Page 1,132«..1020..1,1311,1321,1331,134..1,1401,150..»

Types of CSSR recombination – Video


Types of CSSR recombination
For more information, log on to- shomusbiology.weebly.com Download the study materials here- shomusbiology.weebly.com Site-specific recombination, also known as conservative site-specific recombination, is a type of genetic recombination in which DNA strand exchange takes place between segments possessing only a limited degree of sequence homology.[1][2][3] Site-specific recombinases (SSRs)perform rearrangements of DNA segments by recognizing and binding to short DNA sequences (sites), at which they cleave the DNA backbone, exchange the two DNA helices involved and rejoin the DNA strands. While in some site-specific recombination systems just a recombinase enzyme and the recombination sites is enough to perform all these reactions, in other systems a number of accessory proteins and/or accessory sites are also needed. Multiple genome modification strategies, among these Recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE), an advanced approach for the targeted introduction of transcription units into predetermined genomic loci, rely on the capacities of SSRs. Site-specific recombination systems are highly specific, fast and efficient, even when faced with complex eukaryotic genomes.[4] They are employed in a variety of cellular processes, including bacterial genome replication, differentiation and pathogenesis, and movement of mobile genetic elements (Nash 1996). For the same reasons, they present a potential basis for the development of genetic engineering tools.[5 ...

By: Suman Bhattacharjee

Read more:
Types of CSSR recombination - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Pacific Biosciences Names TSMC Supplier of the Year

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc., (PACB), provider of the PacBio(R)RS High Resolution Genetic Analyzer, today recognized TSMC, the world's largest and premier dedicated semiconductor foundry as its 'Supplier of the Year' for 2012. TSMC is on the leading edge of semiconductor wafer processing and has been a trusted collaborator of Pacific Biosciences, manufacturing the key component of its proprietary SMRT(R) Cells for DNA sequencing on the PacBio RS system.

"TSMC was selected as a premier supplier of Pacific Biosciences because of their extensive engineering experience, technological insight and exceptional level of service," said Michael Hunkapiller, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Biosciences. "In 2012, their joint engineering efforts along with their commercial flexibility resulted in significant performance and yield improvements of our SMRT Cells. With TSMC's continued support, we have just launched the SMRT Cell V3, which provides equivalent sequencing performance with less library input required."

The Supplier of the Year award program recognizes suppliers partnering with Pacific Biosciences for continuously evolving its core technologies while promoting efficiency and creating value.

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.

Here is the original post:
Pacific Biosciences Names TSMC Supplier of the Year

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Innovative uses of nanotechnology in food and agriculture

Public release date: 28-Jan-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 x2156 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, January 28, 2013The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invests nearly $10 million a year to support about 250 nanoscale science and engineering projects that could lead to revolutionary advances in agriculture and food systems. Examples of current projects in development are presented in a Special Research Section published in Industrial Biotechnology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers. The articles are available on the Industrial Biotechnology website.

In their introductory article, "Overview: Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems," Co-Guest Editors Norman Scott, PhD, Professor, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and Hongda Chen, PhD, National Program Leader, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA (Washington, DC), describe the promising early advances nanotechnology is enabling all along the food supply chain, from production through consumption, and especially in the area of food safety.

This special issue of IB includes the review article "Bioactivity and Biomodification of Ag, ZnO, and CuO Nanoparticles with Relevance to Plant Performance in Agriculture" by Anne Anderson and coauthors, Utah State University, Logan, in which they discuss the environmental factors that affect the biological activity and potential agricultural utility of nanoparticle. In the original research article "Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Soil Denitrification Kinetics" Allison Rick VandeVoort and Yuji Arai, Clemson University (South Carolina), describe the effects of three different silver nanoparticles on native bacteria-mediated soil denitrification.

The short communication "Soft Lithography-Based Fabrication of Biopolymer Microparticles for Nutrient Microencapsulation" by Natalia Higuita-Castro, et al., The Ohio State University and Abbott Nutrition Products Division, Columbus, OH, describes a high-throughput microfabrication method to encapsulate nutrients that can enhance food nutritional value and appearance. Dan Luo and colleagues, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, present a promising microfluidic-based scale-up method for cell-free protein production in the methods article "Cell-Free Protein Expression from DNA-Based Hydrogel (P-Gel) Droplets for Scale-Up Production."

"The rapid expansion in nanoscale science and technology in our community with new insights and methods in biomolecular and cellular processing will spur industrial biotechnology innovation in a number of important sectors," says Larry Walker, PhD, Co-Editor-in-Chief and Professor, Biological & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

###

About the Journal

Industrial Biotechnology, led by Co-Editors-in-Chief Larry Walker, PhD, and Glenn Nedwin, PhD, MBA, is an authoritative journal focused on biobased industrial and environmental products and processes, published bimonthly in print and online. The Journal reports on the science, business, and policy developments of the emerging global bioeconomy, including biobased production of energy and fuels, chemicals, materials, and consumer goods. The articles published include critically reviewed original research in all related sciences (biology, biochemistry, chemical and process engineering, agriculture), in addition to expert commentary on current policy, funding, markets, business, legal issues, and science trends. Industrial Biotechnology offers the premier forum bridging basic research and R&D with later-stage commercialization for sustainable biobased industrial and environmental applications.

Read more:
Innovative uses of nanotechnology in food and agriculture

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Penn Researcher Receives W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Award to Study Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

PHILADELPHIA Benjamin F. Voight, PhD, assistant professor of Pharmacology and Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has received an award for over $100,000 from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust to study the complex patterns of genetic inheritance and environmental factors that underlie cardiovascular disease specifically in type-2 diabetics.

I am extremely honored to receive support from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, says Voight. As a newly minted investigator, support at this level is highly valuable in helping me to establish my independent research career. It is also a huge intellectual boost to receive support from such an important organization with strong ties to Philadelphia.

Heart disease is substantially elevated in patients with type-2 diabetes, yet the biological and genetic basis for this elevated risk is not well understood.

My research aims to fill this apparent gap in knowledge by applying statistical approaches in human genetics and computational biology to characterize the genetic risk of heart disease in patients with type-2 diabetes, says Voight. We will be looking for novel disease mechanisms and biological pathways contributing to this elevated risk. A better understanding of processes contributing to this predisposition is an important step in clinical management of both diseases, as well as a useful strategy to identify biological targets for therapeutic intervention.

The most interesting component of the project is the idea that approaches in human genetics are particularly well situated to identify unknown biological processes contributing to disease. Systematic and unbiased studies in human populations have the potential to alter clinical practices for the better, as well as help focus therapeutic innovations on biological systems directly relevant to humans, explains Voight.

###

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

The rest is here:
Penn Researcher Receives W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Award to Study Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Genetic Map Gives Hope On Cancer Treatment

Every cancer patient could soon have a genetic profile made of their tumour so they can be treated with new smart drugs that can dramatically improve their survival.

Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research believe the technique will prove so effective that it will turn cancer into a chronic disease that people live with, rather than die from.

Work at the institute's new Tumour Profiling Unit will begin this year to analyse patients' cancer cells for changes to their DNA. These mutations allow the tumour to grow out of control and even develop resistance to chemotherapy.

By identifying key genetic changes, researchers hope to target specific drugs at individual patients.

Breast cancer patients are already beginning to benefit from such personalised medicine. The drug Herceptin is highly effective - but only in women who have tumours positive for a protein called HER2.

Other cancer patients are now set to benefit.

Professor Alan Ashworth, from the institute, said: "None of this is science fiction.

"One would think in five or 10 years this will be absolutely routine practice for every cancer patient, and that's what we're aiming to bring about."

Tumour profiling has been made possible by the rapid advances in DNA analysis.

A decade ago it took several years and millions of pounds to analyse the genetic blueprint inside cells; now it can be done in days for 1,000.

Continue reading here:
Genetic Map Gives Hope On Cancer Treatment

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Copy number control in plasmids – Video


Copy number control in plasmids
For more information, log on to- shomusbiology.weebly.com Download the study materials here- shomusbiology.weebly.com Plasmids used in genetic engineering are called vectors. Plasmids serve as important tools in genetics and biotechnology labs, where they are commonly used to multiply (make many copies of) or express particular genes.[4] Many plasmids are commercially available for such uses. The gene to be replicated is inserted into copies of a plasmid containing genes that make cells resistant to particular antibiotics and a multiple cloning site (MCS, or polylinker), which is a short region containing several commonly used restriction sites allowing the easy insertion of DNA fragments at this location. Next, the plasmids are inserted into bacteria by a process called transformation. Then, the bacteria are exposed to the particular antibiotics. Only bacteria that take up copies of the plasmid survive, since the plasmid makes them resistant. In particular, the protecting genes are expressed (used to make a protein) and the expressed protein breaks down the antibiotics. In this way, the antibiotics act as a filter to select only the modified bacteria. Now these bacteria can be grown in large amounts, harvested, and lysed (often using the alkaline lysis method) to isolate the plasmid of interest. Another major use of plasmids is to make large amounts of proteins. In this case, researchers grow bacteria containing a plasmid harboring the gene of interest. Just as the ...

By: Suman Bhattacharjee

See the original post here:
Copy number control in plasmids - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Copy number regulation by cop genes – Video


Copy number regulation by cop genes
For more information, log on to- shomusbiology.weebly.com Download the study materials here- shomusbiology.weebly.com Plasmids used in genetic engineering are called vectors. Plasmids serve as important tools in genetics and biotechnology labs, where they are commonly used to multiply (make many copies of) or express particular genes.[4] Many plasmids are commercially available for such uses. The gene to be replicated is inserted into copies of a plasmid containing genes that make cells resistant to particular antibiotics and a multiple cloning site (MCS, or polylinker), which is a short region containing several commonly used restriction sites allowing the easy insertion of DNA fragments at this location. Next, the plasmids are inserted into bacteria by a process called transformation. Then, the bacteria are exposed to the particular antibiotics. Only bacteria that take up copies of the plasmid survive, since the plasmid makes them resistant. In particular, the protecting genes are expressed (used to make a protein) and the expressed protein breaks down the antibiotics. In this way, the antibiotics act as a filter to select only the modified bacteria. Now these bacteria can be grown in large amounts, harvested, and lysed (often using the alkaline lysis method) to isolate the plasmid of interest. Another major use of plasmids is to make large amounts of proteins. In this case, researchers grow bacteria containing a plasmid harboring the gene of interest. Just as the ...

By: Suman Bhattacharjee

Read the rest here:
Copy number regulation by cop genes - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Stimulus – Video


Stimulus
Made up of appropriated pharmaceutical television commercials, "Stimulus" plays off of the double meaning of economic and bodily/chemical stimuli. Using a series of precisely edited snippets, the piece quickly builds to a stuttering, hysterical/historical tangle of language, image, and the molecular body. Amongst other things, it is about looking and consuming, gender politics, biopower, and capital. The length of the piece is a restrained one minute, a tightly crafted piece to match a traditional 60 second advertising spot. "Stimulus" follows a repetition/break structure, a classical advertising (and noted storytelling/folktale) technique in which expectations are created/repeated and then thwarted in the final moment. It uses abrasive, repetitive editing along with humor and breaks to seduce the viewer into its rhythm. Two images are arranged one on top of the other, and the screen is oriented vertically, unlike traditional film and video (and more along the lines of increasing tendencies for video to be shot vertically on smartphones). In the installation, the screens are then multiplied, in itself a repetition of the image and suggestive of the repetitive nature of consumption and excretion, as well as defining a human, figurative space. The original clips are thus twice rotated in order to be read by the viewer, a kind of double-gymnastics. My video practice draws inspiration in particular from the work of Sturtevant and Gretchen Bender, amongst others who use ...

By: Jeff Ostergren

Follow this link:
Stimulus - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

IRBBA Donation Heifer 2013 – Buffaole’s Ms Vincent 225Z – Video


IRBBA Donation Heifer 2013 - Buffaole #39;s Ms Vincent 225Z
The IRBBA Scholarship Foundation is proud to introduce Buffaloe #39;s Ms Vincent 225Z as the 2013 Donation Heifer. Bred and contributed by Buffaloe Cattle Company, the heifer will be raffled at the "Divas in Red" sale during the 2013 IRBBA Annual Meeting, April 27th in College Station, Texas. The tradition of a donation heifer to support the Scholarship Foundation was initiated in 2012 with the first heifer contributed by Cox Excalibur Brangus, selling to Buffaloe Cattle Company. This year a limited number of tickets will be sold for a chance to own this exciting young female. Only 50 tickets at $100 each will be offered from now until sale date. Participating donors will have one chance to per ticket to win this elite Red Brangus heifer in the raffle. Buffaloe #39;s Ms Vincent 225Z has a pedigree that includes a "who #39;s who" in Red Brangus genetics. She is sired by Buffaloe #39;s Vincent 07X, a Sureway #39;s Rocky Street 227N son. Rocky Street was the 2007 and 2008 Red Brangus Show Sire of the Year. Vincent #39;s dam, BCC Chief #39;s Squaw 7P was the Grand Champion female in the 2006 Brangus Futurity and Reserve Grand Champion in the 2006 San Antonio Livestock Exposition. Vincent and 225Z boast solid Sureways and CX breeding in their pedigree. Vincent has four grand champions in his three generation maternal pedigree plus Rocky Street. The dam of Buffaloe #39;s Ms Vincent 225Z is a daughter of -C- Mesa and boasts 5 Champions in her pedigree as well as posting a top 5% ranking for IMF. 225Z is a ...

By: idealvideopro

More:
IRBBA Donation Heifer 2013 - Buffaole's Ms Vincent 225Z - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

OBG – Video


OBG
Oklahoma Bovine Genetics Sale Preview Visit obgcattle.com for sale details.

By: Tawnia Jo Misemer

Read the rest here:
OBG - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

LOOK BEHIND YOU! (The Hidden) – Video


LOOK BEHIND YOU! (The Hidden)
#9658; #9658; #9658; Enjoy the video? Subscribe! bit.ly #9668; #9668; #9668; Download Here: http://www.hidden-source.com What is The Hidden? "In the early 1950s human genetics experimentation was taking its first, tentative steps. Amongst many other black projects, a team of British scientists working at an Infinitum Research experimental station stumbled across some remarkable phenomena involving DNA manipulation. This led to deeper research with dangerously unpredictable results, often leading to human patients losing their lives in irresponsible and immoral experiments. Time passed on, and by the mid 1990s the failure rate of the experiments had been reduced from 75% to a mere 15%, enough for Infinitum to move onto the next stage Biological Light Refraction. The British team were hoping to unravel the possibilities of light manipulation to create the perfect covert military agent. Early into the new millennium, due to a gross miscalculation, a series of tests on Subject 617 led to a massive synaptic trauma leaving the patient with multiple genetic anomalies. The subject was left in constant pain and with unstable DNA. The subject escaped captivity, killing anyone that got in its way. The IRIS (Infinitum Research Interception Squad) team have been deployed to return the subject to a maximum security Infinitum Research facility for further study and dissection. The entire project was considered a failure: all funding ceased and development was discontinued while all records and traces of the experiments ...

By: SeaNanners

Read the rest here:
LOOK BEHIND YOU! (The Hidden) - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Is Breast Cancer Hereditary Video – Video


Is Breast Cancer Hereditary Video
is-genetics-a-risk-factor-for-breast-cancer-with-jason-cord-md

By: AHJDietNWeightLoss

Go here to read the rest:
Is Breast Cancer Hereditary Video - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Sex Advice for Nice Guys who have intellectual potential part 1 – Video


Sex Advice for Nice Guys who have intellectual potential part 1
Part 2 here: youtu.be -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The real dictionary definition of a NiceGuy? NICE GUY: -NiceGuys are only allowed to be "Asexual", like a unick! -NiceGuys are not allowed to have a relationship with someone they are in-love with or anyone usually! -NiceGuys have to always do favors and never is allowed to seek or receive reward! -NiceGuys are like Circumcised-Servant-Products to be ordered around! (I #39;m pretty sure women only call you for favors) -It is immoral for a NiceGuys to say "NO"! -It is forbidden for a NiceGuy to request his sexual romance needs! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stop saying "YES" and being nice to woman to who don #39;t give a sh*t about your life!! You can always meet new people and make new friends who won #39;t abuse you!, or else leave your new abusive friends and meet other ones!! Who cares if you have been doing favors for your Female Friend for over 10 years!! F*CK HER and don #39;t hang around as much even if she puts a guilt trip on you! She ain #39;t sucking your d*ck nor giving you her superficial p*ssy, so FORGET HER if she is not being the type of friend you need to be happy! You shouldn #39;t tolerate fake companionship! Look for real partnership!! Stop being a NiceGuy, your better smarter than that! Women were never designed to benefit NiceGuys! AND NEVER WILL BE Be mentally ill by going against your personality and nature!! It #39;s the ONLY way ...

By: Proud Hypocrite

Read more:
Sex Advice for Nice Guys who have intellectual potential part 1 - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Update! – Video


Update!
Hey! It #39;s been 2 years since I uploaded a video so that #39;s cool. I hope everyone is fantastic and I apologize for my awkwardness and if you can hear the dishwasher running in the background! I also got a new computer where you can #39;t hear the fan so thats pretty awesome too. Also I #39;m not very good at video making skills and how not to look 12 years old. But I feel like the latter is due to genetics and I don #39;t think I can really do anything about that 🙁

By: Canitoch

Follow this link:
Update! - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Genetics may explain why some Chinese got severe swine flu, could change flu treatments

LONDON - A genetic variant commonly found in Chinese people may help explain why some got seriously ill with swine flu, a discovery scientists say could help pinpoint why flu viruses hit some populations particularly hard and change how they are treated.

Less than one per cent of Caucasians are thought to have the gene alteration, which has previously been linked to severe influenza. Yet about 25 per cent of Chinese people have the gene variant, which is also common in Japanese and Korean people.

British and Chinese researchers analyzed 83 patients admitted to a Beijing hospital during the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic. Of those with serious complications like pneumonia, respiratory or kidney failure, 69 per cent had the genetic alteration. Among patients with mild illness, only 25 per cent did.

"It doesn't mean you should panic if you have this gene variant," said Andrew McMichael, director of the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford University, one of the study's authors. "Most people who have it won't run into any trouble at all."

He suggested people with this genetic predisposition to severe flu should be treated earlier and more aggressively than others.

McMichael estimated that people with the genetic variant were five to six times more likely to get severely ill once they're infected. The gene alteration doesn't make people more likely to catch the flu, since that depends on other factors like environmental exposure and previous immunity.

McMichael said the gene variant might give people the same susceptibility to get severely ill from other ailments including dengue, SARS and other flus. But it could also provide them with better immunity if they recover.

The research was published online Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

Some experts said it was an intriguing finding that shows a patient's response to a virus may determine how sick they will become.

"The bug in someone who gets severely ill is not any different than the one that infects someone who has mild illness," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, who did not participate in the study. "It's the host that does all the damage to themselves."

Read the rest here:
Genetics may explain why some Chinese got severe swine flu, could change flu treatments

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Data From SGEN on Cancer Candidate

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN) recently presented interim results from a phase I study which is evaluating ASG-5ME for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (:PDA).

Seattle Genetics is developing ASG-5ME, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) which targets the SLC44A4 antigen, for the treatment of solid tumors. The candidate is being developed in collaboration with Agensys, Inc., an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. (ALPMY).

The trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety and activity along with identifying the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ASG-5ME in patients suffering from metastatic PDA. Approximately 35 patients with metastatic PDA and a median age of 63 were administered doses ranging from 0.3 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to 1.5 mg/kg administered weekly for three of every four weeks. Data from the study, apart from providing preliminary evidence for antitumor activity, revealed that the candidate was well tolerated.

We note that Seattle Genetics is also evaluating ASG-5ME in the prostate and gastric cancer indications. Seattle Genetics focuses on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for cancer.

We remind investors that Seattle Genetics leading drug, Adcetris, is currently approved in the US for the treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous stem cell transplant (:ASCT) or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients, who are not suitable for ASCT and the treatment of sALCL in treatment-experienced patients. Adcetris is approved in the EU as well.

Seattle Genetics carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Pharma stocks, which currently appear to be more attractive include Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) and Salix Pharmaceuticals (SLXP). Both companies carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Read the Full Research Report on ALPMY

Read the Full Research Report on SGEN

Zacks Investment Research

Here is the original post:
Data From SGEN on Cancer Candidate

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Genetics may explain severe flu in Chinese people

LONDON (AP) -- A genetic variant commonly found in Chinese people may help explain why some got seriously ill with swine flu, a discovery scientists say could help pinpoint why flu viruses hit some populations particularly hard and change how they are treated.

Less than one percent of Caucasians are thought to have the gene alteration, which has previously been linked to severe influenza. Yet about 25 percent of Chinese people have the gene variant, which is also common in Japanese and Korean people.

British and Chinese researchers analyzed 83 patients admitted to a Beijing hospital during the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic. Of those with serious complications like pneumonia, respiratory or kidney failure, 69 percent had the genetic alteration. Among patients with mild illness, only 25 percent did.

"It doesn't mean you should panic if you have this gene variant," said Andrew McMichael, director of the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford University, one of the study's authors. "Most people who have it won't run into any trouble at all."

He suggested people with this genetic predisposition to severe flu should be treated earlier and more aggressively than others.

McMichael estimated that people with the genetic variant were five to six times more likely to get severely ill once they're infected. The gene alteration doesn't make people more likely to catch the flu, since that depends on other factors like environmental exposure and previous immunity.

McMichael said the gene variant might give people the same susceptibility to get severely ill from other ailments including dengue, SARS and other flus. But it could also provide them with better immunity if they recover.

The research was published online Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

Some experts said it was an intriguing finding that shows a patient's response to a virus may determine how sick they will become.

"The bug in someone who gets severely ill is not any different than the one that infects someone who has mild illness," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, who did not participate in the study. "It's the host that does all the damage to themselves."

Original post:
Genetics may explain severe flu in Chinese people

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

UK farmers now have wider choice of NZ sheep genetics

New Zealands largest red meat genetics company, Focus Genetics has merged its resources with the UKs leading supplier of sheep technologies, providing UK farmers with a wider range of improved sheep genetics.

Innovis chief executive Dewi Jones has just returned from meeting with farmers in New Zealand where he signed a distribution agreement with Focus Genetics (previously Rissington Breedline UK) that will enable the organisation to market rams from one of the biggest sheep gene pools in the world.

Focus Genetics UK General Manager, Bayden Wilson says the collaboration with Innovis will enable them to improve the supply of their genetics to UK breeders and allow them to increase investment in ground-breaking research and development technologies for the benefit of farmers.

"By working with Innovis we can produce better genetic gains from our UK stock and create efficiencies from the ability to share resources, skills, technologies and equipment."

Focus Genetics currently provide around 300 Primera and Highlander rams to UK Farmers annually, from South West England to the Orkney Islands and Ireland.

Innovis has already established a substantial customer base with more than 450 farms using their Aberdale, Aberfield, Abermax and Abertex breeds.

As a result of the collaboration, more than 800 rams will be available through Innovis in 2013.

Mr Wilson will continue to be involved with the UK business working with UK breeders and assisting Innovis to service current farmers and grow the business.

"We already have a significant number of farmers using both Focus and Innovis rams. Collaboration means farmers will be better serviced year round and we expect to significantly increase the sale of both genetics over the coming years."

Innovis chief executive Dewi Jones says he was impressed with what he saw while in New Zealand and believes UK farmers will benefit from the Focus Genetics breeds.

Excerpt from:
UK farmers now have wider choice of NZ sheep genetics

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Atossa Genetics to Present at the 15th Annual BIO CEO and Investor Conference

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Jan 28, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. ( NASDAQ : ATOS ), The Breast Health Company, announced today that Dr. Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP, Chairman, CEO and President, will present the Company's products and services at the 15th Annual BIO CEO and Investor Conference at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, on Monday, February 11, 2013, at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (10:00 am Pacific Time). Dr. Quay's presentation will be webcast via the Company's website at http://www.atossagenetics.com.

Dr. Quay stated, "The national launch of our ForeCYTE Breast Health Test is an important achievement that positions Atossa for accelerated growth in 2013 and beyond. I look forward to presenting our business model, marketing plan, and additional products and laboratory services to institutional investors at this premier event. I believe the 2013 U.S. rollout of our ForeCYTE and ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test, launch of the FullCYTE Breast Health Test and NextCYTE Breast Health Test, and initiation of clinical trials for our intraductal therapy, represent significant upside potential for investors this year."

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding Atossa's plans, expectations, projections, potential opportunities, goals and objectives are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the efficacy of Atossa's products and services, the market demand for and acceptance of Atossa's products and services and other risks detailed from time to time in the Atossa's final prospectus, dated November 7, 2012, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Atossa undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

See the original post here:
Atossa Genetics to Present at the 15th Annual BIO CEO and Investor Conference

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Seattle Genetics to Host Conference Call and Webcast Discussion of Fourth Quarter and Year 2012 Financial Results on …

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN) announced today that it will report its fourth quarter and year 2012 financial results on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, after the close of financial markets. Following the announcement, company management will host a conference call and webcast discussion of the results and provide a general corporate update. Access to the event can be obtained as follows:

LIVE access on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

1:30 p.m. Pacific Time / 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

REPLAY access

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. The companys lead program, ADCETRIS, received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2011 for two indications. In addition, under a collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, ADCETRIS received conditional approval from the European Commission in October 2012. Seattle Genetics also has three other clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Agensys (an affiliate of Astellas), Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys and Genmab. More information can be found at http://www.seattlegenetics.com.

Read the rest here:
Seattle Genetics to Host Conference Call and Webcast Discussion of Fourth Quarter and Year 2012 Financial Results on ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

NewLink Genetics Corporation Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

AMES, Iowa, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --NewLink Genetics Corporation (NLNK), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics, today announced that it intends to offer and sell shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering. The Company expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares of common stock offered in the public offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including regulatory, clinical trial, research and development, general and administrative and manufacturing expenses. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel are acting as joint book-running managers in the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a shelf registration statement previously filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering, when available, may be obtained from Jefferies & Company, Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at 877-547-6340, or by email at Prospectus_Department@Jefferies.com, or from Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Attention: Syndicate, One Montgomery Street, Suite 3700, San Francisco, California 94104, or by calling (415) 364-2500.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About NewLink Genetics Corporation

NewLink Genetics Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel immunotherapeutic products to improve cancer treatment options for patients and physicians. NewLink's portfolio includes biologic and small-molecule immunotherapy product candidates intended to treat a wide range of oncology indications.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements of NewLink that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will,""could," "should," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about the Company's expectations with respect to its proposed offering, including its intention to offer and sell shares, its intention to grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional shares and its intended use of proceeds from the offering. Such statements are based on the Company's expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed offering, as well as those risks discussed in NewLink's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent NewLink's views as of the date of this press release. NewLink anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while it may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing NewLink's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Contact: Gordon Link Chief Financial Officer 515-598-2925 glink@linkp.com

Go here to read the rest:
NewLink Genetics Corporation Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Cardium Announces Presentaton at The 2013 Cell & Gene Therapy Forum

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Cardium Therapeutics (NYSE MKT: CXM) today announced a presentation at the 2013 Phacilitate Annual Cell & Gene Therapy Forum in Washington, DC. The Company's presentation, "Optimizing Phase III Trial Design for Generx (Ad5FGF-4)" by Cardium's Chief Scientific Officer, Gabor M. Rubanyi, M.D., Ph.D. outlined the current scientific knowledge about the mechanistic basis of adaptive coronary collateral growth, the biological processes to be targeted by therapeutic angiogenesis, and discussed the lessons learned during the past decade of the Company's Generx clinical development program. The presentation is available for viewing at http://www.cardiumthx.com/generx.html.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051018/CARDIUMLOGO)

"The presentation yesterday reviewed new techniques that have been implemented to optimize our international Phase 3 ASPIRE clinical study for the Company's Generx (Ad5FGF-4) DNA-based angiogenic growth factor drug candidate, including: (1) diagnostic identification of patients likely to be more responsive to angiogenic therapy; (2) new balloon catheter-based delivery methods designed to boost adenovector gene delivery and enhance angiogenic growth factor efficiency; and (3) selection of relevant clinical endpoints which may be useful in future clinical studies and help advance the field of therapeutic angiogenesis," stated Christopher J. Reinhard, Cardium's Chairman and CEO.

Generx is an interventional cardiology-focused product candidate that is being developed to offer a one-time, non-surgical option for the treatment of a medical condition termed cardiac microvascular insufficiency (CMI) in patients with myocardial ischemia and symptomatic chronic stable angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease. Patients with CMI have had an insufficient angiogenic response to their current disease state and may benefit from a biological therapy that enhances cardiac perfusion through the facilitation of collateral vessel formation. Currently, patient inclusion in the ASPIRE study requires evidence of stress induced reversible myocardial ischemia as measured by SPECT imaging. The goal of the Company's Generx product candidate is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by promoting and enhancing cardiac perfusion through the enlargement of pre-existing collateral arterioles (arteriogenesis) and the formation of new capillary vessels (angiogenesis). Various catheter-based imaging diagnostics including fractional flow reserve and washout collaterometry could enhance the clinical adoption of this non-surgical therapeutic angiogenesis approach following initial registration.

Cardium's extensive preclinical and clinical studies have been instrumental in identifying cardiac ischemia as a key facilitator of non-surgical DNA-based angiogenic therapy. Improved adenovector administration methods combine non-surgical, percutaneous balloon catheter-based delivery to transiently induce ischemia together with the use of nitroglycerin to enhance vector uptake. By increasing cell transfection efficiency and reaching both the peri-ischemic regions and pre-existing collaterals in the heart, this modified approach offers the potential to effectively simulate both angiogenesis and arteriogenesis to bring about improved blood flow. Cardium's new delivery techniques are also designed to provide uniform Generx uptake, to reduce response variability and to allow for the potential treatment of patients with a broader range of associated coronary artery disease.

Cardium has modified the primary endpoint of the ASPIRE clinical study from the traditional measure of improvement in treadmill exercise time (ETT) to a more objective efficacy endpoint of reduction in reversible perfusion deficit based on SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. Similar to mechanical/surgical cardiac revascularization approaches, the goal of Generx treatment is to improve myocardial perfusion (blood flow). SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging can be used to quantitatively evaluate Generx's effectiveness by measuring improved myocardial blood flow under stress, a key prognostic indicator that is associated with the regenerative process of new collateral vessel formation in and around the regions of ischemia. While walking time during ETT has been a traditional efficacy measure of anti-anginal drugs, it is based on a subjective assessment of chest pain (angina pectoris), does not directly measure improvements in cardiac blood flow, and can be affected by other variables. Positive results from the prior Phase 2a clinical study (Grines et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2003; 42:1339-47) showed that Generx improved myocardial blood flow in the ischemic region of the hearts of patients following a single intracoronary infusion as measured by the objective efficacy endpoint of SPECT imaging. The observed treatment effect for patients receiving Generx was similar in magnitude to that reported in the literature for patients undergoing angioplasty/stent or revascularization procedures with reversible perfusion defects of comparable size at one year following these procedures.

ASPIRE Study

The ASPIRE study is a 100-patient, randomized and controlled multi-center study currently enrolling patients at up to eight leading cardiology centers in the Russian Federation. The ASPIRE study is designed to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Cardium's Generx DNA-based angiogenic product candidate, which has already been tested in clinical studies involving 650 patients at more than one hundred medical centers in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. The efficacy of Generx is being quantitatively assessed using rest and stress SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) myocardial imaging to measure improvements in microvascular cardiac perfusion following a one-time, non-surgical, catheter-based administration of Generx. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Nuclear Cardiology Core Laboratory in Los Angeles, California, is the central core lab for the study and is responsible for the analysis of SPECT myocardial imaging data electronically transmitted from the Russian medical centers participating in the ASPIRE study. The Russian Health Authority has assigned Generx the therapeutic drug trade name of Cardionovo for marketing and sales in Russia.

An independent long-term prospective study published in Circulation (Meier et al, Circ. 2007; 116:975-983) provided key evidence indicating that men and women with more recruitable collateral circulation have a better chance of surviving a heart attack than patients who have less developed collateral circulation. This important study quantitatively evaluated coronary collateral blood flow in 845 patients with coronary artery disease during a 10-year follow-up period and showed that long-term cardiac mortality was approximately 66% lower in patients with a well-developed coronary collateral network (p=0.019). For the first time, this study showed the importance of collateral circulation beyond simply the relief of angina and provided further support of the potential for long term benefits from angiogenic therapy.

About Cardium

See more here:
Cardium Announces Presentaton at The 2013 Cell & Gene Therapy Forum

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Edward Abrahams – What is the Personalized Medicine Coalition? – Video


Edward Abrahams - What is the Personalized Medicine Coalition?
Edward Abrahams, Ph.D., President of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, sits down with Slone Partners at the 8th Annual Personalized Medicine Conference at Harvard Medical School.

By: SlonePartnersMedia

Read the original here:
Edward Abrahams - What is the Personalized Medicine Coalition? - Video

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Edward Abrahams – Who Needs Personalized Medicine Education; Doctors, Patient or Insurers? – Video


Edward Abrahams - Who Needs Personalized Medicine Education; Doctors, Patient or Insurers?
Edward Abrahams, Ph.D., President of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, sits down with Slone Partners at the 8th Annual Personalized Medicine Conference at Harvard Medical School.

By: SlonePartnersMedia

Excerpt from:
Edward Abrahams - Who Needs Personalized Medicine Education; Doctors, Patient or Insurers? - Video

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury – Video


Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury
Presented by Dr. Charles Tator Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital Topics: - Why it has been extremely difficult to develop effective strategies to improve recovery after sci - Neural or Non-Neural Cells which are better for transplantation? - Endogenous vs. Exogenous (transplanted) Neural Stem Cells? -- which source is better? - Developmental Age of the Transplanted Cells - Embryonic, Fetal, Neonatal, or Adult?-which is better? - If adult cells, what is best source of cells? Spinal Cord or Brain? For a PDF version of Dr. Charles Tator #39;s presentation please go to: http://www.thomsonrogers.com/past-conference-2012#tator

By: Thomson Rogers

Read the original here:
Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury - Video

Recommendation and review posted by sam


Archives