Daily Archives: April 23, 2013

Incredible Astrophoto: Space Station Flies Over Stonehenge

Posted: April 23, 2013 at 6:46 pm

by Nancy Atkinson on April 23, 2013

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International Space Station pass over Stonehenge, Wiltshire UK, April 20, 2013. Credit and copyright: Tim Burgess. Used by permission.

In a gorgeous mix of archeology and space exploration, photographer Tim Burgess captured a stunning view of the International Space Station passing over the historic and iconic Stonehenge on April 20, 2013. Tim said this composite image is composed of 11 shots, 10 sec, f2.8, 400 ISO. As one person commented on Flickr, An amazing feat of human engineering passing over an amazing feat of human engineering, captured by an amazing feat of human engineering.

Thanks to Tim for allowing us to post this image on UT; keep track of Tims photography on Flickr and Twitter. Want to get your astrophoto featured on Universe Today? Join our Flickr group or send us your images by email (this means youre giving us permission to post them). Please explain whats in the picture, when you took it, the equipment you used, etc.

Tagged as: Astrophotos, ISS, Stonehenge

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Incredible Astrophoto: Space Station Flies Over Stonehenge

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Space Station Communications Test Bed Checks Out; Experiments Begin

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WASHINGTON, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) test bed has begun its experiments after completing its checkout on the International Space Station.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

The SCaN test bed is an advanced, integrated communications laboratory facility that uses a new generation of software-defined radio (SDR) technology to allow researchers to develop, test and demonstrate advanced communications, networking and navigation technologies in space. This radio communication technology is based on a new standard that enables radio characteristics and functionality to be changed simply by altering the software. It can be transferred to any radio built to the standard. The cost savings and efficiency of this new technology will improve NASA's data communications in the future.

"The space station serves as a dynamic test bed for the technologies needed for future human and robotic exploration," said International Space Station Program Manager Michael Suffredini. "SCaN is an example of the technologies that are being matured in low-Earth orbit and used to increase science return of many different types of spacecraft."

Checkout activities completed in February established the status and health of the payload, including the antenna systems and software on each of three SDRs. The test bed will help technology developers and mission planners understand how they will be used in future missions.

"With the development and deployment of this test bed, NASA has enabled significant future advancements by gaining knowledge and understanding of SDR development," said John Rush, technology and standards director for SCaN at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "That has created expertise across the agency that will define and develop the next generation of SDRs for future missions."

Initial experiments under way include advancing in S-band and Ka-band SDR technology and enhancing the capabilities of the existing communications paths, especially in the Ka-band. Researchers expect the test bed to operate aboard the space station for as long as six years.

"The SCaN Test bed represents a significant advancement in SDRs and its applications for NASA," said David Irimies, project manager for the SCaN test bed at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. "Investigating these SDR technologies in the dynamic space environment increases their technology readiness level and maturity, which in turn can be used for future missions as risk reduction."

An experiment with NASA's latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-K will be the first in-orbit test and demonstration of a TDRS spacecraft acquiring and successfully auto-tracking a Ka-band user in low-Earth orbit.

This reconfigurable in-orbit laboratory provides broad participation to NASA, industry, academia and other government agencies. These experiments will contribute data to the Space Telecommunications Radio Standard Compliant repository and will enable future hardware platforms to use common, reusable software modules to reduce development time and costs.

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International Space Station to fly over Baltimore this week

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Spot the International Space Station moving across the night sky this week. Chances arise the next three nights, but the best viewing opportunity Wednesday is possible to coincide with rain and thunderstorms.

Look tonight at 8:59 p.m., Tuesday at 9:45 p.m. and Wednesday at 8:54 p.m. In each case, the space station will appear brighter than a star moving steadily across the sky, first appearing on the northwestern horizon.

Wednesdays will be the best chance, with the spacecraft taking a path directly overhead and at its brightest. But forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of rain Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

It takes about 6 minutes for the space station to cross the sky, but Tuesday's opportunity will be only about half that before the space station disappears into the shadows.

Given all that, you might want to spot the space station Monday while you have the chance. It will stay low in the sky, passing eastward through the constellations Cassiopeia and Ursa Minor, better known as the Little Dipper.

Look out for Jupiter low in the western sky while you're out there.

The space station's current crew, on Expedition 35, is led by Canadian space agency astronaut Chris Hadfield and includes NASA astronauts Tom Marshburn and Chris Cassidy, both flight engineers.

The space station could soon gets its first reinforcements from a commercial spacecraft after a successful launch of Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Antares rocket Sunday. The rocket launched at 5 p.m. after several delays in the preceding days.

"Today's successful test marks another significant milestone in NASA'splan to rely on American companies to launch supplies and astronauts tothe International Space Station, bringing this important work back tothe United States where it belongs," NASA Administrator CharlesBolden said in a statement.

A demonstration mission for Orbital Sciences to resupply the space station is scheduled for later this year.

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Little Mix – Sortie Album DNA – 22 avril 2013 – Video

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Little Mix - Sortie Album DNA - 22 avril 2013
Message des Little Mix pour la sortie de la version exclusive franaise de l #39;album DNA, le 22 avril prochain! Inclus: Wings, DNA, Change Your Life, How Ya Do...

By: labelsmart0

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Little Mix - Sortie Album DNA - 22 avril 2013 - Video

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More DNA Sampling Passes Colorado House, Heads To Senate

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DENVER (AP) An expansion of DNA collection for some misdemeanor convictions cleared the Colorado House Tuesday with wide support, despite trepidations from some lawmakers who said the sampling also would occur for minor, nonviolent crimes.

Denver Democratic Rep. Dan Pabon, the bill sponsor, urged his colleagues to support the proposal by recounting cases where rapists and murderers were caught, others who could have been caught had their DNA been collected, and instances where innocent people were exonerated.

To say that this helps victims, it exonerates the innocent, solves cold cases, and prevents crimes is not hyperbole. This is serious, Pabon said.

The bill passed the House on a 43-21 vote with bipartisan support. The Senate will now consider the bill.

Most states, including Colorado, already collect DNA in felony cases.

Pabons bill would apply only to Class 1 criminal misdemeanors, which include some assaults and thefts. But opponents expressed concern that criminal misdemeanors also include lesser offences, such as recording a film in a movie theater.

The question for me, the reason Im opposed to this bill, is from whom do we take it, and when, and why? asked Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder. And how far are going to go as a people in collecting data from people and storing it for some undesignated use?

Opponents of the proposal said it went too far because DNA contains more identifying information about people than fingerprints.

I think that goes down a road way too far in taking away our freedom and our privacies, Levy said.

Colorado Springs Rep. Mark Waller, a prosecutor and the GOPs House leader, said the bill would help law enforcement solve crimes.

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More DNA Sampling Passes Colorado House, Heads To Senate

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A new tool against illegal logging: tree DNA technology goes mainstream

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The role of tree DNA tracking is increasing in the fight against illegal logging as evidenced by prosecution cases in USA and Germany.

Modern DNA technology offers a unique opportunity: you could pinpoint the origin of your table at home and track down if the trees it was made from were illegally obtained. Each wooden piece of furniture comes with a hidden natural barcode that can tell its story from a sapling in a forest all the way to your living room.

"CSI rely on use of genetic info for catching criminals. Exactly the same type of analysis is used for illegal logging," explains Andrew Lowe, a professor in plant conservation biology in University of Adelaide, Australia and Chief Scientific Officer with Double Helix, a company leading in the development of the tree DNA tracking.

This technology is crucial in tracking down illegally-logged timber. More traditional source-of-origin paper certificates can be misplaced or falsified by corrupt officials and businessmen. "But you can't falsify DNA," Lowe says.

Professor Lowe's breakthrough in genetic analysis of tree tissue came when he managed to extract DNA from timber in a 500-year old shipwreck. Obtaining genetic code from processed wood is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together without having a picture to guide you. "It is a non-trivial exercise," he says.

Another challenge is building up a database of DNA fingerprints for each tree species from every region of the world. Without this baseline information, the DNA sample from commercially available timber may not be used to identify the tree species or where it was logged.

"It takes time, energy and money," Lowe says.

International research teams have already collected data for many high value timber species such as Spanish cedar, mahogany, teak, merbau and ebony. They have compiled DNA maps of Indonesia, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, French Guyana, Brazil, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon and are currently focusing their efforts in 8 more African countries from the Congo basin.

Using DNA technology, commercially available timber can be definitively certified as 'sustainably sourced.' The cost is less than 1% of the value of the timbera relatively small premium for consumers who want to ensure that their new home furniture was not a reason for cutting down rainforest.

Some socially responsible companiesmostly outside the U.S.already sell wood with a DNA certification stamp. However, the American Hardwood Export Counsel is now considering offering DNA verification for their supply chains as well.

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Ancient DNA reveals Europe's dynamic genetic history

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Apr. 23, 2013 Ancient DNA recovered from a series of skeletons in central Germany up to 7,500 years old has been used to reconstruct the first detailed genetic history of modern Europe.

The study, published today in Nature Communications, reveals a dramatic series of events including major migrations from both Western Europe and Eurasia, and signs of an unexplained genetic turnover about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

The research was performed at the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD). Researchers used DNA extracted from bone and teeth samples from prehistoric human skeletons to sequence a group of maternal genetic lineages that are now carried by up to 45% of Europeans.

The international team also included the University of Mainz in Germany and the National Geographic Society's Genographic Project.

"This is the first high-resolution genetic record of these lineages through time, and it is fascinating that we can directly observe both human DNA evolving in 'real-time', and the dramatic population changes that have taken place in Europe," says joint lead author Dr Wolfgang Haak of ACAD.

"We can follow over 4,000 years of prehistory, from the earliest farmers through the early Bronze Age to modern times."

"The record of this maternally inherited genetic group, called Haplogroup H, shows that the first farmers in Central Europe resulted from a wholesale cultural and genetic input via migration, beginning in Turkey and the Near East where farming originated and arriving in Germany around 7,500 years ago," says joint lead author Dr Paul Brotherton, formerly at ACAD and now at the University of Huddersfield, UK.

ACAD Director Professor Alan Cooper says: "What is intriguing is that the genetic markers of this first pan-European culture, which was clearly very successful, were then suddenly replaced around 4,500 years ago, and we don't know why. Something major happened, and the hunt is now on to find out what that was."

The team developed new advances in molecular biology to sequence entire mitochondrial genomes from the ancient skeletons. This is the first ancient population study using a large number of mitochondrial genomes.

"We have established that the genetic foundations for modern Europe were only established in the Mid-Neolithic, after this major genetic transition around 4,000 years ago," says Dr Haak. "This genetic diversity was then modified further by a series of incoming and expanding cultures from Iberia and Eastern Europe through the Late Neolithic."

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SYGNIS granted US patent for QUALIPHI®, the Next Generation DNA amplification tool

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New patent opens SYGNIS and QUALIPHIin a leading position in a 70 million global market.

Madrid/Heidelberg, 23 April 2013 - The biotech company SYGNIS Pharma AG (Frankfurt: LIO1; ISIN: DE000A1RFM03; Prime Standard) has been granted a patent by the USPTO (US patent and Trademark office) for its flagship product, QUALIPHI the polymerase for complete DNA amplification. Polymerase proteins are the main tool for amplifying long DNA fragments and whole genomes, and are a basic need for research involving the analysis and modification of DNA.

QUALIPHI is an upgraded version of the Phi 29 DNA polymerase used in isothermal amplification which provides enhanced properties compared to similar polymerase proteins on the market. Being less time-consuming and having highly superior performance characteristics, the method developed by SYGNIS enables DNA amplification from concentrations as low as those found in a single cell. This is extremely useful in cancer research, and many other applications.

"Certainly, the need for amplification of nucleic acids from minimal concentrations as present in single cell applications will be a critical issue in the coming era of personalised medicine and NGS. We expect QUALIPHI to become an essential tool for the DNA amplification needed in these markets", said SYGNIS` CEO, Pilar de la Huerta.

With the significant growth in the field of DNA amplifications used in sequencing and personalised medicine, the market of whole genome amplification with polymerase proteins is expected to grow at over 20% per annum over the next few years. Current estimates indicate that the size of the global isothermal DNA market alone is approximately 70 million, with the US as the leading market for QUALIPHI.

In 2012, SYGNIS granted an exclusive global licence to QIAGEN, including sublicensing rights, for the commercialization of QUALIPHI in the DNA amplification market. QIAGEN is a global leader in sample and assay technologies in research and molecular diagnostics.

About SYGNIS Pharma AG: http://www.sygnis.de

After the merger in 2012 between X-Pol Biotech, specialising in DNA amplification and sequencing, and SYGNIS Pharma AG, listed in the German Stock Exchange (Prime Standard segment, Tick: LIO1; ISIN: DE000A1RFM03), SYGNIS` new mission is to develop and distribute technologies and products from X-Pol, which has a commercial product in the DNA amplification segment, QUALIPHI, and is currently developing other products in the field of Next Generation Sequencing.

For further information: Pilar de la Huerta CEO/CFO of SYGNIS Pharma AG ,+34 902 02 69 31 / 609 47 29 34 / 654 41 01 11

# # # Disclaimer: Some statements included in this press release, relating neither to proven financial results nor to other historical data, should be viewed as forward-looking, i.e. not definitive. Such statements are mainly predictions of future results, trends, plans or goals. These statements should not be considered to be total guarantees since given their very nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks, as well as to aspects beyond human control, and can be affected by other factors as a consequence of which the actual results, plans and goals of SYGNIS Pharma AG may deviate greatly from the established conclusions or implied predictions contained in such statements. SYGNIS does not undertake to publicly update or revise these statements in the light of new information or future results or for any other reason. # # #

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DNA Launches CMO Brief: Insights and Advice From and For Entrepreneurs and Marketing Leaders

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SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Its hard out here for a chief marketing officer. The economy is still tough, media is changing daily, and cost pressures continue to mount. And with the average CMO tenure of less than 18 months, its not surprising CMOs are looking for advice and insight from trusted sources.

Understanding these challenges, DNA, an independent full-service agency with expertise in brand strategy, advertising, digital strategy and media, has created the CMO Brief a compilation of short videos that provide insights and thoughts from business leaders about branding, marketing, media, culture and leadership.

DNA has launched the CMO Brief with six business leaders from a wide variety of industries Clark Kokich, chairman of Razorfish; Rod Brooks, CMO of PEMCO Insurance; Kurt Beecher Dammeier, founder and owner of Beechers Handmade Cheese; Nonie Creme, creator of the Butter London; Tom Berquist, senior vice president of member strategies at BECU; and Ed Kelly, president and CEO of American Express Publishing. Additional upcoming briefs will feature Concur, Virginia Mason and Windermere Real Estate.

Working with CMOs, entrepreneurs and marketing leaders day in and out, weve gained a unique perspective on their world the highs, the lows, the pain points and the incredible insight that comes from their experiences and challenges, said Alan Brown, principal and managing director, DNA.

Were thrilled to offer CMO Brief as an interesting and relevant resource that taps into these marketing minds and shares a new perspective from this side of business, Brown added.

Initial CMO Brief video topics include:

About DNA

Founded in 1998, DNA is a full-service marketing communications agency based in Seattle, Washington. The agency provides services in brand strategy, advertising, interactive and design. As one of the fastest growing agencies on the West Coast, DNA has a talent and passion for transforming brandsand helping their client partners win unreasoning loyalty from their customers and prospects in the process. Some of DNAs clients include: Group Health Cooperative, PEMCO Insurance, BECU, The Avon Foundation, F5, Executive Travel Magazine, PowerA and Trupanion. Visit DNA on the Web atwww.dnaseattle.com, on Twitter at @dnaseattle and on Facebook.

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Applied DNA Sciences Awarded Phase I SBIR Contract by the United States Missile Defense Agency

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STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwired - Apr 23, 2013) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a Phase I research grant by the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for approximately $150,000, for advanced development of APDN's anti-counterfeiting platform for military electronics.

The award, granted by the MDA Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR), aims to develop advanced and innovative methods of placing markings or coatings onto original parts at the time of manufacture, to enable customers at later stages in the supply chain to confirm that the component is authentic.

The project expands on, but is separate from the research and testing supported by the Defense Logistics Agency, a project which prepared the platform now required by DLA for all items in a class of electronics provided by contractors to the agency.

Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, commented:

"The SBIR research award from the Missile Defense Agency is another highly important sign that our company's technology has awakened widespread interest in the military and its suppliers.It builds on the momentum of the ongoing requirement by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) which requires use of our product by trusted suppliers to DLA.The research for MDA will aid our ongoing work in expanding the range of applications of SigNature DNA, further compressing the time used to mark and authenticate items, and opening up the ability to use still more and varied carriers for our mark."

The award is a Phase I (feasibility) grant, typically followed by a competition for Phase II (implementation) and Phase III (commercialization) grants.Said Dr. Hayward: "We are optimistic that we will be able to take this research project through implementation and move to the commercialization stage."

The MDA Small Business Innovative Research program distributes over $1 billion annually, in order to harness the creativity of smaller businesses in the service of its unmatched technological platform, and in defense of the country.

Approved for Public Release 13-MDA-7255 (19 April 13)

About Applied DNA Sciences

APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions that can help protect products, brands and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature DNA and smartDNA, our principal anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions that essentially cannot be copied, provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

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Applied DNA Sciences Awarded Phase I SBIR Contract by the United States Missile Defense Agency

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