BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ARCA biopharma, Inc. (ABIO), a biopharmaceutical company developing genetically-targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases, today announced the Steering Committee for GENETIC-AF, the Companys Phase 2B/3 trial evaluating GencaroTM (bucindolol hydrochloride) as a potential treatment for atrial fibrillation. The Steering Committee is comprised of experts in the field of cardiology and electrophysiology, particularly in clinical development.

Stuart Connolly, MD, Director of the Division of Cardiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, has been appointed Chairman of the Steering Committee. William T. Abraham, MD, Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, has been appointed co-Chair of the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee of GENETIC-AF provides a balance of atrial fibrillation and heart failure clinical trials expertise, with each member being an expert in one or the other or both, said Dr. Michael R. Bristow, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARCA. We are delighted to have Dr. Connolly chair the Steering Committee. He brings a wealth of experience over a distinguished career in the field of electrophysiology, particularly in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation, which makes him a natural fit to help guide the development of Gencaro. Dr. Abraham is also an expert in heart failure clinical investigation and brings a background of leadership in both drug and device trials in chronic heart failure populations. Thus, GENETIC-AF will have the benefit of trial leadership that is at the forefront of both atrial fibrillation and heart failure outcome trials."

I am honored to participate in the GENETIC-AF trial, an innovative approach to evaluating the potential efficacy of Gencaro as a treatment for atrial fibrillation, said Dr. Connolly. "Atrial fibrillation is a growing problem where current medical therapy does not provide adequate treatment, particularly in heart failure populations. I look forward to working with the teams at ARCA and Medtronic to advance a potential new treatment for patients at high risk for developing, or living with, atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Abraham said, "I am pleased to be closely involved with the GENETIC-AF trial, which explores new territory on two important fronts: prospective identification of a genetic subpopulation potentially more responsive to a cardiovascular drug, and demonstration that a drug, in this case Gencaro, may be safe and effective in preventing atrial fibrillation in the unmet need population of heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction."

Additional Steering Committee members are:

The Steering Committee will provide scientific oversight for the GENETIC-AF trial as well as communicate its recommendations regarding trial conduct with the trials Data Safety Monitoring Board.

GENETIC-AF Clinical Trial

GENETIC-AF is planned as a Phase 2B/3, multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing Gencaro to metoprolol CR/XL for prevention of AF in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF). ARCA plans to enroll only patients with the genetic variant of the beta-1 cardiac receptor which the Company believes responds most favorably to Gencaro. GENETIC-AF has an adaptive design, under which the Company plans to initiate it as a Phase 2B study in approximately 200 patients and then, depending on the results of an interim analysis by the trial Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), expand the trial to a Phase 3 study by enrolling an estimated additional 420 patients. The Company anticipates that patient enrollment in GENETIC-AF will begin in the first quarter of 2014.

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ARCA biopharma Announces Steering Committee for GENETIC-AF Trial

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Newswise Newly published research by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and the Johns Hopkins Institute of Genetic Medicine reveals that a faulty genetic pathway already known for its role in some connective tissue disorders is also a potent player in many types of allergies.

Scientists have long understood that allergies are the result of a complex interplay between environment and genes, but now, in what investigators believe is a scientific first, a single genetic pathway has been implicated in an array of allergic disorders.

A report on the study's findings, published July 24 in Science Translational Medicine, shows that aberrant signaling by a protein called transforming growth factor-beta, or TGF-beta, may be responsible for disrupting the way immune cells respond to common foods and environmental allergens, leading to a wide range of allergic disorders.

TGF-beta is well known for its widespread effects in the body, from controlling how cells in various organs grow and develop to overseeing how they communicate with one another. Mutations in the genes that lead to abnormal TGF-beta signaling are also keys to Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, genetic conditions marked by blood vessel laxity and dangerous stretching of the aorta, the body's largest blood vessel.

"We have evidence that the same glitch in TGF-beta that is responsible for some of the clinical manifestations seen in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz diseases also lies behind the cascade of events that culminates in the development of conditions like asthma, food allergies and eczema," says lead investigator Pamela Frischmeyer-Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D., an immunologist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Notably, the researchers add, their experiments suggest TGF-beta is more than a mere contributor in the disease process.

"Disruption in TGF-beta signaling does not simply nudge immune cells to misbehave but appears to singlehandedly unlock the very chain reaction that eventually leads to allergic disease," says senior investigator Harry "Hal" Dietz, M.D., a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, professor in the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins and director of the William S. Smilow Center for Marfan Research.

The researchers' curiosity about a wider role for TGF-beta was ignited years ago when they first noticed that patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) had higher than normal rates of allergies.

The present study involved 58 children with LDS, ages 7 to 20, followed at Johns Hopkins. Most of them had either a history of allergic disease or active allergies, like allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal and esophageal allergic disease. Not surprisingly, these patients also had abnormally high levels of several traditional markers of allergic disease, including IgE -- an antibody that drives life-threatening allergic responses -- and high numbers of eosinophils, white blood cells involved in allergic reactions.

Because TGF-beta is known to control immune cell maturation, the researchers homed in on a group of cells known as regulatory T cells, which keep tabs on other immune cells to ensure that they don't go into overdrive. LDS patients had unusually high levels of regulatory T cells, but the real surprise came when researchers noticed that instead of acting in their regular role as inflammation tamers, the regulatory T cells were doing the opposite -- secreting allergy-promoting signaling molecules called cytokines. Regulatory T cells obtained from patients with known allergies but without LDS were misbehaving in much the same way, a finding that suggests TGF-beta may induce immune cell malfunction even in the absence of LDS, the researchers say.

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Researchers Reveal Genetic Glitch at the Root of Allergies

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Single Genetic Glitch May Explain Most Allergies and Asthma

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July 24, 2013 Newly published research by investigators at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and the Johns Hopkins Institute of Genetic Medicine reveals that a faulty genetic pathway already known for its role in some connective tissue disorders is also a potent player in many types of allergies.

Scientists have long understood that allergies are the result of a complex interplay between environment and genes, but now, in what investigators believe is a scientific first, a single genetic pathway has been implicated in an array of allergic disorders.

A report on the study's findings, published July 24 in Science Translational Medicine, shows that aberrant signaling by a protein called transforming growth factor-beta, or TGF-beta, may be responsible for disrupting the way immune cells respond to common foods and environmental allergens, leading to a wide range of allergic disorders.

TGF-beta is well known for its widespread effects in the body, from controlling how cells in a various organs grow and develop to overseeing how they communicate with one another. Mutations in the genes that lead to abnormal TGF-beta signaling are also keys to Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, genetic conditions marked by blood vessel laxity and dangerous stretching of the aorta, the body's largest blood vessel.

"We have evidence that the same glitch in TGF-beta that is responsible for some of the clinical manifestations seen in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz diseases also lies behind the cascade of events that culminates in the development of conditions like asthma, food allergies and eczema," says lead investigator Pamela Frischmeyer-Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D., an immunologist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Notably, the researchers add, their experiments suggest TGF-beta is more than a mere contributor in the disease process.

"Disruption in TGF-beta signaling does not simply nudge immune cells to misbehave but appears to singlehandedly unlock the very chain reaction that eventually leads to allergic disease," says senior investigator Harry "Hal" Dietz, M.D., a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, professor in the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Hopkins and director of the William S. Smilow Center for Marfan Research.

The researchers' curiosity about a wider role for TGF-beta was ignited years ago when they first noticed that patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) had higher than normal rates of allergies.

The present study involved 58 children with LDS, ages 7 to 20, followed at Johns Hopkins. Most of them had either a history of allergic disease or active allergies, like allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal and esophageal allergic disease. Not surprisingly, these patients also had abnormally high levels of several traditional markers of allergic disease, including IgE -- an antibody that drives life-threatening allergic responses -- and high numbers of eosinophils, white blood cells involved in allergic reactions.

Because TGF-beta is known to control immune cell maturation, the researchers homed in on a group of cells known as regulatory T cells, which keep tabs on other immune cells to ensure that they don't go into overdrive. LDS patients had unusually high levels of regulatory T cells, but the real surprise came when researchers noticed that instead of acting in their regular role as inflammation tamers, the regulatory T cells were doing the opposite -- secreting allergy-promoting signaling molecules called cytokines. Regulatory T cells obtained from patients with known allergies but without LDS were misbehaving in much the same way, a finding that suggests TGF-beta may induce immune cell malfunction even in the absence of LDS, the researchers say.

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Genetic glitch at the root of allergies revealed

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LEAGUS - Genetics
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RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGIX) ("CGI" or the "Company"), an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics, today announced that its board of directors has increased the board to eight directors and appointed Keith L. Brownlie to serve on the board and its audit committee.

Mr. Brownlie worked with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, from 1974 to 2010, where he served as audit partner for numerous public companies and was the Life Science Industry Leader for the New York Metro Area, where he was involved with over 100 public and private financings and M&A transactions. He received a B.S. in Accounting from Lehigh University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New Jersey.

Mr. Brownlie co-founded the New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year Program and was Vice President and Trustee of the New Jersey Society of CPAs. In addition, he served as accounting advisor to the board of the Biotechnology Council of New Jersey. Mr. Brownlie currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Soligenix, Inc., a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company, Epicet Corporation, a publicly-traded specialty pharmaceutical company and RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a publicly-traded biotechnology company.

About Cancer Genetics, Inc.

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI) is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics and servicessome of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Our tests target cancers that are difficult to diagnose and predict treatment outcomes. These cancers include hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals as well as biopharma and biotech. Our state-of-the-art reference lab is focused entirely on maintaining clinical excellence and is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited and has licensure from several states including New York State. CGI has established strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please seewww.cancergenetics.com.

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Cancer Genetics Appoints New Member to Board of Directors

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Let #39;s Play Metal Gear Solid - Part 3 Darpa Chief
During a training mission on Shadow Moses Island in February 2005, at a nuclear weapons facility on a remote island off the coast of Alaska, FOXHOUND and the...

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Let #39;s Play Metal Gear Solid - Part 4 Genome Soldiers invasion
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Public release date: 24-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Alison Barbuti alison.barbuti@manchester.ac.uk 44-016-127-58383 University of Manchester

Scientists from The University of Manchester have used stem cell gene therapy to treat a fatal genetic brain disease in mice for the first time.

The method was used to treat Sanfilippo a fatal inherited condition which causes progressive dementia in children but could also benefit several neurological, genetic diseases.

Researchers behind the study, published in the journal Molecular Therapy this month, are now hoping to bring a treatment to trial in patients within two years.

Sanfilippo, a currently untreatable mucopolysaccharide (MPS) disease, affects one in 89,000 children in the United Kingdom, with sufferers usually dying in their mid-twenties. It is caused by the lack of SGSH enzyme in the body which helps to breakdown and recycle long chain sugars, such as heparan sulphate (HS). Children with the condition build up and store excess HS throughout their body from birth which affects their brain and results in progressive dementia and hyperactivity, followed by losing the ability to walk and swallow.

Dr Brian Bigger, from the University of Manchester's Institute of Human Development who led the research, said bone marrow transplants had been used to correct similar HS storage diseases, such as Hurler syndrome, by transplanting normal cells with the missing enzyme but the technique did not work with Sanfilippo disease. This is because monocytes, a type of white blood cell, from the bone marrow, did not produce enough enzyme to correct the levels in the brain.

Dr Bigger said: "To increase SGSH enzyme from bone marrow transplants, and to target it to the cells that traffic into the brain, we have developed a stem cell gene therapy which overproduces the SGSH enzyme specifically in bone marrow white blood cells.

"We have shown that mice treated by this method produce five times the normal SGSH enzyme levels in the bone marrow and 11 per cent of normal levels in the brain.

"The enzyme is taken up by affected brain cells and is enough to correct brain HS storage and neuro inflammation to near normal levels and completely corrects the hyperactive behaviour in mice with Sanfilippo.

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New stem cell gene therapy gives hope to prevent inherited neurological disease

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Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 4:59 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 4:59 p.m.

The University of Floridas ophthalmology department, together with gene therapy company AGTC in Alachua, received an $8.4 million grant from the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health to study gene therapy for achromatopsia, a genetic condition that severely impairs peoples vision.

The NEI gives out few grants each year, and this one lasts five years.

Its a very significant grant. Its a great validation of the team that we put together, said Sue Washer, president and CEO of AGTC.

According to Dr. William Hauswirth, the UF professor who will be leading the UF portion of the trial, Barring any real unforeseen and unfortunate challenges, well be trying it on patients in three years.

Hauswirth has been working on gene therapy for blindness for the past 30 years, using recombinant viruses to generate copies of faulty or missing genes affecting vision.

Achromatopsia, which affects the cones on the retina called fovea, makes it very difficult for people to read, navigate and recognize others. Patients are also very sensitive to bright room light, and most are legally blind, Hauswirth explained.

Its a relatively common disease, even though its still considered an orphan disease, but there are lots of patients out there, Hauswirth said, adding that the condition affects about 22,000 people in the United States and Europe.

They would all love to do (the trial), but well have to start carefully with a few patients in each site.

Washer said the therapy being studied in this trial could potentially help about half those patients, those who carry the faulty gene.

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Researchers see gene-therapy grant improving vision

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Start Your DNA Story (Personalized Medicine)
Discover how personalized medicine can improve your health. Contact us or your doctor for more information. naturalmolecular.com.

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Joe C-3/C-4 Spinal Cord Injury - Saratoga Arm Bike
Pressing On client Joe is a C-3/C-4 Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. He has been a client at Pressing On since 2008.This clip shows him working on strength r...

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TULSA, Oklahoma -

A controversial therapy that's not available for humans is being used on their pets. Stem cells are helping dogs and cats heal faster and get rid of pain as the animals get older.

Mandy Clinton loves her dog and she'd do just about anything for her.

"I've had her for 14 years. She's my homegirl," Clinton said about Libbi.

But Libbi has come up with a hitch in her giddy up. She tripped while walking up the stairs and tore her ACL.

Clinton was looking into surgery when she learned about stem cell therapy and its ability to help dogs heal faster and reduce pain.

"I had no idea. I had no idea. It blew my mind, but I've had Libbi for 14 years, and so I was ready to do it if it was possible," she said.

Dr. Joe Landers at Heritage Veterinary Hospital will be performing Libbi's surgery on Wednesday.

They'll harvest stem cells from Libbi's stomach, process and stimulate them, then implant the stem cells on her leg joint.

"If you've ever cut your skin, deeply with a knife or something, you've had stem cell repair," said Dr. Joe Landers, DVM.

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Oklahoma Veterinarian Offering Stem Cell Therapy For Aging Pets

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July 23, 2013 In cancer, the spread of tumor cells from the primary site to other parts of the body is called metastasis and is a major cause of death, especially in patients with breast cancer. A new study by Kiran Chada, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, shows that metastasis in breast cancer and the risk of death are reduced when the function of the gene HGMA2, is limited.

This finding, published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), may be used to develop therapeutic treatments for patients.

"Our research has shown that HGMA2 plays a part in regulating the spread of cancer and could be considered a driver of the process," said Dr. Chada, who was principal investigator of the study. "Further studies could result in the development of therapeutic treatments for patients with breast cancer which could prevent HGMA2's function, reduce the spread of cancer and extend a patient's life."

According to Dr. Chada, only a subset of cancer cells in the primary tumor is potentially metastatic and these cells are found at the edge of the tumor in a region known as the invasive front. Dr. Chada's laboratory showed that normal cells do not express HMGA2, and the expression of this gene product converts normal cells into metastatic cells. Furthermore, the majority of cells which express HMGA2 in human breast cancer tissue were found to be at the invasive front. In additional studies, the researchers showed mice that could not express the HMGA2 gene were found to have a substantially reduced incidence of breast cancer.

Dr. Chada's laboratory conducted the research along with the laboratory of Jeanine D' Armiento, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Funding for the study was provided by grants from the Columbia University LAM Center and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

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Newswise In cancer, the spread of tumor cells from the primary site to other parts of the body is called metastasis and is a major cause of death, especially in patients with breast cancer. A new study by Kiran Chada, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, shows that metastasis in breast cancer and the risk of death are reduced when the function of the gene HGMA2, is limited. This finding, published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), may be used to develop therapeutic treatments for patients.

Our research has shown that HGMA2 plays a part in regulating the spread of cancer and could be considered a driver of the process, said Dr. Chada, who was principal investigator of the study. Further studies could result in the development of therapeutic treatments for patients with breast cancer which could prevent HGMA2s function, reduce the spread of cancer and extend a patients life.

According to Dr. Chada, only a subset of cancer cells in the primary tumor is potentially metastatic and these cells are found at the edge of the tumor in a region known as the invasive front. Dr. Chadas laboratory showed that normal cells do not express HMGA2, and the expression of this gene product converts normal cells into metastatic cells. Furthermore, the majority of cells which express HMGA2 in human breast cancer tissue were found to be at the invasive front. In additional studies, the researchers showed mice that could not express the HMGA2 gene were found to have a substantially reduced incidence of breast cancer.

Dr. Chadas laboratory conducted the research along with the laboratory of Jeanine D Armiento, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Funding for the study was provided by grants from the Columbia University LAM Center and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

About Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School As one of the nation's leading comprehensive medical schools, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, research, health care delivery, and the promotion of community health. In cooperation with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the medical school's principal affiliate, they comprise New Jersey's premier academic medical center. In addition, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has 34 other hospital affiliates and ambulatory care sites throughout the region.

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School encompasses 20 basic science and clinical departments, and hosts centers and institutes including The Cardiovascular Institute, the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, and the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey. The medical school maintains educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels for more than 1,500 students on its campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway, and provides continuing education courses for health care professionals and community education programs. To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, visit rwjms.rutgers.edu. Find us online at http://www.Facebook.com/RWJMS and http://www.twitter.com/UMDNJ_RWJMS.

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Gene that May Stop the Spread of Breast Cancer is Identified

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caption: Nnimmo Bassey

Nature has the right responses to changing climate and holds the ace to the survival of species on the planet. Humans simply have to be humble enough to accept that we do not understand everything about the intricacies of natural processes. The time has indeed come when the world has to accept that working with nature is immeasurably more beneficial than working against her. Agricultural genetic engineering (GE) over the past few decades has strived to upturn nature and box her for profit, but as it has consistently turned out, nature continues to trump the manipulators.

The power of the biotech industry has been more successful in restraining and constraining governments to do their bidding than in overcoming the power of nature. Their grip on governments has worked to the extent that when they commit crimes like genetic contamination all governments do is to legalise the misdeed so that it may become entrenched and so that the polluter profits from their crimes. And nature pays. And humans and other species pay.

Those who plead caution with regard to the planting and eating of genetically engineered (GE) crops are vilified as anti-science, whereas a close scrutiny shows that it is actually the biotech industries who are anti-science and who pretend that their approximate experimentations are precise in any serious way. Usually speaking from the position of power, proponents discount calls for reason and pleas that we have just one planet and that it is the diversity in nature that is the bedrock of resilience to variable climatic and other conditions.

The Financial Times in an editorial titled Seeds of Doubt and published on 21 July 2013 raises very deep issues. It's subtitle, "Europe is right to be cautious over GM crops" captures the essence of the timely warning. The editorial informs that most GE crops are engineered to resist harmful insects or pests and to withstand glysophate, a type of herbicide. These engineering feats are expected to protect crops from target insects and to relief the farmer of the need to weed - a task that places a lot of stress on small-scale farmers. However, the application of the technology requires that farmers adopt monoculture as the norm and avoid mixed cropping and crop rotation as well.

The editorial notes the truth that critical farmers and scientists have long said, that target pests develop ways of overcoming the engineered defences while weeds have simply become super weeds, tough to hold down and tough to kill. Consequent upon these realities the biotech industry has had to continue to produce more toxic defences and chemicals in bids to overcome the resistance. Unfortunately for the industry, it has turned out that "the harder they come, the harder they fall", as the reggae musicians sing. Those superbugs and super weeds would make even Spider Man jealous.

The FT editorial urges, "regulators should take a broad view of the ecological change triggered when new species are released." It adds that "Narrow fixation on the biochemical properties of a crop risks missing the wood for the trees." The editorial concludes that if Europe has saved her environment and forgone gains enjoyed for some time by farmers in the USA since the 1990s " it will have been a small price to pay."

One wonders why most African governments are not paying attention to the truth that natural resilience is the only way to secure our environment. We cannot afford to go the way of farmers who do not see their crops as food but as commodities to be processed into products for the market. This is the logic of the so-called value-added agricultural production mantra. While there is nothing wrong with value-addition, food crops need to be seen primarily as food crops to avoid needless and harmful tinkering by those who only see market shelves when they look at farms.

Coming on the same day as the FT editorial is another article, this time in the New York Times, that lays bare the tragic consequences of dependence on GE crops in a region of the USA. The article titled Our Coming Food Crisis and written by Gary Paul Nabhan, talks of the risks faced by farmers in a town in California as a metaphor for climate induced food crisis that could hit the USA and by extension impact the world through spiked food prices.

Nabhan draws attention to the higher temperatures being recorded in the area and stresses that when this persists it necessitates the use of more water for irrigation. This does not only place a demand on available surface and ground water, but also leads to higher energy need to pump the water over longer distances. Passing these costs to the consumer translates directly to increased food prices.

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Standing Against GMOs By Nnimmo Bassey

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The Government of the Russian Federation approved a "roadmap" for the development of biotechnology and genetic engineering, to increase the production of GMOs. The move will be done to catch up with the rest of the world in this segment of the market. The document, posted on the website of the government, says that the global biotechnology market has been developing rapidly and is expected to reach two trillion dollars by 2025. Russia's share in the global biotechnology market accounts for less than 0.1 percent. Moreover, Russia does not manufacture genetically modified products in several segments of the market.

The Russian Ministry for Economic Development has developed an action plan in the field of biopharmaceuticals, biomedical, industrial biotechnology, bio-energy, agri-food biotechnology, forest biotechnology, environmental biotechnology and genetic engineering to develop research, production and cooperation, as well as improve state regulation and personnel training.

By 2018, Russia is to achieve the following volumes of biotechnological products: in the sphere of consumption - 300 billion rubles; in production - 200 billion rubles; export - 50 billion rubles.

The plan is expected to be realized, despite the fact that scientists are still undecided, how the consumption of GM food affects the human body.

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Russia to increase production of GMO despite scientific uncertainty

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Public release date: 23-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Tracie White traciew@stanford.edu 650-723-7628 Stanford University Medical Center

STANFORD, Calif. Students who had their genome tested as part of a groundbreaking medical school course on personalized medicine improved their knowledge of the class materials by an average of 31 percent compared with those who didn't undergo the testing, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

While the sample size was small 23 students sent their saliva to a commercial genetics testing company; eight did not the results may encourage educators to consider this approach in the future, the authors said.

"These results indicate that learning principles of human genetics is more powerful, and learning is more sustained, when exploring your own data," said Keyan Salari, MD, PhD, a former Stanford student who initially proposed the course, called "Genomics and Personalized Medicine." Salari, who is the lead author of the study, is now a urology resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The study will be published July 23 in PLOS ONE.

The eight-week elective course was the first in the country to give students in advanced-degree programs the option of personal genotyping as part of the curriculum. It was designed to teach them how the explosion of knowledge about genetics over the past 10 years could affect the treatment of patients. Since the course was first offered in 2010, the use of genetic testing in clinical care has grown.

The course, which is still being taught, was designed as a way to train future doctors and scientists in the skills necessary to use this new tool. The study, which was based on a pre- and post-course survey taken voluntarily by the majority of the students in the class, also showed that personal testing and the use of personal genotype data in the classroom did not appear to cause significant anxiety.

"This was a novel teaching approach," said Kelly Ormond, co-author of the study and associate professor of genetics. "There is always a lot of interest in whether personalized learning can influence education. ... What our study shows is that it might have benefits for some self-selected students, and is worthy of cautious consideration."

Initially controversial, the course was only approved after a campus task force met regularly for a year to debate the pros and cons of students undergoing genetic testing as part of a class. A number of concerns were raised, including the possible anxiety of learning they could be more susceptible to certain diseases, such as diabetes or Parkinson's. A number of safeguards were subsequently included as part of the course plan, including complete anonymity as to which students chose to undergo testing.

Salari conceived of the idea for the course in 2009 as a PhD student in genetics. He was working as a teaching assistant in the first-year human genetics course for medical students. At the time, the course curriculum consisted primarily of traditional genetics and didn't reflect the genomics revolution of the past 10 years. Salari had also recently undergone his own genetic testing, and saw the educational benefits.

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Genetic testing improved student learning in personalized medicine class, Stanford study finds

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July 23, 2013 Students who had their genome tested as part of a groundbreaking medical school course on personalized medicine improved their knowledge of the class materials by an average of 31 percent compared with those who didn't undergo the testing, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

While the sample size was small -- 23 students sent their saliva to a commercial genetics testing company; eight did not -- the results may encourage educators to consider this approach in the future, the authors said.

"These results indicate that learning principles of human genetics is more powerful, and learning is more sustained, when exploring your own data," said Keyan Salari, MD, PhD, a former Stanford student who initially proposed the course, called "Genomics and Personalized Medicine." Salari, who is the lead author of the study, is now a urology resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The study was published July 23 in PLOS ONE.

The eight-week elective course was the first in the country to give students in advanced-degree programs the option of personal genotyping as part of the curriculum. It was designed to teach them how the explosion of knowledge about genetics over the past 10 years could affect the treatment of patients. Since the course was first offered in 2010, the use of genetic testing in clinical care has grown.

The course, which is still being taught, was designed as a way to train future doctors and scientists in the skills necessary to use this new tool. The study, which was based on a pre- and post-course survey taken voluntarily by the majority of the students in the class, also showed that personal testing and the use of personal genotype data in the classroom did not appear to cause significant anxiety.

"This was a novel teaching approach," said Kelly Ormond, co-author of the study and associate professor of genetics. "There is always a lot of interest in whether personalized learning can influence education. ... What our study shows is that it might have benefits for some self-selected students, and is worthy of cautious consideration."

Initially controversial, the course was only approved after a campus task force met regularly for a year to debate the pros and cons of students undergoing genetic testing as part of a class. A number of concerns were raised, including the possible anxiety of learning they could be more susceptible to certain diseases, such as diabetes or Parkinson's. A number of safeguards were subsequently included as part of the course plan, including complete anonymity as to which students chose to undergo testing.

Salari conceived of the idea for the course in 2009 as a PhD student in genetics. He was working as a teaching assistant in the first-year human genetics course for medical students. At the time, the course curriculum consisted primarily of traditional genetics and didn't reflect the genomics revolution of the past 10 years. Salari had also recently undergone his own genetic testing, and saw the educational benefits.

"I was curious about what stories were hidden in my genome, what health risks, what responses to drugs that might be predicted," Salari said. "For instance, I learned I might have a higher risk for age-related macular degeneration. That led me to read and learn a lot more about the genetics of that disease than I probably would have otherwise."

He added: "I wanted to find a way to translate my passion for genomics to all these medical students."

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Genetic testing improved student learning in personalized medicine class

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The Future of Beef Cattle Breeding and Genetics
As the genomic tools are being integrated into the National site evaluations and the calculations of EPDs, increased accuracy of the EPDs helps the producers...

By: SDSUiGrow

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The Future of Beef Cattle Breeding and Genetics - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGIX) ("CGI" or the "Company"), an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics, launched its proprietary cervical cancer test and is marketing the molecular product globally through its network of distribution partners. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with 500,000 new cases annually and almost 80% of cases occurring in developing countries.

CGIs FISH-based HPV-Associated Cancer Test (FHACT) uses a unique combination of genetic markers to detect genetic abnormalities located at 3q, 5p, 20q and chromosome 7. A recent study concluded that these four biomarkers are associated with the severity of cervical lesions. The findings of the study, published in the July issue of Gynecologic Oncology, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.06.005, support the use of FHACT as an aid in the screening of women with HPV-positive abnormal cervical lesions. By identifying lesions that will progress to a higher grade versus those that will regress, FHACT can allow for a better triage of patients before referral for colposcopy and consequently reduce the associated healthcare burden.

The test can be performed directly on Pap smear or liquid based-cytology and does not require any resampling. It is therefore an ideal fit in countries where women have reduced access to routine screening. We think that FHACT will be a new tool to help identify women with high risk of progressing to cervical cancer, says Dr. Q. Annie Hasan, Ph.D., F.N.A.Sc., Head of Department and Senior Consultant, Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, India. This is particularly important in India due to the rising incidence of cervical cancer caused by difficulty in implementation of cervical screening programs, which require repeated evaluation in large number of women. In partnership with its distributors and collaborators, CGI will conduct workshops in India and Mexico to accelerate adoption of FHACT amongst the clinical community.

In industrialized countries, it is estimated that about one million women undergo colposcopy procedures each year, while only 3,700 cancer cases are actually diagnosed. The Company expects FHACT to aid in lowering healthcare costs and reducing the number of unwarranted colposcopies by providing genomic information of the lesion not available until now. CGI plans to make FHACT available in the U.S. later this year and will be working closely with several laboratories and hospitals to implement an early adoption of the test.

The design and development of FHACT was supported in part by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant. In addition to cervical cancer, FHACT is applicable to other HPV-associated cancers. CGI is currently conducting ongoing validations with key thought leaders for head and neck cancer and anal cancer. Results from these studies are expected to be available by year end.

About Cancer Genetics, Inc.

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI) is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics and servicessome of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Our tests target cancers that are difficult to diagnose and predict treatment outcomes. These cancers include hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals as well as biopharma and biotech. Our state-of-the-art reference lab is focused entirely on maintaining clinical excellence and is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited and has licensure from several states including New York State. CGI has established strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please seewww.cancergenetics.com.

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Cancer Genetics Launches New Genetic Test For Cervical Cancer Management

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

HIV/AIDS Stem Cell Clinical Trial: Introduction by Jeff Sheehy
For more information, see the CIRM HIV/AIDS fact sheet at: http://www.cirm.ca.gov/about-stem-cells/hivaids-fact-sheet On July 9th 2013, Calimmune announced t...

By: California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

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HIV/AIDS Stem Cell Clinical Trial: Introduction by Jeff Sheehy - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Kinect Tech in Real Weapons
The Imagine Cup team from Singapore came to the show packin #39; heat! Using XBox #39;s Kinect and a smartphone app, they #39;ve devised a way to make soldiers hit targe...

By: DNews

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Kinect Tech in Real Weapons - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

(PRWEB) July 22, 2013

The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics (IRMO), world-renowned stem cell therapy experts, applauds the use of stem cell therapy for treatment of spinal injuries. In recent times, stem cell therapy has been increasingly sought after to support treatments of various injuries, especially in the sports world. Its use in repairing spinal injuries comes as good news to the thousands of Americans currently living with spinal cord injuries who are seeking the latest in breakthrough medical solutions.

Stem cell therapy is of the most exciting and promising treatments in modern medicine. Inroads are made every day, as the many applications of stem cell treatments become better understood by medical professionals around the world. Experts, like Dr. Joseph Purita of the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics, have been utilizing stem cell treatments for many years to treat sports injuries.

Recent scientific and technological advancements have made stem cell extraction relatively inexpensive and accessible. Today, medical professionals have unprecedented access to these remarkable cells and are increasingly applying them in new ways to better aid in the bodys repair process. This includes advances in platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), a process that takes a concentration of a persons own plasma and injects it into areas in need of new growth and tissue repair.

The use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of spinal cord injuries presents probably the biggest challenge yet for proponents of the treatment. Researchers are increasingly using stem cells to hopefully better understand its capabilities. The hope for spinal cord injuries is that one day stem cells can be used to generate new passageways for nerve signals to connect to muscles. The more stem cells are used for treatment in spinal cord injuries, the closer the medical field will be to fulfilling this promise.

Headed by the world-renowned stem cell treatment pioneer, Dr. Purita, the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics is continually advancing the world of stem cell therapy treatments. They are one of the few orthopedic practices in existence that utilizes stem cell therapy, and PRP therapy, with orthopedic surgery to maximize a patients recovery outcome. As more stem cell treatments are being used to treat spinal injuries, Dr. Purita and his group look forward to seeing what great strides are made in battling the crippling condition in the near future.

About Stem Cell Orthopedic: The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics (IRMO) is a world-class orthopedic practice and stem cell facility staffed with seasoned board certified orthopedic surgeons. They differ from most orthopedic practices because they offer stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy in conjunction with surgery or as alternative to surgical procedures. They utilize state-of-the-art technology and the latest in stem cell research to best treat their patients. IRMO uses hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which are found circulating in blood, fat, and bone marrow, to help repair the body. They are headed by Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Purita, a world-renowned pioneer in laser orthopedic surgery and graduate of the esteemed Georgetown University Medical School. For more information, visit http://www.stemcellorthopedic.com/ or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

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Stem Cell Orthopedic Applauds Use of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Injuries

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

LAST week, we discussed the potential of medical tourism in the country which will also provide opportunities for destinations like Baguio once tapped, and subject to competitive and international standards and government/ regulatory requirements.

So much has been written and reported about Stem Cell Therapy including its extraordinary promises that research holds for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions.

This week, lets delve deeper.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Cell Therapy has been interchangeably called many names such as cellular therapy, fresh cell therapy, live cell therapy, glandular therapy, or xenograph or xenotransplant therapy.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) describes stem cell therapy as a treatment that uses stem cells, or cells that come from stem cells, to replace or to repair a patients cells or tissues that are damaged. The stem cells might be put into the blood, or transplanted into the damaged tissue directly, or even recruited from the patients own tissues for self-repair.

Stem Cells have been differentiated based on where in the body or what stage in development they come from. ISCCR has enumerated them as follows (source:www.isscr.org):

1. Adult Stem Cells or Tissue-specific Stem Cells. Many adult tissues contain stem cells that can replace cells that die or restore tissue after injury. Skin, muscle, intestine and bone marrow, for example, each contain their own stem cells. In the bone marrow, billions of new blood cells are made every day from blood-forming stem cells. Adult stem cells are tissue-specific, meaning they are found in a given tissue in our bodies and generate the mature cell types within that particular tissue or organ. It is not clear whether all organs, such as the heart, contain stem cells. The term adult stem cells is often used very broadly and may include fetal and cord blood stem cells.

Another type of adult stem cell is the mesenchymal stem cell. These are found in a number of tissues, including bone marrow, and may be able to produce bone, cartilage and fat. It is also possible that these or similar cells may aid in the regeneration of tissues. Extensive animal studies are currently ongoing to determine if these cells may be used for treatment of diseases such as arthritis and non-healing bone fractures. It is also possible that these or similar cells modulate the immune system in response to injury.

2. Fetal Stem Cells. Fetal stem cells are taken from the fetus. The developing baby is referred to as a fetus from approximately 10 weeks of gestation. Most tissues in a fetus contain stem cells that drive the rapid growth and development of the organs. Like adult stem cells, fetal stem cells are generally tissue-specific, and generate the mature cell types within the particular tissue or organ in which they are found.

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De Leon: Medical Tourism and the Future of Stem Cell Therapy (Part 2)

Recommendation and review posted by simmons