St. Bernard Simba's osteoarthritis in his hips, neck and spine has almost immobilized him at just seven years old. Owner, Jennifer McGuire said, "He's extremely painful. He can't get up and down, he can't sit. He can only lay down or stand up, and walking is very painful for him." McGuire is also a technician at the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute. They started doing stem cell therapy this week and are the only animal clinic in town doing it. Simba was the first client. "I'm very excited about the technology and very excited about the chance that he may get to live a pain free life," McGuire said. Dr. Colleen Smith says she sees many animals that suffer with arthritis. "Most of your dogs, especially large breed and giant breed dogs I would say almost 89 percent of them have arthritis," said Dr. Smith. She says stem cell therapy is the best treatment out there. "As far as a quality life. That's where I want improvement. I want them to move better and feel better without having the extraneous medicine." Local pet owners got the chance to learn about how the new treatment works. Jason Richardson, National Sales Director of MediVet says it is a one day treatment. "Stem cells are repair cells and it's homing in on inflammation, so we're gonna take these stem cells from the adipose, inject them into these inflammatory environments where these cells can begin to regenerate tissue. So this is one of the first modalities that gets to the root of what's causing the animal's pain," said Richardson. The Chai clinic is already scheduling appointments for pet lovers, and Simba is already starting to feel a little better.

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Jan. 9, 2013 After uncovering a mechanism that promotes chronic intestinal inflammation and the development of colorectal cancer, scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have found that fingolimod, a drug currently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, could potentially eliminate or reduce the progression of colitis-associated cancer (CAC).

The study, published online in the journal Cancer Cell, was led by Sarah Spiegel, Ph.D., Mann T. and Sara D. Lowry Chair in Oncology, co-leader of the Cancer Cell Signaling program at VCU Massey Cancer Center and chair of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at the VCU School of Medicine. Spiegel's team discovered that increased production of an enzyme known as sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) causes cells lining the intestine to produce more of a signaling molecule known as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which activates a variety of biological mechanisms that lead to chronic intestinal inflammation and the development and progression of CAC. The researchers then used animal models to demonstrate that the drug fingolimod decreased expression of SphK1 and S1P's receptor, S1PR1, which subsequently interfered with the development and progression of CAC, even after tumors were established.

"Perhaps the most significant aspect of this study is the therapeutic potential of fingolimod in the treatment of colitis-associated cancer," says Spiegel. "Since this drug is already approved for clinical use, we're hoping to initiate a clinical trial to study its efficacy in patients with CAC in combination with approved therapies."

Essentially, the researchers discovered a self-feeding loop that results in chronic intestinal inflammation and increases the progression of CAC. The team showed that increased production of SphK1 and S1P lead to sustained activation of NF-kB and Stat3, which are both proteins called transcription factors that control the way DNA is transcribed in a cell's nucleus in order to respond to environmental stimuli. This increased activation of NF-kB and Stat3 led to an increased production of TNF-a and IL-6, which are small pro-inflammatory molecules secreted by immune system cells. The increased inflammation, in turn, led to increased production of SphK1 and S1P, which continued the malicious cycle.

This is the first time that SphK1 and S1P have been linked to NF-kB, Stat3, chronic inflammation and CAC.

"Because one of the consequences of inflammatory bowel diseases is an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, the next step in our research is to examine blood samples from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis-associated cancer to measure levels of S1P," says Spiegel. "Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and we're hopeful that this research will lead to more effective treatments."

Spiegel collaborated on this study with Kazuaki Takabe, M.D., Ph.D., and Tomasz Kordula, Ph.D., both members of the Cancer Cell Signaling program at VCU Massey; and Jie Liang; Masayuki Nagahashi, M.D., Ph.D.; Eugene Y. Kim, Ph.D.; Kuzhuvelil B. Harikumar, Ph.D.; Akimitsu Yamada, M.D.; Wei-Ching Huang; Nitai C. Hait, Ph.D.; Jeremy C. Allegood, Ph.D.; Megan M. Price; Dorit Avni, Ph.D.; and Sheldon Milstien, Ph.D., all from VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at VCU School of Medicine.

This study was supported by NIH grants R37GM043880, RO1CA61774, U19AIO77435, T32HL094290, P30CA16059 and K12HD055881, a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Research Foundation grant and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke core grant 5P30NS047463.

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Multiple sclerosis drug may one day treat colorectal cancer

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --On Friday, January 4th Celling Biosciences hosted the Austin Cell Therapy Symposium at the downtown Hilton to build awareness and provide a platform for physicians, scientists, policy makers and academia to discuss the impact of cell therapy on global healthcare and the opportunity for the local community in Central Texas. Cell therapy will revolutionize the landscape of medicine by providing viable and affordable treatment options across all disciplines of medicine without the controversy associated with embryonic stem cells.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Arnold I. Caplan, Professor of Biology and Director of the Skeletal Research Center at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Caplan has published over 390 papers and manuscripts and has long been supported by the National Institute of Health and other non-profit and for-profit agencies for his efforts in trying to understand the development, maturation and aging of cartilage, bone, skin and other mesenchymal cell tissues."I firmly believe that the research and development efforts going on today will change the future of medicine forever. We are only scratching the surface of the potential there is to treat different health issues with cell therapy. It takes a concerted effort by scientists, physicians and commercial entities for patients to ultimately enjoy the benefits. This type of platform provided by Celling Biosciences allows us to effectively progress forward," says Dr. Caplan.

Dr. Carl Gregory from the Texas A&M Regenerative Medicine Institute and Dr. Vivienne Rebel from UT Health Science Center San Antonio both represented local academia in Central Texas. The research being conducted and the recruitment of students trained in these programs are obvious reasons for Texans to keep supporting Governor Perry's efforts to make Texas a leader in the research and commercialization efforts of regenerative cell therapy. Both speakers are leading efforts for research that will one day lead to alternative healthcare options.

Dr. Philippe Hernigou, a leading orthopedic surgeon from France, presented his 20 years clinical experience working with cell therapy in his practice as University of Paris Chief of Orthopedics.Dr. Hernigou is well published in his clinical use of cell therapy and has treated over 2,500 patients utilizing autologous bone marrow derived cells to treat a wide range of orthopedic pathologies. Dr. Hernigou's research on the safety of cell therapy has been accepted and will be presented at the 2013 AAOS, a leading congress for orthopedic surgeons.

Clinicians were also represented by Dr. Scott Spann, an orthopedic surgeon at Westlake Hospital in Austin, who provides care to patients with spinal cord injury.Dr. Spann believes one day cell therapy will be a common option for patients suffering from debilitating health issues like spinal cord injury.A member of the audience and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Christoph Meyer has been utilizing cell therapy in his practice for years and also believes it is the future of medicine. "Thanks to these efforts, physicians are benefiting from access to the growing body of research based medicine being established in the field of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine.As the technology is developed, it ultimately gives my patients the best care available and this event gives me the opportunity to discuss experiences with world leaders in cell therapy."

Healthcare is going through major changes and cell therapy is going to have many challenges ahead. Julian Rivera, legal healthcare specialist at the Brown McCarroll Law Firm, discussed the impact of the recent challenges in front of the Texas Medical Board which has adopted rules that work with the FDA to help keep Texas revolutionizing cell therapy.Mr. Rivera believes that the legal issues will take time but is optimistic about how the State of Texas has handled the challenges thus far.

"We are fortunate to have industry leaders joining us to discuss the future impact of cell therapy. We are proud to be Texans who are pioneering the way in the global healthcare market place for regenerative cell therapies. Celling Biosciences understands that the cell therapy market is in its infancy which is a key reason why we invest heavily on research and development with our teams of scientists, engineers and registered nurses providing physicians with proven cell centric technologies and techniques that collectively help to recreate the human body's biological environment. It is not about just providing cells to treat patients.We believe with the help of these thought leaders presenting today we will get closer to better understanding how to keep delivering safe, efficacious and cost effective therapies to patients," says Founder and CEO of Celling Biosciences, Kevin Dunworth.

About Celling BiosciencesCelling Biosciences is an Austin based company working closely with world leaders in academia, medicine, scientists and engineers to research and develop innovative technologies in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.Celling's product-offering focuses on autologous adult stem cell therapy and the devices and services that compliment these procedures.For more information please visit: http://www.cellingbiosciences.com.

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Scientists have discovered a gene that interferes with the clearance of hepatitis C virus infection. They also identified an inherited variant within this gene, Interferon Lambda 4 (IFNL4), that predicts how people respond to treatment for hepatitis C infection.

Previously, results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified common inherited genetic markers that were associated with response to hepatitis C virus treatment and spontaneous clearance of the infection. Those markers are located on chromosome 19 near a known interferon gene, IFNL3. However, molecular investigations into IFNL3 did not explain the GWAS association with spontaneous virus clearance or treatment response. To find the new gene, the investigators used a technology involving RNA sequencing on human liver cells treated to mimic hepatitis C virus infection.

"By using RNA sequencing we looked outside the box to search for something beyond what was already known in this region. We hit the jackpot with the discovery of a new gene. It is possible that other important genes may be discovered using this approach," said co-lead investigator Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson, Ph.D., of the Laboratory of Translational Genomics in NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG).

The researchers found that the IFNL4 region harbors a variant that is found in two alternative forms. One form, called deltaG, results in a deletion in one of the four bases that comprise DNA. The change creates an alteration known as a frameshift, which produces the IFNL4 protein, while the form without the deletion does not produce IFNL4. By analyzing data from hepatitis C-infected African-Americans and European-Americans participating in clinical studies, the authors found that the presence of the IFNL4 protein is associated with poorer clearance and response to treatment than the form that does not produce IFNL4. The deletion variant is more common in people of African ancestry, which helps partially explain why African-Americans have a lower response to current hepatitis C treatments than patients of Asian and European ancestry.

"Our work fulfills several promises of the genomic era," said NCI's Thomas R. O'Brien, M.D., Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, DCEG. "One, a better understanding of biology; two, personalized medicine; and three, new potential treatments. We deliver immediately on the first two. We've identified a new gene that may help us better understand response to viral infection and the new genetic marker may transition to clinical practice because it predicts treatment outcome for African-American patients better than the current genetic test. For the third, the INFL4 protein may be used as a novel therapeutic target for hepatitis C virus infection, and possibly other diseases."

The new gene belongs to what is now a family of four interferon-lambda protein-encoding genes, three of which were discovered more than ten years ago (IFNL1, IFNL2 and IFNL3) The mechanism by which the IFNL 4 protein impairs hepatitis C virus clearance remains unknown. Further studies will explore molecular function of this novel protein in normal and disease conditions.

This study, published online in Nature Genetics, was conducted collaboratively with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and a number of universities and research institutions. Funding was provided by NCI grant Z01 CP005782.

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New Gene Affects Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus

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Food and Healthcare Press Releases Tuesday January 8, 2013

Bangkok--8 Jan--Urban Beauty Thailand

Thailand Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for women who have had to undergo breast removal due to tumors within the breast. Though removal of a breast will cut down the spreading of cancer by ninety percent, it can be debilitating to have the breasts removed and can follow with psychological and emotional trauma.

Breast reconstruction works through using fat injections and nipple surgery. All parts of the breast can be surgically reconstructed including gummy bear breast implants, which is a leak-proof breast implant, made of gel and silicone. If a leak does occur, the gel would be trapped inside by the shell. Such methods are quality procedures being done by plastic surgeons that have learned the latest methods of breast enhancement surgery. Because these methods are advanced, many believe that such procedures are expensive and this should not be the case.

Those looking to get breast surgery in Thailand should look for plastic surgeons that are high skilled and offer their services at an affordable price. If not satisfied with local prices from other surgeons then Urban Beauty Thailand can help potential clients in finding the right doctor that can help them.

Urban Beauty is a beauty and fashion consulting firm, which also has experience in medical tourism in Thailand. They have professional contracts with accredited hospitals in Thailand who can provide a board certified plastic surgeon who provides implants, breast reconstruction surgery, gummy bear breast implants and silicone breast implants.

This also includes women who may not have breast cancer, but may simply need a breast lift or some other form of surgery pertaining to the breast. Women who have faced trauma to the breast area can also use the services of Thai doctors who are experienced, certified and accustomed to dealing with clients from abroad. Places like Bangkok and Phuket are great places in Thailand that offer breast surgery at affordable rates. The reason so many go to Thailand for breast surgery is because of the high quality and cheap pricing that doctors can offer over there. This is one instance where patients can get quite a deal while still receiving quality work and attentive doctors. People should never believe that with cheap prices also come cheap results. It takes research and some digging to find the right plastic surgeon no matter where they are.

People should always be aware of scam artists and fraudulent doctors that offer services at ridiculously low rates for a little compromise in sanitation and work conditions. There should be no compromise when it comes to safety and health. Instruments should always be clean and the area should be pristine and sanitary. Anyone offering less will pose a danger to anyone who goes under the knife, which could result in sickness, serious injury or death.

There should always be a team of people as the procedure is being done. Potential clients should look into the background of any hospital or doctor offering breast surgery in Thailand. Looking into their background and how many breast procedures they have done will give patients a peace of mind in knowing that they will be taken care of.

The Urban Beauty Thailand is the best company for beauty and surgical treatments. Compare to other companies in the region, all of prices are upfront and has a 100% satisfaction rate which means that we are professionals and experts giving world class service.

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Breast Cancer Gene: Understand Your Breast Reconstruction Options

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MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PACB) provider of the PacBio(R)RS High Resolution Genetic Analyzer, and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) today announced a partnership for the 100K Pathogen Genome Project. As part of the project, Pacific Biosciences' Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT(R)) technology will be used to sequence the genomes from at least 1,000 foodborne pathogen samples to completion, and to elucidate their epigenomes. These bacteria represent major illness-causing pathogens, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Vibrio, and Listeria.

The 100K Genome Project was founded by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Agilent Technologies, and the laboratory of Dr. Bart Weimer at UC Davis to create a consortium of partners from around the world that will sequence 100,000 foodborne pathogens using next-generation sequencing. This initiative addresses a significant shortage of bacterial pathogen information for use in designing molecular diagnostics, creates a resource to expand our understanding of infection mechanisms, and constructs a public repository for new insights into bacterial evolution by using large-scale genomics.

Pacific Biosciences' SMRT sequencing technology generates sequence reads an order of magnitude longer than other leading DNA sequencing technologies, thereby facilitating efficient de novo microbial genome assemblies. Long reads are critical for resolving genetic complexity in the assembly and finishing of genomes. The use of SMRT sequencing for the automated finishing of microbial genomes has been demonstrated in multiple recent publications, including for the genetic analysis of the Haitian cholera and German E. coli outbreaks.

The kinetic information acquired during SMRT sequencing can be used to elucidate the epigenome of bacteria. Epigenetic DNA base modifications, such as methylation, play an important role in the phenotypic variation, adaptability and pathogenicity of many bacteria, but they have been difficult to study due to the lack of a sequencing method to detect them. As part of the 100K Genome Project, the epigenomes of the pathogenic strains subjected to SMRT sequencing will be characterized, adding an important dataset to public database repositories.

"SMRT sequencing has been shown to be a powerful technology for the comprehensive determination of microbial genomes and epigenomes," said Dr. Jonas Korlach, Chief Scientific Officer of Pacific Biosciences. "Through the combination of long reads, high consensus accuracy, and the lack of sequencing bias to GC content or sequence contexts, SMRT sequencing harbors the necessary requirements to construct finished genomes in an unbiased, hypothesis-free manner. The ability to detect methylation as part of the sequencing process is unique to SMRT sequencing, and will provide an invaluable resource to illuminate the epigenetic components controlling bacterial pathogenicity."

"We are very pleased to utilize SMRT sequencing as part of the 100K Genome Project," said Bart Weimer, Professor and Director of the 100K Genome Project, "SMRT technology will enable production of complete genomes that will contribute great value toward databases for biological insight, new biomarker discovery, and reference genomes for food pathogen detection. A project of this scale is needed since microbial genome variations, including structural variations, the acquisition and loss of mobile elements, and phages or plasmids, are very difficult or impossible to detect without a de novo sequencing and genome assembly approach, yet they have a significant impact on food safety."

The partnership will entail the sequencing of at least 1,000 samples by the 100K consortium member labs with access to the PacBio RS instrumentation, including pipeline constructions for high-throughput pathogen sequencing, de novo genome assemblies, epigenome determination, and data curation and deposition. Pacific Biosciences will provide technical guidance and training to support these activities, and interface closely with the involved laboratories to assist in the efficient construction of these pipelines.

For more information, please visit http://100kgenome.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/index.cfm and http://www.pacb.com.

About Pacific Biosciences

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PACB) offers the PacBio(R)RS High Resolution Genetic Analyzer to help scientists solve genetically complex problems. Based on its novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT(R)) technology, the company's products enable: targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; de novo genome assembly to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; and DNA base modification identification to help characterize epigenetic regulation and DNA damage. By providing access to information that was previously inaccessible, Pacific Biosciences enables scientists to increase their understanding of biological systems.

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100K Pathogen Genome Project Selects PacBio SMRT(R) DNA Sequencing to Generate High-Quality, Finished Genomes

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Public release date: 8-Jan-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

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

New Rochelle, NY, January 8, 2013The world's leading zebrafish researchers contribute to the community's active global efforts to promote science education. Scientific papers, many authored by students in grades K-12, as well as articles highlighting innovative curricula and educational tools, a collection of abstracts (including student, parent, and teacher authors), and an informative report from the recent Zebrafish in Education Workshops are featured in a special issue of Zebrafish, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The special issue is available on the Zebrafish website.

Guest Editors Chris Pierret, PhD, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and Jamie Shuda, EdD, University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), together with Education Editors Jennifer Liang, PhD, University of Minnesota Duluth, and Lara Hutson, PhD, University at Buffalo (New York) have prepared a collection of articles that illustrate the progress made in the zebrafish community in the development and implementation of student-led, inquiry-based active learning opportunities for student scientists and teachers.

"The emphasis is on teaching students how to think, rather than on what to think," says Stephen Ekker, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Zebrafish and Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. "This issue will have a substantial impact well beyond the zebrafish community."

The student-authors research articles are of high scientific quality and relevant to modern scientists in their fields. They focus on new curricula that emphasize an inquiry-based approach and give students the opportunity to learn about the process of science. Many of the projects featured in the 15 abstracts culled from presentations at the 10th International Conference on Zebrafish Development and Genetics (Madison, WI, June 2012) will likely lead to full papers submitted for publication in the coming year.

###

About the Journal

Zebrafish is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published quarterly in print and online. It is the only peer-reviewed journal to focus on the zebrafish and other aquarium fish species as models for the study of vertebrate development, evolution, toxicology, and human disease. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed online on the Zebrafish website.

About the Publisher

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Surprising teaching tool in K-12 science education -- Zebrafish research

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hd2zhs/china_in_vitro) has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "China In Vitro Diagnostics Market Outlook to 2018- Clinical Chemistry Genetic Testing, Haematology, Histology and Cytology, Immuno Chemistry, Infectious Immunology and Microbiology Culture" to their offering.

Our new report, China In Vitro Diagnostics Market Outlook to 2018- Clinical Chemistry Genetic Testing, Haematology, Histology and Cytology, Immuno Chemistry, Infectious Immunology and Microbiology Culture provides key market data on the China In Vitro Diagnostics market. The report provides value (USD million) data for each segment and sub-segment within seven market categories - Clinical Chemistry, Genetic Testing, Haematology, Histology And Cytology, Immuno Chemistry, Infectious Immunology and Microbiology Culture. The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of the aforementioned market categories. The report is supplemented with global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants with information on company financials and pipeline products, wherever available.

Scope

- Market size and company share data for In Vitro Diagnostics market categories - Clinical Chemistry, Genetic Testing, Haematology, Histology And Cytology, Immuno Chemistry, Infectious Immunology and Microbiology Culture.

- Annualized market revenues (USD million) data for each of the segments and sub-segments within seven market categories. Data from 2004 to 2011, forecast forward for 7 years to 2018.

- 2011 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the seven market categories.

- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the China In Vitro Diagnosticsmarket.

- Key players covered include Siemens Healthcare, Sysmex Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, Shanghai Kehua Bio-engineering Co., Ltd., Beckman Coulter, Inc. and others.

Reasons to buy

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Research and Markets: China In Vitro Diagnostics Market Outlook to 2018 - Clinical Chemistry Genetic Testing ...

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CHAPEL HILL -- Even if the patients hadnt been as young as 4 months old, the surgery would have been harrowing: six holes bored into the skull, six tiny tubes inserted directly into targeted parts of the brain, then a solution containing hundreds of millions of viruses pumped in.

But the rare degenerative illness it fights is even scarier. Canavan disease strikes infants, essentially making the brain attack itself with a toxic chemical, stopping and reversing development. It then kills, usually before age 10.

The procedure used in the study though, slows Canavans progress and improves and may even help extend their lives, according to a study that appeared last month in the online journal Science Translational Medicine. It does that by using viruses as microscopic trucks to deliver missing genetic material precisely where its needed in the kids brains.

This form of gene therapy was created at UNC-Chapel Hill, and the viral vehicle and genetic cargo used in the study were developed there at the medical schools Gene Therapy Center. Center director R. Jude Samulski was a senior author of the study, which began in 2001 and tracked 13 children who received the treatment.

The youngest was 4 months old, the oldest 83 months when they got the operation. After the procedure, the researchers, led by Paola Leone, an associate professor of cell biology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, followed them to see how the therapy affected their illness.

To an outsider, the results might not even be noticeable. To the families, though, the changes began quickly and were nothing short of dramatic.

Right away, we saw a significant change in his eyes, said Jordana Holovach of Rye, N.Y., whose son Jacob participated in the study. He then was able to regain some of the strength he had lost in grasping, improved his head control, his immune system clearly got better, and he was even with some assistance able to take steps, something we never thought wed be able to see.

Jacob, who had the operation in 2001, will be 17 years old in February. He has grown so much that he doesnt have the strength to take steps now, but attends a mainstream high school, albeit with substantial help.

Ilyce Randell of Buffalo Grove, Ill., whose son Max was diagnosed when he was little more than 4 months old, said that he hadnt seemed to use his eyes at all before the operation, which he had when he was 3 years old. Not long after it, though, he clearly was focusing on things, and began using his arms.

To this day, his sight is improving, and he barely needs glasses. Thats a huge thing, when youre trapped in your body, she said.

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UNC scientists: Using virus to deliver genetic material slows kids' illness

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Bharat Book Presents: Cancer Genetics, Inc. - Product Pipeline Analysis
For more information kindly visit on: http://www.bharatbook.com Summary Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI) is the leader in the field of personalized medicine. It offers cancer diagnostics and treatments tailoring the specific genetic profile of the individual. The diagnostic assays and products offered by the company are designed to increase treatment efficacy and reduce healthcare costs of the hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. The products offered by the company include DNA-FISH Probes, CGH Microarrays and Next-Generation Sequencing. The products under development include FISH Probes for the diagnosis of renal cancer, HPV-associated cancer test and Microarrays for the diagnosis of leukamia, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer amongst others. The company also offers comprehensive array of integrated laboratory services for the diagnosis of cancer. CGI is headquartered in New Jersey, the US. This report is a source for data, analysis and actionable intelligence on the Cancer Genetics, Inc. portfolio of pipeline products. The report provides detailed analysis on each pipeline product with information on the indication, the development stage, trial phase, product milestones, pipeline territory, estimated approval date, and estimated launch date Each pipeline product is profiled to cover information on product description, function, technology, indication, and application. The report is also supplemented with a detailed company profile and ...

By: Deepa Kamath

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Dynamic Workout for Calves - Extended Sets - TheMuscleProgram.com
http://www.themuscleprogram.com https Dynamic Workout for Calves - Extended Sets This is just one of the many calf routines I do. I believe in training calves frequently if you don #39;t have great genetics, or genetically gifted calves (like me). So I train calves several times a week but each time I train calves, I normally use a different workout technique. This seems to keep them growing (or at least prevents them from getting smaller!) My Dynamic Workout for calves involves what I call extended sets which is basically a set that consists of various techniques. The two calf exercises I chose for this workout are: Standing Calf Raises Seated Calf Raises. The Dynamic extended set technique is: 10 strict reps 5+ second hold 10 pump reps Basically the first 10 reps are very strict and you can hold the weight for a second or so at the peak of the movement. Then with no rest you hold the weight up for 5 or so seconds. Again, with no rest, you then pump out 10 quick reps. This allows for more blood flow in the muscle. Try this for your next calf workout! Train with Passion, Jason

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Dynamic Workout for Calves - Extended Sets - TheMuscleProgram.com - Video

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Simple Genetics
Mrs. K explains simple genetics and punnett squares, including the terms dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype, and test cross.

By: Meredith Kersting

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Simple Genetics - Video

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THE MUSCLE MAXIMIZER
MORE INFORMATION : tinyurl.com A lot of of the people who trains in the gymnasium it does not have the body that he wishes, and though it is very difficult agree with the body of one same and one sees one with a slender and athletic body ever Mistakes that are commented at the moment of training or the things are not done as it owes, so ado delay we happen to enumerate the most common: THE GENETICS THE REST THE INTENSITY THE SUPPLY THE TECHNOLOGY THE ROUTINE THE ATTITUDE THE WEIGHT THE DISCIPLINE THE MIND It is vital to be able to take the training with the clear mind and know that this is a thing of time and training. MORE INFORMATION tinyurl.com

By: noeballe

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THE MUSCLE MAXIMIZER - Video

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What if we Obliterated Standardised Testing: Behshid Behrouzi at TEDxWinchesterTeachers
Can we see beyond a student #39;s test grades. Why do we have to conform to cookie-cutter uniformity? Behshid (a student in grade 10) wonders what the educational world would be like if one size does not fit all. The theme for TEDxWinchesterTeachers is #39;The Beginning of Infinity: Education and the Future #39; New advances and cutting-edge discoveries in the fields of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, genetics, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and cosmology are dramatically changing how we perceive the world. If we wish to prepare students for a radically different future, the traditional methods of education cannot continue. In thespirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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What if we Obliterated Standardised Testing: Behshid Behrouzi at TEDxWinchesterTeachers - Video

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Miami Plastic Surgery - Face Lift and Neck Lift Surgery with Fat Grafting
As we get older, aging of the face is inevitable. Time, gravity, exposure to the sun and genetics all contribute to the signs of aging of the face and neck. Skin begins to sag, deep creases form, and fat and volume are lost. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can be performed to reduce the visible signs of aging of the face and neck by tightening the skin and deeper tissues. However, simply tightening the facial skin and underlying structures will not replace the volume that is lost, and because of that, fat grafting can often be performed in conjunction with the facelift. Through fat grafting, fat cells can be transferred from unwanted areas to areas of the face that are deficient. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Kelly, please contact Miami Plastic Surgery at (305) 595-2969 or visit our website at http://www.miamiplasticsurgery.com.

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Miami Plastic Surgery - Face Lift and Neck Lift Surgery with Fat Grafting - Video

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Chapters 5 and 6 Genetics Part 1 audio

By: Jeanne Calvert

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Chapters 5 and 6 Genetics Part 1 audio - Video

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177 - Pokemon X and Y Speculations! France, Dimensions, and Genetics!
Here is a short little speculation video pointing out random things. I do realize I called it X and Y versions even though there is no version in the name; I am not used to that.

By: AbsolBlogsPokemon

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177 - Pokemon X and Y Speculations! France, Dimensions, and Genetics! - Video

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Published: Jan. 8, 2013 at 8:28 PM

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- A genetic process that lets some corals withstand high temperatures may hold a key to species survival for organisms around the world, U.S. researchers say.

The finding is important because coral reefs are crucial sources of fisheries, aquaculture and storm protection for about 1 billion people worldwide, Stanford University scientists said.

"If we can find populations most likely to resist climate change and map them, then we can protect them," study co-author Stephen Palumbi said in a university release Tuesday. "It's of paramount importance because climate change is coming."

The researchers studied shallow-reef corals off Ofu Island in American Samoa, using DNA sequencing technology to determine how they survive waters that often get hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit during summer-time low tides.

"These technologies are usually applied to human genome screens and medical diagnoses, but we're now able to apply them to the most pressing questions in coral biology, like which genes might help corals survive extreme heat," Stanford researcher Daniel Barshis said.

The findings suggest DNA sequencing can offer broad insights into the differences that may allow some organisms to persist longer amid future changes to global climate, the researchers said.

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Genetics clues to survival of coral reef

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

REHOBOTH, Mass. --

A first of its kind procedure is being performed in Massachusetts Monday. Its a stem cell therapy on a dog.

"He can't get comfortable, can't lay down, because of the pain, so he sits up and stares at the wall all night, which is tough to watch," said Bob Cook, Bubbas owner.

Cook of Taunton is talking about his 2-year-old English Bulldog Bubba, who suffers from hip dysplasia.

He said his condition has gotten worse in the last several months. After doing research, he found out about a regenerative stem cell therapy and has been hopeful.

He brought Bubba to the Abbot Animal Hospital in Rehoboth.

"Hopefully we can give these animals relief and increase quality of life and their life span as well, said Dr. Ashraf Gomaa.

Gomaa is the only doctor in our area certified by MediVet America, the company that developed this technology.

After extracting fat from Bubba, it is processed in a machine that basically breaks down the cells to get to the healthy stem cells. The cells are then injected back into Bubba into the area of concern.

"Replacing the bad cells with new cells, pretty advanced technology," Gomaa said.

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Owner hopes stem cell therapy will get dog's life back

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

AMSTERDAM, January 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Official journal of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) to be published by Elsevier beginning January 2013

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, is pleased to announce that the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) has selected Elsevier to publish Cytotherapy: The Journal of Cell Therapy effective January 2013.

"Elsevier presented ISCT with unsurpassed reach into the global medical community, top class publishing services, and significant experience in this field. We are extremely confident that our collaboration with Elsevier will not only help Cytotherapy grow for the benefit of our members and readers, but also for the benefit of all scientists, technologists, regulators, manufacturing experts and others dedicated to translational development of safe and effective cell therapies," said ISCT President, Kurt Gunter, MD, FASCP.

Cytotherapy is a highly influential publication in the mainstream of the rapidly expanding field of cell-based treatments for cancer, degenerative disorders, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Cytotherapy publishes cutting edge findings, clinical trials of cell-based therapies, and news and opinion on all aspects of these disciplines. The journal focuses especially on the practical translation of scientific developments in the laboratory into clinical practice. Cytotherapy is an essential global resource for clinical researchers, oncologists, hematologists, doctors, and regulatory experts involved in cell processing and therapy.

Senior Editor of Cytotherapy, John Barrett, MD, commented, "What matters is ensuring that new peer-reviewed treatments, developments, and studies reach as many specialists working with cell therapies as possible. In this, I believe Elsevier offers an unrivaled opportunity to help the journal achieve this goal."

Glen Campbell, Executive Vice President at Elsevier added, "Cytotherapy is an established and reputable journal and we are honored that the International Society for Cellular Therapy selected Elsevier as their publishing partner. Together, we will ensure that this prestigious title develops further as the leading global forum and resource for developing and supporting innovative cellular therapies."

For more information go to: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/cytotherapy

About ISCT

ISCT is a global association driving the translation of scientific research to deliver innovative cellular therapies to patients. Since 1992, ISCT has been the leading global forum for developing and supporting innovative cellular therapies through communication, education and training. ISCT fosters international translational research, informs national and global regulatory framework development and harmonization, drives commercialization strategies, and educates principal investigators, lab directors, technologists, regulators and commercial stakeholders. http://www.celltherapysociety.org

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Elsevier Selected to Publish Cytotherapy: The Journal of Cell Therapy

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ALLENDALE, N.J. and HACKENSACK, N.J., Jan. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS) and its subsidiary, Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC ("PCT"), an internationally recognized contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), and Hackensack University Medical Center ("HackensackUMC"), part of the Hackensack University Health Network and a hub of healthcare for the Northern New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas, announced today that HackensackUMC has renewed its engagement of PCT's services for processing and storage of a variety of cell types used therapeutically by the hospital.

HackensackUMC will use the services of PCT for processing and storage services for peripheral blood progenitor cells, donor leukocytes, bone marrow and cord blood, as well as for further assays, storage, retrieval and transportation. HackensackUMC was recently voted one of the best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report 2012-2013, placing it fourth out of the 184 hospitals in the New York Metropolitan Area and number 1 in New Jersey. HackensackUMC has grown to be a preeminent cancer treatment facility with one of the largest blood and bone marrow transplant programs in the world.

"We are very excited to continue our relationship with HackensackUMC, whose engagement of PCT began in 1999, thirteen years ago," said Robert A. Preti, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of PCT. "Our agreement with HackensackUMC enables us to continue to play a vital part in patient care for cancers and other hematologic disorders, and to continue to provide cell products to our entire client base. Since its founding, PCT has provided cell therapy products for infusion into over 6,000 patients."

"Our agreement with PCT provides us with a high quality and cost-effective solution to our cell processing and storage needs and supports a range of cell therapy based research and development programs," said Robert C. Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of HackensackUMC. Dr. Andre Goy, Chairman and Director of the John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC, added, "PCT's platform, which is designed under strict cGMP ("Current Good Manufacturing Practices") guidelines, ensures that our research activities will be conducted using the gold standard of our industry. PCT's recognized competencies in cell and tissue processing and storage, as well as cell transportation, make it an ideally suited partner for HackensackUMC."

Dr. Robin L. Smith, NeoStem's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated that, "Our continued partnership with an institution of the calibre of HackensackUMC is a validation of our entire company's focus and commitment to the support and development of the emerging cell therapy industry, as we bring innovative therapies to patients suffering from cancers, autoimmune conditions and other disorders. PCT has shown strong revenue growth in 2012 with an increase of over 90% from the year prior. PCT's exceptional client retention rate validates the management's commitment to Quality and Services as we look forward to future growth with our clients outside of the United States."

About Hackensack University Medical Center

HackensackUMC, a non-profit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, New Jersey, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state, and home to the only Level II Trauma Center in the county. This 775-bed facility has gone beyond traditional thinking by creating an entire campus of care, including: the Heart & Vascular Hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center, the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, and the Donna A. Sanzari Women's Hospital. As a result of using science and creativity to push medicine further, HackensackUMC was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey and one of the top four New York metro area hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report, and has received nine national rankings in: Cancer; Cardiology & Heart Surgery; Ear, Nose & Throat; Gastroenterology; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopedics; Urology; and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital ranked as one of the Top 25 Best Children's Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the 2012-13 Best Children's Hospitals list. The medical center has also been named one of the Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals(R) and one of America's 50 Best Hospitals by HealthGrades(R). It is listed among the Leapfrog Top Hospitals List, received 19 Gold Seals of Approval(TM) by the Joint Commission, and is listed as one of the 50 Best Hospitals in America by Becker's Hospital Review. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet(R) recognized hospital for nursing excellence. The medical center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls, and remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events. To learn more about one of the nation's 50 best hospitals, visit: http://www.HackensackUMC.org.

About NeoStem, Inc.

NeoStem continues to develop and build on its core capabilities in cell therapy, capitalizing on the paradigm shift occurring in medicine. We anticipate that cell therapy will have a significant role in the fight against chronic disease and in lessening the economic burden that these diseases pose to modern society. We are emerging as a technology and market leading company in this fast developing cell therapy industry. Our multi-faceted business strategy combines a state-of-the-art contract development and manufacturing subsidiary, PCT, with a medically important cell therapy product development program, enabling near and long-term revenue growth opportunities. We believe that, with our expertise and research capabilities and collaborations, we will achieve our mission of becoming a premier cell therapy company.

Our contract development and manufacturing service business supports the development of proprietary cell therapy products. NeoStem's most clinically advanced therapeutic, AMR-001, is being developed at Amorcyte, LLC ("Amorcyte"), which we acquired in October 2011. Amorcyte is developing a cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and is enrolling patients in a Phase 2 trial to investigate AMR-001's efficacy in preserving heart function after a heart attack. Athelos Corporation ("Athelos"), which is 80%-owned by our subsidiary, PCT, is collaborating with Becton-Dickinson in the early clinical exploration of a T-cell therapy for autoimmune conditions. In addition, pre-clinical assets include our VSEL(TM) Technology platform as well as our mesenchymal stem cell product candidate for regenerative medicine. Our service business and pipeline of proprietary cell therapy products work in concert to create a competitive advantage that we believe is unique to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Supported by an experienced scientific and business management team and a substantial intellectual property estate, we are well positioned to succeed.

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NeoStem's Subsidiary, Progenitor Cell Therapy, and Hackensack University Medical Center Enter Into a Cell Processing ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Bioheart, Inc. (BHRT.QB) will present an update on 12 years of clinical data on MyoCell for treating heart failure at the 8th Annual Conference on Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease January 23-25th, 2013 @ Columbia University Medical Center - http://celltherapy.crf.org/register.html - Course Director, Warren Sherman, M.D.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130107/FL37699LOGO )

Howard J. Leonhardt, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Bioheart, will present data from clinical trials sponsored by the company since 2001.

In Phase II/III clinical trials stage in the U.S. for muscle stem cells for treating advanced heart failure, Bioheart's MyoCell is believed to be the only cell type able to create new contractile muscle in heart scar tissue.Phase II/III Part I interim results demonstrated 95.7 meters improvement in exercise capacity in Bioheart MyoCell patients over placebo (-4 meters) in a double blind randomized study.This compares to -4 meters for CHF drugs, 16 meters for CRT pacers, 53 meters for cardiac stem cells, 52 meters for adipose derived cells and 10 meters allogeneic bone marrow derived cells.

Leonhardt will also provide a look at new generation improvements brought forward to enhance cell transplantation by Bioheart which include:SDF-1 gene transfection, electrical stimulation see http://www.myostimpacers.com, repeat injections, and nutrient hydrogel.

Founded in 1999, Bioheart is one of the original cell therapy companies.Since that time, more than 400 heart failure patients have been enrolled in various myoblast therapy clinical trials worldwide. 84% percent of Bioheart MyoCell treated patients have improved while only 16% have worsened. In placebo and control groups 69% of patients have worsened.

130 more patients are needed to complete the randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled MARVEL trial.MyoCell is a muscle-derived stem cell therapy designed to populate regions of scar tissue within a patient's heart with new living cells for the intended purpose of improving cardiac function and quality of life in chronic heart failure patients.

About Bioheart, Inc.

Bioheart is committed to maintaining its leading position within the cardiovascular sector of the cell technology industry delivering cell therapies and biologics that help address congestive heart failure, lower limb ischemia, chronic heart ischemia, acute myocardial infarctions and other issues. Bioheart's goals are to cause damaged tissue to be regenerated, when possible, and to improve a patient's quality of life and reduce health care costs and hospitalizations.

Specific to biotechnology, Bioheart is focused on the discovery, development and, subject to regulatory approval, commercialization of autologous cell therapies for the treatment of chronic and acute heart damage and peripheral vascular disease. Its leading product, MyoCell, is a clinical muscle-derived cell therapy designed to populate regions of scar tissue within a patient's heart with new living cells for the purpose of improving cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients. For more information on Bioheart, visit http://www.bioheartinc.com, or visit us on Facebook: Bioheart and Twitter @BioheartInc.

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Bioheart to Present at Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease Conference in New York

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

7 January 2013 Last updated at 00:02 ET

A strong family history of seizures could increase the chances of having severe migraines, says a study in Epilepsia journal.

Scientists from Columbia University, New York, analysed 500 families containing two or more close relatives with epilepsy.

Their findings could mean that genes exist that cause both epilepsy and migraine.

Epilepsy Action said it could lead to targeted treatments.

Previous studies have shown that people with epilepsy are substantially more likely than the general population to have migraine headaches, but it was not clear whether that was due to a shared genetic cause.

The researchers found that people with three or more close relatives with a seizure disorder were more than twice as likely to experience 'migraine with aura' than patients from families with fewer individuals with seizures.

By understanding how genes work, more targeted treatments could be developed in the future.

Migraine with aura is a severe headache preceded by symptoms such as seeing flashing lights, temporary visual loss, speech problems or numbness of the face.

Dr Melodie Winawer, lead author of the study from Columbia University Medical Centre, said the findings had implications for epilepsy patients.

More here:
Epilepsy 'link' to migraine gene

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

* Genetic variant means salmeterol doesn't work as well

* Millions of kids with gene variant likely to be affected

* Gene test could help doctors personalise asthma treatment

By Kate Kelland

LONDON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Testing children with asthma for a specific gene could help doctors avoid giving them common inhaler medicines that are unlikely to help and may make their condition worse, scientists said on Tuesday.

British researchers studying why certain asthma drugs taken by millions of children don't appear to benefit some patients said a gene called arginine-16 (Arg16) is key to determining which medicines work for some and not for others.

Having a particular change in this gene means a drug called salmeterol, a generic drug used in GlaxoSmithKline (Other OTC: GLAXF - news) 's (GSK) Advair, Serevent and Seretide treatments, is unlikely to improve the condition and may exacerbate it, the scientists said.

"We have for the first time shown that personalised medicine can work in the field of children's asthma," said Somnath Mukhopadhyay of Brighton and Sussex Medical School, who led the work and presented his findings at a briefing in London.

Asthma affects more than 300 million people globally and is the world's most common children's chronic illness. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. Many children are prescribed salmeterol, a long-acting so-called beta-receptor stimulant, to ease symptoms.

But after finding in a large observational study published in 2009 that some children fail to respond to salmeterol, and linking that to the Arg16 gene, Mukhopadhyay's team decided to look closer. They conducted a genotyped study comparing salmeterol with another generic drug called montelukast.

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Gene test for asthmatic kids helps target treatment

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Truman Fellow Anne Ruffing looks at a flask of cyanobacteria with precipitated fatty acid floating on top. She has engineered two strains of cyanobacteria to produce free fatty acids, a precursor to fuels, as she studies the direct conversion of carbon dioxide into biofuels by photosynthetic organisms. Credit: by Randy Montoya

(Phys.org)Sandia National Laboratories Truman Fellow Anne Ruffing has engineered two strains of cyanobacteria to produce free fatty acids, a precursor to liquid fuels, but she has also found that the process cuts the bacteria's production potential.

Micro-algal fuels might be one way to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign energy. Such fuels would be renewable since they are powered by sunlight. They also could reduce carbon dioxide emissions since they use photosynthesis, and they could create jobs in a new industry. President Barack Obama, speaking in February at the University of Miami, advocated for investments in algae fuel development, saying they could replace up to 17 percent of the oil the United States now imports for transportation.

"Even if algae are not the end-term solution, I think they can contribute to getting us there," Ruffing said. "Regardless of however you look at fossil fuels, they're eventually going to run out. We have to start looking to the future now and doing research that we'll need when the time comes."

She has been studying the direct conversion of carbon dioxide into biofuels by photosynthetic organisms under a three-year Truman Fellowship that ends in January. She presented her project at a poster session in August and published her work on one strain, "Physiological Effects of Free Fatty Acid Production in Genetically Engineered Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942," as the cover article in the September 2012 issue of Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

Ruffing considers her studies as proof-of-concept work that demonstrates engineering cyanobacteria for free fatty acid (FFA) production and excretion. She wants to identify the best hydrocarbon targets for fuel production and the best model strain for genetic engineering, as well as gene targets to improve FFA production.

She is using cyanobacteriablue-green algaebecause they are easier to genetically manipulate than eukaryotic algae, the natural "oil"-producing photosynthetic microorganisms more commonly used for algal biofuels, and because cyanobacteria can be engineered to create a variety of target fuels. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria excrete FFA and allow fuel to be collected without harvesting the cyanobacteria. This lowers the requirement for nitrogen and phosphate and reduces costs.

But current yields from engineered strains are too low for large-scale production.

Ruffing favors cyanobacteria because fuel from engineered cyanobacteria is excreted outside the cell, in contrast to eukaryotic algae, in which fuel production occurs inside the cell.

In general, this is how the process works: Eukaryotic algae grow in a pond to the density needed, then producers must get rid of the water, collect the cells and break them open to get the fuel precursor inside. This precursor is isolated and purified, then chemically converted into biodiesel. Cyanobacteria excrete the fuel precursor outside the cell, so a separation process can remove the product without killing the cells. That eliminates the need to grow a new batch of algae each time, saving on nitrogen and phosphate.

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Engineering alternative fuel with cyanobacteria

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith