Archive for March, 2013

BLADE RUNNER ( filming location video ) Harrison Ford Ridley Scott
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com Visit the blog : ontheset-bladerunner.blogspot.com This video was posted exactly 27 years after the Blade Runner release date on June 25, 1982. That date was chosen by producer Alan Ladd, Jr. because his previous highest-grossing films (Star Wars and Alien) had a similar opening date in 1977 and 1979. Blade Runner is a 1982 American science fiction film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. The film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in November 2019 in which genetically manufactured beings called replicants visually indistinguishable from adult humans are used for dangerous or menial work on Earth #39;s "off-world colonies". Following a replicant uprising, replicants become illegal on Earth and specialist police called "blade runners" are trained to hunt down and "retire" escaped replicants on Earth. The plot focuses on a brutal and cunning group of recently-escaped replicants hiding in Los Angeles and the semi-retired blade runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who reluctantly agrees to take on one more assignment. Blade Runner is based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Blade Runner is a literate science fiction film, thematically enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of human mastery of genetic engineering in the context of classical Greek drama and hubris, and draws on Biblical images, such as Noah #39;s flood, and literary sources, such ...

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BLADE RUNNER ( filming location video ) Harrison Ford Ridley Scott - Video

Public release date: 5-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, March 5, 2013Reducing preventable hospital readmissions is a cornerstone of emerging healthcare policy. The U.S. government has developed payment policies that will decrease payments to hospitals with excess patient readmission levels, for example. Early lessons learned from these current policy initiatives hint at their likelihood for success and are examined in an insightful article in Population Health Management, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Population Health Management website at http://www.liebertpub.com/pop.

In "Turning Readmission Reduction Policies into Results: Some Lessons from a Multistate Initiative to Reduce Readmissions," Jessica Mittler, PhD and coauthors from The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA), Weill Cornell Medical College (New York, NY), and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA) present findings to suggest that current readmissions policies will produce "uncertain success."

Mittler et al. identify three critical challenges that stand in the way of the success of current policies, and propose specific strategies and interventions based on the development of collaborative relationships within the medical community and more coordinated care, more evidence-based policy decisions, and the importance of targeting improvement and incentives to individual institutions.

"Medicare has wisely moved away from the traditional fee-for-service model. The future belongs to those providers who work to establish collaborative relationships across the care community and invest in programs that keep patients out of the hospital," says Population Health Management Editor-in-Chief David B. Nash, MD, MBA, Dean and Dr. Raymond C. and Doris N. Grandon Professor, Jefferson School of Population Health, Philadelphia, PA.

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About the Journal

Population Health Management is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published bimonthly in print and online that reflects the expanding scope of health care management and quality. The Journal delivers a comprehensive, integrated approach to the field of population health and provides information designed to improve the systems and policies that affect health care quality, access, and outcomes. Comprised of peer-reviewed original research papers, clinical research, and case studies, the content encompasses a broad range of chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, depression, and obesity) in addition to focusing on various aspects of prevention and wellness. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Population Health Management website at http://www.liebertpub.com/pop. Population Health Management is the Official Journal of the Care Continuum Alliance.

About the Publisher

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Are new national policies designed to reduce hospital readmissions working?

Published Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 8:10 AM

Updated Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 10:08 AM

Ireland's four courts: Judge makes landmark ruling calling for 1937 Constitution of Ireland to be reviewed to reflect on modern fertility methods

Photo by Google Images

The genetic mother of twins born through a surrogate pregnancy has won her court battle to be declared the legal mother on the childrens birth certificates.

In this landmark case the genetic mother defeated the Irish government. In the past Ireland had refused the mothers demands to be recorded as a parent on the childrens birth certs. The Irish States defense for their stance had been the 1937 constitution, which states that the woman who gives birth to the baby is recorded as the mother.

On Tuesday Dublin High Court Justice Henry Abbott said that these 1937 laws governing birth certificates and parentage needed to be updated to reflect the growing use of artificial insemination, embryo implantation, and other fertility techniques.

The genetic mother in question, whose identity is withheld under Irish law, had been declared medically unable to carry her child. Her sister volunteered to serve as a surrogate mother.

Marion Campbell, lawyer for the parents, told RTE, Irelands State broadcaster, that they are delighted with the outcome.

Campbell said, It has been a very long, hard and emotional time for them and they would like to express their thanks for the support shown to them by their family, friends and legal representatives.

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Genetic mother of twins wins historic Irish surrogacy case

Sam Wood, PHILLY.COM Posted: Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 6:00 AM

There's a genetic testing revolution underway at your local hospital. And it's causing doctors and medical students to confront some very thorny issues.

"Personalized medicine" uses genetic information derived from tests to predict a patient's chances of coming down with diseases and offers ways of tailoring some cures.

Could testing on a fetus show that the person has the potential to be autistic? Gay? If so, what will parents do with the information?

A product of a $30 billion effort to sequence the human genome, the tests until recently have been limited to those wealthy enough to pay up to $10,000. But the tests have dropped to about $1,000.

Dr. Art Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at New York University, brought a host of provocative questions raised by the tests and their use in new treatments to Cooper University Medical School in Camden on Tuesday.

The inaugural speaker of the Berkowitz Family Foundation Lecture, Caplan dismissed most of the consumer-targeted versions of the genetic tests - those that claim to match diet and lifestyle to personal DNA - as "ethically worrisome" and "nonsense added to ridiculousness." Others, including 23andMe and DeCodeMe, are "more legitimate," he said.

Caplan, gregarious with a white mop of hair, also spoke about the developing field of pharmacogenomics, the study of prescribing drugs for patients based on their personal DNA.

"It's great, but it's still the early days," Caplan said.

Prenatal testing will drive most of the upcoming controversy, Caplan said.

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Promise and perils of ‘personalized’ medicine

Updated day 21
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Updated day 21 - Video

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FOR SALE ~ LUGER Daughter FHF Z380 - Video

Spannabis 2013 DNA Genetics and Rare Dankness
We talk with Scott from Rare Dankness Seeds and Don from DNA Genetics...www.urbangroweronline.com

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Spannabis 2013 DNA Genetics and Rare Dankness - Video

BETHESDA, Md., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine and genetics professionals from around the world will be on hand to present bicycles to local Phoenix-area children from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as part of the ACMG's 2013 Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting and Conference in Exhibit Hall BCD of the Phoenix Convention Center, Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m.

This is the third annual ACMG Foundation Day of Caring and is sponsored by the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, a prominent nonprofit genetics foundation based in Bethesda, MD.

Phoenix-area MDA Director of Health Care Services Maureen Salloom thanked the Foundation for the gift, "Thank you so much to the ACMG Foundation for providing bicycles to children with neuromuscular diseases. Our families are very grateful for this generous donation, as buying a customized bicycle would not be feasible due to high medical bills and other financial obligations. Without this donation, some children would never have had the experience of riding a bike," she said. "The Association's research, health care services, advocacy and education programs provide help and hope to more than 1 million Americans affected by more than 40 progressive neuromuscular diseases."

The medical genetics community, including physicians, genetic counselors, and other genetics health professionals are dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with genetic conditions," said Bruce R. Korf, MD, Ph.D., FACMG, President of the ACMG Foundation. "We are delighted that we can play a role in helping children with neuromuscular disorders enjoy the pleasure of owning a new bike like so many other children their age."

"What better way to demonstrate caring than by supporting children affected by genetic disorders with a special surprise. Having and riding a bike is right of passage in a kid's life -- we're happy we can make that possible."

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, whose theme is Better Health Through Genetics, supports education, research and a variety of other programs to translate genetic research into better health for all individuals.

The ACMG Foundation 2013 Day of Caring is supported by PerkinElmer, Shire, members of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

To view television coverage of last year's Day of Caring visit TheACMGChannel on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/theacmgchannel.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics and genetic counseling in healthcare. Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics' mission to "translate genes into health" by raising funds to promote the profession of medical genetics and genomics to medical students, to fund the training of future medical geneticists, to support best-practices and tools for practicing physicians and laboratory directors, to promote awareness and understanding of our work in the general public, and much more.

SOURCE ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

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Prominent Genetics Foundation to Present Adapted Bikes to Children from Muscular Dystrophy Association at Heartwarming ...

Newswise Bethesda, MDMarch 5, 2013 Listed below are the selected highlights for the March 2013 issue of the Genetics Society of Americas journal, GENETICS. The March issue is available online at http://www.genetics.org/content/current. Please credit GENETICS, Vol. 193, MARCH 2013, Copyright 2013.

Please feel free to forward to colleagues who may be interested in these articles on cellular genetics; population and evolutionary genetics; genome integrity and transmission; and genome and systems biology.

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS Cellular Genetics Systems genetics implicates cytoskeletal genes in oocyte control of cloned embryo quality, pp. 877896 Yong Cheng, John Gaughan, Uros Midic, Zhiming Han, Cheng-Guang Liang, Bela G. Patel, and Keith E. Latham Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is a powerful technology that offers a unique means of dissecting developmental processes. This article reveals oocyte-expressed genes that support early cloned embryo development. The major category of genes encodes proteins associated with the subcortical cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal elements such as the spindle. Discovery that cytoskeleton-associated proteins are key determinants of early clone development provides new insight into the pathways that support cloning.

Population and Evolutionary Genetics Molecular characterization and evolution of self- incompatibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana: The case of the Sc haplotype, pp. 985994 Kathleen G. Dwyer, Martin T. Berger, Rimsha Ahmed, Molly K. Hritzo, Amanda A. McCulloch, Michael J. Price, Nicholas J. Serniak,Leonard T. Walsh, June B. Nasrallah, and Mikhail E. Nasrallah The switch from cross-pollination to self-pollination in Arabidospis thaliana was accompanied by inactivation of the two S-locus self recognition genes that determine self-incompatibility. This article reports a structural and functional analysis of an S haplotype belonging to the one group of A. thaliana S haplotypes that had remained largely uncharacterized. The results reveal the various ways the S locus was inactivated during or after the multiple independent switches to self-fertility that occurred in A. thaliana.

Population and Evolutionary Genetics Detecting signatures of selection through haplotype differentiation among hierarchically structured populations, pp. 929941 Mara Ins Fariello, Simon Boitard, Hugo Naya, Magali SanCristobal, and Bertrand Servin One strategy to identify genes underlying traits influenced by adaptation is to look for genomic regions with outstanding differences between populations, typically using the FST statistic. But FST accounts neither for relatedness between populations nor for correlation between neighboring loci. These authors present a new approach that incorporates both features and show it provides increased power to detect selection events. Their approach promises a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation.

Genome Integrity and Transmission Mutations to the piRNA pathway component aubergine enhance meiotic drive of segregation distorter in Drosophila melanogaster, pp. 771784 Selena L. Gell and Robert A. Reenan How Segregation Distorter (SD) in Drosophila melanogaster violates Mendels laws by enhancing its own transmission in meiosis remains a mystery, despite 60 years of study. Gell and Reenan discovered a novel role for the Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway in this phenomenon. The fact that defects in the piRNA pathway, which is thought to defend against transposon invasion of the germline, enhances segregation distortion of SD suggests that the piRNA pathway also suppresses this unusual selfish genetic element.

Review Long noncoding RNAs: Past, present, and future, pp. 651669 Johnny T. Y. Kung, David Colognori, and Jeannie T. Lee Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as potential key players in all aspects of biology. However, the claim that much of the genome is transcribed into a complex regulatory machinery is controversial. The authors frame the debate in its historical context and offer general lessons distilled from current knowledge of the functions of these RNAs, providing an incisive snapshot of this rapidly moving field.

Population and Evolutionary Genetics Synchronous waves of failed soft sweeps in the laboratory: Remarkably rampant clonal interference of alleles at a single locus, pp. 943952 Ming-Chun Lee and Christopher J. Marx From populations of microbes evolving in the laboratory to human genomic diversity, it is increasingly clear that adaptation often involves multiple beneficial alleles at the same locus that rise in frequency together as a soft sweep. This article reports a dramatic example of this during experimental evolution of Methylobacterium, where up to 17 similar alleles were simultaneously present in a single population. Their frequencies rose and fell at different times across populations but synchronously within each population as a single wave of genotypes of nearly equivalently fit genotypes.

Genome and Systems Biology Modeling causality for pairs of phenotypes in system genetics, pp. 10031013 Elias Chaibub Neto, Aimee T. Broman, Mark P. Keller, Alan D. Attie, Bin Zhang, Jun Zhu, and Brian S. Yandell To disentangle causal relationships among phenotypes in segregating populations, these investigators modeled causality for pairs of phenotypes. Their resulting tests enable biologists to choose for investigation a few gene pairs from a short rank-ordered list of candidates. The authors provide software tools and show their utility with yeast datasets.

Cellular Genetics A novel interaction between aging and ER overload in a protein conformational dementia, pp. 865876 Angela Schipanski, Sascha Lange, Alexandra Segref, Aljona Gutschmidt, David A. Lomas, Elena Miranda, Michaela Schweizer, Thorsten Hoppe, and Markus Glatzel This article describes a novel interaction between aging and ER overload. The authors studied a dementia disease in Caenorhabdidis elegans and mice to learn how disturbed protein homeostasis contributes to disease development. They show that induction of the unfolded protein response is critical for age-related disease progression. Their results suggest that the unfolded protein response may offer a therapeutic target for dementias.

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GENETICS Journal Highlights for March 2013

Public release date: 5-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Phyllis Edelman pedelman@genetics-gsa.org 301-634-7302 Genetics Society of America

Bethesda, MDMarch 5, 2013 Listed below are the selected highlights for the March 2013 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal, Genetics. The March issue is available online at http://www.genetics.org/content/current. Please credit Genetics, Vol. 193, MARCH 2013, Copyright 2013.

Please feel free to forward to colleagues who may be interested in these articles on cellular genetics; population and evolutionary genetics; genome integrity and transmission; and genome and systems biology.

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

Cellular Genetics: Systems genetics implicates cytoskeletal genes in oocyte control of cloned embryo quality, pp. 877-896 Yong Cheng, John Gaughan, Uros Midic, Zhiming Han, Cheng-Guang Liang, Bela G. Patel, and Keith E. Latham

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is a powerful technology that offers a unique means of dissecting developmental processes. This article reveals oocyte-expressed genes that support early cloned embryo development. The major category of genes encodes proteins associated with the subcortical cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal elements such as the spindle. Discovery that cytoskeleton-associated proteins are key determinants of early clone development provides new insight into the pathways that support cloning.

Population and Evolutionary Genetics: Molecular characterization and evolution of self- incompatibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana: The case of the Sc haplotype, pp. 985-994 Kathleen G. Dwyer, Martin T. Berger, Rimsha Ahmed, Molly K. Hritzo, Amanda A. McCulloch, Michael J. Price, Nicholas J. Serniak,Leonard T. Walsh, June B. Nasrallah, and Mikhail E. Nasrallah

The switch from cross-pollination to self-pollination in Arabidospis thaliana was accompanied by inactivation of the two S-locus "self " recognition genes that determine self-incompatibility. This article reports a structural and functional analysis of an S haplotype belonging to the one group of A. thaliana S haplotypes that had remained largely uncharacterized. The results reveal the various ways the S locus was inactivated during or after the multiple independent switches to self-fertility that occurred in A. thaliana.

Population and Evolutionary Genetics: Detecting signatures of selection through haplotype differentiation among hierarchically structured populations, pp. 929-941 Mara Ins Fariello, Simon Boitard, Hugo Naya, Magali SanCristobal, and Bertrand Servin

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Genetics Society of America's Genetics journal highlights for March 2013

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ambry Genetics, a global leader in clinical diagnostics and genomic services, announced today that they have officially reached a new milestone in Next-Gen sequencing.

We have reached an incredible milestone in next-generation sequencing (NGS)," said Ardy Arianpour, Vice President of Business Development at Ambry Genetics. Ever since NGS was launched, we have worked diligently to build a customer-centric business to provide our clients with the tools and resources they need to successfully reach their goals. Our clients have shown us loyalty that is reflected in the numbers.

Ambry invested in NGS in 2007 when it was first commercially available and soon after launched their genomic services division running large academic, biotech and government projects. Building on years of experience, Ambry was first to offer an NGS based diagnostic test in April 2010, with the introduction of an 81-gene panel for X-Linked intellectual disability. NGS is ideal for analyzing large sets of genes involved in molecularly heterogeneous disorders, reducing both cost and turn-around-time over traditional Sanger sequencing.

These aspects are crucial where test results can have a direct affect on medical management or family planning. With that in mind, in 2011 Ambry launched the Clinical Diagnostic ExomeTM, making them the first CLIA-certified laboratory to offer whole-exome sequencing clinically. These successes were followed by Marfan syndrome and the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia NGS panels. Last year, Ambry continued its release of innovative NGS panels with its widely adopted hereditary cancer syndrome product line and most recently its hereditary cardiovascular disease panels.

Ambry remains at the forefront of technology and diagnostics. Incorporating feedback from clients, scientists and market research analysis, Ambry continues to develop and enhance their comprehensive testing menu. Significant laboratory automation investments, enhancements and restructuring has allowed Ambry to focus on reducing test turn-around-time (TAT). Accordingly, Ambry has reduced its full CFTR sequencing plus deletion and duplication analysis TAT in half to five-to-thirteen days. This is the fastest turn-around-time in the world for CFTR sequencing and marks only the beginning of improvements to come.

"As a company, Ambry Genetics is fully committed to providing answers through cutting-edge science and operational improvements," said Charles Dunlop, Chief Executive Officer at Ambry Genetics. Watching the company grow has been sensational, but something tells me the coming years will be the best to come."

About Ambry Genetics

Ambry Genetics is a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified commercial clinical laboratory with headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California. Since the company's inception in 1999, it has become a leader in providing genetic services focused on clinical diagnostics and genomic services, particularly sequencing and array services. Ambry has established a solid reputation for unparalleled service and has been at the forefront of applying new technologies to the clinical molecular diagnostics market and to the advancement of disease research. To learn more about testing and services available through Ambry Genetics, visit http://www.ambrygen.com.

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Ambry Genetics Achieves Company Milestone, Surpasses 10,000 Diagnostic and 100,000 Genomics Next Generation Sequencing ...

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Mar 6, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. ( NASDAQ : ATOS ), The Breast Health Company, announced today that Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP, chairman, CEO & president, and Kyle Guse, CFO and general counsel, will present the Company's business model, growth strategy and products and services at the 25th Annual ROTH Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 3:30 pm Pacific Time.

Dr. Quay commented, "This is Atossa's first time presenting at this much anticipated event. We appreciate the opportunity afforded to us to discuss our growth strategy and provide an update on the national rollout of our ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, which is a highly significant development that positions Atossa for accelerated growth in 2013 and beyond. In addition, the rollout of the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test and launch of the FullCYTE and NextCYTE breast health tests, as well as securing a partner for clinical development of our intraductal therapy this year, each represent significant upside potential in 2013."

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. ( NASDAQ : ATOS ), The Breast Health Company, is based in Seattle, WA, and is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented, FDA-cleared diagnostic medical devices and patented, laboratory developed tests (LDT) that can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography, and through research and development that will permit it to commercialize treatments for pre-cancerous lesions.

The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health (NRLBH), a wholly owned subsidiary of Atossa Genetics, Inc., is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, WA, that provides the patented ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, a risk assessment test for women 18 to 73 years of age akin to the Pap Smear, and the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test, a blood test for recurrence in breast cancer survivors that provides a "liquid biopsy" for circulating cancer cells and a tailored treatment plan for patients and their caregivers.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding Atossa's plans, regulatory actions, Atossa's responses to regulatory actions, expectations, projections, potential opportunities, goals and objectives are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with actions by the FDA, regulatory clearances, responses to regulatory matters, Atossa's ability to continue to manufacture and sell its products, the efficacy of Atossa's products and services, the market demand for and acceptance of Atossa's products and services and other risks detailed from time to time in the Atossa's, filings including its registration statement form S-1 filed January 28, 2013, as amended and supplemented from time to time. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Atossa undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

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Atossa Genetics to Present at the 25th Annual ROTH Conference

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

RetroSense Therapeutics, a biotechnology company dedicated to developing gene therapy approaches to vision restoration, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for U.S. patent application (No. 12/299,574), which broadly covers methods of restoring visual responses with a variety of optogenetic compounds. Specifically, the allowed application includes claims covering methods of restoring visual responses by delivering channelrhodopsin and variants thereof, as well as halorhodopsin to retinal neurons with or without the use of cell-type specific promoters, including mGluR6 (Grm6). The subject opsins have been studied extensively and published on as means of vision restoration in retinal degenerative conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration.

The approved patent application is part of the Pan patent family, which stems from the novel research of Dr. Zhuo-Hua Pan and others at Wayne State University and Salus University, designed to restore vision in retinal degenerative conditions. Several Pan patent applications are part of RetroSenses intellectual property estate, which focuses on optogenetic gene therapies and complementary devices for vision restoration.

We are pleased that the U.S. Patent Office has allowed this patent application, which will substantively expand the coverage of RetroSenses intellectual property estate. RetroSense continues to develop novel intellectual property in the area of optogenetics. Accordingly, we plan to continue to extend our basic patent protections on our technologies. We have also maintained an ongoing strategy to consolidate key intellectual property required to develop and commercialize optogenetics to restore visual responses, said Sean Ainsworth, Chief Executive Officer of RetroSense.

Following a Notice of Allowance, the process resulting in final issuance of a patent involves several administrative steps that are typically completed within a year.

About RetroSense Therapeutics

RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing game-changing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. RetroSense is led by a team of seasoned veterans with deep experience in taking products from the discovery stage through to the clinic. For more information about RetroSense, visit http://www.retro-sense.com/.

RetroSense Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding RetroSense Therapeutics intellectual property estate, and the therapeutic and commercial potential of RetroSenses technologies and products in development. Any statement describing RetroSenses goals, intentions, beliefs, expectations, financial or other projections is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. RetroSenses forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if incorrect, could cause the Companys results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of RetroSense management, however, these statements are based solely upon elements currently known by RetroSense. Readers are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

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RetroSense Therapeutics Announces Notice of Allowance for New U.S. Patent Application Broadly Covering Optogenetic ...

Mesothelioma Law Firm Baron and Budd Repeats ADAO Platinum Sponsorship to Support Advocacy for Accelerated Breakthroughs

DALLAS (PRWEB) March 05, 2013

Currently, gene therapy is still one of the treatment strategies under investigation, but accumulating clinical data suggest that it can produce anti-tumor effects which have not been achieved by other therapies, Japanese researchers at Chiba University in Chiba, Japan, write. Mesothelioma is obviously one of the target tumors for gene therapy, and in fact several clinical studies are now in progress. Gene therapy currently remains an experimental approach for mesothelioma treatments, but the preceding clinical trials provided many points to be considered for the future application of gene therapy (BioMed Research International, Volume 2013, A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Malignant Mesothelioma with Gene Medicine).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines gene therapy as a type of medicine whereby recoded genetic material is inserted via generally harmless laboratory viruses into the bodys cells to combat cancer and other serious diseases. Its aim is to repair or reprogram faulty DNA coding. Each of the bodys cells contains a core of molecules called genes responsible for communicating to cells the instructions they need to thrive. When a carcinogen such as asbestos enters the bodys system, it sometimes causes genetic damage to DNA coding. Next, the production of certain defense proteins, vital to healthy cells, may be disrupted. When gene mutations prevent these proteins from immunizing healthy tissue, cells may begin haphazardly dividing like wildfire, finally warping into malignant tumor formations. Recoded gene copies would foreseeably inhibit or reverse mutant cancerous cell division.

Gene therapy is especially ideal for treating mesothelioma because mesothelioma develops within a closed cavity (the pleura cavity separating the inner and outer linings of the lungs) and remains localized within this cavity until it progresses to the terminal stage. Clinical trials underway in Europe and Asia corroborate the ease and safety of local intrapleural injections, emphasizing their potential to induce anti-tumor immune responses.

On March 22-24, the Ninth International Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Asbestos Awareness Conference focuses on The Asbestos Crisis: New Trends in Prevention and Treatment, with a distinguished roster of keynote speakers scheduled to discuss cutting-edge medical technology such as gene therapy, as well as mesothelioma patient advocacy, prevention and a global asbestos ban. With strong support from national mesothelioma law firm Baron and Budd s second consecutive platinum sponsorship, ADAO represents one of the worlds most accredited nonprofit organizations for mesothelioma patient advocacy and asbestos awareness. Likewise, Baron and Budds mesothelioma attorneys have fought for 35 years to protect the rights of those affected by asbestos exposure.

For more on ADAO and the ninth international conference, visit http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, visit Mesothelioma News at http://www.mesotheliomanews.com to learn more about your options. Mesothelioma News is a dedicated website underwritten by the national mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

The national mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has a more than 30-year history of Protecting Whats Right for asbestos sufferers and their families. As one of the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit, Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry workers and others who are suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma verdict ever in the state of Texas, a $55 million verdict for an asbestos sufferer and his family in El Paso, Texas. Contact Baron and Budd at 1.866.855.1229 for additional information on mesothelioma treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment centers and mesothelioma attorneys.

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Researchers, FDA Evaluating Experimental Gene Therapy Procedures for Mesothelioma Treatment

Goodie MOB At The Loberace Grand Opening... With a Little Bit Of Cell Therapy
When The Scene Unfolds... Goodie MOB Is All Up in the Planet Hollywood Vegas Takeover Mix, and it #39;s only Just Begun !! Here #39;s all members of Goodie MOB, Cee-Lo, Khujo, T-Mo and Big Gipp at the Red Carpet Grand Opening of "Cee-Lo Is Loberace" playing at Planet Hollywood Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. The Opening night brought out folks like Aly AJ Michalka, a Very PregnantHolly Madison, Coco Austin, Eric Benet The Cast of Peepshow including Josh Strickland. But of course.. the Shine of the Evening is Definitely on Cee-Lo and Goodie MOB, so Why not bring it back to that first Album... Soul Food and that First Single.. Cell Therapy and Cee-Lo #39;s Famed Verse. Like to Hear it ? Here it Go ! Garry "Prophecy" Sun for SunOfHollywood.com Photo Video: SunOfHollywood.com SunOfLasVegas.com Follow Prophecy on Twitter : @prophecyhiphop Follow SunOfHollywood.com @SunOfHollywood YouTube.com/SunOfHollywood

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Goodie MOB At The Loberace Grand Opening... With a Little Bit Of Cell Therapy - Video

Part of the sequence of BRCA1.

A decision that private companies can control human genes will be appealed in the Federal Court.

Cancer groups have applauded the move, and say a win is vital to protect patient access to new tests and treatments.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn has lodged documents to appeal a decision last month by Federal Court justice John Nicholas that upheld a patent on the so-called breast cancer gene mutations in a gene known as BRCA1.

Lost the case ... Yvonne D'Arcy. Photo: Peter Rae

Cancer Council head Ian Olver said it was important to have the decision clarified.

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"Everyone will be watching this," he said. "If the appeal is lost, it's very clear we will need to use the political process to change the legislation to ensure it is in the best interest of patients," he said.

Maurice Blackburn principal Rebecca Gilsenan said she believed the firm had a good basis under which to appeal the decision.

She said Justice Nicholas had erred in his decision that isolating the gene outside the body should be considered a form of new manufacture.

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BRCA1 gene patent ruling to be appealed

4 March 2013 Last updated at 02:52 ET

A gene previously shown to be linked to obesity may also increase the risk of a deadly form of skin cancer, say researchers writing in Nature Genetics.

Analysis of data from 73,000 people, led by the University of Leeds, found a specific section of the "fat gene" was associated with malignant melanoma.

It is the first time the gene has been linked with a specific disease independently of weight.

The results suggest a wider role for the gene than originally thought.

Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK with about 12,800 new cases and about 2,200 deaths each year.

An international team analysed genetic data from the tumours of 13,000 malignant melanoma patients and 60,000 unaffected individuals.

They found that those with particular variations in a stretch of DNA within the "fat gene" or FTO gene, called intron 8, could be at greater risk of developing melanoma.

Previous research linking the FTO gene with obesity found that variants in a section called intron 1 are linked with being overweight and overeating.

It's now clear we don't know enough about what this intriguing gene does

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Fat gene 'linked with skin cancer'

Public release date: 3-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Liz Williams williams@wehi.edu.au 61-405-279-095 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Eating your greens may be even more important that previously thought, with the discovery that an immune cell population essential for intestinal health could be controlled by leafy greens in your diet.

The immune cells, named innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), are found in the lining of the digestive system and protect the body from 'bad' bacteria in the intestine. They are also believed to play an important role in controlling food allergies, inflammatory diseases and obesity, and may even prevent the development of bowel cancers.

Dr Gabrielle Belz, Ms Lucie Rankin, Dr Joanna Groom and colleagues from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute's Molecular Immunology division have discovered the gene T-bet is essential for producing a population of these critical immune cells and that the gene responds to signals in the food we eat.

Dr Belz said the research team revealed T-bet was essential for generating a subset of ILCs which is a newly discovered cell type that protects the body against infections entering through the digestive system. "In this study, we discovered that T-bet is the key gene that instructs precursor cells to develop into ILCs, which it does in response to signals in the food we eat and to bacteria in the gut," Dr Belz said. "ILCs are essential for immune surveillance of the digestive system and this is the first time that we have identified a gene responsible for the production of ILCs."

The research was published today in the journal Nature Immunology.

Dr Belz said that the proteins in green leafy (cruciferous) vegetables are known to interact with a cell surface receptor that switches on T-bet, and might play a role in producing these critical immune cells. "Proteins in these leafy greens could be part of the same signalling pathway that is used by T-bet to produce ILCs," Dr Belz said. "We are very interested in looking at how the products of these vegetables are able to talk to T-bet to make ILCs, which will give us more insight into how the food we eat influences our immune system and gut bacteria."

ILCs are essential for maintaining the delicate balance between tolerance, immunity and inflammation. Ms Rankin said the discovery had given the research team further insight into external factors responsible for ILC activation. "Until recently, it has been difficult to isolate or produce ILCs," Ms Rankin said. "So we are very excited about the prospect for future research on these cells which are still poorly understood."

ILCs produce a hormone called interleukin-22 (IL-22), which can protect the body from invading bacteria, Dr Belz said. "Our research shows that, without the gene T-bet, the body is more susceptible to bacterial infections that enter through the digestive system. This suggests that boosting ILCs in the gut may aid in the treatment of these bacterial infections," she said.

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Gene discovery reveals importance of eating your greens

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --CompWest Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Accident Fund Holdings, Inc., announces the appointment of Gene J. Simpson as vice president of Underwriting and Marketing.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100727/DE40865LOGO )

Simpson recently joined CompWest's senior management team and is responsible for company-wide underwriting and marketing practices. In this position, Simpson coordinates the development and implementation of company underwriting and marketing programs; manages and directs the execution of all sales plans and production initiatives; as well as the research, strategy and implementation of new markets.

"The CompWest team has made significant strides in stabilizing our financial results, despite challenging environmental factors," Bryan Bogardus, president of CompWest Insurance Company, said. "As we look forward, we see a significant role for CompWest in the workers' compensation marketplace and the addition of Gene is an investment in our future. Gene has a proven track record of developing and deploying successful go-to-market strategies and he is excited about working with our employees and partner brokers to grow our company."

Simpson most recently served as vice president of Workers' Compensation Product Management for Seabright Holdings, Inc. Prior to that, he served as vice president of General Liability and Product Line Manager for Liberty Mutual Insurance and for 11 years in a variety of capacities for Safeco Insurance Company, including assistant vice president of Product Development,; assistant director of Workers' Compensation; commercial manager of National Programs and commercial underwriter of Multiline and Workers' Compensation.

Simpson graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics and holds the designations of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Simpson is an active member of his community, participating in various fundraising efforts to support several charitable organizations with a particular interest in Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

About CompWest Insurance CompanyCompWest is one of the most innovative underwriters of workers' compensation insurance in California and the Western States.Its industry-leading claims management model, called Workers' Compensation with Care, coupled with outstanding loss prevention services and ability-based return to work programs has produced lower insurance costs and competitive rates for more than 2,000 policyholders.CompWest is rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.To learn more about the 'CompWest Difference' go to http://www.compwestinsurance.com.

Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. is a workers compensation insurance holding company conducting business through four operating units: Accident Fund Companies, located in Lansing, Michigan; United Heartland, located in New Berlin, Wisconsin; CompWest, located in San Francisco, California; and Third Coast Underwriters, located in Chicago, Illinois. Its insurance company subsidiaries are rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Accident Fund Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more information, visit Accident Fund Holdings' website at http://www.afhi.com.

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Gene Simpson Named Vice President of Underwriting and Marketing for CompWest Insurance Company

A gene linked to obesity and over-eating may also increase the risk of the most deadly form of skin cancer, research has shown.

People with a particular DNA modification within the FTO gene may be more likely to develop malignant melanoma.

Previous research has shown that variations in a different part of the gene are a major risk factor for obesity.

Until now there has been no evidence that obesity and melanoma are linked.

The new findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, suggest that FTO has more wide-ranging functions than previously thought.

Lead scientist Dr Mark Iles, from the University of Leeds, said: "This is the first time to our knowledge that this major obesity gene, already linked to multiple illnesses, has been linked to melanoma. This raises the question whether future research will reveal that the gene has a role in even more diseases.

"When scientists have tried to understand how the FTO gene behaves, so far they've only examined its role in metabolism and appetite. But it's now clear we don't know enough about what this intriguing gene does.

"This reveals a hot new lead for research into both obesity-related illnesses and skin cancer."

See original here:
Obesity gene 'linked to melanoma'

Public release date: 4-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rachel Barson r.barson@leeds.ac.uk 01-133-432-060 University of Leeds

The research shows that people with particular variations in a stretch of DNA within the FTO gene, called intron 8, could be at greater risk of developing melanoma.

Variations in a different part of the FTO gene, called intron 1, are already known to be the most important genetic risk factor for obesity and overeating. These variants are linked to Body Mass Index (BMI) a measure of a person's shape based on their weight and height. Having a high BMI can increase the risk of various diseases including type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, womb (endometrial) cancer and more.

But this research is the first to reveal that the gene affects a disease melanoma which isn't linked to obesity and BMI.

The results, published in Nature Genetics, suggest that FTO has a more wide-ranging role than previously suspected, with different sections of the gene being involved in various diseases.

Study author, Dr Mark Iles, Cancer Research UK scientist at the University of Leeds, said: "This is the first time to our knowledge that this major obesity gene, already linked to multiple illnesses, has been linked to melanoma. This raises the question whether future research will reveal that the gene has a role in even more diseases?

"When scientists have tried to understand how the FTO gene behaves, so far they've only examined its role in metabolism and appetite. But it's now clear we don't know enough about what this intriguing gene does.

"This reveals a hot new lead for research into both obesity-related illnesses and skin cancer."

The researchers examined tumour samples in more than 13,000 melanoma patients and almost 60,000 unaffected people from around the world.

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First evidence that obesity gene is risk factor for melanoma

February 28th 2013 time lapse and Chemtrail photos
February 28th 2013 recorded data from Virginia, USA. Please subscribe for more videos uploaded frequently. Share to spread awareness of Geo-engineering and genetic modification. Music by Bone Thugs n Harmony: Change The World

By: ian11045

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February 28th 2013 time lapse and Chemtrail photos - Video

Phonophani - End Of All Things
Phonophani - End Of All Things from Genetic Engineering (2001)

By: sirianmackaye

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Phonophani - End Of All Things - Video

Newswise For the first time, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) spoke with one voice and released a set of recommendations and guidelines on best practices for genetic testing and screening of children.

Genetic screening is done more on children than on any other group, with about 4 million newborns screened every year for nearly 40 metabolic and endocrine disorders including phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis and hypothyroidism, as well as hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease. Most states have adopted the uniform panel, although some states include a variety of additional conditions.

Despite gains in technology and the study of genetics, such guidelines had not been updated by either group in at least a decade.

We now have geneticists, pediatricians and ethicists all in consensus about what are the best guidelines for genetic testing and screening of children, said pediatrician Lainie Ross, MD, PhD, Carolyn and Matthew Bucksbaum professor and associate director at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago.

Ross is the lead author of the policy statement, published by AAP, and the companion technical paper, published by the ACMG. The new guidelines were released on Feb. 21, 2013.

The two groups also were unified in their call for greater parental involvement in the genetic testing and screening of children.

Currently, genetic screening of newborns is mandatory and this has led to minimal or no engagement of parents. Parents are often not told that screening is happening. When they are told, very little information typically is provided, even though they had the right to refuse screening in most states.

The new statement promotes mandatory offering of screening. A mandatory offer means parents must be informed that screening is available and should be provided with an overview of what will be screened for, the type of results they may get, the minor risks involved and the potential benefits if their child is found to have a disorder that requires immediate treatment.

After such education and counseling, parents then would be asked to give permission for screening. While there are no guidelines on what form that consent would take, it could be as easy as a verbal agreement to go ahead.

In our world, we want every baby to be screened. The move from mandatory screening to mandatory offering is to engage parents, to make sure that parents know about screening and give permission for it, Ross said. If they say no, the next step is not to say OK but to engage in further conversation because refusal should be a very rare event given the high benefit-to-risk ratio.

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New Guidance Issued on Genetic Testing of Children

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Newswise A professor from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is one of the lead authors of a study identifying seven new regions of the human genome that are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults.

The AMD Gene Consortium, a network of international investigators representing 18 research groups, also confirmed the existence of 12 other regions called loci that had been identified in previous studies. The authors report their findings online in the journal Nature Genetics. Supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, the study represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic variations associated with AMD.

This work represents a big step forward toward solving why some people get AMD, while others do not, said Sudha Iyengar, PhD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and a member of the consortiums senior executive committee. This disease is not caused by a single change in the DNA, but represents many events that accumulate over the lifetime of a patient. Identification of these genes provides molecular windows into the AMD disease process.

AMD affects the macula, a region of the retina responsible for central vision. The retina is the layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that houses rod and cone photoreceptor cells. Compared with the rest of the retina, the macula is especially dense with cone photoreceptors; humans rely on the macula for tasks that require sharp vision, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. As AMD progresses, such tasks become more difficult and eventually impossible. Some kinds of AMD are treatable, but no cure exists. An estimated 2 million Americans suffer from AMD.

Since the 2005 discovery that certain variations in the gene for complement factor Ha component of the immune systemare associated with major risk for AMD, research groups around the world have conducted genome-wide association studies to identify other loci that affect AMD risk. These studies were made possible by tools developed through the Human Genome Project, which mapped human genes, and related projects, such the International HapMap Project, which identified common patterns of genetic variation within the human genome.

The consortiums analysis included data from more than 17,100 people with the most advanced and severe forms of AMD, which were compared to data from more than 60,000 people without AMD. The 19 loci that were found to be associated with AMD implicate a variety of biological functions, including regulation of the immune system, maintenance of cellular structure, growth and permeability of blood vessels, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis.

As with other common diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, an individual persons risk for getting AMD is likely determined not by one but many genes. Further comprehensive DNA analysis of the areas around the 19 loci identified by the AMD Gene Consortium could turn up undiscovered rare genetic variants with a disproportionately large effect on AMD risk. Discovery of such genes could greatly advance scientists understanding of AMD pathogenesis and their quest for more effective treatments.

This compelling analysis by the AMD Gene Consortium demonstrates the enormous value of effective collaboration, said NEI director Paul A. Sieving, MD, PhD. Combining data from multiple studies, this international effort provides insight into the molecular basis of AMD, which will help researchers search for causes of the disease and will inform future development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Other lead authors of the study include: Gonalo R. Abecasis, D. Phil., University of Michigan; Lindsay A. Farrer, PhD, Boston University; Iris Heid, PhD, University of Regensburg, Germany; and Jonathan L. Haines, PhD, Vanderbilt University.

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Seven Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Common Eye Disorder