A new study co-authored by the Georgia Institute of Technology indicates that clay minerals, rocks that usually form when water is present for long periods of time, cover a larger portion of Mars than previously thought. In fact, Assistant Professor James Wray and the research team say clays were in some of the rocks studied by Opportunity when it landed at Eagle crater in 2004. The rover only detected acidic sulfates and has since driven about 22 miles to Endeavour Crater, an area of the planet Wray pinpointed for clays in 2009. The study is published online in the ...

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Patients who quit smoking and took an aspirin and statin before undergoing treatment for blocked leg arteries were less likely to suffer a complication six months later, according to new research led by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. But few patients made the lifestyle changes and were on recommended medical therapy that can relieve leg pain and cramping associated with peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. The registry findings were published online ahead of print in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions and reveal a dramatic ...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Dec. 20, 2012 – People with Type 2 diabetes have two to four times the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people without the disease. The best way for doctors to predict which diabetes patients are at the greatest risk for heart disease is to use a coronary artery calcium (CAC) test in addition to the most commonly used assessment tool, according to researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Current medical guidelines recommend treating all diabetes patients as high risk, but the Wake Forest Baptist study found that CAC can identify ...

JUPITER, FL, December 20, 2012 – Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a new approach to alter the function of RNA in living cells by designing molecules that recognize and disable RNA targets. As a proof of principle, in the new study the team designed a molecule that disabled the RNA causing myotonic dystrophy. The study, published online ahead of print on December 20, 2012 by the journal Angewandte Chemie, reports the creation of small molecules that recognize disease-associated RNAs, targeting them for destruction. ...

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) lauded U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazars announcement of a final management plan for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) that balances wildlife conservation and energy development in the biggest public landscape in the country. The Integrated Activity Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final IAP/EIS) issued today by the Bureau of Land Management is the first comprehensive land management plan ever developed for the NPR-A. By protecting extensive coastal plain habitat around Teshekpuk Lake, and the ...

WASHINGTON— The black piranha and the extinct giant piranha, or megapiranha, have the most powerful bites of carnivorous fishes, living or extinct, once body size is taken into account, finds researchers in a paper recently published in Scientific Reports. The research paper, Mega-Bites: Extreme jaw forces of living and extinct piranhas, highlights the piranhas' specialized jaw morphology, which allows them to attack and bite chunks out of much larger prey. Guillermo Ortí, the George Washington University Louis Weintraub Professor of Biology in the Columbian College of ...

Putnam Valley, NY. (Dec. 20, 2012) – Using mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose (fat) tissues, genetically modified to express a bioluminescent marker, researchers in Italy have tracked cells after transplantation. The cells were followed from their injection into the spleen of mice modeling liver disease, to their characterization as "hepatic precursors," and to their subsequent migration through the spleen before engrafting at regenerating sites in the liver by bioluminescent imaging. Their study is described in a recent issue of Cell Transplantation (21:9), ...

Putnam Valley, NY. (Dec. 20, 2012) – When different types of cells are transplanted with the intent of having them aid in repairing central nervous system (CNS) trauma, what is the fate and function of those cells? A Belgian research team carried out research aimed at answering this question by determining how five varieties of cells - neural stem cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, dendritic cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and splenocytes - functioned and survived after transplantation in the CNS. Their study is published in a recent issue of Cell Transplantation ...

Putnam Valley, NY. (Dec. 20, 2012) – A team of researchers from three medical institutions in Guangzhou, China, have found that iron oxide nanoparticles (INOPS) are a useful contrast agent for in vivo magnetic resonance tracking of transplanted human endothelial cells. However, the impact of INOPS on the cells varies with a number of factors including the INOPS load. They found that the percentage of iron-labeled cells was significantly lower after 48 hours post-transplantation than at 24 hours post-transplantation. They also found that high INOPS concentration can affect ...

Scientists studying how songbirds stay on key have developed a statistical explanation for why some things are harder for the brain to learn than others. "We've built the first mathematical model that uses a bird's previous sensorimotor experience to predict its ability to learn," says Emory biologist Samuel Sober. "We hope it will help us understand the math of learning in other species, including humans." Sober conducted the research with physiologist Michael Brainard of the University of California, San Francisco. Their results, showing that adult birds correct ...

Branch retinal vein occlusion – blockage of the blood vessels that channel blood from the retina – is a common eye disease. A type of blood clot in the eye, the disease causes reduced vision, and people with the disease also typically have an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and other serious conditions. A young scientist from the University of Copenhagen has made a significant contribution to finding the cause of the disease. Mette Bertelsen and her colleagues photographically verified the diagnosis of branch retinal vein occlusion in 1168 people. A team of ...

The NJ Association of Verismo Opera is known for developing the stars of tomorrow. Artistic Director Lucine Amara announces boys, nine to eleven years of age, with a soprano voice are invited to audition for the role Gherardino in the grand, professional opera company's production of Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi that will be performed on Sunday, April 21 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey. Open auditions will be held on January 7, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at the bergenPAC in the Cabaret Room, 30 North Van Brunt Street. The application ...

PowerStone Property Management Inc. a full service Orange County, California based property management firm, today announced that in 2012 it has added twenty-two new Home Owner Associations to its client roster representing a 25% growth jump from the previous year. Its professional staff has also increased by 12% over last year with the addition of 5 new employees. Client additions include a mix of new condominium, master planned, single family, and commercial properties. "Out of the 22 or so associations we gained this year, most came in the 3rd and 4th quarters." ...

MediPurpose(tm), a master distributor and manufacturer of medical products, today announced that it donated 1900 cases of babyLance(tm) infant heelsticks to international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization Matthew 25: Ministries. Working closely with U.S. hospitals, corporations, businesses and individuals, Matthew 25: Ministries has shipped an estimated 115 million pounds of donated humanitarian supplies to the needy in the United States of America and impoverished countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Balkans and Africa. "MediPurpose's ...

Metropolis Iron, a fabricator of custom drapery hardware, address plaques and cornices, has released a new section to their website targeted to the needs of designers and buyers of custom fabricated metal home decor items. The new Metropolis Iron Learning Center features tidbits on Metropolis' line of products and general items related to drapery medallions and hardware. The new Learn More feature can be found at http://metroiron.net/metropolis-iron-learning-center/ on their website under the "About Metropolis Iron" tab at the top of the Home Page. With new ...

DRS and Associates, a full-service, marketing and public relations agency renowned for guiding and branding major home design and architectural brands and building materials, has been named agency of record for Sonneman - A Way of Light. DRS will oversee the seamless integration of Sonneman - A Way of Light's public relations, advertising, digital and social media campaigns. Work on the account begins immediately. "In choosing a partner for our brand," said Robert Sonneman, founder and CEO of Sonneman - A Way of Light, "we wanted a firm with strong ties ...

Nutrilys Del Mar, a leading marine supplements company based in San Diego, launched its Secret Santa Sweepstakes this week. The Nutrilys Del Mar Facebook contest runs through the 24th and requires no purchase in order to participate. "Nutrilys Del Mar is really feeling the Christmas spirit this year," said Nutrilys Del Mar founder and CEO, Thierry Lerond. "We wanted to give the free gift of health for the holidays where people could boost their immune system, increase their energy, and get through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And our supplements ...

On Saturday, December 15, 2012, Sunflower Systems Solutions Team members, spouses, and friends took time out of their busy holiday schedule to give back to the community. Our volunteers gathered to provide food, service and entertainment at Community Lodgings' annual Christmas Party. Community Lodgings (CLI), located in Alexandria, opens "doors of opportunity" for homeless and disadvantaged families with affordable housing, training, and support. "All of us here at Community Lodgings are extremely grateful to Sunflower Systems and your entire staff for ...

GammaTech Computer Corp., a major international manufacturer and supplier of innovative notebook and tablet computers, has the perfect solution for critical enterprise applications calling for a rugged computer: its convertible U12Ci notebook. Featuring the advanced Intel Pentium processor, the unit is designed to meet the many varied needs encountered daily by companies of all sizes and in scores of industries. "Our Durabook U12Ci rugged tablet starts at under $1,000 and is ready to ship, which makes it a perfect last-minute 2012 company IT purchase," stated ...

SuperJeweler.com has announced a special partnership with Emmy-nominated costume designer for hit TV show The Good Wife, Daniel Lawson. He will curate a total of three collections for the online jeweler, including a holiday themed collection that is currently available on the company website, as well as two more; one for Valentine's Day and one for Mother's Day and bridal jewelry, both of which will be available in 2013. While SuperJeweler often features various themed collections on the company website, this is the first time they've hosted a guest curator from the ...

Experienced franchising executives recognize a promising brand when they see one. That's why Ron Bender, who has spent more than 20 years in a variety of positions at prestigious franchise companies, jumped at the opportunity to join BlueGrace Logistics - a growing national franchise of progressive logistics, transportation and technology providers. Bender, who joins BlueGrace as their Director of Franchise Development, has decades of experience in franchise sales, marketing and brand development. Most recently, Bender served as a franchise recruiter at Future Focus ...

Global bicycle manufacturer KHS Bicycles has partnered with PrescribeWellness for their A Million More Flu Shot Initiative. KHS will be running a national Healthy Rewards sweepstakes through their partnership to engage consumers and raise awareness about the A Million More campaign. "The flu is a serious illness that costs American's billions every year," said Wayne Gray, vice president of KHS Bikes. "We're excited to support 'A Million More' since preventive care benefits are directly related to those of riding a bike, like strengthening one's immune ...

The mission of Tax Defense Network has been to resolve the tax problems of American taxpayers in the best manner possible. To achieve that, the company employs a number of tax attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs (certified public accountants), and tax analysts. Tax Defense Network Linkedin is a portal where the company informs taxpayers about the various ways they can get a successful resolution to their IRS back taxes. Tax Defense Network Linkedin: TDN Fastest Growing Private Company in Jacksonville Jacksonville Business Journal recognized Tax Defense Network as the ...

Jennifer Bisceglie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Interos, has been asked to represent America's business leaders as part of a United States Delegation to Taiwan this week. Joined by representatives of the 112th Congress, Jennifer is partnering with The Heritage Foundation and The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) to explore ways in which the United States, Taiwan and Japan can expand and diversify the reach of their economies. Each nation will be looking to engage one another in the exchange of ideas, best practices and perspectives. The U.S. ...

National staffing firm Kavaliro was featured in the inaugural ranking of Inc.'s Hire Power Awards for its commitment to job creation and rebuilding the economy. Inc.'s inaugural Hire Power honorees are recognized private businesses that have generated the most jobs in the past three years. Kavaliro generated 167 jobs from 2008 to 2011, placing it among the 10 private business job creators within the staffing and recruiting industry. "We are thrilled to be ranked by a prestigious publication and competitive list," said Kavaliro President Mark Moore. "Our ...