Featured Articles

NoblePeak Vision Hires New CEO For Next Phase Of Business Development

NoblePeak Vision Hires New CEO For Next Phase Of Business Development

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

WAKEFIELD, Massachusetts, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

- Industry Veteran Joins Emerging Leader in Infrared Night Vision Imaging Technology

NoblePeak Vision (http://www.noblepeak.com) announced today that Mike Decelle has joined the company as President and Chief Executive Officer. Decelle takes the reins from co-founder Cliff King, bringing 25 years of experience to NoblePeak with demonstrated leadership capabilities and success in both startup and large public companies. King moves into the Chief Operating Officer role to focus on new product development and manufacturing as NoblePeak rapidly approaches market introduction of its revolutionary night vision TriWave(R) camera cores in 2008.

Scientific American Article On Science 2.0

Scientific American Article On Science 2.0

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Mitch Waldrop has written an informative piece on the Science 2.0 movement in Scientific American:



Science 2.0: Great New Tool, or Great Risk?



Consistent with the content of the article, Mitch invites feedback:

Welcome to a Scientific American experiment in "networked journalism," in which readers—you—get to collaborate with the author to give a story its final form.


Northrop Grumman Wins Orders To Upgrade Navigation Systems For Shell Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers

Northrop Grumman Wins Orders To Upgrade Navigation Systems For Shell Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

LONDON, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

Shell International Trading and Shipping Co Ltd (Shell) is upgrading the navigation systems on several liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers with new- generation bridge electronics from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC).

The new navigation systems are being installed on four LNG carriers managed by Shell for Bonny Gas Transport, a fully owned shipping subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG); Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine business unit is supplying the systems and performing the installations.

Solved: 150 Year-Old Paleontological Mystery

Solved: 150 Year-Old Paleontological Mystery

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Discovery of an exceptional fossil specimen in southeastern Morocco that preserves evidence of the animal’s soft tissues has solved a paleontological puzzle about the origins of an extinct group of bizarre slug-like animals with rows of mineralized armor plates on their backs, according to a paper in Nature.

While evolution has produced great diversity in the body designs of animals, over the course of history several highly distinct groups, such as trilobites and ammonites, have become extinct. The new fossil is of an unusual creature known as a machaeridian, an invertebrate, or animal without a backbone, that existed for about 180 million years from 485 to 305 million years ago.

Tomorrow's Nature issue has an editorial (subscription only)

Tomorrow's Nature issue has an editorial (subscription only)

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Tomorrow's Nature issue has an editorial (subscription only) praising the latest NAS book on evolution/creationism. The editorial goes on to suggest that: "Between now and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth on 12 February 2009, every science academy and society with a stake in the credibility of evolution should summarize evidence for it on their website and take every opportunity to promote it." They also post a link to paeleontologist Kevin Padian's testimony at the Kitzmiller intelligent design trial - it's worth checking out.
Study: Even Moderate Doses Of Methadone Can Kill

Study: Even Moderate Doses Of Methadone Can Kill

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Methadone is a possible cause of sudden cardiac death even when it isn’t overdosed but is taken at therapeutic levels primarily for relief of chronic pain or drug addiction withdrawal, a new study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers suggests.

The study’s findings, described in the January 2008 issue of The American Journal of Medicine, are based on an evaluation of all sudden cardiac deaths in the greater Portland, Ore., metropolitan area between 2002 and 2006 where detailed autopsies were performed.

The analysis was based on a comparison of two case groups. One group consisted of 22 sudden cardiac deaths in which toxicology screens turned up 1 milligram or less of methadone — defined as a therapeutic level.

Value Of The Quick Fix: Panel Will Debate Medications In Psychoanalysis

Value Of The Quick Fix: Panel Will Debate Medications In Psychoanalysis

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

As Americans increasingly seek a “quick fix” to physical and mental ailments, psychoanalysts can be caught in the crossfire of a debate about the potential benefits and drawbacks of including medication in their treatment plans.

A panel discussion entitled “The Uses of Medications in Psychoanalysis: What We Know; What is Uncertain,” will be led by internationally renowned psychoanalyst Glen O. Gabbard, M.D., at the American Psychoanalytic Association’s 2008 Winter Meeting on Friday, January 18, 2008, from 2-5 p.m. at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

Taking the position for a cautious approach to the inclusion of medications in analysis will be Stephen D. Purcell, M.D. Adele Tutter, M.D., Ph.D., is more optimistic about the inclusion of medications in treatment.

The Psychology Of Exercise Programs

The Psychology Of Exercise Programs

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Even a few days into New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, people are finding reasons to skip workouts even though the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are well-known: In addition to weight loss, exercise has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and also to lower risk of heart disease.

If the temptation to sit on the couch and watch TV instead of going for a short jog is just too great you’re not alone, but preferring to be sedentary is not an innate human trait. Most children are quite active and people generally stay active all the way through high school but many stop being active when they reach college.

/C O R R E C T I O N -- Mechel OAO/

/C O R R E C T I O N -- Mechel OAO/

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

MOSCOW, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

In the news release, "Mechel Announces its Victory in RZhD OAO's Tender for Sale of the Property of Port Temryuk Production Complex" issued earlier today by Mechel OAO over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the third paragraph, should read "150,000 sq. m" rather than "150,000 sq. km" as originally issued.

Complete, corrected release follows:

MOSCOW, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces that its Mecheltrans OOO transportation subsidiary has won the open tender held by Russian Railways OJSC (RZhD OAO) for the sale of the Port Temryuk production complex.

Quintiles Central Lab, Clinical Development In China To Expand, Relocate To New Facility

Quintiles Central Lab, Clinical Development In China To Expand, Relocate To New Facility

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

Quintiles Transnational Corp. today announced the expansion and consolidation of its Global Central Laboratories and Clinical Development Services (CDS) units in Beijing to accommodate their growing business in China.

Constipated Worms Release Details Of How Protons Help Digestion

Constipated Worms Release Details Of How Protons Help Digestion

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

Muscles usually contract when a neurotransmitter molecule is released from nerve cells onto muscle cells. But University of Utah scientists discovered that bare subatomic protons can act like larger, more complex neurotransmitters, making gut muscles contract in tiny round worms so the worms can poop.

“There are relatively few molecules that serve as neurotransmitters to trigger electrical changes in cells. Protons are the only new members of this group in nearly 20 years,” says biology Professor Erik Jorgensen, scientific director of the Brain Institute at the University of Utah and senior author of the study in the Jan.

3-D 'Acoustically Invisible' Devices Could Still Break The Sound Barrier

3-D 'Acoustically Invisible' Devices Could Still Break The Sound Barrier

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

You've read plenty of articles recently about visual invisibility but acoustic invisibility was considered beyond the reach of science.

Now Duke University engineers say a three-dimensional sound cloak is possible, at least in theory, by making sound waves travel distortion-free around an acousic veil the way microwaves do for a visual one.

"We've devised a recipe for an acoustic material that would essentially open up a hole in space and make something inside that hole disappear from sound waves," said Steven Cummer, Jeffrey N. Vinik Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke's Pratt School of Engineering.

SunGard Receives Top Honors For Fund Administration And Accounting In Financial-i's 'Leaders In Innovation' Awards For Second Co

SunGard Receives Top Honors For Fund Administration And Accounting In Financial-i's 'Leaders In Innovation' Awards For Second Co

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

LOMBARD, Illinois, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

SunGard (http://www.sungard.com) today announced that its Asset Arena Investment Accounting solution has been named the most innovative fund administration and accounting solution by Financial-i in the magazine's second annual "Leaders in Innovation" awards.

Financial-i selected winners in conjunction with leading industry analyst firms and consultants, basing selections on product innovation over the past twelve months, cost-effectiveness of solution deployment, ease of implementation, efficiency enhancements and the ability to solve specific business problems.

Quintiles Names Kelly McKee Executive Director Of Operations For Public Health And Government Services Unit

Quintiles Names Kelly McKee Executive Director Of Operations For Public Health And Government Services Unit

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

Quintiles Transnational Corp. today announced the appointment of Kelly McKee, M.D., as Executive Director of Operations for the company's Public Health and Government Services unit. McKee brings tremendous experience and expertise in infectious diseases and vaccine product development. He will report to Oren Cohen, M.D., Quintiles' Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, and Head of the Public Health and Government Services unit.

Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Cake Mania(R) 2' For The Nintendo DS(TM)

Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Cake Mania(R) 2' For The Nintendo DS(TM)

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

BRISTOL, England, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

- Sandlot Games' Cake-Baking Sequel to Award-Winning PC Game Due Out This Summer

Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, and Sandlot Games, a leading developer and publisher of casual and family-friendly games, today announced Cake Mania(R) 2 for the Nintendo DS(TM). Developed by Digital Embryo, Cake Mania 2 is the follow-up to the award-winning Cake Mania game that originally debuted on PC and has achieved more than 50 million downloads worldwide and sold over 280,000 units worldwide on the DS.

Mechel Announces Its Victory In RZhD OAO's Tender For Sale Of The Property Of Port Temryuk Production Complex

Mechel Announces Its Victory In RZhD OAO's Tender For Sale Of The Property Of Port Temryuk Production Complex

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

MOSCOW, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces that its Mecheltrans OOO transportation subsidiary has won the open tender held by Russian Railways OJSC (RZhD OAO) for the sale of the Port Temryuk production complex.

As previously announced in September 2007, Mechel OAO acquired 100% of the shares of Temryuk-Sotra seaport located on the Taman shore of the Sea of Azov. This is one of the most promising ports for small tonnage river-sea type vessels in Southern Russia due to its geographical location.

Glitnir Bank Selects Siperian To Provide Unified Customer And Product Views Across All Lines Of Business

Glitnir Bank Selects Siperian To Provide Unified Customer And Product Views Across All Lines Of Business

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

LONDON, January 9 /PRNewswire/ --

- Siperian MDM Hub to Support the Bank's New Enterprise Architecture Initiative

Siperian, Inc. - the developers of a leading master data management (MDM) platform and Glitnir, a mid-market global corporate and investment bank with retail and commercial banking services - today announced that Glitnir has selected Siperian MDM Hub to create an integrated, unified view of customers, products and relationships. This merger will enable Siperian's master data management platform to be used across lines of business and front and back office systems and consolidate Glitnir's business applications, data warehouses and master data management into a single, enterprise architecture.

Worldwide Independent Clinical Results And Live Demonstration With The UltraShape(TM) Non-Invasive Fat Reduction And Body Contou

Worldwide Independent Clinical Results And Live Demonstration With The UltraShape(TM) Non-Invasive Fat Reduction And Body Contou

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

YOQNEAM, Israel and SAN RAMON, California, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas will present their latest findings from clinical experience with UltraShape during the 10th annual IMCAS meeting held in Paris, France from January 9th - 12th, 2008.

UltraShape is the clinically proven non-invasive solution for fat reduction and body contouring using "non-thermal" selective focused ultrasound technology. Seven leading physicians specializing in the field of aesthetic medicine will present clinical results on the effectiveness of UltraShape's Contour I in reducing fat thickness and improving body contours.

Growing Need For Learning Disability Treatment Options

Growing Need For Learning Disability Treatment Options

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

LONDON, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- New research showing that anti-psychotic drugs are not an effective treatment for aggression in patients with learning disabilities(1), has further underlined concerns about over-prescribing for mental health. A Healthcare Commission report last year found that up to one in three mental health patients were over-prescribed to, and recently American research has suggested that stimulant medication such as Ritalin are not viable long-term treatment solutions(2).

Autocraft Named Engine Manufacturer For Disenco Energy's Home Energy Producing Appliance

Autocraft Named Engine Manufacturer For Disenco Energy's Home Energy Producing Appliance

Jan 09 2008 | comment(s)

SHEFFIELD, England, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Disenco Energy plc (TSX:DIS) today announces the appointment of Autocraft Industries UK as the volume engine manufacturer for its unique home energy producing and carbon footprint cutting appliance, HomePowerPlant. The appointment follows months of discussions with potential business partners with Autocraft, a subsidiary of Aftermarket Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: ATAC), being chosen because of its outstanding manufacturing facilities, expertise and engine-building track record for such customers as Aston Martin, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.