Featured Articles

Zebrafish, Skin Pigmentation And The Evolution Of Race

Zebrafish, Skin Pigmentation And The Evolution Of Race

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

A series of papers in the journal Zebrafish provides a comprehensive look at future directions of research on pigment biology, stating that model organisms such as zebrafish can advance the scientific understanding of the genetic basis of human skin color and race.

Guest Editors Keith C. Cheng, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, and David M. Parichy, PhD, Department of Biology, University of Washington, have compiled a  collection of scientific papers and historical perspectives on the study of pigmentation in zebrafish, a vertebrate that shares genetic mechanisms of skin color with humans.
Why Do Women Suffer More From Rheumatoid Arthritis Than Men?

Why Do Women Suffer More From Rheumatoid Arthritis Than Men?

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

Women appear to suffer more from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than men, according to research published in Arthritis Research and Therapy.
Genetic Variation Involving Serotonin Linked To Social Anxiety

Genetic Variation Involving Serotonin Linked To Social Anxiety

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

A genetic variation involving the brain chemical serotonin has been found to shape the social behavior of rhesus macaque monkeys, which could provide researchers with a new model for studying autism, social anxiety and schizophrenia. Humans and macaques are the only members of the primate family to have this particular genetic trait. 

"We have found very similar gene-based disruptions in social rewards shared by monkeys and by humans," said Michael Platt, Ph.D., associate professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center and author of the study in PLoS One.
6th Annual 'Living Legends Of Aviation'(R) Awards Ceremony To Honor Harrison Ford, Sir Richard Branson And Other Aviation Legends

6th Annual 'Living Legends Of Aviation'(R) Awards Ceremony To Honor Harrison Ford, Sir Richard Branson And Other Aviation Legends

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

BEVERLY HILLS, California, January 14 /PRNewswire/ --

The 6th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards are taking flight on January 22nd at the Beverly Hilton. Harrison Ford will receive with the Legends Aviation Legacy Award for his countless hours of service introducing thousands of young people to flight. In the words of Harrison Ford on his passion for aviation: Those who are bound to the Earth by gravity - and are without an airplane - don't really see the world the way a pilot does. There's so much beauty in flight.

People Who Drink 7 Cups Of Coffee Per Day Have 3X Greater Chance Of Hallucinations - Study

People Who Drink 7 Cups Of Coffee Per Day Have 3X Greater Chance Of Hallucinations - Study

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

The last thing scientists want to know is that either caffeine or beer could have negative effects on brain power because, let's face it, without those two things nothing would ever get done.

So we note with some concern a new research study that suggests high caffeine consumption could be linked to a greater tendency to hallucinate.   How much is too much?   7 cups of coffee per day, they say.  Not even a full pot!  So that leaves just beer.
Better Golf Ball Design Helps You Play Better Golf

Better Golf Ball Design Helps You Play Better Golf

Jan 14 2009 | comment(s)

When it comes to improving your golf game, you can spend thousands of dollars buying the latest titanium-induced, PGA player-promoted golf clubs; taking private lessons from the local "I used to be on the Tour" pro; or trying every slice-correcting, swing-speed-estimating, GPS-distance-guessing gadget. But, in the end, it’s about getting that little white sphere to go where you intended it to go.

Don't worry, there are many very smart people trying to help you by designing the ultimate golf ball. Of course, they are also after a slice of this billion dollar industry, as any technological advancement that can grab a few more market share points is worth the investment.
Does Hypnosis Work To Relieve Pain?

Does Hypnosis Work To Relieve Pain?

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

The word "hypnosis" conjures a very specific image to most people - usually a man dangling a watch on a chain in front of your eyes and making you count backwards until you fall into some sort of deep trance, where the hypnotist can make you squawk like a chicken or convince you there are bugs in your pants.

Judging by the stupid things subjects often do during a hypnotist's show, people often conclude that hypnosis gives the hypnotist total control over his subjects like a puppeteer pulling strings on a marionette. As a result, people don't often think of hypnosis as a viable medical treatment and end up relegating it to the world of crackpot medicine. Lately, however, hypnotic treatments are being used more and more frequently, often for pain relief purposes.
Applying for government grants is fun!

Applying for government grants is fun!

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

Along with a 223-page instruction manual, the NIH offers gems like this to help clear up the confusion:

# What part of the application/award number is the IC and serial number?
NIH's grant application/award numbers consist of the following parts:

* A single-digit Application Type
* A three-digit Activity Code
* A two-letter IC Code
* A six-digit Serial Number
* A two-digit Grant Year (preceded by a dash to separate it from the serial number)
* Additional suffix information that may include the letter "S" and related number for a particular supplement record, the letter "A" and related number to identify an amendment and/or the letter "X" and related number to identify a fellowship's institutional allowance record.
Grass Fed Cattle Can Taste As Good As Grain Fed, Say British Researchers

Grass Fed Cattle Can Taste As Good As Grain Fed, Say British Researchers

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

Cattle and sheep grazed on natural grasslands help maintain biodiversity and produce tastier, healthier meat, according to a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The research, part of the Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU) program,   concluded that pasture-based farming is good for the environment, the consumer and the producer but needs stronger support from British policy makers.

Detailed analysis of the nutritional qualities of the plant species present on the natural grasslands showed that they provided grazing animals with a richer more diverse diet than the improved pastures used for more intensive farming. And this richer diet translated into tastier meat. 
Rational comedy for an irrational planet

Rational comedy for an irrational planet

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

Bay Area comedian Brian Malow has entertained both science-literate and lay audiences for more than a decade with science-centric stand-up humor in his show, "Rational comedy for an irrational planet," according to a San Francisco Chronicle article.
SAND Technology Integrates SAND/DNA With EMC(R) Centera(TM) Content-Addressed Storage (CAS)

SAND Technology Integrates SAND/DNA With EMC(R) Centera(TM) Content-Addressed Storage (CAS)

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

MONTREAL, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Integration Between SAND/DNA Access and EMC Centera Allows Customers to Store More Information at Their Fingertips, Lower TCO, Improve Operational Efficiencies and Meet Compliance Regulations

Jim Rogers Appoints CQG As Official Global Calculation Agent For The Rogers International Commodity Index(R)

Jim Rogers Appoints CQG As Official Global Calculation Agent For The Rogers International Commodity Index(R)

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

DENVER, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

Jim Rogers and Beeland Interests, Inc. today announced the appointment of CQG, the leading analytics and order routing platform for global electronically traded futures markets, as the Official Global Calculation Agent for the Rogers International Commodity Index(R) (RICI(R)), as of 6:00 p.m., New York time, on Wednesday, January 14, effective for the first settlement on Thursday, January 15. CQG will calculate and distribute RICI(R) index values to end users directly over CQG terminals and via other quote vendors. CQG will also become a member of the Committee which is responsible for the Index.

The RICI(R) is a widely recognized measure of trends in global commodity prices.

TraderTools Closes Financing Round Of US$7.5 Million

TraderTools Closes Financing Round Of US$7.5 Million

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

NEW YORK, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

TraderTools Inc. (TraderTools), a provider of business solutions, software and services to financial institutions trading FX, announced today that it closed a US$7.5 million round of financing on December 30, 2008. Edison Venture Fund, based in Lawrenceville, NJ, invested US$7 million, while company management invested US$500,000. The proceeds will be used to expand sales, marketing and development of TraderTools' Liquidity Management Platform(TM).

Shunra Software Joins Microsoft Visual Studio Industry Partners Program To Help Bring Software Performance Testing To Developers

Shunra Software Joins Microsoft Visual Studio Industry Partners Program To Help Bring Software Performance Testing To Developers

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

PHILADELPHIA, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Virtual Enterprise Desktop helps provide real world network testing for application and software developers who create and support network-aware applications

Ringdale Hires Industry Veteran To Accelerate Global Partners And Alliances Programs

Ringdale Hires Industry Veteran To Accelerate Global Partners And Alliances Programs

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

AUSTIN, Texas, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Vice President of Business Development, Jack Steeg, Brings 35 Years' Experience to Role

Ringdale Inc., the global leader in secure document output management solutions, has hired alliance veteran Jack Steeg as Vice President of Business Development, effective Dec 15, 2008. Steeg was hired to further enhance Ringdale's existing partner network and to help identify and recruit new strategic partners.

First Come, First Served Process Sees Baidu.eu Win Baidu.tel

First Come, First Served Process Sees Baidu.eu Win Baidu.tel

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

LONDON, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Organizations Sharing International Brands Names Need to Act Now

Telnic Limited (http://www.telnic.org), the registry operator for the new .tel top level domain (TLD), today confirmed that Baidu Europe (http://www.baidu.eu), the Groningen-based automation and web design solutions organization, had secured the rights to the baidu.tel domain name, having been the first to apply for the domain name in the trademark protected Sunrise period. Telnic also urged organizations to seriously consider applying for them during the Sunrise period which closes on February 2nd 2009.

Dr. Derek Winstanly Of Quintiles To Serve As 2009 ACRO Chair; Mr. William Sharbaugh Of PPD To Be Chair-Elect

Dr. Derek Winstanly Of Quintiles To Serve As 2009 ACRO Chair; Mr. William Sharbaugh Of PPD To Be Chair-Elect

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

WASHINGTON, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- ICON Joins as Associate Member

The Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), which represents the clinical outsourcing industry to regulators, biopharmaceutical clients, policy makers and the public in the U.S. and worldwide, today announced that it has elected Dr. Derek Winstanly as Chair for 2009 and Mr. William Sharbaugh as Chair-Elect.

VBVoice(R) 5.6 IVR ToolKit Recognized For Outstanding Innovation And Design Excellence!

VBVoice(R) 5.6 IVR ToolKit Recognized For Outstanding Innovation And Design Excellence!

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

OTTAWA, Canada, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Pronexus Announces Some of the Strongest Demand for Their VBVoice(R) IVR ToolKit

Pronexus announced today that INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine has named VBVoice 5.6 IVR ToolKit as a distinguished recipient of its 2008 Product of the Year Award.

Lime Rock Partners Names New Managing Directors And Directors

Lime Rock Partners Names New Managing Directors And Directors

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

WESTPORT, Connecticut, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Will Franklin, J McLane, and Simon Munro Named Managing Directors

Lime Rock, a private equity firm focused on the global energy sector, today announces the naming of three new managing directors and several additional promotions. Longstanding team members Will Franklin, J McLane, and Simon Munro have all been named Managing Directors of the Lime Rock Partners team. Mr. Franklin and Mr. McLane are based in Lime Rock's Houston, Texas office, and Mr. Munro is based in the firm's Aberdeen, Scotland location. Mr. McLane joined the Lime Rock Partners team in 1998, at the firm's inception. Mr. Munro joined the team in 2002, and Mr. Franklin a year later.

InNexus Biotechnology Completes Preclinical Study Confirming In Vivo Effectiveness And Safety Of Lead Candidate DXL625, Schedules Meeting With FDA

InNexus Biotechnology Completes Preclinical Study Confirming In Vivo Effectiveness And Safety Of Lead Candidate DXL625, Schedules Meeting With FDA

Jan 13 2009 | comment(s)

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada, January 13 /PRNewswire/ --

InNexus Biotechnology Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: IXSBF; TSX VENTURE: IXS; http://www.ixsbio.com), a drug development company commercializing the next generation of monoclonal antibodies based on its Dynamic Cross Linking (DXL(TM)) technology, announces the completion of a large scale primate study confirming effectiveness and safety of its lead candidate DXL625 (CD20). The Company also announced that it has scheduled a meeting with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the first half of 2009 to discuss the design of a clinical study.