ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Scientists have discovered a previously unrecognized gene variation that makes humans have healthier blood lipid levels and reduced risk of heart attacks -- a finding that opens the door to using this knowledge in testing or treatment of high cholesterol and other lipid disorders. But even more significant is how they found the gene, which had been hiding in plain sight in previous hunts for genes that influence cardiovascular risk. This region of DNA where it was found had been implicated as being important in controlling blood lipid levels in ...

A study led by the University of Leeds has shown that global warming of only 2°C will be detrimental to crops in temperate and tropical regions, with reduced yields from the 2030s onwards. Professor Andy Challinor, from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds and lead author of the study, said: "Our research shows that crop yields will be negatively affected by climate change much earlier than expected." "Furthermore, the impact of climate change on crops will vary both from year-to-year and from place-to-place – with the variability becoming ...

Consider the nearest water surface: a half-full glass on your desk, a puddle outside your window, or a lake across town. All of these surfaces represent liquid-vapor interfaces, where liquid meets air. Molecules of water vapor constantly collide with these liquid surfaces: Some make it through the surface and condense, while others simply bounce off. The probability that a vapor molecule will bounce, or reflect, off a liquid surface is a fundamental property of water, much like its boiling point. And yet, in the last century, there has been little agreement on the likelihood ...

Stanford, CA— Evolution is based on diversity, and sexual reproduction is key to creating a diverse population that secures competitiveness in nature. Plants had to solve a problem: they needed to find ways to spread their genetic material. Flying pollinators—insects, birds, and bats—were nature's solution. Charles Darwin's "abominable mystery" highlighted the coincidence of flowering plant and insect diversification about 120 million years ago and ascribed it to the coordinated specialization of flowers and insects in the context of insects serving as pollen carriers. ...

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Plants have many valuable functions: They provide food and fuel, release the oxygen that we breathe, and add beauty to our surroundings. Now, a team of MIT researchers wants to make plants even more useful by augmenting them with nanomaterials that could enhance their energy production and give them completely new functions, such as monitoring environmental pollutants. In a new Nature Materials paper, the researchers report boosting plants' ability to capture light energy by 30 percent by embedding carbon nanotubes in the chloroplast, the plant organelle ...

DALLAS, March 16, 2014 — Honey, that delectable condiment for breads and fruits, could be one sweet solution to the serious, ever-growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, researchers said here today. Medical professionals sometimes use honey successfully as a topical dressing, but it could play a larger role in fighting infections, the researchers predicted. Their study was part of the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society. The meeting, attended by thousands of scientists, features more ...

DALLAS, March 16, 2014 — Scientists reported today they have created at least five new experimental substances — based on a tiny protein found in cone snail venom — that could someday lead to the development of safe and effective oral medications for treatment of chronic nerve pain. They say the substances could potentially be stronger than morphine, with fewer side effects and lower risk of abuse. "This is an important incremental step that could serve as the blueprint for the development of a whole new class of drugs capable of relieving one of the most severe forms ...

Latrecia (Nikki) Antwine is excited to make her acting debut in the play "Just As I Am", written, directed and produced by Curtis Von of Acting Bad Productions. It explores the lives of a group of professional women with very different personalities who all belong to an organization celebrating the curvy diva. Through the exploration of the actresses' characters, the audience will discover how when women unite through a common denominator they can build confidence, self-awareness, and in turn, pay it forward. Throughout the play, the women will end up discovering ...

Thirteen vocalists have been selected to perform with the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Chorus. The new vocalists are Colette Barca, soprano; Alexandra Bianculli, soprano; Joan Fazio Cohen, alto/soprano; Paul Kaufman, bass; Marissa Lynn Keegan, alto; Ruth Kenote, alto; Jasmine Manley, alto; Mary Mastranagelo, alto; Elio Messano, tenor; Bonnie A. Morrow, soprano; Mary Ann Trulby, alto; Lucia Wehr, soprano; and Beverly Withers, soprano. They will perform with the Verismo Opera Chorus during the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's milestone 25th anniversary ...

Today, FramesDirect.com, the premium online eyewear retailer, announced the addition of the Vera Bradley line of eyeglasses and sunglasses to its collection. Vera Bradley, the women's design company known for quilted, colorful bags, is now making eyeglass frames, and FramesDirect.com carries their full line. Vera Bradley's stylish line of eyewear will complement any outfit or occasion, in a range of patterns that follows the Vera Bradley philosophy of colorful, playful, and classic. With many options available, customers can find a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses that ...

AutoStar Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise level software to the independent auto industry, has announced its acquisition of a 50% interest in SecureClose, LLC, a designer of innovative compliance technology. Together, the two companies are finalizing plans to provide a new tool that automates the contract closing process for new and used car dealers. This new technology comes at a time of increased regulation in the independent auto industry, which typically provides vehicle financing to customers without access to traditional options. "In this ...

Developers officially broke ground on the complete redevelopment of the Marketfair Mall at 1916 Skibo Rd. on Friday, March 14. The groundbreaking event brought community members and local dignitaries to the site to learn new details about the project and celebrate the transformation of the space into a modern, open-air shopping center and movie theater destination for Fayetteville residents. At the event, Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson and Cumberland County Commissioner Jeannette Council spoke about the growing area and benefits of the redevelopment for the town, ...

The Neuropsychiatry Program at Sheppard Pratt is pleased to welcome Dr. Crystal Watkins as the new Director of the Memory Clinic, a program designed to treat older adults with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses, including those patients who have started experiencing mild memory problems. A Maryland native and board certified psychiatrist, Dr. Watkins completed her psychiatric training as well as Geriatric fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Watkins most recently served as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Molecular Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry ...

The state of the art glass building overlooks the intracoastal with breathtaking views of Palm Beach. FFAW show dates are November Friday the 28th through Sunday the 30th. . Additional dates in development are expected to extend show events 8 days or more. The runway will feature the future trends for 2015 in prê-á-porter, resort wear, swimwear, couture, denim, urban wear, accessories, handbags, and vintage. Additional styles are being considered. Designers to be featured span from national and local young designers to the internationally known as well as couturier prive. Registration ...

Daniel Michael Salon, a cutting edge hair salon, announced that they have moved to a new location in San Juan Capistrano, CA, serving the Orange County area with unparalleled hair cutting and coloring services. The salon's new address is 31431 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 103, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, which is only one block south from their previous location. It is located in the Ortega Ranch Business Center. The new salon is contemporary with a lot of natural light. Daniel Michael Salon is a highly quality hair salon specializing in haircuts, styling, hair coloring, ...

Project For Kids, Benefiting Banner Children's, raised over $60,000 on February 15th at Chandler Fashion Center. Project for Kids presented by A1 Garage Service was a five hour, eight station radiothon and fundraising event developed by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. Proceeds from Project for Kids support a wide range of pediatric programs and services including Banner Children's three Level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency medicine, oncology services, cardiac care, rehabilitation and ensuring pediatric patients and their families receive the ...

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP announces the addition of Neal Maguire as a new partner to the firm. Maguire, who will chair the newly formed Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group, has extensive experience litigating environmental and land use-related matters. "Environmental and natural resources issues are vital to our region and state, and having Neal on board will expand the firm's capacity to serve individuals and organizations in this critical area," said Michael Velthoen, managing partner. "His specialized background and track record ...

Tiphany Adams is a girl who believes you should "Never, Ever Give Up!" And her life is a testament to that belief. Her story is featured in the debut online magazine published by United Disabilities Services, titled "Access to Independence." The free, online magazine is focused on information, resources and articles of interest to those with disabilities, veterans and those aging in place. The online magazine is easy to read and presented in a highly visual, interactive digital format. In her feature story, Tiphany shares her story of being in ...

After two years of development, SecurEmergency's opening of a new entity in Europe there is a campaign now on the world's funding platform Indiegogo. Help Securing First Responders! Usually, at a fire we first turn off the structure's electrical system so that the fire crews can safely use water for fighting the fire. However, with a photovoltaic system on the roof there is no "off" switch. The panels and the conduit wires to the inverter are always on. What is missing is protection for the firefighters from high voltages - up to 1000 V and many thousands of ...

Delkequipment.com has been well Known among forestry equipment operators for their unbeatable pricing and selection since its inception in 2008. Since then they have established themselves as leaders in the industry with their outstanding service and prompt delivery. Attempting to build onto an already wildly successful website they will be opening a new blog. The purpose of this, says David Linder, Head of Sales at Delk Equipment, is "to find out what our customers are interested in and bring more of that to them." He thinks blog should help as it will encourage ...

Business. Education. Entertainment. Healthcare. Government. Big topics all, but each will be up for discussion during the "Elevate 2014" Armenian Leadership Development Conference, on tap for Woodbury University's Fletcher Jones Auditorium, on Saturday, March 29. Who: Guest speakers include: o Arby Nahapetyan, M.D, Chief of Staff, Glendale Adventist Hospital - on "The Medical Profession" o Scott Ochoa, Glendale City Manager - on "Public Sector & Government" o Katherine Sarafian, Producer, Pixar - on "The Entertainment Profession" o Mikayel ...

During INDEX14, INDEVCO Group member company, Phoenix Machinery, will meet attendees to discuss customizable hygiene converting machinery and parts at Booth # 4035. The Lebanese machine manufacturer will showcase new hygiene converting technologies and CNC parts at the leading nonwovens exhibition to take place from 8 - 11 April 2014 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. Hygiene converters commonly face the challenge of finding machinery and parts manufacturers that offer high technical expertise, customization, customer-centered solutions, strong after-sale service, consultancy, ...

Consumers now have a fresh option for protecting their smiles and wallets - Doc Wellbee (www.docwellbee.com) - a new kind of dental plan offering discounted rates from hundreds of dentists, while rewarding smarter well care. After every six month cleaning, members receive an annual subscription to their choice of popular consumer magazine. Additional reward options, like health and beauty products will be added soon. "Smarter preventative care is the best cure for dental bills," says Doc Whitney Troope, DMD, Doc Wellbee founding partner and its namesake inspiration. ...

Lehigh University has partnered with Places4Students.com, the company specializing in providing academic institutions with off-campus housing solutions. Places4Students.com has replaced the university's previous housing service and provides a website with many new features and improved offerings for both students and landlords. Places4Students.com will simplify the process for Lehigh students to search for off-campus housing accommodations near the university. All student services are FREE, including rental property searches, student sublet postings and roommate profile ...

As it continues its multi-faceted internet marketing campaign, CJ Salzano Custom Concrete, a family-owned decorative concrete contractor in northern Virginia is pleased to announce the creation of new accounts on several websites across the internet. Headquartered in Centreville, a small community located roughly 40 minutes west of Washington, D.C, Salzano Custom Concrete performs traditional concrete work along with decorative concrete services for customers in the District of Columbia, some areas of Maryland and customers across northern Virginia, particularly in Fairfax ...