the cancer stem cell population to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. Research by Lara Bou-Khzam of the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute in Montreal, Canada, also received recognition. The poster focused on her stem cell research towards vascular repair for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, one of the worlds leading causes of mortality. The final award was presented to Dr Heba al-Siddiqui for her research at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute on preventing chronic obesity-related diseases through tissue engineering and organ regeneration. Dr al-Siddiqui is a trainee in the Qatar Science Leadership Programme, a QF initiative aimed at equipping rising Qatari generations for leading roles in the countrys scientific and research endeavours. The Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy, organised through a partnership between QF and the James A. Baker III Institute of Public Policy at Rice University, will conclude today. The four-day conference, which featured expert panels and presentations on the latest opportunities and challenges in stem cell research, was attended by top figures in the fields of science, ethics and policy of stem cell research from across the Middle East region and around the world.

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QF honours stem cell researchers

Stem-Cell Therapy Takes Off in Texas

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

By David Cyranoski of Nature magazine

With Texas pouring millions of dollars into developing adult stem-cell treatments, doctors there are already injecting paying customers with unproven preparations, supplied by an ambitious new company.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any such stem-cell treatment for routine clinical use, although it does sanction them for patients enrolled in registered clinical trials. Some advocates of the treatments argue, however, that preparations based on a patient's own cells should not be classed as drugs, and should not therefore fall under the FDA's jurisdiction.

There are certainly plenty of people eager to have the treatments. Texas governor Rick Perry, for instance, has had stem-cell injections to treat a back complaint, and has supported legislation to help create banks to store patients' harvested stem cells.

One company that has benefited from this buoyant climate is Celltex Therapeutics, which "multiplies and banks" stem cells derived from people's abdominal fat, according to chairman and chief executive David Eller. Its facility in Sugar Land, just outside Houston, opened in December 2011 and houses the largest stem-cell bank in the United States.

Celltex was founded by Eller and Stanley Jones, the orthopaedic surgeon who performed Perry's procedure, and it uses technology licensed from RNL Bio in Seoul. Because clinical use of adult-stem-cell treatments are illegal in South Korea, RNL has since 2006 sent more than 10,000 patients to clinics in Japan and China to receive injections.

Celltex says that although it processes and banks cells, it does not carry out stem-cell injections. It declined to answer Nature's questions about whether its cells have been used in patients. But there is evidence that the company is involved in the clinical use of the cells on US soil, which the FDA has viewed as illegal in other cases.

Public hype

In addition to the publicity surrounding Perry's treatment, a woman named Debbie Bertrand has been blogging about her experiences during a five-injection treatment with cells prepared at Celltex. Her blog (http://debbiebertrand.blogspot.com) hosts photographs of herself alongside Jones; Jennifer Novak, a Celltex nurse; Jeong Chan Ra, chief executive of RNL Bio; and her doctor, Jamshid Lotfi, a neurologist who works for the United Neurology clinic in Houston. Another photo is captioned: "My cells are being processed in here for my next infusion!!!" A third shows Bertrand, Lotfi and a physician called Matthew Daneshmand, who is, according to the caption, injecting Bertrand's stem cells into an intravenous drip, ready for the infusion. Nature has been unable to contact Bertrand.

Lotfi says that he has administered cells processed by Celltex to more than 20 people. "Five or six" -- including Bertrand -- have multiple sclerosis and "four or five" have Parkinson's disease, he says. Lotfi explains that patients sign up for treatment by contacting Novak, and that cells are prepared by removing about five grams of fat -- containing roughly 100,000 mesenchymal stem cells -- from the patient's abdomen. Over a three-week period, the cells are cultured until they reach about 800 million cells. Lotfi says that patients get at least three injections of 200 million cells each, and that the cells do not take effect for a few months. According to Lotfi, Celltex charges US$7,000 per 200 million cells, and pays Lotfi $500 per injection.

BIONOVA about BIONOVA Skincare

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beautiful skin was always a privilege of family genes.

But even the flawless skin appearance had limited time: aging processes would start taking a toll sometime after 40th of age and that was a status quo. Everybody accepted the law of human physiology.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120229/NY59364LOGO )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110207/NY43170-b )

The picture has changed when BIONOVA Skincare arrived on the scene. Equipped with the last findings in human physiology and biochemistry, utilizing a proprietary technology based on Life Science Nanotechnology this brand radically changed the total approach to the skin in a Beauty industry.

By treating the skin as the largest and one of the most important organs of a human body, BIONOVA created customized lines, using identical bioactive ingredients naturally produced within the body in the same ratio and quantities. This approach helps the skin to self-restore andself-heal, enhancing the skin function as a bodyguard.

The approach towards enhancing and restoring the skin function gives HEALTHY, FLAWLESS skin to everyone. The family genes privilege became a myth faded by offering customized processes that take into consideration all skin types and all skin concerns.

Names of BIONOVA products are very straightforward and say exactly what they do. No ambiguity in understanding and reading labels.

BIONOVA Skincare believes that Human physiology does not change depending on the day time. There are no Day and Night creams. Only one Treatment product Day and Night! What can be done is a rotation of two different Treatment products covering two major concerns but it is optional.

The Customization process is a very serious matter and requires knowledge of following skin conditions when purchasing any of BIONOVA products:

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BIONOVA about BIONOVA Skincare

Flavanol rich chocolate could boost brain performance, say researchers

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

Regular consumption of high-flavanol chocolate, could help to promote brain performance by boosting the efficiency of certain brain functions, suggests new research supported by Barry Callebaut.

The study funded by Barry Callebaut and published in Physiology and Behavior investigated the effects of flavonol-rich on the functioning of spatial working memory. The research team, from Swinburne University, Australia, reported that 30 days supplementation with a high-flavanol chocolate drink did not affect behavioural measures of accuracy and reaction time; however, a number of brain areas were found to be significantly improved in terms of memory encoding, working memory hold period, and retrieval.

In the absence of significant behavioural effects, these differences in brain activation can be interpreted as evidence of increased neural efficiency in spatial working memory function associated with chronic cocoa flavanol consumption, said the research team, led by David Camfield of Swinburne.

"This is the first time that science has positively linked consumption of high flavanol cocoa and chocolate products from Barry Callebaut to improved brain performance, said Hans Vriens, chief innovation officer at Barry Callebaut.

When consumed regularly, the brain is able to complete memory tasks with less effort," he added.

Study details

Sixty-three volunteers aged between 40 and 65 given a daily chocolate drink over the 30 period of the randomised, controlled, double-blind trial.

Participants were divided up into three test groups, with each group consuming a chocolate drink containing a different amount cocoa flavanols the first group received a drink containing 10 grams of dark high-flavanol chocolate (corresponding to 500 mg cocoa flavanols), the second group received a drink which contained 10 grams of conventional dark chocolate (250 mg of cocoa flavanols), whilst the third group received 10 grams of dark chocolate that contained only a few cocoa flavanols.

Camfield and his team used tasks that assess spatial working memory to measure human brain activity. In addition, and in order to compare brain activities, on the first and on the 30th day computer-tomography (CT) brain scans of the test subjects were made while participants solved the special memory tasks.

Camfield and his colleagues found no differences between the various groups in the accuracy or the reaction times of the test subjects in solving the task.

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Flavanol rich chocolate could boost brain performance, say researchers

Getting ready for Experimental Biology 2012 and our new contest! [Life Lines]

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

I am getting very excited about the upcoming Experimental Biology conference especially since this year marks the 125th anniversary of The American Physiological Society for which there are many planned celebrations. Not to mention, the programming for comparative physiology at this year's meeting is really exciting:

Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Section

Distinguished Lecture: Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 8:00-10:00 AM James Hicks August Krogh Distinguished Lectureship of the APS Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Section

Symposia: Monday, April 23, 2012, 3:30-5:30 PM Nina Stachenfeld and Bernard B. Rees Impact of Environmental Estrogens and Androgens on Human and Animal Health and Reproductive Function

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 3:30-5:30 PM Kenneth R. Olson Hydrogen Sulfide: Ecology, Physiology, and Clinical Applications

Featured Topics: Monday, April 23, 2012, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Martin Jastroch Future Directions of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Integrative Physiology

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Theodore Garland, Jr. and Thomas H. Meek Understanding the Evolution of Physiology: Insights from Selection Experiments in Rodent Models

To help celebrate the anniversary, try your chance at winning a FREE Dr. Dolittle "What's New in Comparative Physiology" t-shirt (image below)! To enter please write to Dr. Dolittle (drdlttl01@gmail.com) and explain why you are attending the meeting, what excites you about comparative physiology, and what you most look forward to at the meeting. Be sure to include proof of registration. A new winner will be chosen every week prior to EB and we will send you the t-shirt in time for you to wear it in San Diego.

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Getting ready for Experimental Biology 2012 and our new contest! [Life Lines]

ARUP Laboratories Announces Creation of Business Innovations Division

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ARUP Laboratories, a leading national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and a leader in innovative laboratory research and development, announced the establishment of a Business Innovations Division.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110915/SF69370LOGO)

The new division is designed to align ARUP's business innovations in a manner that will enhance our ability to diversify into new market segments. This division will drive ARUP's continued growth by identifying and developing new and diversified business ventures, including the development of new market initiatives; identification and implementation of new business units; and exploration and establishment of potential joint venture strategic alliances.

"ARUP Laboratories has positioned itself as a major innovator in the field of laboratory medicine. Our mission is to improve healthcare and advance the science of laboratory medicine through the development of new laboratory testing and technology. With the introduction of our new division, we are simply expanding our expertise into the business operation side of laboratory medicine," said Edward Ashwood, MD, president and CEO of ARUP.

The division will be led by Khosrow Shotorbani, currently the senior vice president and director of Sales.

"Khosrow is a proven leader at ARUP with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation. Under his direction, I see tremendous potential for ARUP to help healthcare professionals provide improved patient care at reduced costs," said Ashwood.

"ARUP is uniquely positioned within the market to provide our clients with the value proposition necessary to reach their full potential. No other company in the healthcare industry has positioned itself as the knowledge and thought leader that assists physicians in ordering the right test at the right time," said Shotorbani.

About ARUP Laboratories Founded in 1984, ARUP Laboratories is a leading national reference laboratory and a nonprofit enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. ARUP offers more than 3,000 tests and test combinations, ranging from routine screening tests to esoteric molecular and genetic assays. ARUP serves clients across the United States, including many of the nation's top university teaching hospitals and children's hospitals, as well as multihospital groups, major commercial laboratories, group purchasing organizations, military and other government facilities, and major clinics. In addition, ARUP is a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory research and development, led by the efforts of the ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology.

Media Contacts Cyndee Holden, (801) 583-2787, ext. 3318 (wk)/(801) 386-6637 (cell) cynthia.holden@aruplab.com

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ARUP Laboratories Announces Creation of Business Innovations Division

Digital Pathology Association Welcomes Distinguished New Board Member

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

The Digital Pathology Association (DPA), a non-profit organization that promotes education and awareness of digital pathology applications, is welcoming Lewis Hassell, M.D., a distinguished educational leader in the field of pathology, to the Board of Directors.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) February 29, 2012

We are honored and excited to have Dr. Hassell joining our board of directors. His involvement in the clinical and research aspect of digital pathology will bring a diversity of knowledge and skills to the board, said Michael F. Ward, CEA, Executive Director of the DPA.

Dr. Hassell is a board certified Cytopathology and Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist. He currently acts as the director of Anatomic Pathology at the University of Oklahoma, as well as the associate professor of Pathology and professor of excellence in Anatomic Pathology. His program served eighteen hospitals and a variety of other labs. Having a platform outside of the university to present and publish his findings in his areas of expertise is one of the reasons Dr. Hassell was initially drawn to the DPA.

The networking, educational aspect, and thought stimulation is the biggest benefit. It is a great venue for bouncing ideas around and conversing with people who are having the same problems as you, said Dr. Hassell. There is a whole spectrum of users which is refreshing. Its more than just swapping business cards, its an intellectual exchange.

Prior to his work at the University of Oklahoma and his involvement with the DPA, Dr. Hassell was a resident in Clinical and Anatomic Pathology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, holding the position of Chief Resident in 1984. After that he participated in a visiting fellowship in nuclear medicine at the University of California, then went on to work in private practices in San Francisco and Maine. He earned his initial B.S. from Brigham Young University in 1978 and graduated summa cum laude.

About the Digital Pathology Association

The Digital Pathology Association, located in Indianapolis, IN, was founded in 2009. Its mission is to facilitate education and awareness of digital pathology applications in healthcare and life sciences. Members will be encouraged to share best practices and promote the use of technology among colleagues in order to demonstrate efficiencies, awareness, and its ultimate benefits to patient care.

Please stay involved with the Digital Pathology Association by joining the discussion on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. To join the DPA or to learn more about the DPA and its members and membership opportunities, please visit our website.

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Digital Pathology Association Welcomes Distinguished New Board Member

Nutrition Labeling for Meats Becomes Mandatory

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ev1

The next time you shop at the grocery store, you may see something new nutrition labels on meat. The same types of labels you already find on other foods.

In 1993, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made nutrition labeling voluntary for many types of raw meats. The labeling becomes mandatory on Thursday.

The new rule affects all ground meat and poultry and 40 of the most popular cuts of meat in the United States such as chicken breasts, steaks, pork chops, roasts, lamb and veal. If the nutrition facts are not on the package, as in the case of some larger cuts of meat, look for posters or signs at the meat counter for this information.

Its the kind of information that consumers are asking for and we just think its about helping people make their own best choices by having the information that they need, says Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, Undersecretary for Food Safety at the USDA.

These labels or posters include listings of total calories, calories from fat, levels of saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, sodium and iron. In addition to showing the lean content for a particular meat, such as 90% lean, labels must now also include the fat percentage, in this example 10% fat.

The information can also be used to comparison shop among products. If a consumer is concerned about total calories or saturated fat, for example, they can compare and contrast products and possibly make a selection based on the nutrient content of the food, says Registered Dietitian Heather Mangieri, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

And she adds that the best cuts of meat are those that provide the best nutrient bang for our calorie buck,.

When it comes to beef, those cuts that include the word round are the lowest in fat, with loin being a close second. In poultry, dark meat has more fat than white meat, Mangieri says.

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Nutrition Labeling for Meats Becomes Mandatory

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