LONDON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- With regard to Professor Charles ffrench-Constant's comments on stem cells and multiple sclerosis:

Dr Laura Bell from the MS Society said: "These are exciting times for MS research. Ten years ago there were no drugs to treat MS, but today there are a range of therapies available and a dozen more in late stage clinical trials. We're putting millions into MS research and very much hope that the new avenues we are exploring - including stem cells - will bring about major advances in the next ten years."

Eighteen-year-old Sören Wolf was born with only one hand but when it comes to a prosthetic second one, he's enthusiastic about both the “i-LIMB” and the ”Fluidhand.”

The new “i-LIMB” prosthetic hand developed and distributed by Scottish company “Touch Bionics” has distinct advantages over similar competitive models. Complex electronics and five motors contained in the fingers enable every digit of the i-LIMB to be powered individually. A passive positioning of the thumb enables various grip configurations to be activated. The myoelectric signals from the stump control the prosthetic hand; muscle signals are picked up by electrodes on the skin and transferred to the control electronics in the prosthetic hand.

REDMOND, Washington, April 23 /PRNewswire/ --

Archus Orthopedics, Inc., announced today that it has successfully completed the first human implant of its TFAS-C(TM) system, the newest addition to the company's product line for treating spinal stenosis, a condition in which degenerative changes in the facet joints result in compression of spinal nerves producing neurological symptoms in the legs. Traditionally, patients with moderate to severe spinal stenosis undergo decompressive laminectomy surgery, which is often accompanied by spinal fusion. Archus products replace degenerative facet joints with a prosthetic joint implant intended to restore stability and normal motion to the spine, eliminating the need for fusion.

HELSINKI, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Wärtsilä has secured an order for an engine-driven combined heat and power (CHP) plant that will run on the liquid biofuel, which is extracted from the seeds of the jatropha plant. This CHP plant will be the first power plant in the world ever to produce both electricity and heat using crude jatropha oil as fuel. The contract is valued at approximately seven million euros.

The plant is to be located in an agricultural area in Merksplas, Belgium. The plant will be owned by Greenpower NV, a joint venture between Thenergo (50%), the Belgian developer of sustainable energy projects, four local agricultural companies (40%), and a private investor (10%). Commercial operation of the plant is scheduled to begin in February 2009.

MADRID, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- ONDAS Media, the satellite radio company for Europe, has today announced that it has entered into an extensive Framework Agreement with the State of the Netherlands as represented by the Radio Communications Agency Netherlands, completing another key component of its regulatory strategy. The agreement provides ONDAS Media with exclusive rights to construct, launch and locate up to two geostationary satellites in the region in order to operate its European networks for satellite radio (S-DAB). These satellites are ideally located in orbital position, and form a part of the longer term market strategy focused on handheld and aftermarket applications. It also adds yet another key operating agreement to the ONDAS Media portfolio.

Dutch researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht and the Hubrecht Institute have succeeded in growing large numbers of stem cells from adult human hearts into new heart muscle cells.

Prior to this, it was necessary to use embryonic stem cells. Their findings are published in the latest issue of the journal Stem Cell Research.

The stem cells are derived from material left over from open-heart operations. Researchers at UMC Utrecht used a simple method to isolate the stem cells from this material and reproduce them in the laboratory, which they then allowed to develop. The cells grew into fully developed heart muscle cells that contract rhythmically, respond to electrical activity, and react to adrenaline.

LONDON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ --

Ventyx(TM) today announced the Ventyx Water Utility Symposium, an industry forum designed to highlight the latest technology and best practices used to address some of the most complex and demanding issues facing today's water utility. The Symposium will provide a platform for an intriguing discussion of the current and future role of technology to support water utilities, as well as focus on how leading water companies are operating successfully through the innovative use of technology. The Symposium is scheduled for 15 May at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel & Conference Centre at the Heathrow Airport, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (GMT).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080318/CLTU015LOGO )

ABU DHABI, UAE, April 23 /PRNewswire/ --

- TAQA to Announce Q1'08 Results on 30 April, 2008 - Conference Call Details Below

The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC, a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM: TAQA), announced today that it will release its First Quarter 2008 Financial Results for the period to 31 March 2008 before the market opens on Wednesday, 30 April, 2008. In conjunction with the financial results release there is a scheduled conference call at 16:30 hrs (UAE time) on Wednesday, 30 April.

The conference call will be hosted by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter E. Barker Homek, and Chief Financial Officer, Doug Fraser.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23 /PRNewswire/ --

- Unique Adaptive Online Video Campaign Increases Ad Recall and Click- Through Rates

Web 2.0 Expo San Francisco -- Real Time Content (RTC) and Nationwide Building Society today announced results for Nationwide's targeted advertising program aimed at home insurance consumers. The pioneering campaign increased sales activity through quotes and applications by more than fifty percent versus traditional campaigns. The campaign delivered more than 5,000,000 online adaptive video adverts.

MILAN, April 23 /PRNewswire/ --

- 29 Million EU Citizens (6%) Have Liver Diseases, 5th Most Common Cause of Death

- Yearly, Liver Cancer Alone Takes 40,000 Lives; Alcohol Abuse Takes 13,000

- Number With Fatty Liver Disease Stable or Growing; Viral Hepatitis Declines