July 16, 2012 – Your genes determine much about you, but environment can have a strong influence on your genes even before birth, with consequences that can last a lifetime. In a study published online in Genome Research (www.genome.org), researchers have for the first time shown that the environment experienced in the womb defines the newborn epigenetic profile, the chemical modifications to DNA we are born with, that could have implications for disease risk later in life. Epigenetic tagging of genes by a chemical modification called DNA methylation is known to affect ...

Each hour of TV watched by a two- to four-year- old contributes to his or her waist circumference by the end of grade 4 and his or her ability to perform in sports, according to a world-first study undertaken by researchers at the University of Montreal and its affiliated Saint-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital. The findings were published today by lead author Dr. Caroline Fitzpatrick and senior author Dr. Linda Pagani in BioMed Central's open access journal the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. "We already knew that there ...

Cancers are notorious for secreting chemicals that confuse the immune system and thwarting biological defenses. To counter that effect, some cancer treatments try to neutralize the cancer's chemical arsenal and boost a patient's immune response--though attempts to do both at the same time are rarely successful. Now, researchers have developed a novel system to simultaneously deliver a sustained dose of both an immune-system booster and a chemical to counter the cancer's secretions, resulting in a powerful therapy that, in mice, delayed tumor growth, sent tumors into ...

Researchers have linked newly discovered gene mutations to some cases of the progressive fatal neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Shedding light on how ALS destroys the cells and leads to paralysis, the researchers found that mutations in this gene affect the structure and growth of nerve cells. ALS attacks motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles. People with ALS experience such early symptoms as limb weakness or swallowing difficulties. In most people, the disease leads to death three ...

WORCESTER, Mass. — A new genetic mutation that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, has been identified by a team of scientists led by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). Mutations to the profilin (PFN1) gene, which is essential to the growth and development of nerve cell axons, is estimated to account for one to two percent of inherited ALS cases. The finding, described today in the online edition of Nature, points to defects in a neuron's cytoskeleton structure ...

New research by Columbia Engineering demonstrates remarkable optical nonlinear behavior of graphene that may lead to broad applications in optical interconnects and low-power photonic integrated circuits. With the placement of a sheet of graphene just one-carbon-atom-thick, the researchers transformed the originally passive device into an active one that generated microwave photonic signals and performed parametric wavelength conversion at telecommunication wavelengths. "We have been able to demonstrate and explain the strong nonlinear response from graphene, which is ...

As a youngster, remember your mother warning you that watching too much television would give you square eyes? That might not be true, but a new study, published today in BioMed Central's open access journal International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, has found that the more hours young children spend watching TV, the worse their muscular fitness and the larger their waist size as they approach their teens, with possible consequences for adult health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two should not exceed ...

SAN DIEGO – (July 15, 2012) – Despite ongoing public health efforts, E. coli outbreaks continue to infiltrate the food supply, annually causing significant sickness and death throughout the world. But the research community is gaining ground. In a major finding, published today in the scientific journal Nature, researchers from the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have discovered a molecule's previously unknown role in fighting off E. coli and other bacterial infections, a discovery that could lead to new ways to protect people from these dangerous microorganisms. "We've ...

A new study has determined how often people should get screened for gastric or stomach cancer in high-risk regions of the world. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings could help reduce deaths from gastric cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Although the incidence of gastric cancer has decreased substantially in the western part of the world, the disease is still common in areas such as Eastern Asia, including Korea, Japan, and China. Gastric cancer patients' prognosis ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have found a novel way to monitor real-time chemical changes in the brains of patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). The groundbreaking insight will help physicians more effectively use DBS to treat brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression and Tourette syndrome. The findings are published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Journalists: For multimedia resources including video of a tremor patient undergoing DBS, visit the Mayo Clinic News Network. Researchers hope to use the discovery to create ...

A new study details how a suite of web-based tools provides the research community with greatly improved capacity to compare data derived from large collections of genomic information against thousands of drugs. By comparing drugs and genetic targets, researchers can more easily identify pharmaceuticals that could be effective against different forms of cancer. The newly updated software, called CellMiner, was built for use with the NCI-60, one of the most widely utilized collections of cancer cell samples employed in the testing of potential anti-cancer drugs. The ...

The Telly Awards has named Hitsquad Production, Inc. as a Bronze Winner in the 33rd Annual Telly Awards for their piece entitled âEURœAutismâEUR. With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor. The video was created for use at the Chicago Fire professional soccer game for Autism Awareness Day at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois, home to the Chicago Fire MLS Professional Soccer Team. The video displays several words associated with the maturation process from childhood to adulthood, and then a baby starts to cry. The voiceover ...

According the report from the Federal Reserve, the Great Recession erased two decades of American wealth in three years, with a typical family's net worth falling nearly 40 percent. During the tough economic times, sticking to the budget is important for most Americans. Personal finance software provider, Halfpricesoft.com (http://www.halfpricesoft.com), released the new version of ezCheckPersonal check writer software. This check printing software will help users cut cost on checks and track the personal finance. And the best of all, New Jersey buyers can get this check ...

Canine bloat is the common name for GDV ( or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or twisted stomach) which is most common in deep-chested or large to giant breed dogs between two and ten years of age. Pure breed dogs are at higher risk for bloat. The breeds most commonly affected include the Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Saint Bernard, Akita, German Sheperd, Old English sheepdog, Weimaraner, the Basset hound. "I was very concerned about my Black Labrador's eating habits. He used to eat so fast that his meal would be gone in two minutes: He would choke on his food ...

InfoComm 2012 proved an overwhelmingly successful stage for Matrox Graphics Inc. to showcase its latest and greatest products. Both established and brand-new AV solutions shared the spotlight as well as a common thread of high-performance functionality. Matrox Maevex Series was an undeniable highlight at the show, which was attended by over 34,000 people. Maevex Series debuted to much fanfare as visitors to the Matrox Graphics booth were left in awe of the new twist on video distribution over IP technology. It promises to be a much-sought-after cost-effective solution ...

Socius, a highly acclaimed Microsoft Dynamics Master VAR, announced the acceptance of six additional partners into their exclusive Affiliate Network. Microsoft Dynamics named Socius one of three Master VARs in the US when it launched the program in October 2011. As a Master VAR, Socius has developed an extensive list of benefits that it is providing to its Affiliates that will help these organizations adopt best-practices and implement proven strategies to grow their individual businesses while continuing to serve the clients with whom they have built relationships. ...

Red Level Networks, a premier IT-solutions provider, is hosting an educational Microsoft Office 365 event on July 31 at the Microsoft Offices in Southfield, MI. This complimentary event will provide a demonstration of Office 365's core components while featuring industry experts to answer questions. This Microsoft Office 365 event will feature a presentation from Mark King, Partner Technology Advisor at Microsoft as well as words from David King, founder and president of Red Level Networks. Red Level Networks is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has obtained several ...

The Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, is pleased to announce that Ryan Leahy will serve as Co-Chair of the 2012 Sporting Clays Shoot at Texas Disposal Systems' Exotic Game Ranch. Leahy, a Partner in Cornerstone Mortgage's Leahy and Associates, will have a critical role in helping the oldest Sporting Clays Shoot in the Austin area raise the money necessary to support Scouting programs in 15 Central Texas counties. Last year, the event raised more than $115,000 that helped fund youth camping and training events benefitting more than 24,000 Scouts and their ...

The celebration of the Curacao Flag Day holiday, held on July 2, started a string of ceremonies and cultural events scheduled through the summer at the remote Caribbean island. Stay at Curacao villas for rent while enjoying Other upcoming events not to miss include: 1- July 20- American singer and songwriter Prince Royce is in concert at Klein Werf, Punda 2- July 27- Avila Culinair will be held at the Avila Hotel with delicious foods from a master chef. 3- Aug. 3-4- Jorgen Raymann performs two big shows on Curacao. 4- Aug.31-Sept. 1- North Sea Jazz Festival, with ...

Jackson Design & Remodeling (JDR), winner of the 2011 BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics, has made the San Diego Business Journal's List of 100 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies for a fourth time. JDR saw 40 percent growth since 2009 and is the only remodeling company to make the Top 100. "We are thrilled to be back on the Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies List," said JDR President and CEO Todd Jackson. "The economic challenges faced by our industry forced us to closely examine our strategies and to create a new game plan for succeeding ...

Blue Steel Acquisitions, a growing sales and marketing company in Ireland, discovered that regularly seeking advice and direction from both business mentors and a personal development coach has helped the Managing Director to make the right business decisions to ensure that the company continues to thrive and grow amid tough economic times. Figures from the Governments Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative suggest that 70% of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate compared with non-mentored entrepreneurs. ...

The EnGarde Leopard is the finest NIJ Level IIIA bullet proof vest on the market today. The superior construction and fit make the EnGarde Leopard the perfect tactical vest for law enforcement, the media and private security personnel working in high threat areas. The Leopard features pockets in the front and back that accept hard armor inserts providing another layer of superior protection from extreme threats such as machine gun fire, grenade fragments and military grade assault rifles. From now until the end of August, if you purchase the EnGarde Leopard in Navy ...

Ernst & Young conducted a European Outsourcing Survey which reveals over 70% of businesses throughout Europe outsource some form of business operation. PerDM agree that although many businesses have been outsourcing portions of their work for years, the recession certainly increased the demand for outsourcing as many businesses tried to reduce costs where possible. Cost reduction continues to be the key driver for outsourcing, but PerDM recognise financial flexibility as a factor that is becoming more important. The PerDM group of companies are a leading outsourced ...

According to a recent article from Forbes, the American economic upset has many motorists opting to keep their older cars. In fact, it states, "the average age of vehicles currently on the road reaching an all-time high of 10.8 years according to the market research firm R.L. Polk." While these statistics may be particularly troubling for car dealers, auto mechanics may benefit from the increasing need for repairs. Serving motorists in the south shore area of Massachusetts, JB Auto Care understands the need for routine maintenance, and while many drivers are reluctant ...

In recent months, there has been a great deal of political discussion and debate about the relationship between the government and businesses--specifically, about the role the government should or should not play in the cultivation of new companies. A recent Washington, D.C. event framed this debate in an entirely new context, however. The event in question gave city officials a chance to show off their entrepreneurial skills and business abilities, all while presenting solutions to common problems faced by the federal and local governments. The event, called Startup Weekend, ...