COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – A comparative study of grasslands on six continents suggests there may be a way to counteract the human-made overdose of fertilizer that threatens to permanently alter the biodiversity of the world's native prairies. The solution is one that nature devised: let grazing animals crop the excess growth of fast growing grasses that can out-compete native plants in an over-fertilized world. And grazing works in a way that is also natural and simple. The herbivores, or grazing and browsing animals, feed on tall grasses that block sunlight from reaching ...

ZENBU, a new, freely available bioinformatics tool developed at the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technology in Japan, enables researchers to quickly and easily integrate, visualize and compare large amounts of genomic information resulting from large-scale, next-generation sequencing experiments. Next-generation sequencing has revolutionized functional genomics, with protocols such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and CAGE being used widely around the world. The power of these techniques lies in the fact that they enable the genome-wide discovery of transcripts and transcription ...

Changes in the sun's energy output may have led to marked natural climate change in Europe over the last 1000 years, according to researchers at Cardiff University. Scientists studied seafloor sediments to determine how the temperature of the North Atlantic and its localised atmospheric circulation had altered. Warm surface waters flowing across the North Atlantic, an extension of the Gulf Stream, and warm westerly winds are responsible for the relatively mild climate of Europe, especially in winter. Slight changes in the transport of heat associated with these systems ...

The system that allows the sharing of genetic material between bacteria – and therefore the spread of antibiotic resistance – has been uncovered by a team of scientists at Birkbeck, University of London and UCL. The study, published today in Nature, reveals the mechanism of bacterial type IV secretion, which bacteria use to move substances across their cell wall. As type IV secretion can distribute genetic material between bacteria, notably antibiotic resistance genes, the mechanism is directly responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospital settings. ...

It does not get any thinner than this: The novel material graphene consists of only one atomic layer of carbon atoms and exhibits very special electronic properties. As it turns out, there are other materials too, which can open up intriguing new technological possibilities if they are arranged in just one or very few atomic layers. Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have now succeeded for the first time in creating a diode made of tungsten diselenide. Experiments show that this material may be used to create ultrathin flexible solar cells. Even flexible ...

Two wrongs may not make a right. But when it comes to grassland plant species diversity, it just might. Two impacts often controlled by humans — being fertilized and being eaten — can combine to the benefit of biodiversity, according to an innovative international study led by U of M researchers Elizabeth Borer and Eric Seabloom. The findings, published March 9 in the online edition of Nature in advance of print publication, are important in a world where humans are changing both herbivore distribution and the supply of nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus, and where ...

VIDEO: When the drug analog of rapamycin binds to and activates the Src kinase, the cell reacts in real time, revealing Src's role in metastasis. Click here for more information. March 10, 2014 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have devised a new biochemical technique that will allow them and other scientists to delve much deeper than ever before into the specific cellular circuitry that keeps us healthy or causes disease. The method – developed ...

DALLAS – March 9, 2014 – For the first time, researchers have shown that an essential biological process known as protein synthesis can be studied in adult stem cells – something scientists have long struggled to accomplish. The groundbreaking findings from the Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) also demonstrate that the precise amount of protein produced by blood-forming stem cells is crucial to their function. The discovery, published online today in Nature, measures protein production, a process known as translation, and shows that ...

Announcing the annual Crab Run & Seafood Festival with stops in 6 metro cities throughout the United States. The festival opens to the West Coast in late April. The Crab Run & Seafood Festival is the official season kickoff of Pacific Fisheries LLC and is an annual toast of the seafood season in America. It is a one-day sensational crab tasting, mainly crab with chef demos, educational events and family fun. Opening weekend takes place Saturday, April 26, 2014 and will be held, rain or shine, at the Engelmann Cellars 3275 N Rolinda Ave, Fresno, CA. Event runs12:00 ...

NKSJ Holdings, Inc has received the RobecoSAM Bronze Class distinction in RobecoSAMfs Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Having earned the RobecoSAM Bronze Class distinction in 2013, NKSJ Holdings has been recognised for the fourth consecutive year since the company was founded in April 2010, and for the seventh consecutive year including distinctions received by its subsidiary, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. (hereinafter gSompo Japanh). NKSJ Holdings will continue to play an active role in efforts to resolve social issues and contribute to the building of a sustainable ...

Writer/creator Darryl Hughes and artist Monique MacNaughton, the creative team of the 2007 Glyph Comic Award nominated ("Rising Star" category) alien invasion adventure "G.A.A.K: Groovy Ass Alien Kreatures" and the 2011 and 2012 Drunk Duck Award nominated (Best mystery/crime noir" category) mystery adventure "The Continentals", are very proud to tell you that we have a brand new offering. A fairy tale fantasy adventure book for kids ages 4 to 10 entitled "Chevalier The Queen's Mouseketeer: The Hither and Yon", which is best describe ...

We are pleased to announce Alberta Handmade Soap Co., in association with The Artisan Group , will participate in an invitation-only luxury celebrity gift lounge hosted by GBK Productions on April 11-12, 2014 at an exclusive location in Beverly Hills, California, in honour of The 2014 MTV Movie Awards Nominees and Presenters. All attending celebrities will receive our Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Handmade Soap in their swag bags. We provided 100 gifts for this event; the same soap will be available for the general public to purchase in mid-April 2014, on our website. ...

Akyumen, the award winning innovative company that's the producer of the patent pending Projector Phone technology, announce today a five-year partnership with the Recording Artists Guild (RAG). This agreement will allow the more than twelve thousand RAG artists the opportunity to have their songs and videos projected in front of millions of music fans who are posed to purchase the world's first and fully integrated mobile Projector Phone . Not only will RAG members have the promotional push of Akyumen (worth millions), they will also have their content pre-sold allowing ...

Travel To Go, a San Diego-based company celebrating 23 years in the vacation and travel industry, received the " Best Membership Program" award at the GNEX 2014 Meeting of the Minds conference held recently in Sarasota, FL. Travel To Go was selected from a field of industry leaders as a result of its rigorous adherence to its mission of "Making Dreams Come True." Because the company emphasizes personal/concierge type service with its members, each agent is empowered to helping clients get the very best accommodations and travel arrangements possible ...

Infiniti HR, a leading payroll and benefits company, has selected HiringThing as the exclusive provider of recruiting software to the company's payroll clients. HiringThing is an employee recruiting solution that integrates directly with HRPyramid and helps small and medium businesses effectively post jobs online, manage applicants and hire great employees. Its features include: Online job board syndication and premium paid job placements Ability to post jobs through social media sites Company careers page that integrates easily into existing company website A ...

benefitsCONNECT, a leading provider of web-based software applications for the health and benefits industry, today announces the real-time integration of Transamerica insurance products on the benefitsCONNECT platform. benefitsCONNECT provides an easy-to-use technology solution for benefits enrollment and administration with fully automated EDI data exchange connectivity among employer groups, insurance carriers, TPAs, payroll vendors, and brokers. With a few clicks, employees can now seamlessly enroll in a broad suite of Transamerica's insurance products -- including Universal ...

To kick off Women's History Month on March 1, Nene's Secret ethnic hair care sponsored the Birthing Project USA Baby Shower in Atlanta celebrating 24 low-income Atlanta moms, some pregnant and others with infants ages two weeks to three months, at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. The Birthing Project USA Baby Shower was held in collaboration with BeautifulOnes Georgia, Inc, a non-profit organization that provides community based doula support to women who want, but may not be able to afford, doula services, directed by Perez Ridley-Davis and the ...

Stabilicore, a Houston based foundation repair company, is now offering a brand new package for industrial buildings. This package is exclusive to large industrial buildings and Stabilicore will offer trained personnel and unique tools not offered for other foundation repair jobs. This new package is the most recent in a long line of new services and products offered by the company. Industrial properties go through serious wear and tear over time. The constant heavy machinery and large trucks on-site of an industrial site can have serious, damaging effects on the ...

Lady Lux Swimwear, a leading swimwear brand whose line specializes in luxury beachwear, is currently expanding its U.S. Distribution with IK Retail Group. IK Retail Group assistants their clients with entry into the U.S. retail Marketplace. In partnering with this company, Lady Lux Swimwear aims to have a better distribution of its products within the United States. IK Retail Group's main goals are to increase sales, control costs and ensure that each of their customers are represented well. IK Retail Group has a wide range of expertise in areas including consulting, ...

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) announced today that Phillip E. Russo, CAE, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, transitioning from his former position of Executive Director. "For several years, NAFA has had a very aggressive strategic plan that called for the creation of many new programs, as well as the expansion of existing programs, within the Association," explained NAFA President Claude Masters, CAFM. "In January, NAFA announced the addition and realignment of staffing resources to meet the Association's needs. Now, another piece ...

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP is pleased to announce that 18 attorneys from the Firm's offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston have been named to the 2014 Texas Rising Stars list. "It is wonderful that our 'stars' are receiving the external recognition that we have recognized internally for some time," says Gardere Chair Holland N. O'Neil. "This group of young attorneys brings a drive and work ethic that benefits our clients every day. This recognition of their accomplishments thus far in their careers bodes well for the future as they excel in their chosen ...

21st Hapilos Digital Distribution Inc. will mark their 4th anniversary as the most recognized distributors of dancehall, reggae and Caribbean music. The highlight of their celebration is set to be the annual 21st Hapilos Anniversary and Digital Awards which seeks to recognize, reward and honor various clients and artistes for their successes and achievements in the global digital marketplace. "The sky is the limit for 21st Hapilos Digital. We are in our 4th year as major distributors and we are very excited about celebrating all our successes with the public and our ...

Marie Buckner is pleased to announce the release of her book titled "Why Do You Talk Like That?". This book provides readers with a real-life story of what it is like to wake up and find yourself in the Intensive Care Unit having to recuperate from a number of life-threatening injuries, including a fractured mandible (jaw). This first part of a book series will take readers on a journey from in-patient care and jaw wiring surgery to living in everyday society. Written by a patient for a patient.  "It was a dark, wintery night when the car I was a passenger ...

"Cooler Than Me" artist, Mike Posner, announces a string of exclusive shows beginning later this month. The seven city "Unplugged" Tour will kick off in Philadelphia on March 31st at the World Cafe Live. Posner will be performing an acoustic set of his known hits, as well as new music off of his upcoming album, Pages. Not only will fans get a first listen, but Mike will tell never before heard personal stories behind the music, do a question and answer, and live music production. Tickets are available for purchase on Friday, March 7th 2014 for $20.00 ...

Oliver Fish, a modern twist on a classic tale, will be performed by the students of the DeArmon Creative Arts School & Theater (C.A.S.T.) program March 14 and 15 at the University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) Community Center Complex, located at 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa. "We are extremely grateful DeArmon C.A.S.T. selected our facility for its production of Oliver Fish," said Ronnie Oliver, UACDC's Director of Development. "The UACDC works to improve the economic, educational and social levels of University Area residents. ...